Re: [Harp-L] Harmonica Case

[Bill Hines <billhines4@xxxxxxxxx>]

"What kind of harmonica cases do you people use?"

I've tried a number of them, starting with the crappy but faux-cool 
looking Hohner tweed or black ones, which are small and have the little 
red flock/fibers inside to get into your reeds and jam them for you, 
etc. Also fall apart after a while. Junk for newbies like me who don't 
know no better.

Then I tried the generic silver tool case from Lowes or Home Depot that 
folks were recommending and it was a total piece of ugly crap (should 
have known for the price) and the handle and then straps fell apart on me.

So my needs are a little different I guess. These harp cases mostly come 
with 'slots' to put your harps in as well as slots for all your gear 
(mics, cables, etc). Meaning you have to have the whole honkin' case up 
on stage (now what - screw it into a mic stand and watch it fall over? 
sit it on a bar stool and be in everyone's way and still watch it fall 
over? put it on the floor and step on it?). That's not for me. I keep my 
harps in a padded Seydel zipper case that holds 14 harps. *that* is what 
I bring on stage and usually sit on top of something safe nearby like 
the B3 organ (he don't mind) opened so I can select a harp quickly. 
After I set up, I get my case closed up and out of the way (not too far 
though in case I have to swap a mic or cable), and where I can see it.

As for my gear, I went with a Pelican case (1550) that has two layers of 
high quality foam that you can pluck and shape to fit your gear. It also 
has a pressure equalization valve for airplanes and such, and will float 
and if submerged is waterproof (don't laugh I had to go to a gig on a 
party boat twice this past summer, both times piloted by a crazy and I 
believe inebriated person and yes there was an accident right in front 
of us). This case may be big/bulky to some (good thing they don't play 
guitar, organ, drums, etc) but it's perfect for me. My stuff is *safe* 
(it can be locked, it's big and too noticeable to smuggle out easily) in 
there so I feel much better.  It's incredibly high quality and that's 
why Pelican is used by photographers, scuba divers, and other 
professionals who are using very expensive gear and want to protect it. 
Doesn't look cool but it works. Leave it in the rain or drive off with 
it on top of the car? No damage (as long as you recover it!)

And plenty roomy (you could probably get one of the smaller ones), I 
have my Digitech RP350 and power supply, along with my Lone Wolf Delay 
(for when I'm using my Sonny Jr but I take the Digitech instead for 
dangerous activities on water), mics etc in the bottom layer. On the top 
layer I put my harp case, recording gear, cables, etc.

I'm happy in the case dept (finally). I would really investigate some of 
the fine cases by the folks here in the harmonica community that make 
them, it's good to support them if any of their models fit your needs.

Bill Hines