[Harp-L] Pelican Cases?

[Bill Hines <billhines4@xxxxxxxxx>]

In my short life as a harp player, I graduated from the Hohner 
Mississippi Saxophone case (kinda cool looking, but fibers that can get 
caught in reeds, limited space, shoddy construction) to a generic tool 
case from lowes or home depot that someone posted here (aluminum, with 
dividers, very shoddy construction - handle fell off dropping case to 
the parking lot, shoulder strap broke twice).

I liked the latter since it was versatile - I could re-arrange the 
dividers or some foam to fit what I was using the case for at that time. 
I don't always put in the same "stuff". For example if I'm traveling 
somewhere without my amp I would put in my Digitech RP250 and related 
"stuff'. If I was traveling with the amp to the jam, I would leave out 
the RP250 and bring more mics/cables.

So my idea was to have multiple pick and pluck foam inserts that were 
set up for whatever usage I had planned each week. Just put in the right 
insert and there would be spots for all my stuff. I played around with 
this some with the lowes case but didn't want to go so far since it was 
falling apart and I knew I'd have to get something else soon.

Someone posted on harptalk a link to a case for telescope accessories 
with pick and pluck foam and it looked good, inexpensive at $50 but the 
additional foam inserts I'd want were $21. I searched for another source 
for those and came across the replaceable foam inserts (including pick 
'n pluck) for just a few bucks at http://www.foamerica.com. Nice!

But while I was there, I saw they carry the Pelican cases that are used 
by EMTs, military, SCUBA, etc. These are rugged, lightweight cases that 
can take a tremendous beating without damaging their goods, rated to be 
airtight underwater at 50 meters for 30 minutes (longer for some), they 
also float in case you are gigging on water. They have a "case 
calculator" on the pelican site www.pelican.com. The medium or laptop 
ones look good, but if you really need space (and want to freak out a 
few guitar players) check out the weapons cases.

So I'm thinking, why would I *not* want one of these? Is anyone using 
them or have any bad experiences with them?

Thanks, Bill