Mike - yep, these harps have lasted a very long time. I have been reasonably careful to not get any food inside them, and I've tried not to let the kids use them (bought them their own harps instead). The only other thing I did differently with this group of harps is that I didn't ever soak them or rinse them underwater, which is something I had previously done a lot of. Consequently, the wood has never swelled up. And since I mostly play them along with the guitar, they don't get the hell played out of them as much as a solo harp player's would.As for the super-adjustable-pricey-cushioned harmonica holders: I will look through old music magazines & do some internet searches and report back here. If anyone runs into information on these harmonica holders, please let us know (these were fancy looking holders that used to be advertised in music magazines a few years ago. They may have had large round pivot points at two corners).
Mark