Always had an interest in learning to play one of these, had one out of a cracker before and annoyed pepole with a bit of eastenders haha.

how much would a reasonable model cost? i realise these can be very shiney made out of gold and all manner of things, i just want one that is sturdy, good sound and nice option for a beginner.

also i'm rubbish at playing by ear and theory (guitarist) so would there be any help online that is of use in learning?

always liked a few rock bands with harmonica put in (aerosmith & quireboys spring to mind)

I got a blues harp for my 18th (in A key) years ago (think it was Hohner). They're the smaller ones and I found it a bit more difficult to play than the larger cheaper ones (usually in C), although you could bend the notes better with the blues harp. Used to try and play Bob Dylan,Leonard Cohen or Pogues :-)

I also have a hohner blues harp (in C) and they are a pretty good, sturdy harmonica. iirc it cost about £20

I got taught how to play cross harp (harmonica natural 4th to original key) in about 5 minutes! I can't actually play any tunes (apart from 'message to you rudy') but I can busk along to someone playing in G.

I believe the correct name for a harmonica is a 'gob iron' :hihi:

I also have a Hohner 'Blues Harp', think it was about £15 or so. Bought it from the 'Music Box' shop in Meadowhall, they had quite a good selection from what I remember and some good books as well. I bought 'Learning to play blues harp', or something like that, by Mick Kinsella I think it was, it's a pretty good starter's book. And apparently a harmonica in the key of 'C' is the one to start with.
Good Luck

Later

Chris