Re: Beginner question: type of harp?

[RSchumac@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

     So it takes you three weeks to blow a reed.  I use to blow out reeds 
     in three gigs.  Ah well.  Anyway, to seriously respond to your 
     question, I suggest a Hohner Special 20.  After using Marine Band, 
     Golden Melody, Blues Harp and even a Lee Oskar, I found that the reeds 
     on the Special 20 held up better for me and had a sound I liked.  Some 
     people don't like the plastic body but I didn't find anything to 
     object about.
     
     You're right about the Blues Harp having the thinnist reeds.  It's 
     essentially pre-broken in so that bends are easier to hit.  Breaking 
     is, btw, is pretty critical and properly done will extend the life of 
     the harp.  Play a harp gently at first trying to finesse the bends 
     rather than hitting them hard to force the reed down.  The reeds start 
     to give after awhile and eventually it's easier to hit those deep 
     bends.

     Good luck and keep on harpin'.
     
     Rusty Sterling