I rarely post anything about my harmonica microphone business here. Generally I prefer to keep my hobby (harmonica) and my business (harmonica) separate ;-)
But I recently got a 3D printer to make microphone prototypes and of course the first place my mind went was ... what cool stuff can I make for harmonica with this thing?
What I've come up with is a set of harmonica dividers for the Fender and Musician's Friend harmonica cases. These are the cases that have trays for the harps. They're great cases, but one thing about them that bothers some people is that the harps fall over in the trays. You remove a harp and the others fall over. Then it can be difficult to put the harp back in. Over the years I've seen all kinds of home-made solutions. My favorite was harp dividers made from tape and tongue depressors!
Check out the video below where I show the dividers.
If you're interested, go to: http://www.bottle-o-blues.com/product_divider.html
That's great to see. I wished for those long ago exactly for the reasons you describe. An additional advantage is that your dividers create some space underneath for air. With tight slots I've been concerned about corrosion and maybe even festering up something worse. I use a top down case now and the approach is great but I would love to see some dividers similar to yours that are not foam.
Cool idea. I used to use one of these cases and I still have it. BTW, ProTec makes a clarinet case cover which fits this case. It's nice because it has a nice size outside pocket and a shoulder strap. Very compact and useful if you use this type of case.
I don't know how much clearance you have there, but I've always thought that it might be better for drying out the harps if there was a slight gap underneath for air flow.
There's a little space underneath to get air to the harps created by the dividers. Not too much because you quickly run out of room and the trays won't fit anymore. There's also a little space between the harps since they're not as tight side-to-side with the dividers. And the cases have a fuzzy lining which I'm sure holds a lot of air and lets the harps dry out. If you worry about this, it might be a good idea to leave the case open overnight after playing.
@Dchurch, do you mean different length versions for this case? 6 slots would leave empty unused space in the tray, and 12 slots won't fit.
Jim, I was actually wondering if you would offer custom sizes to use with other cases. Something like the 13 slot divider that I had to make for this re-purposed clarinet case.
I suppose your setup work might make producing other sizes impractical?
---------- It's about time I got around to this.
Last Edited by dchurch on Jun 10, 2017 8:01 AM
OK, I understand now. I could do custom work, but its not very practical due to the time required to design the dividers. It can take some real time to get a new design tweaked in on a 3D printer. It took me weeks of failed prints to get the recipe right to print the dividers. I print in ABS plastic because the parts have to be strong and functioaln - unfortunately ABS can be hard to work with. I finally got it all working though.
Another limitation is the print area on the 3D printer is only 8 inches in the longest dimension. If I make anything larger than that, it has to be made in two pieces and glued together. It can be done though, no problem.
Having said all that ... if anyone has a specific need for something harmonica related, that they think could be 3D printed, contact me and I'll consider it.
I know it took a lot of work - can see that! Looks great too. I searched around a little and they don't seem to make clarinet cases in that size/shape anymore. Must be vintage.
---------- Jim McBride Bottle 'O Blues microphones www.bottleoblues.com
To develop the dividers I had to buy a Musician's Friend Case, and the Black and Tweed Fender cases. This means I have three brand-new-unused harmonica cases that I have no need for. Make me an offer and they can be yours - I'll include a free set of dividers.
---------- Jim McBride Bottle 'O Blues microphones www.bottleoblues.com
Jim sent me an early set of dividers, to get some feedback, since I use this sort of harp case. They're cool! I still can't get used to the idea of printing a "thing." But they do indeed work as promised. I'd encourage you folks to check them out. It should go without saying--but I'll say it anyway--that Jim is an ethical businessman.
I use a similar type of case, but I've never had a problem with harps falling over in the tray. Is there a reason people store them with the curvy side down? I store mine with holes pointing up. That way, they don't fall over. I also lined my tray with felt, and I leave the case open overnight after I've been playing.
@SuperBee Some people are uncomfortable storing harmonicas "hole side up" for fear that dirt, dust, fuzz and other unwanted stuff falls into the holes.
Also, some people put key stickers on the back of the harps and want to see them in the case.
---------- Jim McBride Bottle 'O Blues microphones www.bottleoblues.com
