My playing level is simple: 'Slow Emotion Replay' (The The) / 'The River' (Springsteen) - but I keep on practicing, lots of fun.
I've been playing guitar for 20+ years, so I can recognize good tone, out of tune notes etc.
I have several Hohners (Big River / Blues Harp / Melody Maker), several Fender Blues Deluxe, a Suzuki Harpmaster and many HBs (all keys).
If comparing harmonica brands (on same key):
HB sounds a bit dull/muted > Fender Blues Deluxe are brighter > Hohners are even brighter than Fender, with even more treble (Suzuki is similar to Hh). This isn't necessarily bad, just a different tone (a bit more muted).
Notes are definitely bendable on HBs, but it might take a bit more power to do (which is also OK, cause then when going for another harp brand, notes will bend in a breeze).
HBs are generally in tune, but will lose it over time (same as any harp from any maker).
HBs are generally as responsive as other makers' models, and can generate notes with slight breath or draw (but brighter models are a bit more responsive) -
Despite this, I have a Melody Maker in G which is bright and actually quite non-responsive, and needs a big push of air in order to produce notes .. Almost feels as if it's not air tight (you can draw gently for a long time until a note generates, so it feel like you're pulling lots of air but not through the harp).
The harp I actually play the most is a H.Benton in the Key of C -
The tone is a bit muted, but I actually like it, and it's a bit weird playing other Cs after it (they all sound brighter, almost screaming bright) -
I heard that the Special 20 is also supposed to sound darker (haven't yet tried it though).
It's also a bit out of tune here and there (as I play it often) -
But again, all harps go out of tune, and all-in-all, this is a folk/blues/ rock'n'roll instrument, not a precise sine-wave lab synth - so that's also fine.
I would definitely recommend HB Harmonicas, they are fine instruments to start with. HB's: C G D A Bb are all fine (in between keys are also ok).
One level up would be a Fender Deluxe,
And next past it would be a Big River Harp or a Suzuki Harpmaster.
(not much difference in tone and play-ability between a 'Big River' and a 'Blues Harp', and Big River appear to be cheaper. Big River also has bigger breath holes!).
Keep on honking- I hope this helps.
