MindTheGap
1158 posts
Feb 13, 2016
5:02 AM
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Oh yes.
It's not pretty but this works for me. An old attache case with my two pedals, leads, power supply, microphone all plugged in a ready to go. Plus a place for lead sheets, harp position chart, pencil.
I tried a few elegant ways to secure the pedals, and read about and thought about a few more, but this nasty solution does the job really well. Forget sticky-back Velcro! Don't mention sticky back Velcro!
And in-use, with the leads out, I put the harps in ready to go. I thought about all sorts of other arrangements, including the 'harps nestling in little foam homes' but there's always some downside or other. Of course I need to keep the harps somewhere when not in use, so see the oh-so-wonderful Lee Oskar modular box system on the left there. And I still have the very useable 7-harp box that came with my truly dreadful hohner bluesband set. The rest I keep in their individual boxes.
I concluded that there was no way to keep everything in one case, and once I realised that, that made everything much easier. Two cases. The other one is a grip-style holdall with 'everything else' in. Tambourine, water bottle, tools...
Last Edited by MindTheGap on Feb 13, 2016 5:19 AM
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Halffast
23 posts
Feb 13, 2016
5:50 AM
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Wow , I thought I'd had an original idea but I should have known better . Developed my own setup very similar to yours . Mine has a power bar ( six outlet ) , a reverb pedal ,a delay pedal , a bypass pedal , and a little NADY four channel mixer . It also carries a microphone , extension cord , instrument cables , and some adapters . It makes a nice compact , convenient setup . I used the unmentionable attachment method and am not really pleased with it either but haven't come up with anything much better yet . I carry my harps in a Hohner trifold , style case but it only holds seven and I'm considering adding some natural minor harps so I'll be needing another one of those or a higher capacity case .
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MindTheGap
1159 posts
Feb 13, 2016
7:01 AM
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Very good, that must be a big case then, to fit all that in?
The particular problem I found was, surprisingly, the length of the cable-pedal chain in the case - you need some distance between the components and various plugs. I did consider tweaks like drilling holes in the sides, or having a vertical in-out socket box like in the guitar pedal boards. If I wanted more pedals, I'd do that to free up some space.
Re harp cases, the best one I've seen is that Seydel upright one, either 6 or 12. That would sit well in my case, and solve the other problem when someone accidently kicks the lid shut with all the cables in the way. Chop chop.
Last Edited by MindTheGap on Feb 13, 2016 7:01 AM
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Killa_Hertz
532 posts
Feb 13, 2016
9:21 AM
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Im making one very similar to this. Mine will have the pedals set up inside also. I'm putting a line in and out for using it like a pedal board if i want. But the way it will normally be setup will be the harp shield, harp attack, harp selay, and zoom multi stomp all hooked up to a LM386 amp with JFET buffer preamp that i built. It has volume, gain, and tone knobs. I have a 6" speaker imma build into the lid of the case. I think the mic ill keep in it will be an aiwa dm-10. It should end up holding atleast a dozen harps. 2 rows of 6 Down both sides. I have more ideas for storage, but i gotta see if they work out. Once i get it all set up I'll post some pics. I made the inside frame out of 1x's and wrapped it in car headliner. Should be cool when it's done. The idea was to have a case that doubled as a pedalboard and busking amp. So i could just open it and play. But if i want a bigger amp i can just switch over to line out.
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"Trust Those Who Seek The Truth. Doubt Those Who Say They Have Found It."
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Mirco
376 posts
Feb 13, 2016
9:59 AM
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I put all my stuff in a backpack. It has two zippered compartments.
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Marc Graci
YouTube Channel
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Killa_Hertz
533 posts
Feb 13, 2016
10:27 AM
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The case i use everyday is a husky zipper pouch for home depot. Inside i have my feeler guage swiss army knife i made, ( with plinkers, reed wrenches, shim stock, etc.), a set of screwdrivers and picks, a notebook, a set of files, a flashlight, and either my seydel 6 case or 12 harp case. Theres a little window on the outside of the bag for a nametag. Ive put a chart in it that tells you what harp to use for what position. I got pretty much everything i need in it to do adjustments on the fly if i have to. Btw those seydel cases are awsome. They are pretty much the smallest most compact cases possible. I highly recommend them.
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"Trust Those Who Seek The Truth. Doubt Those Who Say They Have Found It."
Last Edited by Killa_Hertz on Feb 13, 2016 10:28 AM
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MindTheGap
1160 posts
Feb 13, 2016
10:41 AM
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kHz - Nice. Again - how big is this case?
Mirco - But what's in there? Minimalist or lots of kit?
I learnt from bitter experience with this and other activities that spending a bit of effort on getting cases for everything is worth the trouble. It's the only way I can practically end up with the right stuff in the right place.
But I can pretend it's only practical. It's aesthetically pleasing. I was going to cover my attache cases in stickers, but I'm in two minds about that. So currently it looks like I'm off to the office to do some paperwork.
Last Edited by MindTheGap on Feb 13, 2016 10:43 AM
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Killa_Hertz
536 posts
Feb 13, 2016
10:52 AM
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The one im building? It's just a briefcase. Normal Size i guess. I could take actually measurements if you want. I bought it at the flea market for $2. I got alot of other things im doing to it that i didn't tell yall. But ill show you when I'm done. The amp is smaller than a pedal. It doesnt take up hardly any room. The harp attack may be replaced by the harp break just so i can run them all off of a 9v daisy chain. If i use the harp attack i have to find a place for another adapter. Although i could use batteries and possibly only run the adapter if needed. But the idea was not teally having to plug anything in. Just open and play. I have a few other boxes i bought to make different style cases out of.
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"Trust Those Who Seek The Truth. Doubt Those Who Say They Have Found It."
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SuperBee
3391 posts
Feb 13, 2016
11:24 AM
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Mine is the same case as yours, MTG, but with some changes:
Last Edited by SuperBee on Feb 13, 2016 2:16 PM
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MindTheGap
1161 posts
Feb 13, 2016
12:53 PM
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Yes indeed. Well I read all the opinions about cases, and took note of your dislike of the harps-in-a-foam-cutouts scheme. Which otherwise seems to be the prevailing scheme for the fancy custom cases.
Which is good, because I nearly bought an aluminium case complete with pick-n-pluck foam cubes. Seemed like a good idea, but I read someone saying they'd dropped theirs, I think, and the whole thing had ended up all mashed up together.
Last Edited by MindTheGap on Feb 13, 2016 12:54 PM
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SuperBee
3392 posts
Feb 13, 2016
2:13 PM
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I read that too. And With just a little imagination i could see it happening.
When I made mine, I intended to use the space under the tray to store harps as well. I could fit Maybe another 14 in there. But really I only use 7 keys max on a show, so I just don't need to carry 27 harps. I carry backups for the main keys, which is why I have 13. If I need to add a CT or chromatic I just fit that in. The space under the tray is useful for general misc. like screwdriver, biro, batteries, paperwork, guitar tuner...one band I was in, this was necessary...not for my use!...and the chromatic will fit if needed.
Another perhaps salient point; when I designed the layout I failed to take account of how much space the fabric takes up. As a result the centre section intended for my pedals to fit snugly is too tight. Not a deal breaker but if I made another I'd allow for it.
I carry three pedals and up to 3 mics in the case. I've also taken to carrying 2 cables; a 20' mic cable and a 10' guitar cable. I use these together...the shorter cable connects my delay pedal to the amp. I used to fret about signal degradation with such s long run, so I always sat my pedals on the amp and plugged them in with a patch cable. But I like having them on the floor where I can use them without having to return to the amp.
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SuperBee
3393 posts
Feb 13, 2016
2:38 PM
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a few more shots in case (ha!) anyon is interested:
the compartments are made from balsa, cut to fit together snugly and hold in place. i then glued the parts which run around the sides of the case.
i cut fabric to fit and glued that over the lot. its partly for appearance, but i think it ties everything together and adds quite a deal of strength to the structure. the fabric does take up space though.
this hinge was the main difficulty with my design. i wanted to make a removable tray to hold my harps, but the hinge needs space to work in. my solution is this:
i like the tray because i can sit it on top of the amp or on a table, chair or on the floor in front of me; its a lot smaller than the case!
the tray is made from hardwood (specifically 'Tasmanian Oak' which is eucalypt) with masonite in the bottom and lined with felt.
i could have just taken those hinges out too. when ive been busking ive sometimes used the case as my begging bowl, and for that application it may have been better to have the lid open up fully. that would require fitting the lid with a different hinge style. i think it would be easy enough to do but sturdiness is always a consideration
Last Edited by SuperBee on Feb 13, 2016 4:47 PM
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SuperBee
3394 posts
Feb 13, 2016
2:47 PM
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a case,,,when i started to play in a band i used to just put my harps in a bag. that was ok for a while but my pedals lost paint and it was a muddle so i made this case and now i can hardly believe it was ever any other way. at home i have harps all over the place but i always know i have this set ready to go at a moments notice..
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Ian
298 posts
Feb 13, 2016
5:21 PM
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I don't have the need to carry leads, mics and stuff around as frankly there is no point, it's not like I'm gigging or anything...
I use a suzuki 7 harp case if I'm taking a few harps somewhere.
But at home I keep my harps in an antique hohner traveling salesmans wooden tiered box. Which is awesome, I love it, looks very cool in our bedroom.
I'm trying to keep it as minimal as possible at the moment, working on my acoustic tone etc, so for me, for the most part, just a single harp in a plastic case is all that needs to be carried anywhere! Want to see a picture? ;)
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Halffast
25 posts
Feb 14, 2016
6:02 AM
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Like KHz , my case is an old briefcase that I used in college . Everything is set up like a pedal board . I just open it up ( my lid latches open , thankfully ) plug a cord into the power bar , and the cable out into an amp to play . Never thought of building a speaker into the " system " . Not sure I have room .
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MindTheGap
1162 posts
Feb 14, 2016
9:14 AM
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Superbee - is your case for packing everything you need into it, then taking the kit out when you play (harp tray, pedals, etc)? If so I wanted the opposite I think - a case that I can put things into when I play, with the pedals already plugged in and used from the case. I couldn't think of a way to engineer both, unless it were a case with two layers. You know, a lower layer to pack in everything tightly, and an upper tray will more room.
I reckon with the addition of the seydel cases, I could keep harps in there too. I guess your tray works because the harps are kept in place by the lid of the case itself?
Halffast - If you had a photo that would be great. I can't imagine how you can pack all that into that space. Might give me some ideas.
Ian - Yes please. A photo of your single harp and its case would be good :) No one is left out of the forum!
Last Edited by MindTheGap on Feb 14, 2016 9:18 AM
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MindTheGap
1163 posts
Feb 14, 2016
9:23 AM
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I wish someone made a harp box that was a tray like Superbee's but with a lid. Then my evil plan would be complete, and I could keep a tray of harps in there, and simply remove the lid to play.
I bet there's some Tupperware-type thing out there, with just the right dimensions that could be repurposed. Or, I wonder if you can buy just the Lee Oskar boxes. It's not the most efficient use of space but pretty good.
Last Edited by MindTheGap on Feb 14, 2016 9:23 AM
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SuperBee
3396 posts
Feb 14, 2016
11:40 AM
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Yes, I hadn't thought of using the case as a pedalboard. My case is for holding my gear to take to gigs or jams. I think it'd be a bit hazardous to have the case with lid open on the stage floor, both as a tripping hazard and from pov of breaking the case. If I could completely remove the lid maybe it'd be ok.
This leads me to think about the pedals though, and the possibility of setting them up on a board as people do. I don't suppose it matters if you use a power supply, but at least with the LW pedals, they are 'on' if there is a lead plugged 'in'. That has always bugged me. Is that just a pedal thing? To save a separate switch? What i think it means is that if you leave them plugged in and you have a battery installed, the pedal will drain the battery even if you are not aren't actively using it?
My zoom H1 recorder does this (even worse) and it's very irritating. Even switched off it continues to drain battery. It does mean I don't leave a battery in it to leak and destroy the wiring I guess, but it's not very convenient from day to day.
Anyway, yes, what I wanted was a way to carry my gear.
I saw Charlie Musselwhite play the Palais theatre in Melbourne a couple years ago, and I noticed he had a folding card table on stage with his harps on it, in the case...one of those aluminium jobs.
Ok for him as the front man and plenty of space on stage.
I saw a local player recently...also a front man...with his harps scattered on a small table in the no-mans-land between the mic stands and front of stage. The lights were low and it was hard for him to see his harps...they were in proprietary cases...at one point he had to come around the front of stage and go through a bunch of harps to find what he wanted. This is a hazard in low light; finding the right harp. Some organisation helps.
Those Seydel cases are good, but tricky to casually put the harp back in the elastic retainer. I use one for storage. I have a hohner 7-harp case as well that I keep a set in that I carry to my neighbors place to jam acoustically, or to the club where I'll just use the PA.
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MindTheGap
1167 posts
Feb 15, 2016
2:18 AM
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Re Seydel case. Ah yes, good point. I can see that not working in practice then. Unless you do actually wear it on the belt as intended. I've found they do see empty LO cases (at a wide variety of crazy prices but I've found some in the UK for under £3 ea.)
A table would be nice, apart from the everything-tumbling-over effect. And on the ground it can't fall far but it's a trip hazard. Hmmm.
Maybe 'wearing your harps' is the way to go. I'm not ready for a John Popper bandolier just yet. But the seydel case is a bit more subtle.
I have a trace memory of a denim jacket, with harps in each pocket. Is that a thing?
Last Edited by MindTheGap on Feb 15, 2016 2:19 AM
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SuperBee
3399 posts
Feb 15, 2016
4:00 AM
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i used to wear jackets and designate pockets for keys..but also absent-mindedly mix them up...
my neighbour gave me a cartridge belt with the idea i could turn it into a harp belt...i'm not sure.
i have seen photos of john Mayall with a harp belt. he used to wear that tassled jacket which i guess disguised it a bit...then again he also used to play bare-chested quite a lot. ive seen photos of sonny terry with a harp belt.
i wasnt a huge fan of charlie's table idea...you understand, he was out front and the table was to his side and maybe a little ahead. i just thought it looked a bit funny with the table getting so much action on that big stage. on a pub bandstand it may have been different.
at jams i sit my tray on my amp if theres room. i know how the harps sit in the tray and i can recognise them even as they sit holes up, so its good that way. but at a gig i hate to turn my back on the audience, so if i know the set list i'll probably put the relevant harps in my pockets for a few songs or set my tray down by my mic stand
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MindTheGap
1168 posts
Feb 15, 2016
5:08 AM
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The seydel belt bag is more discrete, more my style. Yes, I'm conscious of turning round and bobbing up and down to change harps. You can get these trays that clip on a mic stand - Ronnie Shellist advertises them on his site. A bit like a table in function, without it being the start of the show. Pricey for me though.
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Mirco
379 posts
Feb 15, 2016
4:36 PM
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If I'm going to a harp friendly jam, then it's just the harps. I never bring my own mic or amp if there's already something set up. Some guys like to use their own mics, but the sound is usually dialed into the existing setup, so you can run into problems there.
If it's not set up for harp, or it's my gig, I bring a set of 8 harmonicas, a mic, mic cord, and extension cord in my bag. Bring the amp.
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Marc Graci
YouTube Channel
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MindTheGap
1174 posts
Feb 16, 2016
11:50 AM
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Mirco - Thanks for the detail. I guess we're covering various types of use here: home practice, gigging and jams and they all have different needs.
Do you have a case for your 8-harp set? Or just the individual boxes, or just loose?
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Mirco
380 posts
Feb 17, 2016
12:00 AM
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I have a set of Suzuki Manji's. When I bought 7 of them as a set, it came with a carrying pouch. I added a low F to round out the set.
Seydel makes a cool folding case. It holds 7 harmonicas to a side. If you put harmonicas in both sides, it can hold 14 but it gets kind of bulky.
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Marc Graci
YouTube Channel
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Halffast
26 posts
Feb 17, 2016
5:38 AM
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The Seydel folder sounds like just what I am looking for to add a few more harps to my kit . Thanks , Mirco .
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Mirco
381 posts
Feb 17, 2016
11:34 AM
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Seydel Case:
http://www.amazon.com/SEYDEL-Soft-case-14-Harps/dp/B00CPSUY10/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1455737638&sr=8-1&keywords=seydel+harmonica+case
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Marc Graci
YouTube Channel
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MindTheGap
1190 posts
Feb 20, 2016
4:51 AM
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I received my Seydel Case today. Not that flat one Micro, but the 6-harps-on-the-belt one. I declare it to be good. It's highly compact storage, so I can keep my main-key harps in the briefcase and then on my belt, and so reduce on-stage bobbing up and down. And keep exotic keys and backups elsewhere.
The zip is YKK, a proper make, which hopefully means it won't break.
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Last Edited by MindTheGap on Feb 20, 2016 4:51 AM
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Killa_Hertz
602 posts
Feb 20, 2016
7:24 AM
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MTG. Ive been telling people about the seydel 6 harp case for a while now. Its great. I also have the 12 of the same kind. They are really as small a case as possible. I love em. I never use em on a belt. I put mine in a zippered husky pouch along with some other stuff.
One thing i recommend you do to this pouch. If you look inside you ll notice that the back row is seperated, while the other two rows are NOT. Well the covers of the harps in these two rows will rub together at the bottom of the case. You ll notice over time the covers will all have a wear mark in the same spot. You can fix this by making a divider for these two rows. I took two pieces of cardboard with a piece of vinyl flooring in the middle and trimmed it to fit. You can't hardly even see it. And it doesnt shift or need adjustment. Works great and the harps don't get scratched up.
Figured ide tell you before you figure it out the hard way, like i did.
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"Trust Those Who Seek The Truth. Doubt Those Who Say They Have Found It."
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MindTheGap
1191 posts
Feb 20, 2016
8:28 AM
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Ah ha, yes I see it. I've made a divider with some corrugated plastic sheet.
Thanks for the tip!
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Crawforde
75 posts
Feb 20, 2016
11:52 AM
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I use a similar case, it is an old binocular, or small camera case. It holds 4 harmonicas upright , or three and my little cheat sheet notebook. There are no divers in it, but I put each harp in a Seydel leather sleeve, it is tight enough that the sleeve stays in if I pull the harmonica out.
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MindTheGap
1196 posts
Feb 21, 2016
3:51 AM
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Crawforde - I oscillate between...
a) delighting in repurposing stuff. The less I've paid for it the better. E.g. the attache case in my OP.
b) delighting in buying something expressly made for the purpose. No mess, no fuss, no gaffer tape.
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MindTheGap
1219 posts
Feb 26, 2016
1:13 AM
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I tried out my seydel six-on-the-belt case at a rehearsal yesterday. Often these good ideas hit some problem in reality, but this worked really well. All I have to do is remember to ALWAYS put them bag in the bag rather than lay them down momentarily on some other surface! (where's my A-harp, now you see it, now you don't).
Oh yes, and I flexed my new found cable-coiling technique (from the hints and tips thread in the other place). Despite the potential risk of knots (gasp!) this made setting up/breaking down the PA much easier.
Last Edited by MindTheGap on Feb 26, 2016 1:15 AM
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