What's the very first thing to do when you decide to play diatonic harmonica (A.K.A blues harmonica)? Buy a NEW one! Yes, a new one! DO NOT ever buy a used or borrow your friends. Why? Because, same with any other wind instruments, they have great risks in spreading diseases. Many diseases are transmitted by saliva (e.g. Hepatitis B). You don't want to get caught by one of them, do you?
After you buy a new one, be sure not to lend it to ANYONE! If a friend wants to borrow yours, tell him to look for one in music stores, instead of blowing and drawing yours.
What're the Good Brands?
Some manufacturers are well known for consistently building good harmonicas. To name a few, there are Hohner, Suzuki, and Lee Oskar. There are other brands that earn positive marks such as Seydel and Hering, but I haven't got time to personally use and review them.
What Particular Type of Harmonica?
Of course diatonic harmonica! I don't play chromatic harmonica! Hohner has a line of diatonic harmonica. According to my personal review, the top lines are Hohner Marine Band Deluxe, Hohner Special 20, and Hohner Marine Band. From Suzuki, they are Suzuki Promaster, Suzuki Promaster Valved, Suzuki Bluesmaster, and Suzuki Harpmaster. Lee Oskar has Lee Oskar Major Diatonic.
Based on my personal hunting, be aware that in Indonesia you can only get Hohner Blues Harp, Suzuki Bluesmaster, Suzuki Harpmaster, Hohner Pro Harp, and Hohner Marine Band (the last two are very hard to find), due to the fact that diatonic harmonica is not a very popular instrument.
Now, enjoy your hunting! I'll regularly post new topics.
