Cheers for that, Joe.

I've been through hundreds of harmonicas in my time and I've made some really good buys and I've wasted a lot of money. There are a couple of things to remember. First, that harmonicas don't last too long. Your vintage 1950s f-hole Gibson or your 1667 Stradivarius may still be going strong but a blues harp, oft-played and hard-played, will be in its grave within a couple of years. Badly-played by a beginner, a couple of months or even weeks...

You don't go louder by blasting with all your might down the holes of a harmonica, but you do wreck reeds. You go louder by huffing and puffing/inhaling/exhaling, and by learning how to use the whole of your airway, from diaphragm through bronchial passages, through buccal cavity (mouth) through hand cup then through good projection. That's what makes the tone and loudness and that's what makes your harps last. I've always looked for harps thst combine easy playability with longevity. The two brands that give me that are Lee Oskar and Suzuki (in the case of the latter either Bluesmasters or Promasters). I use both but I'm far more in love with the Suzukis. Some people wear by Seydels and Hohners. Not me.

As for those venerable Marine Bands, well Woody and co didn't have much choice. They have a great, raunchy sound but their combs were made of swelling wood and it didn't take long for them to crash. If only all replacements were still five dollars...Theres a modern version with a beeswax-treated wood comb that reputedly won't swell. (hmmm...) It's called the Marine Band deluxe and it costs twice the money. I can't say I don't like mine, but even so...

Caveat: I'm a bit out of date.