There really are no serious harmonicas under $35-40. Lots of great options between $40-70, but if you’re really interested in learning don’t go any cheaper—they simply aren’t reliable, durable, stable, or precisely adjusted for serious play or learning.

Personally, for a beginner I HIGHLY recommend the Seydel Big-Six Classic. Seydel is a fantastic German company as old and respected as Hohner. The big-six is helpful because it’s basically a full sized harp chopped after the first 6 holes—-shorter than a regular harp, but NOT a “mini” regarding hole size, body height, volume or tone.

The advantage is most blues and rock harmonica (what most beginners start out learning) overwhelmingly sticks to the first 6 holes.

Holes 7-10 flip the draw/blow pattern which can be very confusing to a new player, and tracking what hole you’re on without seeing it is MUCH easier on a Big-Six.

You can access all the most common chords and hit all the most common licks without getting lost in the upper register.

It’s also easier to cup, play 1-handed in the car, and fits much more easily in the pocket meaning more carrying and more playing.

And the Classic is kind of a loss-leader to get new players into the brand; Big Sixes in most keys are $66, but the classic is in “C” and available on Amazon or RockinRon’s for around $37.

I have 50+ harps and the ones I carry and play most are my Big-Sixes.

I’m not endorsed by Seydel and have no stake in promoting these; I just love ‘em.

Hohner Crossovers are my other favorites, but closer to $70.

Suzuki Harpmasters & manjis are other great choices. Lee Oskar’s are good solid harps too, but not my favorite tone.

Good luck and welcome to the player’s club!

Seydel BIG SIX "Blues" Harmonica - Key of C https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002N4ZBE6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Sb4pCbX1BRXCH