The Marine Band has to be without a doubt the most responsive harmonica I own.  The minute you blow into it the notes effortlessly fly out of it; like running water or a knife going through butter.  The Marine Band really cuts through the mix of other instruments in ways that I have not seen other harps do.  The tone is great!  It speaks with an amazing clarity and has a rich and beautiful timbre that is tight and incredibly focused, yet lush and warm at the same.  It is much brighter than the Hohner Blues Harp Overall the Marine Band is a very musically versatile instrument.  It will do what you tell it to. If you want to play screaming solos, rock, cry the blues, folk, make your harmonica sing or if you are nuts about tone, this is the harp for you. The Marine Band is ideal for single note playing (you do have to pucker more than you would with bigger harps like Lee Oskar). Additionally, it is comfortable and smooth on the lips, and the comb is sealed off a lot better than the Blues harp.  It's easy to hold and it fits perfectly in the Hohner neck rack (if you are a guitar player like me) without moving around.  This harp delivers the sound that I hear in my head without fear of being held back in my musical ideas because of poor construction.  Do yourself a favor and buy one, you will be amazed at what you hear coming out of this little harp.  Thanks Hohner for a great product!