Why the Harmonica as an instrument?

The advantages of the harmonica start primarily with its size, portability and cheapness.

Pity the poor guitarist who has to lug his instrument around with him, or the drummer who is essentially shackled to the unwieldiness of his kit; while the harmonica player can carry his harp around in a shirt pocket!

Some musicians will have to pay out hundreds of pounds for new instruments; with the harmonica the cost of a new instrument is almost pocket money!

Beyond that; it is without a doubt the coolness of the harmonica that acts as a big draw. When played skilfully the harmonica has huge versatility.  Just listen to Rice Miller (Sonny Boy II) or Little Walter and you’ll get it.

Of course there are drawbacks; on the diatonic all the notes are not available and when learning it is virtually impossible to see what the musician is doing, everything is hidden; either behind cupped hands or in the mouth and throat of the musician – surely this is unique amongst instruments?