It is common knowledge that the 5 hole draw reed of a diatonic harp does not really bend down to a true note. (I imagine that a valved harp would allow a bend). Anyway, the 5 hole draw 9 times out of 10 is the reed that goes flat. The reed will break if one tries to bend it really hard. I use Special 20's and am still playing some that are at least 5 years old. However, I have toasted quite a few in a month or two (some even sooner if I could not properly break them in). All harps have a limited lifespan, but if treated with care harps have the potential to last a long time. A friend told me a story about getting to talk with James Cotton after a gig.... He asked J.C. how long a harp generally lasts him and J.C. responded by saying that he was lucky if he made it through a song!!
After hearing that I am more than happy to have a harp last 6 months of use (couple gigs a week). THe Harp-l tips are right on.... Break harps in gradually for a little while, keep them clean of gunk, take some old retired harps and learn to tune reeds. If you do that harps will last a while. Many times I have found that it is not the harp's fault that it went flat, but too much agressiveness while playing. Even Lee Oskars will go flat!
