Cases - What do you use?
What do you use for a harp case? If you built it, tell us about it.
I use the new Hohner 7-harp holder/folder as my travel case:
http://www.elderly.com/accessories/items/7PHC.htm
For my stage set I use a case I used to manufacture called the Harmonica Stage Case:
http://www.harmonica-brands.com/harmonica-15996-Harmonica-Masterclass-St...
I resurrected an old soft side camera case from my photography days and bought a foam insert from Custom Harp cases when I was at SPAH in 2009 for inside it. The case is about 10" x 12" and the foam insert is about 7" x 11". It has spots for 33 diatonics, 1 chromatic and 2 bullet mics with the space around it used to carry a couple of pedals and short cords. Theres a couple of outside pockets that I put my mic cord and extension cord in. With photography you always need little pockets for stuff so this works great for my harp needs (strictly a jam player). It has a shoulder strap so its easy to carry when I need a free hand for the amp.
For practising I took a carton and some plastic kitchen drawer dividers to make a "case stand" that has places for 30 harps (don't have that many) but it keeps my 10 keys, plus the 4 low harps and a couple of minor keys so they are handy to get at.
Wish I could attach a photo. I'm real happy with both set ups.
Clicking the link below you'll see some pictures of two cases I've recently made from tool boxes and precut foam I found in Belgium.
Nicely done Eddy !!!
From all the cases I've looked at (and bought) I think its a case (no pun intended) of "different strokes for different folks". Depending on each players needs: travel cases, practice cases, stage cases, jam cases etc.Some like the harps standing up and others like them face down. To me the best case is the one that works for you and meets your needs. My problem ws that I didn't know what I needed until I bought a few and discovered whether they worked for my needs or not. (This has been a familiar refrain for harps, amps and other things)
GReat hear and see what others are doing to help narrow the search for the Holy Grail!!
Hank,
What you said is definitely right !
This is a nice case for all my harps www.eaglemusicshop.com/details1.asp/ProductID/4685/lockit/true/extreme-p...
Ron
I have a new case from Hal Iwan that's covered in burgundy snake tolex and holds 34 diatonics 3 - 12 hole chros and 1 - 16 hole chrom.
That's a nice case! I think I know what to ask my wife for for Christmas (although it looks like they take a month to build).
JJ: They do take a month to build but everyone of the wood cases are custom fit to each customer... they rock.
@Ronny - That case looks good but I was surprised to see the harps are still in their boxes! Doesn't that defeat the object a little? If you just put the 'naked' harps in the pockets would they be too loose?
Hi Jay they would be ok out of the boxes but you would need to put labels on them.
Ron
I can imagine that would help! :0)
I found I had a spare AKG mic case and now I've lined and partitioned it with foam it'll just take the 8 diatonics I currently want to carry about. Of course I'm bound to buy more so I'll need to start thinking about a larger replacement almost immediately but I'm happy with it for now. Oh, and I need to label them I guess! I've got them face down and while the two Promasters have a key on the back and I can spot the Dannecker, the Bluesmasters are a complete lucky dip if I don't put them back in order! ;0)
What's the fave method of inscribing them? Paint? Or stickers? What about engraving AND paint?
If you want a nice case at a fair price, pick up one of these from Harbor Freight: http://www.harborfreight.com/11-1-2-half-inch-x-7-1-2-half-inch-x-4-1-2-... (I think it's what Hetrick uses) for $12-$15 and a foam insert from Custom Harp Cases: http://customharpcases.com/khxc/index.php?app=ccp0&ns=prodall&ref=&count... (lModel CHC FI 19 or CHC FI 20 should fit perfect) for $37.95 and you have yourself a nice case for around $53.00!
I do not own one, but living near by Max Manganelli (bluexlab) I saw his very beautiful cases, and planning one day to have one
http://www.bluexlab.com/WP/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/brown_alligator_li...
http://www.bluexlab.com/WP/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Pitone_aperta.jpg
http://www.bluexlab.com/WP/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/tweed_pitone_retro...
http://www.bluexlab.com/WP/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/tweed_pitone_open.jpg
I have one of these:
http://folk-instruments.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fender-Harmonica-Cas...
It's a nice case, but I needed to have dividers put in as the harps all crunch up against each other.
I also have one of these for my Special 20 collection:
http://folk-instruments.musiciansfriend.com/product/Hohner-C12-Harmonica...
I have every slot filled with all of the Special 20 keys except one - a Bb harp I had Rod Piazza sign for me after he did a gig in Annapolis, Maryland. That one's in the safe.