[Alan Brinton]

Hi, Andrew.

The M-36B was introduced in 1985 and was replaced by the M-36C in 1998. The original M-36 was introduced in the early 1960s, was replaced by another M-36 (A, I guess we can call it) around 1974. The models in this series are all pretty good and are more like the M-32 models than like the M-37 models. I own and have played most of the M-32 and M-36 models, as well as the M-37C. They’re all pretty good but none of them have quite as good a sound, in my opinion, as today’s M-37C or M-32C. I find the M-37C to have a slightly “ringier” sound than the M-32C. So my preference among all of these models is the current M-32C. But you can’t go wrong with either the M-32C or the M-37C. Two possible reasons for buying the M-36B, which is fairly rare, would be (1) lower cost in comparison with, say, the M-37C; and (2) the enjoyment of having and playing a vintage instrument. I would value an M-36B in good condition (all notes playing, no leakage, and not too scratched up) at $50-60 (US) delivered. If you found one at a Japanese auction site, a winning bid would probably be under $20, but delivery would be about $40. But a vintage instrument is probably not the best choice for a first melodica.

Alan