Hohner M754601 CX12 Jazz Chromonica Harmonica Key C

Despite its plastic case, this is not a toy harmonica. Everything about it is first rate: the smooth mouthplate, the superb slide, the quality of the reeds. This is the first significant design change in over a century. This harmonica allows the player a wide range of dynamics, from very soft to about the loudest chromatic harmonica you can buy. The mouthplate is oversize, and takes a little getting used to, but it's very player-friendly. The slide has a coil spring, unlike any other design, and appears to be unbreakable, which can be a real headache in a standard chromatic. Being a three-octave instrument, covering the range of a modern flute, it sits well in the hands. By contrast, the four-octave instruments, like Hohner's "The 64", can be unwieldy. Hohner's "Super Chromonica" model 270 is also a three-octave instrument, highly favored by many players, and far less expensive; but it has a wooden comb that can dry out and crack, and is much harder to disassemble and service than the CX-12. Summarizing, this is a serious musical instrument that should give you years of service with minimum fuss.