I’ve played harp for about two years and I’m just getting into gigging. I’m looking for an easy way to store harmonicas onstage so that I can have quick access to them. I’ve seen people using belts with pockets for harps in them, but I don’t think that will work for me because I sometimes switch over to guitar. I used to put them on my amp, but I have too many now to fit them all on. Anything helps, thanks!
Don't know if this will work for you, but I used to wear a vest with four pockets. In them I kept the four most often used keys, in my case C, D, G & A. The rest were on my amp, in a cigar box.
Lately, I've been putting my harps on a music sheet stand, but with the music sheet portion tilted and locked into a horizontal position. It is big enough for all my harps, and keeps them at chest level, which is handy. I'm sure you'll get lots more suggestions.
Put them in a case on your amp. The Lee Oskar style case might work, and Seydel makes a variety of cases that all work well. I especially like the Seydel belt pouch case, which is practical on or off the belt.
You can get a case that mounts to a mic stand. You can probably get something like that together yourself. I guess first question is what you do now? If you're serious about playing and spend the cash to have decent harps you need to keep them protected and safe anyway. I have a Fender style tweed case which sits on a short folding table next to my dedicated gig chair. James Harman uses a folding tv tray type table. There are a lot of good options ----------
You can get a case that mounts to a mic stand. You can probably get something like that together yourself. I guess first question is what you do now? If you're serious about playing and spend the cash to have decent harps you need to keep them protected and safe anyway. I have a Fender style tweed case which sits on a short folding table next to my dedicated gig chair. James Harman uses a folding tv tray type table. There are a lot of good options ----------
These days I stack the 2 small suitcases I use for cords etc. and put my main harp case on it. Reaching to the floor gets old. I carry about 30 harps. Storing harps straight up (not sideways) in the case is the right plan.
An inexpensive folding metal stool works well as a harp case stand.
I have used a metal folding stool for many years, having taken off the padding on one so the lip would keep the mic and harp bags from slipping off.
A few years ago I began using a larger trumpet case for harps, mics, etc. To stabilize it better on stage for easy harp access I bought a new folding metal stool and the padding keeps the trumpet case from slipping around.
Sometimes I have leaned my amp back against the slated legs to better disperse the sound off the ceiling in a smaller room. ----------
Doug S.
Last Edited by dougharps on Aug 03, 2018 7:31 AM
Be a professional and just toss them in a pillowcase onstage. It’s much more impressive to just blindly reach in and grab the appropriate harp than to use those fancy, “no skill required” cases that keep them organized and easy to find :)
I’ve taken to wearing them in a bag made by Michelle LeFree of Silverwing Leather. I rarely use more than 7 harps on a gig. If I need a chromatic I’ll sit that on my amp. This case I have holds 7. It’s on a long adjustable strap and is very compact. Much better than bobbing down to a tray on floor or turning back to the amp between songs. If stage has plenty of room though, a small table or chair etc alongside you is a good solution. I saw Musslewhite in Melbourne a few years back and he had an aluminium case on a table close to hand, about waist-high, which seemed to work well for him but did clutter up the stage a bit I thought.
Ever seen a 12 or 20 pedal board in front of a guitarist on stage? I say if you need a chair or table or stand mounted place for your harps you ought to have it. For 2 people Jolene and I may take up some space but it's for what we need to do a quality show. 2 guitars, a small table for my harps, 2 amps, the p.a. with speaker stands, 2 mic stands, 2 chairs, a music stand. Empty totes behind us.
If we go acoustic say at a farmers' market I always used my full case, but since I just got a 6 harp case from Ron I'll use that instead. I'm with Superbee here, street gigs I use less harps generally. We do the high profile songs that I can play loud. It will be less to carry and a single trip may be the thing now. ----------
I've been using a sheet music stand that works like a charm. I stick the harps that I'll use in vertical position on the lip and tilt it back enough so they don't fall off. I normally place it to the side or even behind me. It's height is adjustable and I also clip the set list to it. ---------- Ricky B http://www.bushdogblues.blogspot.com RIVER BOTTOM BLUES--crime novel for blues fans available at Amazon/B&N, iTunes, iBook THE DEVIL'S BLUES--ditto THE OAXACAN KID--available now HOWLING MOUNTAIN BLUES--Ditto too, now available
For a while I used a tray made for hand percussion, but with all my harps it was too heavy for a round based mic stand. It worked fine attached to a tripod music stand. Finally, with my full set of diatonic harps, a backup set of diatonics, low keyed diatonics, and 8 keys of chromatics in my gig kit I got tired of unpacking my horn case to put them all on the tray.
Now I put the horn case on a stool. Oh, the case on the stool can act as a music stand, too! I have an LED music light that can clip on the case to see harps and music. ----------
Doug S.
Last Edited by dougharps on Aug 05, 2018 10:24 AM
Yeah, Jbone, I get that about the guitarist pedals etc. I know of a guitarist I see often who brings minimum 3 guitars and a rack for them, in addition to his effects. It’s like an extra band member on stage. When there’s only one way on/off stage I think he could be more considerate to not block up the throughway. If it was me, I’d be looking to keep that stuff out of my colleagues’ way
If you are just getting started. I suggest getting one of the smaller cases that are soft that you can set them in that are suggested. If you don't already have a rig components carrying case, you can get a pistol case (metallic) at Academy for under 40.00 I believe, and it will hold the soft carrying case in addition to a mic, few pedals, wire, and Chros. Keep that down by your amp (or feet if you are fronting). Keep the soft case on your amp or a stand if one is near. I have had the same suitcase that I keep close since about 2000 (due to be replaced) and I have been using the Hohner Piedmont Blues Harp Set Case (the harps are not the best but the case is useful) for quite a few years also. I use the LWBC Boogieman pedal for all the amp emulation I need, so I am walking into any gig with just that case. It is very convenient and easy to keep up with all my gear. (and light...)
Chris, I got one of those Piedmont cases- and 7 harps-for about $20 a few years ago. Put a set of harps together for my wife and used that case for her. Decent enough case even if you give away the harps.
I've built a couple of cases out of briefcases with felt or crushed velvet and cardboard or even tongue depressor dividers. There are a lot of ways you can go and if you shop flea markets you can find any number of options to start with.
In the duo we have gotten our gear in general down to exactly what we need, amp and p.a. and accessory wise. It all fits into 3 big totes we bought at Wally world. P.a. in one, both small amps in one, and everything else in the 3rd. I have a small folding dolly which the totes ride on one at a time to get from here on the 3rd floor to the truck and into the venue. My harp case rides in a tote with other gear. My old harp case now carries cables and mics. My tweed gig case holds all my first string harps plus 3 chromatics and a backup Shaker mic. So getting the stuff into a venue is much simpler than it once was. Seemed like 20 trips to get all the little details! And oh what did we forget! Folding guitar stands work well and fit in a tote as well. 3 totes, 2 guitars, 2 chairs, one duffel bag with mic and speaker stands. My little folding table rides in a tote as well as my harp case.
This advice, perhaps obvious, comes from my experience over the years as an occasional full time band member and regular "jam" junky. CarlA talked about what follows, albeit with tongue in cheek.
Unlike other instrumentalists, harp players change their instrument every song. When the key changes, they change their instrument unless they happen to be Howard Levy. The most important considerations in storing and using harps onstage are therefore these:
1. You must first know the key of the upcoming song. You either have a set list or, if you don't, the guitarist/piano player/bassist/drummer shouts the key at you just before the song starts. Strike "drummer"--they don't know keys.
2. Once you know the key, you must be able to immediately put your hands on the right harp for the next song. EVERY harp in your collection for that gig/jam must be immediately findable and immediately gettable.
3. One way or another, you need to mark each harp with its key to allow you to quickly identify the needed harp-- much harder on stage than it was in your music room at home. Squinting at small key markings stamped by the manufacturer will not do on stage. My harps are stored horizontally, not vertically. I paint the key with red nail polish on the right side of the upper cover plate. Readable markings are especially important on a poorly lit stage or for someone, like me, whose eyesight has dimmed with the passing years.
Consider these points in your quest for a perfect storage solution.
Cheers,
wolf kristiansen
Last Edited by wolfkristiansen on Aug 08, 2018 11:52 AM
Here's a thread about cases from last year. About 3/4 of the way down the page you can see the case I made from a clarinet case and the little tray that I made to hold 13 harps. In the picture below that one you can see that tray mounted to a mic stand. Not really appropriate for sitting in but I like to use it with the bands I play with regularly.
The 14 Harp Seydel zipper bag is my case of choice. Throw it in a briefcase with mic(s) & cord and off to the jam I go. Open up the zipper bag and set it on my amp or a chair or floor beside me. The belts always seemed a little pretentious to me, unless you're Sugar Blue. I like the idea of a music stand, but I'd probably knock it over, then I'd be looking for the right key harp somewhere under the drum kit.
Last Edited by Thievin' Heathen on Aug 08, 2018 9:42 PM
2nd the emotion on the Seydel 14 harp zippered bag and a briefcase. I've been using this set up for many years.
I usually grab a barstool, put the briefcase on top, pull out whatever I need and set up. I've also used chairs, table tops, a piano, whatever. I've got a small plastic folding table, $3.00 at Walmart, that I will take if I think there may not be anything at the gig. I then close the case and open the Seydel case and lay it on top. I tuck the set list just the right hand edge, lay the mic in the middle of the Seydel case and I'm good to go. Since the left hand side of the case carries odd keys and duplicates I don't have to get at it all the time and will sometimes lay the chromatic over there if I think I'm going to need it.
This set up gives you several advantages. You can just take the soft case if you're doing an acoustic show or maybe a jam or a situation where you might be asked to sit in. There are a lot of nice used briefcases around fairly cheap depending on what they are. I've had two snakeskin briefcases. One gave up the ghost after nearly 20 years and I was really lucky in finding another used snakeskin briefcase that was custom made for a guy's father. It's a little deeper which makes it easy to actually put useful things in the pockets in the lid and still close the lid easily. It's also the coolest looking thing ever. Beats all these flight cases, pistol cases, condom cases all to hell.
Your instinct about the belt is right. I have always thought belts and bandoliers really lame looking. ---------- LSC ---------- LSC
The trumpet case mentioned by me above holds 3 of the Seydel 12 harp bags on the left (which hold 14 when you add a harp on each end) as well as a case with 8 chromatics, a set of repair tools, 2 mics and 2 xlr cables, and an impedance converter with short 1/4" cable, a clip on LED music light & extra batteries, and a notebook with lyrics and chords. On the folding stool, it acts as a music stand, too.
I store harps upright in the bags, some labeled, some not, but each bag by circle of fifths, so I don't have to read labels. 2 bags full sets + Low F & High G, the last bag 5 keys low harps + high F#, and extra harps in popular keys. If I am going light, I grab a bag from the case. I love those Seydel bags for organizing my harps!
I keep my harps in a wearable belt, much like my teacher does. Though in my case I don't always wear them,sometimes I just put the belt or two on the back of a chair or table etc...but I always put the harps in the belt all facing the same direction, high notes up so as I reach for them as. a right handed person I reach for them and they are ready to play..no looking at them etc
Slight OT @ Doug, very nice version of a really cool song! May be the first I've heard anyone do a harp part in there and to me you nailed it. We do several of Mr. Dylan's songs too. ----------
I had posted this video before on MBH, but when I wanted to show how I use the harp case I spoke of above in order to illustrate how I used it, re-posting this video was the easiest way. I don't have photo hosting set up online. ----------
@Heathen, my first hard case was made with a cigar box. Fancied it up with felt lining, dividers, brass fittings and all. Drawback was it was not real big. Unique though! Note to self never leave a harp case on the roof of a vehicle and drive off. I noticed the CLUNK and stopped but the case was trashed pretty much. Of course I was running late and had a 2 hour drive ahead of me. Duct tape helped but I went to a briefcase/foam/lining idea from there and NEVER left my case on the roof again. So far.... ----------
@Heathen, my first hard case was made with a cigar box. Fancied it up with felt lining, dividers, brass fittings and all. Drawback was it was not real big. Unique though! Note to self never leave a harp case on the roof of a vehicle and drive off. I noticed the CLUNK and stopped but the case was trashed pretty much. Of course I was running late and had a 2 hour drive ahead of me. Duct tape helped but I went to a briefcase/foam/lining idea from there and NEVER left my case on the roof again. So far.... ----------
I found 1 that will hold 2 rows of 7 diatonics and another that will hold about 6 270's in 1 nice line. Neither are heavy duty enough to use as the primary method for transport, but from briefcase to amp top they look perfect.
I found corner pieces, a nice handle, hinges and chain and latch, all brass, at an old hardware store when I did mine up. No not durable but a nice bit of work even so. ----------
Have you ever noticed how Charlie McCoy just reaches into his vest pocket and pulls out the exact harp he needs? And it looks like it's the only harp he has on him. I want Charlie McCoy's vest.
Not to hijack this thread, but some time ago someone posted a link to a template they made for foam inserts. I want to say it was at mycasebuilder.com? Anyway, I searched the forum and failed to locate it...any ideas? Thanks in advance, JL
That is the site for making inserts and I can't seem to find the link either. Todd Parrott started the subject and I followed his lead but chose the hard foam which I strongly suggest. We worked out some measurements for the design but it's not difficult. I do suggest making the fit tight because the hard foam will conform to the harp shape. Get the insurance to be sure the size works out. I didn't, got lucky, but it's worth the money. Total was around $30.
I use a Roland SS-PC1 laptop stand. Remove the brackets that are supposed to hold the laptop and it’s a lightweight, sturdy, collapsible table, with adjustable height and a folding tripod base that’s just the right size to put my harps or my harp case on. Very practical.
I used to put my harp case on top of my amp. When I was using my Super Reverb, that was fine. But my Delta Blues has the control knobs on top like a Bassman or a Blues Jr. and inevitably the case would bump the knobs and knock them out of adjustment. I put tilt back legs on my Princeton Reverb, which I always deploy (it opens up the tone nicely) but you can’t put a harp case on a tilted back amp.
The mic stand mounted trays look interesting, but I hate carrying a mic stand and since I don’t usually sing, I rarely have to. The Roland is light, portable, durable, and extremely practical.
Last Edited by hvyj on Aug 17, 2018 6:53 AM
I use a mic stand mounted tray for my harps, if my amp is too far away to reach easily, as I sing too. Made by a well known German stand manufacturer, whose name escapes me now. But beware, if you're at the front of the band they make your harps easy prey for thieves on a break in a crowded bar. After having a harp stolen once I always put them back in the case and the case away from front stage on break now. ---------- Harpeaux Edwards
Last Edited by Gareth on Aug 17, 2018 7:44 AM
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