So I want to buy a harmonica for an experienced hobbyist. Something nice, but not crazy-high end. Throw it in a pocket and go for a walk kind of thing
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The actual reeds are brass; I don't see any reason that a plastic matrix (I don't know the right name) would affect the sound. Contrariwise, with minimal care, a wooden one will last for many years (like, a lifetime's worth)
Most professional "harp" players use the smaller ones which are in particular keys, as opposed to the "concert" ones that are huge (don't fit well in a pocket) and play in many keys.
The sound samples accessible from this page are very impressive.
Musician's Friend has some nice harmonicas for around $30, Crazy high end seems to be Hohner Bob Dylan signature line, seven in a case for $700, bottom end is $5.
Brass reeds also seem to be an option.
Musician's Friend has been good to me, but only if you know what you want. If you need to hear them, you need someplace local. It's Chicago, there must be a harp store somewhere.
An experienced hobbyist will already have preferences, I would think.
The harmonica that's been in my car for the last ten years is a Hohner Marine Band. It doesn't get played a lot (and probably isn't the best choice if it were), but it hasn't been bothered by the extremes of temperature. It's also a good size for the "Throw it in a pocket and go for a walk kind of thing" (I can speak from experience here). I think that model runs somewhere in the $20 range these days.
Nope, by hobbyist, I mean _not_ a performer - someone who just likes to play it now and again, and whose harmonica is getting old, and could stand to be replaced.
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The actual reeds are brass; I don't see any reason that a plastic matrix (I don't know the right name) would affect the sound. Contrariwise, with minimal care, a wooden one will last for many years (like, a lifetime's worth)
Most professional "harp" players use the smaller ones which are in particular keys, as opposed to the "concert" ones that are huge (don't fit well in a pocket) and play in many keys.
The sound samples accessible from this page are very impressive.
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Musician's Friend has some nice harmonicas for around $30, Crazy high end seems to be Hohner Bob Dylan signature line, seven in a case for $700, bottom end is $5.
Brass reeds also seem to be an option.
Musician's Friend has been good to me, but only if you know what you want. If you need to hear them, you need someplace local. It's Chicago, there must be a harp store somewhere.
What key are you looking for?
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The harmonica that's been in my car for the last ten years is a Hohner Marine Band. It doesn't get played a lot (and probably isn't the best choice if it were), but it hasn't been bothered by the extremes of temperature. It's also a good size for the "Throw it in a pocket and go for a walk kind of thing" (I can speak from experience here). I think that model runs somewhere in the $20 range these days.
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