"...Vodka..works the same but doesn't ruin the reeds."

Water may damage the reeds over time but, if you are a human being you can't play a harmonica without getting water on them anyway from your mouth. The same water does distort wood-bodied harps whether from your own breathing or from dunking. So I too have moved to Special 20 and will not replace my 2 existing woodies when they wear out.

Big River reed plate edges project beyond the edge of the plastic body. Special 20 plastic bodies are different, and the reed plate is not expose to the players lips. They seem more airtight too. And unfortunatley Big Rivers are the same (high) price in my local shop!