I've played just about every major (and minor) brand out there, Paul. The Suzuki Folkmaster is OK... As a plastic-comb harmonica, it's decent, but they can be leaky. The comb/cover fit is not always great, and even tightening the covers doesn't always help with escaping air. The only place you want air to go in the harmonica is in and out through the holes, over the reeds.

Really, the Huang Silvertone Deluxe is a better choice, IMHO. It's got a wood comb which makes for better tone at that price.

If you're really looking to upgrade, get a set of Hohner Special 20 harmonicas. They have a plastic comb, the reed plates are replaceable, they have excellent tone and will last a long time if well cared for. I've always liked the action and ease of bending, etc. on the Special 20.

Lee Oskar is hands-down the best, however, in terms of build quality, tone, ability to change, modify and replace parts and durability. Yes, there are wooden-comb "trad" harmonicas like the Marine Band, etc, but you simply won't get the quality you get from Lee Oskar.

Fact is, Hohner got their butts kicked when the Lee Oskar brand got really popular. They hurried up and tried to sell their classic models with replaceable parts, etc, but in the scramble to catch up with Tombo (Oskar manufacturer), they decided to downgrade the quality of their entry-level harmonicas. The Bluesband, Hot Metal, Old Standby and others are now made of super-cheap materials and sound and play like crap.

Drop me a PM if you have any other questions. Glad to help.