What would y'all suggest for a basic harp case that can hold a bunch of diatonics (12 or 15 should be enough) and an Astatic mic? Here's one I found on musician's friend that looks like it would fit the bill and seems like a good buy. http://folk-instruments.musiciansfriend.com/product/Musician%27s-Gear-Hardshell-Harmonica-Case?sku=545178
That link didn't show a case. I use this one. It holds 20 harps, delay pedal, bullet, sm57 and cables. http://folk-instruments.musiciansfriend.com/product/Musician's-Gear-Hardshell-Harmonica-Case?sku=545178
I have a similar tweed one (made by Fender) that I bought several years ago... probably paid about $90 for it then, so the one you are looking at is pretty much identical and the price is very good.
I prefer to have my harps up in a vertical position, so I prefer the case I got from Hal Iwan at:
http://www.customharpcases.com/
He still has the basic case with different foam inserts, and the flashier ones made from wood and covered in tolex (heavier case though).
My main storage case for harps is a large aluminum tool case that I got from Home Depot, got a couple of sets of Hetrick plexi-glass dividers, and added a floor flange, for mounting to a chopped tripod mic stand (hold about 100 diatonica harps, and a variety of larger harps (chromatics, SBS's, echoes, tremolos).
But I like having smaller cases to suit my needs, like the Hal Iwan case, or the 7-harp or 14-harp Seydel soft cases, or a 7 harp belt case from Cumberland Cases.
I use a black nylon Eddie Bauer camping shaving kit. Perfectly fits about a dozen harps....and cost me less than $20. Don't think a mike would fit though.
Have harp will travel.
Wait...that's Deak's saying isn't it?
Sorry Deak.
Last Edited by on Oct 27, 2010 11:02 AM
It is very ingeniously designed and holds a lot more than you would suspect. 15 harps and a bullet mic with cord would not be a problem.
I particularly like it because it is so compact and convenient to use on stage during a performance--much more convenient than typical hardcover cases. AND each harmonica has its own slot, so it's very easy to stay organized in order to be able to put your hands on the particular key you need without fumbling around. Protects the harps well (no bent cover plates) and it is extremely durable and gigworthy. Highly recommended.
Nice, this is the topic I wanted to start today. I was at Harbor Freight today (I think they're in most US cities) and I found a decent metal black corner reinforced case for 25.00. I have a pic I'll post. I think this same option came up a few times earlier. U
Last Edited by on Oct 27, 2010 11:45 AM
@Littoral... I think those are the same cases (black, with chrome hardware, about the size of a lunchbox) that are used by both Hetrick and Hal Iwan.
You can always just buy the foam insert from Hal Iwan (or a couple of different ones to swap out).
Not sure if Hetrick still sells just the dividers, but they aren't cheap, as I bought 2 sets of them about 3 years ago for my big case.
The harps will rattle a bit with the Hetrick dividers and my spill out, but not with the Iwan foam insert. I do like the plexi-glass dividers in my big case, cause they allow the harps to breath and dry out.
I usually pull the harps out of the foam after using, wipe down, and store them in my big case... they like having different homes !
Last Edited by on Oct 27, 2010 11:34 AM
I saw a few at harbor freight and thought the same thing. they have a smaller one for about $17 if i remember right and then some bigger ones between $20-$40. I couldnt see the inside of them so I didnt buy one. I would love to see pictures of the inside if you could. Do they have foam, felt, dividers???
Pic Added! (above) Breathing with the foam? Hadn't thought of that- is it a big issue?. I do know my brown tolex fender case ain't happening. I've adjusted well but it's not right.
I can't figure the divider/foam set up but I seriously doubt that whatever it comes with will suit picky me. Looks like a great platform to modify. The size of this would handle my needs 24 diatonics, 3 or 4 chromatics and 2 mics w/ chords.
I used to be hot on the trail of the most perfect, coolest harp case. These days, though, I just carry them in a nylon shaving kit that goes in an old packpack with mics, cords, pedals, etc. A bitchin' harp case just says "steal me," whereas an old backpack never gets a second look.
Lip Ripper, Do you find that your case, which is same one I was referring to, protects the harmonicas sufficiently even though there are no dividers between the harps. In other words, do they knock each other around while you're carrying the case? Thanks to all for your input. Interesting to me that there are relatively few ready-made options out there. Jordan
I got an old attache case and went to a rubber store and they cut a piece of foam to fit the case and then individual slots for the harps. The only time the harps rattle is when they are clanking on my teeth.
I recently posted about my case. I have the the same case you describe that was sent to me by somebody in the US. I drilled some holes into a cigar box and use that. You won't believe how much Hetrick wants for the dividers! $60 for dividers. $15 for shipping. Forget it - I'm sticking with my cigar box dividers. Here's my earlier post with pictures of the "hetrick" box: http://www.modernbluesharmonica.com/board/board_topic/5560960/727490.htm
The larger harbor freight case shown by littoral above does have foam in it. It's cut into small pieces that can be removed to form your own shapes. Pretty decent value for under $30. Here's what I did with it in just a few minutes with no tools.
Tait Sweigart
Last Edited by on Jan 05, 2011 1:29 PM
I have one of the smaller HF cases that's identical to the shell that Hetrick uses...nothing in it yet, as I'm casually debating pick and pull foam, cutting luan or plexiglass dividers on a scroll or bandsaw, or the cigar box idea that was posted here once before. That particular case is suited for vertical storage of harps.
I probably should make getting that case up and running a priority since HarveyHarp picks on my old, beat-to-hell hohner case... ----------
Todd L. Greene, Codger-in-training
Last Edited by on Jan 05, 2011 1:38 PM
I bought that same case from Harbor Freight several months ago. Eventually, I went to Hal Iwan's site and bought one of his foam inserts. It fits perfectly. It doesn't smell like foam. I bought the insert that holds 20 diatonic harps + 1 16 hole chromatic + 1 bullet mic and a pedal.
I was originally planning on cutting plastic, but then decided to spring for Hal's insert. ---------- The Blues Photo Gallery
If anyone is looking for a nice smaller case to hold just a gigging set of harps, plus maybe a few small accessories, I just picked up a Vaultz Locking Gadget Box for about $12 at my local Fry's electronics. It's the perfect size to hold all of my harps, and could be configured any number of ways. The lining is made of the plush side of velcro, so you can attach all sorts of stuff inside it, as well as use any kind of velcro dividers or straps if you want. The "Locking" part is a joke, but it has a nice secure flip buckle that holds the case closed. The case is also nice and compact when closed.
Here's some pics of how I have mine set up. It's holding 15 harps: Hohner Marine bands in the key of LowD, LowE, LowF, G, Ab, A, Bb, C, D, E, F, A natural minor, Lee Oskers in the Keys of Bb Harmonic Minor and D Natural Minor, and a Hohner Auto Valve in C. I could fit in a lot more harps in this case with a little more configuration (removing the pouch on the right side). I traveled with this case over the Holiday season with great ease.
Plus, I tried something that I wouldn't recommend doing. I loaded it up and flipped it upside down on the open position. Nothing fell out.
If you decide to order from him, he was something I learned. The difference between the CHC 19 and CHC 20 is important if you want to carry a mic with a cable.
In the CHC 19, you lose space for one diatonic harp, but the direction the bullet mic faces enables a cable to be stored in the section for the pedal. You can't do that on the CHC 20. Take a good look at the pictures and it'll make sense.
Joe, cable space option for the HC19, exactly what I needed know. Thanks! I actually tried to order an insert yesterday but the site wouldn't accept debit. I need to set up paypal.
@Isaac - i used the Vaultz Pencil Case (same case, different straps) for a while. I've traveled with it. It holds a bunch of harps. It cost me $8 at Staples. I keep a set of Big River in it, in my car. It's been handy when sitting in with people.
---------- Hi ye all! I've been reviewing what is available as harmonica carrying cases on utube and all i see are some very functional standard square boxed (small briefcase types )that seem to do the job , BUT ! does anyone have any really cool customized cases that stand out from the crowd ?.For example ;leather embossed with your name or the band name or a cool vintage harmonica picture or your favorite blues player(s) , or replica stickers of famous blues venues or maybe a case that is erganomic so you can carry it on your shoulder like a shoulder pack,or maybe have the harps pop up when you open the case (like a fishing box idea ,or maybe the shape of the case is shaped like your favorite harp or vintage looking harp ?(the list of possibilities is endless in my opinion ).For Example :I've been to many jam nights in the past,waiting for my turn to play , and it was cumbersome lugging that square case with me all over the place (you don't dare leaving everything you own ,unattended in that little square " secret service briefcase ",when nature calls !)All leather or leather covered box stands the test of time and ages well .Can't anyone visualize ,handing down that now customized vintage harmonica carrying case to your children ? Classy ! Please ...this is not an attack on any of the current suppliers nor builders of these square cases, it is food for thought only. Thanks
i have a very nice case from hal. i had my artist son design the top with some fabric paint. it really makes it stand out. i know what eddy means about not wanting to leave it on the bar if you go to the head or out for a smoke. when i am jamming, i carry the case in a backpack so it is easy to keep it on my and my hands free. if i'm playing a gig, i leave the pack at home. the lid comes off and i stash it behind some amps and throw a towel over the business end between sets.
Hi everyone I make custom harmonica cases. from the designing to building of, If you want it, I will make it. we all know that our gear changes and we get more stuff all the time or sometimes just dont need to take a huge case with you. I use a small case that holds 19 diatonics but also can be attached to a extra case to take out more gear or I can swap the inserts and just take a bullet and 8 diatonics. It attaches to a mic stand which is very convient to have your harps right in front of you on stage. ---------- http://www.facebook.com/pages/Slims-Custom-Cases/198124183561282?sk=info
I have a case similar to the Hetrick which I fashioned from an aluminium tool case. It's great for overall storage but lugging it around everywhere is a pain.
From Aldi I purchased a large camera bag 10" x 5" & 6" deep for $15. It had movable dividers inside & I have configured it to hold 24 harps stacked on end. With the zip top open I can easily select a key. Depending on where I'm going I could opt for say 12 harps and fit my mic and cables in the bag. The bag also has 3 zip pockets on the outside. It's padded and offers good protection against bumps. It's great.
I was tempted to buy the hard shell Seydel case until I spotted the Aldi camera bag. I also have a Buckeye leather Harp wallet for 4 harps which is a great small case. I had a Lee Oskar 7 harp case but it really didn't do the job for me & split along the seams. I'm now very pleased with the camera bag option.
I dreamed about harmonica case for some time. But soon I understanded that I usually have pedalboard in one hand, amp in other and suit in third one (: I have no extra hand for harpcase. So softcases from seydel work best for me. I just put them to backpack along with cables, shoes etc.
---------- Excuse my bad English. Click on my photo or my username for my music.
Yes, we use the harbor freight case, because it is cheap and easy to get. We considered making our own case, but that would have elevated the price even more. What you are paying for are the lexan (bullet proof glass) dividers that are extremely expensive and take a lot of labor to make. It took many hours to draw the design with a CAD program and each piece is cut separarely, fitting together like a puzzle piece, allowing the owner to move around slots and customize. We have to hand finish each piece to make sure they are not razor sharp and cut your hand open after coming off the machine. If you saw how much work we put into them you would tell us to raise our price. We don't make much on them. We also machine cut a metal plaque with our company name and room to engrave the customer's name or band name.
We were the first with a vertical harp case, Hal Iwan copied us but uses foam. If that is what you prefer go for it, but foam breaks down, gets in your harps, and does not let them breathe. My mentor, Richard Sleigh, told me that every harp needs to air out overnight after being played. He liked our case because of the extra air holes drilled in the dividers and when you are done, you just leave the case open to air out. If you are anal and don't like the rattling of the harps (impossible to make dividers to tight or would not fit all models) simply line the slots with adhesive foam like used for weather stripping.
Hawmonica is correct in my experience: "foam breaks down, gets in your harps" Some of it is grit some of it is jelly - all of it is irksome.
I like my Lee Oskar click-together cases and carry them in a backpack like Boris, or in a soft rolling cooler.
The rolling cooler is nice because it fits cables, mic boxes, fake-books, bottle openers, et al - and is padded. Bungee cords strap my small amp to the pull handle. I can set my clicked-together LO boxes on top while on stage. Rolling Cooler Example
BTW, LO boxes fit all kinds of harmonics. ---------- "If you want to hide, find a stage." ~John Popper
Last Edited by on May 25, 2011 6:02 AM
@Isaac I do like the Vaultz Locking Gadget Box. Does anyone know if this is what Jasson Ricci and Deak Harp have? I saw one at HCH but didn't get to discuss it. Looks like a wonderful way to call your harps without the bulk of a large case.
Matthew from Hetrick Harp here. www.harpcase.com. We use the harbor freught case to keep the price down. The case comes with an engraved metal placque, which takes time to cut and is costly. Allows for option to engrave your name. What other case offers that?
You are paying for lexan plexiglass dividers--each one has to be hand finished. We put a lot of labor in our cases and the lexan material (bullet proof glass) is very expensive. Not to mention that they can be taken apart, cut customized. If you buy the 24 case, the three comp-artments can be made smaller or bigger. There are endless customizations to hold chromatics, mics, cords, pedals...we are the only cae on the market that does this. Once you you buy your foam insert (that promotes the growth of bacteria) you are stuck with the configuration. Our unique case design took hours of design with CAD software. WE are coming out with a larger version hopefully in a couple of months.
