[Harp-L] Re: Musical instruments for 100 kids?

[Ronnie Schreiber <autothreads@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

At Michael's craft stores, in their dollar bins you can buy cheap 
translucent harmonicas for just $3.00. Other stores sell the same items 
for up to $4.99. Translucent plastic comb and cover plates, aluminum 
reed plate, brass reeds. Imported by Toysmith, most likely made in the 
same Chinese factory as the Hohner branded ones. It leaks air but plays 
surprisingly well, though it's feels weird playing something this 
lightweight.

http://stoysnetcdn.com/tysm/tysm8071/tysm8071_1.jpg

As a giveaway toy it's fine, but if I was going to give a kid something 
to encourage them to actually play, I'd pay the couple of extra dollars 
and get then a Hohner Blues Band or some other cheap real harmonica. 
Guitar Center also has Jambone branded harps with plastic combs, 
recessed metal coverplates that you can buy 3 for $10. I've never played 
one, but the online reviews are decent and for 33 cents more than what 
you'd pay for a toy, it's probably worth it.