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Harmonica Cases
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kham
198 posts
Feb 07, 2021
11:23 AM
I'm looking to buy a harmonica case. I am not really a generic human so I am wondering if anyone knows anyone who makes cases. I would like something original. Needs to hold one mic, 1 chromatic and 16 harmonicas. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.
Tonyblues
73 posts
Feb 07, 2021
5:48 PM
I made mine from a briefcase click on October to see
Posted by Tony and the Tuff Times on Sunday, October 18, 2020

Last Edited by Tonyblues on Feb 07, 2021 5:51 PM
kham
200 posts
Feb 07, 2021
6:39 PM
Sweet. What harp keys are you carrying? I usually have 15 diatonics and you 14. Just curious. I'm assuming you don't have a B.

What is the insert cutouts made from and where does one purchase foam?
Tonyblues
74 posts
Feb 07, 2021
7:09 PM
Hey Kham, LOL, I'll change it a bit depending if I am playing with a jazz group, my band or a solo act. But right now I have A, Bb x2, C x2, D x2, Db, E, Eb, F, G, Ab, B. The foam is Kaizen foam from FastCap. It is layered so you can pull off 1/8" at a time and comes in 1 1/8" and 2 1/4" This is the stuff that doesn't fall apart. Cheap and fun to create your own space.

Last Edited by Tonyblues on Feb 07, 2021 7:26 PM
dougharps
2238 posts
Feb 07, 2021
8:18 PM
My main gig case is an old stripped out black wooden shell trumpet case that can carry everything I need for a gig. I like using Seydel 12 harp (really 14) belt cases as modules to separate my diatonics from each other. The Seydel belt cases can hold 2 extra harps one on each end.

I don't have to deal with foam being custom fit to a case or fitting my specific brand of harps. If you use the modular belt bag approach for the diatonic harps all you would need to find is a larger case to hold the bags, chromatic, and mic. One 12 harp and one 6 harp Seydel case should do it for your diatonics.
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Doug S.

Last Edited by dougharps on Feb 07, 2021 8:32 PM
SuperBee
6894 posts
Feb 07, 2021
10:30 PM
I took an old briefcase and stripped out all the innards. I got some balsa which was roughly half as wide as the inside height of the case including the space in the lid. My balsa strip was 30mm x 10mm I think. I cut this so it would form a frame inside the base of the case, divided into 3 compartments. It was very easy to do this and fit it all together so it would stay in place just with a compression fit. I then glued the balsa into the case. I also glued a thin sheet of bubble wrap into the lid.
I built a tray to fit over one of the end compartments. Both the compartment and the tray were measured up to fit the length of a diatonic Harmonica. I built the tray from some scrap hardwood for the frame and used a piece of scrap Masonite for the base. I lined it with some acrylic felt.

I used some fabric to glue in and cover all the framing.
I carved out a clearance in the frame of the tray to allow the hinge to operate with the tray in place. I can fit 13 harps in the tray. Low F to F.
I can fit the same number in the compartment below the tray, or use it for storage of other items like a pen, cards, paper, vacuum tubes, screwdriver etc.
The other 2 compartments just offer space for mics, chromatics, leads, pedals. Basically whatever I might need. Originally I carried a couple of pedals but then the pedals migrated to a board, and then I decided pedals are a distraction and got rid of them, so now the space allows for a couple of chromatics.
I don’t like foam cutouts in a case partly because of the hygiene aspect but mainly because I think they waste a lot of space.
I admit I was pretty lucky with my case that with the lid closed it is more or less the exact size to accept those 2 layers of harps so there is no rattling about. I keep my mics in padded sleeves and the combination of cables and compartments basically keeps everything nice and snug.
jbone
3317 posts
Feb 08, 2021
6:58 AM
Call me boring but I ought a nice tweed harp case about 3 years ago strictly for harps. I had a black case similar which carries mics and cables. We do a lot of acoustic so I like having some separation between mics and harps.

Along the same lines, about 3 years ago we lived on a 3rd floor in an apartment. I had amps, p.a., and all the related gear to move up and down and in and out as we had some amped gigs there in that city. Jolene hit on the idea of getting large plastic totes for transport, and this has been a life saver. 3 big totes carry both amps- Silvertone 1482's- the Yamaha Stagepas p.a., and all the related gear. My harp case and all the other gear fits in the 3rd tote. Then it's just a bag of speaker and mic stands and guitars and we are loaded and rolling. The totes fit in the bed of my truck and it has a bed cover that keeps out most of the water if it rains.
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Last Edited by jbone on Feb 14, 2021 11:26 AM
dougharps
2242 posts
Feb 14, 2021
8:13 AM
This might be a case to customize:

Wooden Suitcase at Michaels

If I didn't have the horn case, this might be what I would use.
----------

Doug S.

Last Edited by dougharps on Feb 14, 2021 8:15 AM
jbone
3320 posts
Feb 14, 2021
11:29 AM
Yeah Doug, if I needed one I'd grab that up! My original harp case was a wooden cigar box I dressed up with all brass fixtures, hinges, latch, chains, corner guards. Inside I fitted with tongue depressors and velvet to make compartments. It was way small for what I pack today but this one at Michael's looks good.
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Music and travel destroy prejudice.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1109912442677135/?ref=bookmarks



Reverbnation

Facebook

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Tonyblues
76 posts
Feb 14, 2021
12:11 PM
jbone! Thanks man! Tongue depressors are what I need to mod up my case. I knew there was something out there.
thanks for the idea.
jbone
3321 posts
Feb 14, 2021
1:45 PM
Elmer's Glue-all is what I stuck them in with Tony. I love cottage industry!

----------
Music and travel destroy prejudice.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1109912442677135/?ref=bookmarks



Reverbnation

Facebook

https://www.youtube.com/feed/my_videos
snowman
671 posts
Feb 17, 2021
10:58 AM
If u have 16 harps, I hope u look for a vertical stack for yr harps--

U can put a ton of harps in a ,vertical rathur than horizontal stack, its easier to put in columns.
for example
1 column A C D E F G harps,
maybe another column Bb Db Eb Gb B Hi G or lowF

I gave up on storing my mic in a case with harps--I have a designated back pack that carries harp case-mics

Todd Parrot had a link to the case, on one of his posts

My case carries all 12 keys- 8-9 nat minor---Hi G,Low F -small flashlight-slide-pics n more-- it takes up no more space onstage than the bottom of a mic stand. I put my pack with some back up harps A C D, my back up mic, a DI box, cords etc , tucked in at front stage or behind an amp.

I think for people who bring more than 5-6 harps should go vertical stack---I look down at my case-I know the first row are standard harps--2nd row sharps flats--3rd nat min and special

I keep 2 chromatics in backpack or by mic stand


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