So Kongsheng have updated the Mars, in the form of the M2 (don't worry Mars fans, the standard Mars with a plastic comb is still available). It is available in both Acrylic pale blue or Aluminium comb.
For the time being, I have just added a few of the Acrylics (they are available in all 'standard' keys, but for my first foray into the field I have stuck with the most popular). The Aluminium I have recently ordered and will be here soon! They will cost approximately £65, or almost double the standard M1.
As far as I can tell, the reed plates are the same in all three models.
Meanwhile, what about the Acrylic? The looks are, I suppose, subjective - I like it, but I know a couple of people that think otherwise!
When it comes to playing, like the 'original', it feels really smooth - if not smoother - in the mouth, and is pretty easy to play, and feels slightly more solid (weighing in at a few grams more than the ABS original). I think the sound is nicely expressive, and a little brighter, although not the loudest, but to be honest, I'm not sure in a blind test I could tell the difference between this Acrylic comb and the original plastic.
