In response to:
< I used to have a coupe of tremolo jobs in my teens, but I decided they were too naff when I got into "proper" folk. Now I'm old enough to know better, I reckon they would go down well, used in moderation. any thoughts?>>

Tremelo-tuned harmonicas are the work of the Devil. After 20 years of playing straight diatonic harmonica, I produced a tremelo tuned harmonica at a session and a friend said, "Now *that* sounds like a mouth organ." But they sound so fussy that all the subtlety of tonguing and hand movements is wasted.

I only play AT blues, but I play a fair amount of folk and Morris music. I NEED a 14 hole in G, and the only one available is the Marine Band. A 12 hole will do. The problem is you have to play in the upper register in many tunes because of the 'missing notes' at the bottom. (Where melodeonists just cross the rows.)

12 and 14 holers are only available in C and G (major). The C is waaaaay too low, and sounds muddy and 'orrible.

D is a good second key for playing 'straight'.

I prefer the sound of a C, though. The other advantage is that as most melodeons are in D/G, they can't 'join in' (as in, steamroller over the top of you!).

So, I make do with G(14), D, and C.

In basic blues, you play in G on a C harp, and so on.

The chromatic is a totally different instrument - as different as a banjo is from a guitar.

I have no connection with the company, but I can recommend harmonicas-direct dot co dot uk for fast mail order service, and good advice. Their website gives lots of advice, has a full catalogue, and is easy to use.