waltertore
2404 posts
Jul 11, 2012
9:49 AM
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The flexrack arrived a few minutes ago. I have to go out to an appointment so will comment more later. It seems like it might be a cool thing! I have been using the basic Bob Dylan/Jimmy Reed rack for the past 40 or so years. I put the flexrack on and with all the adjustment points I think Hohner has a winner here. The downside I see is the adjustment knobs are made of plastic. they are going to have been treated kindly, especially the main ones that sit on your shoulder, or I could see them stripping sooner than later. I will see how it holds up and will look into metal replacement parts at the home depot. I think it will hold a 14 hole marine band and might hold my beer can cooler for amped harp as well. I am excited to give this thing a shot! Walter
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walter tore's spontobeat - a real one man band and over 1 million spontaneously created songs and growing. I record about 300 full length cds a year.
" life is a daring adventure or nothing at all" - helen keller
4,000+ of my songs
continuous streaming - 200 most current songs
my videos
Last Edited by on Jul 11, 2012 9:54 AM
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STME58
212 posts
Jul 11, 2012
11:04 AM
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I am curious to see how this works for you.
Just because somtnig is plastic doesn't mean it win't hols up. There are some very strong engineered plastics out there.
Of course, if Hohner has this made in China, it is likely to be moded of cheap polystyrene no matter what they specify if they don't watch closely.
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Gnarly
279 posts
Jul 11, 2012
2:14 PM
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Just talked to Rockin' Ron--he's got 'em.
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Rick Davis
506 posts
Jul 11, 2012
2:57 PM
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http://www.musiciansfriend.com/folk-traditional-instruments/hohner-flex-rack
I'd never heard of this, but I'm not a rack player...
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-Rick Davis
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waltertore
2405 posts
Jul 11, 2012
6:46 PM
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First off one of the screws that adjust the tension on the harp is stripped. Like I said earlier, the adjustment points all have some sort of plastic components and I will be switching over to metal for durability. It holds a MB fine but a Delta Frost slides around, mainly forward as you blow on it. It must be the smooth stainless vs. the MB finish. The angle adjustments are nice but unlike the racks I use the spring tension that holds the harp in place has a stop point on it. For the Delta frosts, it needs more tension than this rack will allow. I guess I will have to put a piece of masking tape or something on the cover to keep it from sliding. Also there is a curve, kind of a U on the underside of the harp bar. I think this is for you to grab it for releasing the harp. I would prefer a straight bar to give a more secure fit. . It is fairly sturdy but I bet this thing was made in China and the quality control is going to be sketchy. I sent an email to sweetwater telling it was stripped and asked for a replacement. They are good with returns/exchanges. I would have ordered from Rockin Rons if I had known he had them in. I prefer to support small businesses. Will this rack turn you into a competent, comfortable, rack player overnight? No. It is definetely better than the cheapo racks I use but the angle adjustments are not going to make you see Nervana. Walter
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walter tore's spontobeat - a real one man band and over 1 million spontaneously created songs and growing. I record about 300 full length cds a year.
" life is a daring adventure or nothing at all" - helen keller
4,000+ of my songs
continuous streaming - 200 most current songs
my videos
Last Edited by on Jul 11, 2012 7:13 PM
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KingoBad
1140 posts
Jul 11, 2012
6:48 PM
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Thanks for the info Walter. I have not bought one just yet. Gotta keep things peaceable on the music equipment budget or there will be some unneeded marital strife. I plan on getting one very soon.
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Danny
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waltertore
2407 posts
Jul 11, 2012
7:40 PM
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KingoBad: You are welcome. I can't give this thing much of a plug other than it is sturdier than the cheapo I use, and the adjustment points are nice but not mind blowing compared to the cheapo. Walter
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walter tore's spontobeat - a real one man band and over 1 million spontaneously created songs and growing. I record about 300 full length cds a year.
" life is a daring adventure or nothing at all" - helen keller
4,000+ of my songs
continuous streaming - 200 most current songs
my videos
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opendoor_harps
51 posts
Jul 12, 2012
2:00 AM
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Hi Walter:
Definitely keep your feedback coming on this rack. I was considering purchasing one from Sweetwater, but if it's slipping for the Delta Frosts, I'm concerned how it would deal with Seydels, Lee Oskars, Suzukis' and especially the XB 40 which I use racked up quite a bit for live playing.
When I first discovered the K & M rack I thought that was it for me, as it was such an upgrade from all the other racks that used to slip further and further from my lips when I would play them.
But now, the K & M's are not as locked tight as I would like as I've been playing some different & over sized sized harps at gigs and sessions.
I've also tried the Harp Lock, but only in the studio as the mic stand needs to be super rock solid on the base, and all hardware and screws really tight to position it where you want it. My fear using this live would be having it slip out of position causing me to play guitar on my knees to be able to play into the harp and sing at the same time.
I thought the U shaped hole on the bottom of the new Hohner flex rack was for adding a Kazoo, which got me very excited. (This could really expand your options with the Spontobeat Walter! And keep everyone guessing how you get that unique Kazoo tone on your harps :)
Cheers-
Burke T.
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REM
207 posts
Jul 12, 2012
2:36 AM
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If I read Walter's post correctly, I think the reason that Walter is having problems with the Delta Frosts slipping is because the screw that is used to adjust the tension of the clamping bars that hold the harp is stripped. So assuming that you get one where that screw isn't stripped, I would assume that there wouldn't be a problem. But if there is still a problem with certain harps slipping, I would guess that adding a couple strips of grip tape to the inside surfaces of the clamping bars should fix the problem.
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waltertore
2408 posts
Jul 12, 2012
5:09 AM
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REM: The stripped screw is not the problem. You can only tighten these so much due the bottom bar, with the U shape, not being able to move up until it hits the top bar. They have it engineered so that it can't do this. I hand held the bottom bar as far up as it will go towards the top bar with a DF in it and it still slid around. When there is no harp in the rack the bottom bar is an inch or so from the top bar. It would take a dremel grinding to make this happen. On the cheap rack I use, $8, the bottom bar touches the top one when not in use and also has a bend in it to keep the harp from sliding forward. I found the hohner rack, the one previous to the flexrack to have the same problem. Those 2 pivoting parts that are suppose to hold the harp from sliding forward don't work very good (link below shows what I mean).
Burke T: kazoo? Good guess! I use to have one taped to a rack. I will have to buy one and try it. I will take some pictures this morning of what I am talking about. All I have is hohners and DF's. Ron from Rockin Rons emailed me yesterday letting me know he has the flexrack in stock. I forwarded my concerns with it to him. I bet he could try those harps in it and let you know how they stay. Stay tuned for pictures. Again, this rack is going to be ok if you are willing to modify it to meet your needs. It is much more stable than my $8 rack. Walter
http://www.samash.com/p/Hohner_Harmonica%20Holder_-49985108?cm_mmc=Froogle-_-Stage%20Accessories-_-Harmonica%20Holder-_-H154&gclid=CIW75L-LlLECFcdk7AodGklolQ
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walter tore's spontobeat - a real one man band and over 1 million spontaneously created songs and growing. I record about 300 full length cds a year.
" life is a daring adventure or nothing at all" - helen keller
4,000+ of my songs
continuous streaming - 200 most current songs
my videos
Last Edited by on Jul 12, 2012 5:11 AM
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waltertore
2410 posts
Jul 12, 2012
6:01 AM
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plastic abounds at key points
here you can see where the bottom rack is not able to move up to the top rack
here is the top and bottom bars getting as close as they can get
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walter tore's spontobeat - a real one man band and over 1 million spontaneously created songs and growing. I record about 300 full length cds a year.
" life is a daring adventure or nothing at all" - helen keller
4,000+ of my songs
continuous streaming - 200 most current songs
my videos
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Gnarly
282 posts
Jul 12, 2012
8:05 AM
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My guess is that the U is there to make it easy to get harps in and out.
I think TurboLids will fit into this one nicely--think I'm gonna drive to Mira Mesa and get it in person from our Rockin' pal . . .
Two hours later--
Mission accomplished, and I like this unit a lot. If you are careful with the plastic parts, it will last a long time--and is less prone to allowing the harmonica to move (once the bottom knobs are tightened) than the K&M rack (which I will still use for some things--don't forget I have that one I made from two units).
I managed to fit a 14 hole Marine Band and also a 12 hole chrom into the rack--10 hole diatonics don't fit as snug, but seem to be good enough (I don't own a Delta Frost, mostly I use Special 20 TurboLid diatonics).
Ron has one left and more on the way, be the first one on your block!
And now it's after my gig--the rack has the same fault as my K&M mod, it works so well that you have to sing to one side--it holds the harmonica in place so well that you can't put your lips on a mike!
Last Edited by on Jul 13, 2012 9:25 PM
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opendoor_harps
52 posts
Jul 13, 2012
9:15 PM
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@Gnarly
I totally can relate to the rack getting in the way of the vocals, at least with the K & M, and now with this one, I imagine if you get it in the sweet spot for playing the harp, it blocks your access to singing into the mic. I've usually ended up like a goose trying to extend my neck to get my chin over the harp to sing.
@waltertore
I figured you would have done the kazoo thing at one time or another. Maybe you could incorporate a third reed plate to your harps that has that "kazoo" tone available below the draw plate?
Still seems like this rack has a lot of options for adjustments that take it a notch above the K & M. Also a plus it can accommodate longer 12 and 14 hole harps.
BT
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Gnarly
284 posts
Jul 13, 2012
9:24 PM
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You can fit a 14 hole harp into the K&M too.
@Burke, let's form a duo and call it The Goosenecks LOL
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KingoBad
1144 posts
Jul 17, 2012
9:35 PM
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Well, I finally got one.
I love it so far! It is leaps beyond my other solutions and it doesn't look like I am playing the junkyard model.
I am a belter, so being close to the mic is not a problem for me. I do like how I can position it higher and keep my head up - or llower and put of the way, but still accessible.
All in all, this is a huge upgrade for what I am currently doing. I can now finally 'dig' into some playing without worrying that the whole thing will fall apart.
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Danny
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Gnarly
288 posts
Jul 18, 2012
12:23 PM
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I just put this one into the rig--
My report is that I think this is a knock off of K&M's design, using my upgrades.
Oh, and I like it better than mine--that's why it is now the first call for my strolling setup.
The teeth on the bottom knobs really help set the size easily (with half a hand).
And the swivel out at the top is better than the way I have it with my K&M mod.
It says Hohner on it . . .
It's REALLY stable--
Go get 'em!
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opendoor_harps
55 posts
Jul 20, 2012
1:39 AM
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@Gnarly
I know I've come across something mentioning your hybrid K & M, but if you have a link or more info, I'd be curious what you did.
I have two K & M's that reside in different bags or areas so to be readily available. And my gigging one is starting to strip a bit.
The Goosenecks would be good duo name! But maybe we should restrict ourselves to only playing overblows to enhance the effect? :)
I may be ready for the Flexrack upgrade.
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Hollistonharper
238 posts
Jul 20, 2012
7:29 PM
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Just brought one home tonight--this thing is great! Completely stable and comfortable. Might not make a huge difference for pro level players but for hobbyists I say it's a must have. Feels like a third hand holding the harp. I've always had trouble doing overblows on a rack but this is so stable I'm having no problems.
The build is great too. Every harp rack I've owned (ok, the flex rack makes 3) I've had to bust my thumbs trying to tighten it up so things won't slip. Not necessary with this, and no need to upgrade to bigger wingnuts etc.
It firmly holds every harp I've tried so far, including MB 1896, sp20, crossover, Delta Frost.
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Gnarly
289 posts
Jul 21, 2012
8:59 PM
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Hi all--here is the video I made to explain the K&M mod.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Od6iOkK8Yq8
Feel free to send me money 8)
Oh, and I like my mod better when using a regular microphone, as it is easy to push out of the way when you want that--the Flexrack is better when the microphone is attached to the rack (in my experience).
Gary
Last Edited by on Jul 21, 2012 9:04 PM
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opendoor_harps
56 posts
Jul 25, 2012
12:15 AM
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I like your K & M Mod Gnarly. Very clever.
I did order the Flex Rack today though, (from some of the positives mentioned here). So maybe I can tear apart the K & M's and have a more flexible back up or keep them in different places for backup.
Bathroom, shower, under the pillow, out in the woodshed, etc.
But all harp racks still remind me of the horrible "head gear" torture contraptions orthodontists made you wear when getting braces as a kid.
Look forward to putting it through the paces with some upcoming gigs.
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MP
2366 posts
Jul 25, 2012
12:15 PM
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hey walter,
i finally got a guitar and i'm going to get a rack too.
as much as i like bands, there is something very cool about being self-contained and not needing other musicians to make music.
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MP
affordable reed replacement and repairs.
"making the world a better place, one harmonica at a time"
click user name for info-
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waltertore
2427 posts
Jul 25, 2012
12:31 PM
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MP: I started out as a 1 man band with Wilbert Harrison. But I wanted to be in a real band and spent the next 20 years doing so. It was an ongoing struggle to find, keep, good players and to have them available when I wanted them. I started out as just a harp player. then the band needed a singer so I sang. Then I struggled with getting my ideas to the guitar player so I learned the guitar. Then I learned the drums and piano and finally the bass. I did this because I was inspired to do so. I had no idea these things would become key links in doing a 1 man band. Most 1 man bands totally overplay. they end up making a wall of noise that all sounds the same after a song or 2. Don't be afraid to leave space!
The 1 man band forces you to be real simple but that forces you to get real creative to make the same stuff sound different. Jimmy Reed is a great example of what I am saying. He tweaked the same beat a hair this way and that and it made it sound completely different than the song before it. Lightning hopkins was the same. I was always drawn to these kind of players. the diverse guys that play all over the map never have held my attention. So I guess it makes sense to go to the 1 man band for me. Having the recording studio completes the total self contained package. I never have been musically more happy. Have fun! Walter
I have been using the flex rack for a bit now. It is ok IMO but doesn't hold the harps tight enough.
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walter tore's spontobeat - a real one man band and over 1 million spontaneously created songs and growing. I record about 300 full length cds a year.
" life is a daring adventure or nothing at all" - helen keller
4,000+ of my songs
continuous streaming - 200 most current songs
my videos
Last Edited by on Jul 25, 2012 12:34 PM
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MP
2368 posts
Jul 25, 2012
12:45 PM
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thanks walter, i love jimmy reed and slim harpo.
i too, have no problem with space. i embrace it.
regarding your new rack. yea or nay? you did say it doesn't hold a harp tight enough.
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MP
affordable reed replacement and repairs.
"making the world a better place, one harmonica at a time"
click user name for info-
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JInx
263 posts
Jul 26, 2012
10:54 AM
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I got one too. I like it. Setting the harp position, angle/height is quick and effective, making experimentation a breeze.
Feels a little heavy, like it might begin to dig in under the collar bones.
The clamp itself is covered in plastic so as not to scratch the harp. The top plastic bugs my upper lip, I'll prolly remove it.
Overall rating: 4 stars
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Sun, sun, sun
Burn, burn, burn
Soon, soon, soon
Moon, moon, moon
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waltertore
2430 posts
Jul 26, 2012
11:21 AM
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MP: I got mine from sweetwater. They let me know they had it before Rockin Ron did or I would have bought it from him. Sweetwater has a good return policy. I dropped a brand new $1,000 MOTU interface. I told them what happened and they sent me a brand new one the next day. Needless to say that moved me and I continue to buy all my recording gear from them. I am sending the flexrack back to them for a new one. Maybe mine is bent. On top of that problem, one of the small screws that tightnen the spring tension on the rack came stripped. If the new one holds the harp better I give it a 5 star review. If not I will tweak it to hold them tighter and give it a 4 star. It definitely beats any other rack I have used and I have tried most all of them but that real high end model I hear about hear. I love slim harpo too. He and Jimmy Reed are greats IMO. Their complete sound supersedes the technical abilities they had. Most anyone can become a great technical player. The music world today is full of cut and paste greats but to grow beyond the instruments and have a unique, complete sound, and by complete I mean any other sound in would detract, is the highest level of art IMO. I will probably piss off people with this but here goes. Big Walter is a perfect example of a great technician who never grew into a complete unique musical sound. He was a great sideman and a great harp player but IMO JR and SH were the complete package. The majority here seem to favor technical harp over complete sound. Dylan is another complete sound. His harp playing technically stinks just as JR's does, but man does it fit their sounds! I could easily overdub real slick harp stuff on my music but I find it takes away from the sound. One should always follow what feels good instead of following what others say is the way to feel good :-) Walter
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walter tore's spontobeat - a real one man band and over 1 million spontaneously created songs and growing. I record about 300 full length cds a year.
" life is a daring adventure or nothing at all" - helen keller
4,000+ of my songs
continuous streaming - 200 most current songs
my videos
Last Edited by on Jul 26, 2012 11:29 AM
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MP
2374 posts
Jul 26, 2012
12:14 PM
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thanks walter!
since you and KingoBad are rack players and both of you like this one i'm sold.
see yah, mark
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MP
affordable reed replacement and repairs.
"making the world a better place, one harmonica at a time"
click user name for info-
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JInx
264 posts
Jul 26, 2012
7:11 PM
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I'm disappointed, can't use a Golden Melody with this rack
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Sun, sun, sun
Burn, burn, burn
Soon, soon, soon
Moon, moon, moon
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Gnarly
296 posts
Jul 26, 2012
11:14 PM
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You know, even tho it's called Flexrack, it's less flexible than the K&M. It stays in place!
Just got done with a four hour gig using it, it has its disadvantages--if I set it up for TurboLids, it isn't tight enough for ProMasters.
no perfect solutions yet . . .
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opendoor_harps
59 posts
Jul 28, 2012
12:26 AM
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Hey to all. I just got a Flex Rack today. There are some things that are very cool about it, and others that are, kind of a bummer.
First off, my condolences to @Jinx, as a fellow Golden Melody player, I can confirm that it does "not" work with GM's (or any harps that slope from the back of the cover plate down to the teeth of the comb). It just wants to move right out the back.
I'm curious to hear if Walter's new one from Sweetwater is any better. My guess is that its part of the design limitations.
I think the biggest issue is not being able to close the gap tighter for smaller harps, no groove in the rubber (like on the K & M's which helps hold the back of harps cover plates like the GM and Delta Frost, or, even the old design of the harp holders that had the back "L" brackets to catch and hold the harp to keep it from slipping out! I used to keep a heavy rubber band on these to help keep my harps in the rack.
On the plus side, it works great for "Big" harps and is the best holder I've had for positioning an XB 40 into the perfect spot for playing and getting a good embouchure. Same if you want to play solo tuned chromatic in a rack. Very solid.
Since there is nothing in the design preventing the harp from slipping out the back if you really push into it, I think this would be the first mod I would look into if this becomes my main rack.
I did a quick test with a bunch of different harps to see which worked best. I'll post a summary in another post.
Cheers-
Burke T.
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JInx
267 posts
Jul 28, 2012
12:37 AM
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Ironicly it seems Lee Oskars fit best.
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Sun, sun, sun
Burn, burn, burn
Soon, soon, soon
Moon, moon, moon
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opendoor_harps
60 posts
Jul 28, 2012
1:27 AM
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Feedback from trying different types of harps in the Flex Rack this evening.
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Harps that work ok. (But don't push too hard):
Hohner Marine Bands (Classic, Deluxe, Crossover, SP 20). MS Harps: Blues harp MS, Big River.
Seydel 1847, and Suzuki Manji.
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These harps worked very well. Tight and good hold in the rack. Hohner XB 40, Marine Band 364 and 365's. Various Tremolos. Hohner Chromatics, 260, 270, CX-12, Seydel Deluxe.
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Some slippage, but useable:
Suzuki Promaster, Olive, Delta Frost, Lee Oskars
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I would probably not use these harps with the Flex Rack without modification: (anything that has a cover design that angles forward, or is thinner than a Lee Oskar). They all tended to slip out.
Hohner Golden Melody :(, Hohner "Old" Old Standby with the wood combs, Hohner Auto Harp, Pre MS Hohner Blues harp.
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@ Gnarly- I could see this rack being a good solution for turbo lid harps. I like that it does not flex like the K&M.
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waltertore
2436 posts
Jul 28, 2012
5:49 AM
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Gnarly and opendoor harps: You guys have the skills to make a modification to this thing. I look forward to see what you come up with. I was thinking a new bottom bar similar to the Bob dylan type rack but only made of a heavier metal. That simple bend in it keeps harps in place great. Also alowing the bottom bar to come in contact with the top bar would allow more tension to be on the harp. It would take some dremeling to grind down the existing setup.
I have a friend in Sebastopol Ca (opendoor harps met him) That is a master machinist and harp player. He could easily fix this thing. Walter
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walter tore's spontobeat - a real one man band and over 1 million spontaneously created songs and growing. I record about 300 full length cds a year.
" life is a daring adventure or nothing at all" - helen keller
4,000+ of my songs
continuous streaming - 200 most current songs
my videos
Last Edited by on Jul 28, 2012 5:52 AM
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waltertore
2439 posts
Jul 28, 2012
12:19 PM
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I couldn't wait on you guys so I fixed it myself. I took the bottom bar from the cheapo racks I use and cut it to the right lenght of the flexrack(their bar is shorter than my dylan rack) and drilled holes to match the flexrack. I put it all together in about 15 minutes and it works perfect! The delta frosts are locked in place and there is 0 slippage on any of my harps - MB, MBD, DF, 14 hole MB. Here are pictures of the final product. I can't believe hohner put out such a design. If I was still endorsing hohner I would submitt my modification to them. I dropped off the musical radar for about 10 years and they dropped me. I know rockin ron sells some of the dylan type racks for under 10 bucks.
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walter tore's spontobeat - a real one man band and over 1 million spontaneously created songs and growing. I record about 300 full length cds a year.
" life is a daring adventure or nothing at all" - helen keller
4,000+ of my songs
continuous streaming - 200 most current songs
my videos
|
Gnarly
298 posts
Jul 28, 2012
12:43 PM
|
@opendoor Yes, the first thing I did at Ron's was put a chrom in (SCX-48 orchestra bebop) and it fit great! I didn't try any short harps until I got home.
@Walter this looks great! If it didn't work so well with Turbolids as is (and if I wasn't already using two K&Ms, one stack and one gnarlified) (oh god, I'm turning nouns into verbs now), I would try your mod today--as is, I have things to do that I shouldn't put off (it's my first day off in a while).
This is not the perfect rack (flexrack), but it has its virtues, and getting the harp in the right spot and not allowing it to move (with the TurboLids) is one of them (I guess that is actually two things).
g
Last Edited by on Jul 28, 2012 12:52 PM
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waltertore
2441 posts
Jul 28, 2012
2:40 PM
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thanks Gnarly! I don't know what a turbo lid is but I can fit all the harps I own in the flexrack now just like I did in the cheapo I have used for the past 40 years. I actually don't do any adjustments to the part that holds the harp. I keep it lined up with the side bars. The curve in that makes it a perfect fit for me and the hieght and angle is fine that way. I am off to record some stuff with it. Walter
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walter tore's spontobeat - a real one man band and over 1 million spontaneously created songs and growing. I record about 300 full length cds a year.
" life is a daring adventure or nothing at all" - helen keller
4,000+ of my songs
continuous streaming - 200 most current songs
my videos
|
opendoor_harps
61 posts
Jul 29, 2012
1:06 AM
|
Nice going on the mod Walter! Makes perfect sense and parts on hand from the old harp rack.
Its still so new for me, that just using it as is with the bigger harps will probably suffice for time being. I actually did adjust the top part to get the right angle on the XB 40. I would guess its about the same profile as Turbo Lids, but I've never tried them myself.
For a quick fix, I was thinking I'd take the L shaped brackets off one of my other racks (similar to the K & M 410 or 415), and screw them to the bottom bar/ underside of the flex rack. Maybe even have a locking wing nut / bolt that can adjust them tight & correct distance for the size of the harp.
If Gnarly's rack mods are "Gnarlified", that would maybe make Walter's "Spontified"?" :)
I've been enjoying some of the Solo Acoustic tracks you posted Walter. That National Steel has a great tone to compliment your harp and voice.
BT
--------
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Gnarly
299 posts
Jul 29, 2012
2:02 AM
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@ Walter The TurboLids are third party replacement covers for the Special 20.
http://www.turboharp.com/Products.asp?pid=15&tid=&did=&sid=
I like them for a few reasons . . . access to reeds, colors help you stay organized, bottom is bigger so you never play upside down.
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waltertore
2443 posts
Jul 29, 2012
7:20 AM
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I guess we all will have to tweak this thing to our own needs. Hohner has never made a rack that holds the harp very well. Thanks on that info Gnarly.
BT: Thanks. That national steel came to me. I taught a guy how to fly r/c sailplanes and we got to talking music (it rarely comes up in the hobby) and he told me about the guitar. He gave it to me for $100. Walter
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walter tore's spontobeat - a real one man band and over 1 million spontaneously created songs and growing. I record about 300 full length cds a year.
" life is a daring adventure or nothing at all" - helen keller
4,000+ of my songs
continuous streaming - 200 most current songs
my videos
|
opendoor_harps
64 posts
Aug 14, 2012
2:29 AM
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I played a session this evening. Was using the new Flex Rack with an XB 40, when one of the tension knobs/ screws that adjusts the spring tension came loose and exploded, sending the parts flying. Fortunately, it was during a solo and I had my hands on the harp, or it would have hit the floor too.
This Pub has an all back floor which made finding the orphaned spring and knob screw parts quite the adventure.
I'm not quite ready to give up on this new rack yet, but I will carry a K & M in my gig bag as an alternative or backup.
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PeteFarmer
1 post
Sep 12, 2012
9:47 AM
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Hey Walter,
Good to see your still going strong! This is Pete from Farmer FootDrums.com. I wanted to give you a heads up that we are almost done with development of our latest harp holder!
We are promoting this as the "The LAST harp holder you'll ever have to buy again." It will have our patented magnetic harp mount, a quick drop hinge that locks into your personalized upright place (adjusted with micro adjust feature). It will have an adjustable harp angles and will be made right here in the US!
Ingredients: stainless steel 4mm wire frame and hinge, leather neck wrap, and rare earth magnet.
I have a Flex Rack that I tried out, and your right, it doesn't hold up like a $60 harp rack should. Ours will be about the same price, but will be much sleeker and reliable! Hope to hear back from when we are in stock come Nov. 2012.
Cheers,
Pete
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KingoBad
1163 posts
Sep 12, 2012
12:57 PM
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Pete,
Welcome to the forum! I can't wait to see the rack you are developing. I have a lot of respect for your other products, so I will wait anxiously for the new rack. It would be nice to have a total solution.
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Danny
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JInx
300 posts
Sep 12, 2012
1:52 PM
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Hey Pete, I have one of your foot bass drums, love it. Very interested in your harp rack, how about some preview pix?
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Sun, sun, sun
Burn, burn, burn
Soon, soon, soon
Moon, moon, moon
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oldwailer
1921 posts
Sep 12, 2012
2:17 PM
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Yeah Pete! I'm just dyin to see this--I have a pretty good rack--but the magnetic lock and locking setup sounds really cool!
I already gotta have one.. .
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Oldwailer's Web Site
"Too Pretty for the Blues."
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opendoor_harps
72 posts
Sep 13, 2012
12:13 AM
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Sounds interesting Pete. Curious to see what you come up with.
I've still have mixed feelings and am slightly disappointed with the Flex rack. I haven't modified mine yet. I'm still a bit gun shy about using it live since it exploded apart during a gig. Main issue is that it does not hold the diatonic harps so well, and the Golden Melodies and some others not at all.
I've been using the Flex Rack just for bigger harps, (XB 40's, tremolo's, and Chromatics), and have gone back to a K & M for the diatonics.
-Burke T.
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Komuso
58 posts
Sep 28, 2012
5:42 AM
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I just picked up a Hohner Flexrack today. I tested it in the shop first with a bunch of harps, seemed ok.
Looks fine to me, the position tweaking is really great. More solid on the neck too. All the knobs seem ok to me so far.
I'll still use my FrankenRack(tm) made with a combination of parts from a Lee Oskar Harp Rack and a Hohner Harp Rack HH01. One part holds the harp, and the other my retro rocket mic, works great. Mic goes into a Harp Commander III then into Guitar Rig 4.
I quickly hacked up a retro rocket holder for the Flex Rack, but it's heavier and wider than FrankenRack which makes a difference bouncing around playing electric slide at the same time.
FlexRack is perfect for hands free practicing though, and also for acoustic using a stand mic I think.
my 2 yen
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Paul Cohen aka Komuso Tokugawa
HarpNinja - Your harmonica Mojo Dojo
Bringing the Boogie to the Bitstream
Last Edited by on Sep 28, 2012 5:43 AM
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Gnarly
347 posts
Oct 07, 2012
11:57 PM
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I took possession of a Duo Harp device, it works pretty darned well--there go my TurboLids . . .
But I tried it with the Flexrack tonight, and decided the Flexrack has got to go.
It's just like new, and I will ship it to you for $50 post paid.
Just 'cause I don't like it doesn't mean you won't . . .
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