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This writer's favorite instrument is still his Hohner Echo Celeste. However, there have now been two solid bad reports, of five total; current theory is that there are bad runs of Hohner's mills for the Celeste. If you would like to try one, the best source is probably Coast To Coast Music. The Echo Celeste is available in all major keys, and for most keys, it is the least expensive.
Next is the Suzuki Humming Tremolo, Tombo 1521, and Tombo 3121. The Suzuki Humming Tremolo is excellent, probably better than both Tombo instruments, and finally, as of very recently, is available in all keys, major and minor , direct from the Harmonicas Direct web site (for a few keys, better prices can be had from Coast To Coast). The Tombo 3121 is available in all keys for a very good price, albeit very rarely; the Tombo 1521 is much more expensive, but with very good quality, and is more commonly available in all keys than 3121. For Tombo 3121 in most keys, you'll have to order by phone from Harmonicas Direct . For Tombo 1521, you can order direct on the web from either Harmonicas Direct or Norman's Harmonica Centre.
The Suzuki Two-Timer is reportedly very good indeed, but is available only in A and C.
I also have my 20-year-old Brelli, a C and C# Huang Musette 24, and a Hohner Echo 32/64 in C/G, and I use them all at least rarely. For some applications, mostly large ensembles, my Huang Musette 24s are best. Unfortunately, Huang is no longer producing tremolos at all, so far as I have been able to ascertain. My Hohner Double Echo has been acceptable, but for reasons written in detail in the Reviews section, there were problems with using it in many applications.
Merano is useful for new learners, and for development of diaphragm and breath control. I have been told that Merano tremolos are Richter-tuned, but the two I currently own are definitely not Richter-tuned; they are delightfully solo-tuned. For half the price of a Hohner Echo Celeste, you get a C/G double. Not bad. The only source of which I am aware is this area in the Fishlips3 web site.
Hering makes tremolos which are definitely Richter-tuned, but are reportedly quite good for those who prefer Richter. Price-wise Hering tremolos range from equal to, to considerably more than, Tombo 3121. Available keys in Hering are limited; but according to reliable reports, they are very worth their while Some are held together with screws, and some with nails. The best source of which I am aware is haRmonic Solutions.
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The most straightforward place to buy a Hohner Echo Celeste or Suzuki Humming Tremolo in several keys is:
Coast To Coast Music
http://www.coast2coastmusic.com/
PO Box 1857
Ellicott City, MD 21041-1857
Telephone: (410) 480-9514
Toll Free: (800) 776-5015
Fax: (410) 750-3570
coast2coastmusic@yahoo.com
I have had excellent results buying Tombo tremolos from here:
Harmonicas Direct
http://www.harmonicas-direct.com/
38 Sunbridge Road
BRADFORD
West Yorkshire
BD1 2AA
England
Telephone or FAX, +00 44 (0)1274 390847
info@harmonicas-direct.co.uk
The best source I have found thus far for Hering tremolo is:
haRmonic Solutions
http://www.harmsol.co.uk/
1 Barrack Street
Bridport
Dorset
DT6 3LX. UK.
Tel/Fax: +44 (0)1308 458672
Mob.: +44 (0)7974 387063
Telephone: 01308 458672
haRmonic Solutions has by far the most complete selection of Hering tremolo of which I am aware. Click on "Shop", then "Professional", to see the list. I have not bought one myself (because of the tuning), but I have very good reports from persons who have bought from them. Harp Depot in the U.S.A. is also reported to be good, but you'll have to know what you want before you call them; most Hering tremolos are not listed on the Harp Depot web site.
Norman's Harmonica Centre, in the U.K., is also reportedly good for Tombo 1521. Norman's also supplies a selection of Suzuki, Tombo 3121, Hering, and Hohner tremolos, as well as another make called Seydel. Seydel is German in origin; I have thus far had only very brief and insufficiently descriptive reports concerning Seydel tremolos. If you can deliver real firsthand impressions, please email me.
I am definitely soliciting other good sources of tremolos, in every geographical area! Please email me if you have a recommendation, and I will post it on this page.