Big River USED to be my go-to harp for combination of economics/durability. Prices on even this "budget" harp have gone thru the roof.
Hohner is now marketing the "Blues Bender" (but only in the oft-used keys of A and C) as a "beginners" harmonica. However, I find its a VERY good out-of-the-box player, less "stiff" than the Big River, Bends easily, seems durable, nice air-tightness. A better buy at under 20 bucks.