I play a lot of sessions, & do a lot of live work. I use these harps as an everyday instrument, playing both blues cross harp, or as a first position instrument. I sometimes play guitar & bass with these harps on a rack; as this type of use involves more spit than subtlety, I have worn out my more expensive Lee Oskar models, which I now use for session or solo work only. These harps are the budget fall back. Loud, with soul, well made, they compare extremely well with classic expensive brands. I spent time & money on other budget brands until finding these, which are a cracking standby, & have been fairly rugged & well made for the abuse I give them. I would recommend these for use as above as a cracking day to day harp, & would offer an encouraging quality in sound to the beginner too. My recommended choice of budget harmonica. Excellent value for money.