SmokeJS
296 posts
Sep 21, 2014
6:48 AM
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Was going to go for a custom harmonica case but decided to repurpose an old case bought for $1. Much of the recent posting about purchasing problems convinced me this was worth pursuing. When I say "funky" old case I'm referring more to smell rather than appearance but after a few days I seem to have that under control. But finding apprporiate foam or dividers is proving to be a challenge. Any suggestions? Thanks.
Last Edited by SmokeJS on Sep 21, 2014 6:48 AM
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dougharps
732 posts
Sep 21, 2014
8:10 AM
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I finally opted to use Seydel 12 harp belt bags (one easily holds 14) as the inserts in my case(s). Based on what kind of gig I am playing I can move them to smaller cases or pack a larger case.
I usually use a pistol case with room for 8 chromatics or empty trumpet case depending on the situation and my need for mics, pedals, and cables. Sometimes I just take one belt bag and a C chromatic. Since I often use keyed chromatics and sometimes take 8 chroms in a case, having this flexibility helps.
This provides flexible case options, fabric cases that store vertically and take up minimal space... it works for me.
Seydel 12 harp belt bag at Rockin' Ron's
No affiliation, etc.
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Doug S.
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Pistolcat
697 posts
Sep 21, 2014
10:48 AM
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There is a lot of foam inlaid cases in miniature, table top gaming. Google 'army cases' 'warhammer cases' or maybe 'games workshop'
Etc... If. Maybe one could commission one of those very neat, sure handed and broke youngsters to build you an inlay. I bet they could work cheap...
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Pistolkatt - Pistolkatts youtube
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SuperBee
2205 posts
Sep 22, 2014
6:40 AM
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That's a good thought PistolCat!
Personally, I don't like the close-fitting foam inserts. For 1 thing, I don't like foam and what happens when it gets wet. Which is related to the way it stops the air, or removes the airspace from the case.
Secondly, I think it's a waste of space.
I like to lay my harps in a removable tray, holes upward.. I started with a discarded briefcase and removed all the document pockets from the lid. I built a frame with compartment dividers from balsa. Balsa is easy to work with and light. I cut it to hold together snugly, and glued it in place. I covered the interior of the case with fabric, again using glue to stick it down. Once covered with fabric, the balsa is plenty strong to deal with the requirements of providing separation of cables and mics from pedals, from the harp tray insert and the space underneath which holds misc small items. Really the compartments just help keep it tidy /stop things banging around.
I chose a fairly innocuous glue.
The removable tray is very practical. It holds 13 diatonics, with almost space for a 14th. This allows enough space to easily pick out the harp I need. The tray is built from scrap hardwood with a scrap of Masonite for the floor, and lined with felt.
Cost about $20
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The Black Pit
26 posts
Sep 22, 2014
11:41 PM
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Like dougharps, I also use handgun cases. They'll protect your harps and mics from a 2nd story drop onto concrete. Plus, I already had 'em, so no additional investment required.
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"The blues are the roots of all American music. As long as American music survives, so will the blues."...Willie Dixon
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SuperBee
2207 posts
Sep 23, 2014
12:24 AM
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SteveTech,
here are 7 i took today. its done 3 years service now. i bought new balsa but the rest is from scrap. i 'almost' had enough fabric. you can see in one of the pics it doesnt quite meet the fabric along the back in the bottom of the case. i put in detail of the tray, where i carved it out to fit around the hinge.
the upholstery was definitely the challenging part. dimensions were based around how big a harp is. i fitted the balsa so i could instal the tray with something to support it and make a space under, and then the rest of the balsa around the edge is really just there to lock the dividers in place. the structure of this is really sound, just my fabric fitting is rough and ready. looks good if you dont look too closely. but its been at least 3 years now and i use it every day. the outside of the briefcase has a few nicks, i decided to use the stickers to start making a second skin for it...
Last Edited by SuperBee on Sep 23, 2014 4:32 AM
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mlefree
185 posts
Sep 23, 2014
9:31 AM
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My "Compact-14" hybrid leather/kydex plastic case might give you some ideas.
Good Luck and let us know what you end up deciding.
Michelle
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SilverWingLeather.com
email: mlefree@silverwingleather.com
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SteveTech
6 posts
Sep 23, 2014
7:00 PM
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Thanks for the pics. It's time for me to decide on a case, and I'm sure many of us are in the same boat. There are so many options, it helps to see what's actually working for people.
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