When I started playing harmonicas in the 90s there was indeed one kind of cheap harmonica that was acceptable: didn`t last forever, but long enough and the sound was ok too. You still get the brand, but the instruments itself is the same as the other junk. Once in New Orleans I bought one that was so obviously crap that I had to buy it just as a "collectors item": a few pieces of tin crudely nailed to a piece of wood, about 3 reeds (of 10) creating well...sounds. In contrast to Steve Shaw I like the various kinds of Marine Bands (esp. the deluxe) and so far haven`t destroyed one (I think you can buy replace reedplates for them too). Recently Hohner introduced a model named "Rocket" which is similar to the Special 20 which is responsive and sightly louder than my special 20. I also like Seydels - they sell them in Paddy Richter tunings - and found their service department quick and helpful. As for tremoloes I occasionally play a double sided Hohner but forgot where and when I got it. No personal expieriences with Tombos but I remember John and Pip Murphy playing them so they should be good.
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