I’ve had my harmonica for a couple of years now, and I’ve been wondering how many years a harmonica lasts before it rusts.
Reeds are generally (but not always) made of brass. They won’t rust, though they can get worn out from playing. The ‘shells’ (or whatever they’re called) tend to be made of steel. If they rust or get damaged, you can get new ones.
Would a silica packet kept in the case retard “rustage”?
And now that you mention it, how do you get your spit out of the inside?
My brother bangs his Harmonica on his thigh to get the spit out. It’s kinda gross.
I just blow through mine to clear out too much fluid.
If I’m playing regularly, I’ll pop them into some warm water for a few minutes, and set them out in the sun to dry once a month or so.
More occasionally, I’ll remove the shell and make sure the reeds and plates are clean and free from deposits.
The most specific answer to your question, as asked, is “It depends”. A harmonica can be made from plastic, wood, brass, aluminum, steel or any combination thereof. When your particular harmonica will rust, if ever, is completely dependent on the materials it is made from and the care you take to maintain it.
Also how much you use it. According to a couple musicians I’ve known over the years, storage for long periods can be when the rust happens. Its almost as if the oil and wear from your hands keeps the steel parts/shells polished in a sense. One guy who has one that is almost a family heirloom will rub it with his hands during long “dry spells” much as some folks do cowhorn-made-products and it looks as good today as it did back 50 years ago when we were kids.