I’m an avid harmonica player myself and I own a few, a key of A,C, and G. I always wondered what was inside a harmonica and if reeds were always wooden but I found out that in todays age they are now made out of flexible metals. I found a site that gives a short explanation of the process in making a harmonica: Made How. Here is a few excerpts;

Raw Materials

Originally, the body, or comb, of all harmonicas was constructed of wood. Now, most are made from injection-molded plastic. Some high-end models are made from metal alloys, Lucite, or silver. Each of these materials produces a distinct type of sound. Marine band and blues harp types continue to be made from moisture-resistant soft wood. The semi-hardness of the wood produces a rich sound while resisting swelling.

Reeds are cut from precision-tapered strips of brass alloy (a mixture of copper and zinc) material. Reed and cover plates are also machined from brass.

Screws and rivets are used to fasten the comb, reeds, reed plate, and cover plate.

The Manufacturing
Process

While the individual parts are produced by machinery, the assembly is done by hand.

Creating the comb

• 1 Wooden combs are cut from a block of wood. Channels are carved out in descending lengths across the comb. Plastic combs are injection molded. The plastic compound is heated to a semi-fluid state and then mechanically injected into a mold. The compound hardens quickly, the mold is popped open, and the new comb is expelled.

Making the reed plate and reeds

• 2 The reed plate is stamped and machined, creating slits that correspond to the channels on the comb. Reeds are cut and tapered by machine. One end of each reed is riveted to the reed plate so that a reed lays over each slit. The opposite end of the reed is left free.

Tuning the reed plate

• 3 The reed plate is manually tuned. The tuner strikes the appropriate tuning fork and then files each reed to the correct tone. Filing the base end lowers the pitch; filing the free end raises the pitch.

Attaching the reed plate to the comb

4 The reed plate is attached to the comb with nails or screws. The assembly is done manually at a workbench similar to that used by a shoemaker. The nails are inserted into the holes with needle-nosed pliers and then tapped in gently with a small hammer.

Here is a video of an extroardinarily good harmonica player at the Carnegie Hall : Buddy Greene

You can purchase a harmonica and media here:
Hohner 150TH Anniversary Edition Chrome Harmonica 585 C

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