Not being a very experienced harmonica player, I wanted to find out more about which models were good and why. Hohner is a name that consistently popped up, and being a big blues fan, I really wanted to check this one out. I'm glad I did. The main features of this harmonica that separate it from the so-called Marine Brand harps are the ability to really bend the pitches. This is absolutely crucial in Blues playing, on instruments as well as in singing. The vibrato and bends that are possible on this machine are pretty stellar. I've read online in the time since I bought my instrument that the reeds are too thin and are less quality than the Marine Brand. I didn't really agree at the time, and have since read a detailed report that this is not the case, so don't believe those rumors. I'm not quite that experienced on the harmonica yet, but I've found that I have more flexibility with this than with other Hohner harmonicas. At the same time, it's a little bit difficult to master, as I haven't quite mastered the art form yet. But this harp is definitely more fun to play than most others I've tried. The sound is very quality to me, as far as I can tell. Strong, supple and gritty, it gives a really down-home, country feel to the music I make, even if I'm playing straight blues. It reminded me enough of my Bruce and Neil Young records for me to enjoy it. It certainly resembles their playing more than, say, Dylan or John Popper (possibly due to my own playing style or lack thereof). And I friend of mine let me try it in his mic and amplifier combo (I don't recall the types, sorry). Either way, distorting the harmonica makes it sound pretty amazing for rock bands. We also experimented with heavy reverb and delay and got a very impressive and enormous sound out of it. Electrically or Acoustically, this is a pretty great instrument. I would highly recommend this to anyone, especially considering it's not crazy expensive.