John, here (link #1) is the link to a discussion about reeds.

Gus

Watch Jo-el Sonnier play a la box, he is really hard on them.. If you can afford one buy one much easier to play....

I should think Marc's advice was primarily to fit your budget, and thinking quite rightly, that beginners don't always become experienced players.. so less loss on investment perhaps.

cheaper models are notorious for problems with leaky valves, sticking buttons, blown bellows gaskets, breaking reeds and more. BUT, if used for a couple years to build skills on, I should think they are worth the investment ( but you'll have little if any resale value ).

I think if a beginner has had bad luck with an economy brand, yet remain highly motivated, that they should seriously consider an LA box. IF the motivation is not high, and the economy box is doing its job, then best to just hang on to it.. waiting for the bug to return.

This forum has on many occasion plugged economy models for beginning players. . . and has witnessed many economy model owners take the LA box plunge. I would guess all who did take that plunge were ecstatic they did, and wondered why they didn't do so earlier.

Motivation, level of ability and budget rule the choice I suspect. Any player who can save enough, stay motivated enough, and play well enough, will take the LA box plunge, and never regret it.

G. ( my 2 cents )

Glenn is absolutely correct -- well said. Beyond his comments, if you've got a GabKing, it's far superior to a Hohner. A buddy of mine from Zydeco Blanco just bought a used GabKing Bb which I had a chance to pull a few weeks ago; it was a good box I tell ya. If I had had one of those to learn on, I would've been thrilled. Stick with it until you save the bones for a handmade. The Caribbean has a proverb: Wanty wanty can't getty and getty getty no wanty. In other words, what you've got may not seem like a lot -- but it's all you got -- and if you jones hard for an upgrade, you might find there's always something else better. Humble is the way up. Master that King first.

R!CK

Thanks for all the wise input...I do know my King is much easier to play than my 114. Needs less air to speak etc, etc. I will take all your advice to heart. I don't see the "bug" fading any time soon (if ever), so an LA box is definitely somewhere in my future. Maybe a B-flat.

economy Gabb beats economy Hohner any day ( I think that is universally accepted )..but depends on you budget and motives.

John needs an LA box.. he has got THE bug : ))))