I am just learning to Cross Harp after 30 years of straight harp playing. I find straight harp to be more melodic which fits Folk best to my ears and cross harp with fewer melody notes to be very rhythmic which fits the Bluesy/ Rock and Roll sense of a song.

Huang Harmnicas, (Bac-Pac and Star Performer,= Marine Band and Goldem Melody Hohners) are very inexpensive but quite well made and come in most every key available. In fact my Bac-Pacs have outlasted my Marine Bands. And nothing beats the Golden Melodies.

Don