The Ultimate Harmonica Case?
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- Опубликовано: 1 окт 2024
- Richard Sleigh shows some harmonica cases he has used over the years, what works best for him, and why...
For info on buying the ultimate harmonica case send an email to rrsleigh@gmail.com with "harmonica case" in the subject line
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Thanks for sharing. I don't have that many harmonicas, so I only have an EVA box of 10 for storage. I'm thinking I might use this box if I have more in the future.
Thanks for the information. I have a basic difference with you on storage. I organise by 5ths, meaning that 1st, 2nd 3rd positions etc, are in order, and guess what, when you count all the way around,12th is next to first, and I use 12th a bit. Two big advantages. If the key is known, all positions are in order. If the key is not known, narrowing in by trial and error is easy, if you pick up a harp that is 4th position, it sounds a lot closer than say one in say 8th, giving you direction as to what to try next.
Angus
So your columns would be:
C - G - D - A - E - B - F#, Db - Ab - Eb - Bb - F
This does make sense to me, and I might give it a try. I'd have to practice grabbing harps this way to see if I can wrap my head around this idea...
Thanks for posting!
The alphabet grid system is cool. I always store mine G through F# for some reason.
Well, G is normally the lowest standard key, so there is some logic to your method...
You have the correct order. It's called the circle of 5ths, and being a circle, it doesn't matter where you start. I have thought of building a circular case, but haven't got around to it. I simply use a rectangular case , and my "circle" is actually a rectangle, with spares, different tunings etc set in appropriate places
Thanks for your interest
Angus
I've been working with the circle of fifths for years. I created a couple of circle of fifths calculators - cards with a wheel you can move to use the info in the circle of fifths to solve problems - one is a "harp position finder" the other one is a "scale degree finder" - hotrodharmonicas.myshopify.com/products/instant-harp-position-finder-instant-scale-degree-finder-cards
here is a video on them - ruclips.net/video/GRse4_uFPE8/видео.html
I can really dig where you are going with this. The idea of a circular case is in my opinion not going to work. The circle concept is awesome for collapsing the ideas of the circle of fifths but as a physical template for storage would not work very well mainly because concentric circles would become progressively bigger and use more space. The rows and columns of the grid storage systems give you the best use of space and all of the harps will be oriented so you can read the key stickers easily. So you have two mental models - the circle, with a movable inner wheel to instantly transpose, and the spreadsheet rows and columns grid system for storage. You are combining the two by using the circle of fifths order of keys in a grid...
You don't really need a "circular" case... a "linear" case works fine... just put the "C" harp in the very middle... I have a 7-slot belt case (from Jeff Spoor), that I keep on my computer desktop with my most common 7 harps, in order A, D, G, C, F, Bb, and Eb... and I arrange them similarly in my larger cases.
BUT, I would not be surprised if I come across some sort of circular case at least 4.5 inches tall that I can turn into a harp case someday... HAH !
Or just put a circle of fifths chart on the inside of the top lid. Solving a problem that doesn’t need solving, especially when playing live.
Harmonica cases have come a long way since I started in 1978... I quickly acquired all the 12 major keys, some harmonic minor keys, and some Hohner Echo harps... I use to carry them in one of those leather shaving kit bags... what a jumbled mess !
Over the years, I bought several cases, like the zippered 7 hole cases, and the belt-type pouches that you have (from Jeffrey Spoor) and I do love those cases !
Eventually bought a "Mississippi Sax" case, that is still a favorite, depending on what I need to carry around.
Another favorite was the Hetrick case that had plexi-glass dividers and held 42 harmonicas... great to be able to hold so many harps !
The Hetrick cases are no longer available.
I actually built my own custom case that used two sets of the Hetrick 42 harp dividers, and room in between to hold chromatic, echoes, etc, using an aluminum tool case that I bought from Home Depot (years ago).... I can attach it to a chopped (shortened) mic stand... I mainly use it in my man-cave where I spend most of my time.
Hal Iwan made some awesome foam cases, and I own a couple of those as well, but those are no longer available.
Seems most harmonica manufacturers offer some sort of harmonica case that fits various needs.
I use to arrange mine alphabetically, but now I usually arrange them in order by "the circle of 5ths"... it just made more sense than alphabetically, especially if you play in multiple positions... but having alternate tunings can pose a problem, so I usually carry them in a separate case.
It is a never ending process, but it sure feels good when you go to a gig and you look like you know what you are doing!
@@richardroysleigh You know what ? The secret to a good life is looking like you always know what you are doing !
@@richardroysleigh Be sure to let us know when your harp case is ready... I am living proof that you can never have too many harmonicas or harmonica cases... HAH !
@@airmojo I started pricing the 21 harmonica box using rigid cardboard covered with matte black outer paper (think Iphone box quality) and dividers made from pure black museum board (no acid). It would be a super high class box, would look right at home on any stage or night club. But getting them made in small quantities brings the cost up to $60 per box to make up for getting box and inserts made in small runs. If this works for you, let me know - rrsleigh@gmail.com
@@richardroysleigh The plexiglass dividers that I have are great... they fit together with slots like in old egg cartons... You might want to check getting those made if you can find someone that works with plexiglass... I think I paid $70 for just the 42 set dividers from Hetrick... the case itself was a common case sold by Harbor Freight for $10-15, back 10 years or more ago.
How did you make the grid harp holders? The first case you showed looks exactly like what I’m looking for.
Ditto. I'd also like to know how he made that.
I’ve been wanting something exactly like that!
I started pricing the 21 harmonica box using rigid cardboard covered with matte black outer paper (think Iphone box quality) and dividers made from pure black museum board (no acid). It would be a super high class box, would look right at home on any stage or night club. But getting them made in small quantities brings the cost up to $60 per box to make up for getting box and inserts made in small runs. If this works for you, let me know - rrsleigh@gmail.com
thank you for sharing, Richard. Very logical and compact. :)
My pleasure! Thanks for commenting!