jpmcbride
164 posts
Jun 23, 2017
3:32 PM
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I'm looking for some help in piecing together the history of the Fender harmonica cases. Most of you know from my recent posting that I'm 3D printing dividers that fit into the trays in these cases and hold the harps in place. The currently produced Fender Tweed, Fender Chicago Toolbox (black), and Musician's Friend cases are all identical. I know because I bought all three of them to make sure my dividers fit. These cases are easily identified - they all have the latch on the top in the middle by the handle.
But, I quickly learned that the older versions of the Fender cases, the ones with two latches on the side of the case have different dimensions. The harmonica trays are about an inch shorter. I've had to make a different version of the dividers to fit these cases.
I'm wondering if there are other versions of these cases floating around? Anyone out there know the history of the cases and if there are even more versions out there that I'm not aware of?
I know Bushman was selling one for a while, but from pictures I've seen, it appears to be a rebranding of the older Fender tweed case with the two latches on the side.
I've also seen pictures of a light brown case (not tweed) but I can't tell who made it. Also, didn't Hohner sell this case for a while?
Any help is appreciated. Thanks!
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Jim McBride
Bottle 'O Blues microphones
www.bottleoblues.com
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hvyj
3340 posts
Jun 23, 2017
3:51 PM
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When I bought the one I have (which is black tolex made by Fender with latches on the sides) they were also made in brown tolex. The black tolex was called the "Chicago Toolbox."
They were also available in tweed, (also made by Fender) but I don't think the brown tolex and the tweed were available at the same time, although I may be wrong. Anyway one or the other or both of these were called the "Mississippi Saxophone Case".
That's all I can remember. And, although all 3 were marketed under the Fender brand, I don't know who actually manufactured them.
Last Edited by hvyj on Jun 23, 2017 3:59 PM
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1847
4235 posts
Jun 23, 2017
4:11 PM
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1847
4237 posts
Jun 23, 2017
6:12 PM
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as i remember... and its been awhile, so don't shoot me.
the original larger case was made locally by fenton early eighties. they were possibly
bought out by anvil cases.
i believe anvil started the smaller case for hohner. still made here? not sure.
i am guessing that production was moved to mexico.
it is very likely that they were then produced in china at some point... anvil was bought by calzone?
fenton calzone and anvil are related somehow. i forget. you can call calzone, i bet they would explain better that i can.
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Rhartt1234
238 posts
Jun 24, 2017
5:05 PM
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"fenton calzone and anvil are related somehow"
Over 20 years ago I was shopping around for a road case for a Bassman. I called the Calzone phone number and spoke to someone. The next call was to Anvil. Same guy.
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