You would probably use a G harmonica for the type of sound you want. Cross-harp is great for blues work, but it's a bit specialised and of course you have to learn note bending technique.

On the subject of cost, try the Chinese harmonicas (Huang?). You can get them (in the UK at least) for about half the price of a Hohner, and I preferred them to that brand (although I haven't played either brand recently).