Hi Dan,

Hohner Marine Band harps (esp. the deluxe model) are among my favourites in the (upper)midprice range. Their special 20s are ok too, but I would prefer the Blues Harp MS (Modular System = you can change the reedplates). The Big River Harp seems to need more air than the aforementioned models - I would avoid them.

Among the really cheap ones I find the Victory (chinese marine band copy with plastic comb, usually only sold in C) playable.

No need to buy an instruction book - lots of stuff on the net. Just googling for harmonica or harp lessons/tab will get you a lot of sites.

Happy harpin`
Ernest