Subject: RE: [Harp-L] Chromatic harmonica case, part 2

[EGS1217@xxxxxxx]

John Balding responds to George Leung:
 
"My advice would be to go to an upholstery shop. They will have foam  in
all thicknesses and densities. They also have the tools to cut the  foam
with precision versus using a hobby knife at home. The cost  will
probably be minimal. They may not have the time or desire to cut  it for
you, but I'll bet that you can get the piece you need for free  because
it will be considered a "scrap" from a larger job. If they have  a good
supply of the scraps, get all you can. They will come in handy  for
future endeavors."
 
....this I didn't know or think about. Great info.   I've bought foam at 
fabric stores (Joann's comes to mind)...the kind  used to make deep cushions for 
window-seats, etc. (2- 6 inches thick and  several feet long - depending on 
one's need).  Not sure just how  small a piece one can buy....but probably a 
yard.  It can be cut  fairly easily...but experienced crafters know the best tool 
to cut  upholstery foam is an old electric carving knife....for big cuts and  
shaping.   For our needs here and harmonica cases,  one doesn't  have to get 
overly fancy...just cut the block to fit the case wall to  wall...then lay out 
the harps until the best configuration is  reached...either mark the foam for 
the harps before cutting (the way you'd  lay out pegboard for your tools on a 
garage wall) ....and then simply use  a steak knife to incise a small 
opening.....a case I bought on EBay is  actually deep enough for all my harps to stand 
upright...so it's just a  matter of making a small slit, pushing the foam 
aside for  the diatonics to slide downwards.  
 
Chromatics need a different approach.. a more precise  fit.  The case I 
bought is actually a small, vintage  suitcase resembling the Fender Tweed....but 
very deep and already fitted  with new foam ready for customizing.  The foam can 
be changed  at will.  That case is far too heavy for me to carry  on a 
plane...better for storage at home, or for a "gig" case (not that I'm  ever likely 
to have one of those  :)  ...so I bought the black  one I mentioned previously 
for easy carrying and protection of a couple of  big chromatics like my Super 
64.
 
George...there's a possibility I have an extra box from an older  regular 64 
(280)...which fits the Super 64....but I rarely use those boxes  (the 
tortoiseshell looking ones)...so if you want, I'd be happy to give  you one I don't 
use...the finish might be a little beat up (I haven't  looked at them in a 
while)...not that those boxes hold up very well to the  rigors of transportation 
either...which is why I prefer the plastic cases,  and/or fitting them into 
foam.  
 
Elizabeth