I've often wondered about the MS system. If you buy a MS type harp, Big River or Pro Harp, the price varies. One would assume the higher priced Pro would be a better more well made harp than the cheaper Big River. Yet....when you buy replacement reeds there is one price for all MS harmonicas. So if all the reeds are the same, which is the majority of the cost of a new harmonica, then why the big difference in price of the Big River and Pro Harp? I've asked Hohner, twice, that very same question and have never received an answer. So if you buy new reeds for your Pro Harp and put them in, does that just make it a Big River with black cover plates?

If all the reeds are the same, then why pay more for a Pro Harp when you are getting the same quality reeds in a Big River. After all, isn't it the reeds that count most for the sound, volume and durability of a harmonica?