I have the second one you used. Like you, I found the harp too low. Recently I flipped it around 180 degrees so the part with the thumbscrew turns up instead of down (and is now on my left instead of my right). The height was good but of course the tabs to keep the harp from falling forward were now facing me. Those tabs have a 90 degree bend which I bent striaght and back again several times and they broke where the bend was. Then I spun the remaining part around to the other side and bent them up again. There was plenty of tab remaining to do this as the original tabs were long (I guess for a double sided Echo Harp?). Finally I used a dremel tool to grind the rivets down and then polish them so they would not scratch my harps. Now I really like that rack. I also went to the hardware store and bought a new hose for the neck part. The original did not cover the entire neck loop. The new hose cost $1 cut off the bulk hose roll at the hardware store.
Very helpful, Ken. Thanks a lot. I got a Hohner rack today. It seems a little top-heavy at first but the adjustments that can be made make it the winner of all the racks I've tried across the years:)
Tell me a bit about a "hands-free chromatic". I bought my Elton in the mid-sixties. I've bent it so that the harp hits my mouth at right angles and have added lock washers. Otherwise it's stock.
The second rack you show I have one. I put it on in reverse with the bend in the wire near the join is going up and not down... then its right height. Try it you might like it . ;-)
Robert Jones Yes I teach blues harmonica, chromatic harmonica, guitar , ukulele , old time banjo and looping. I do in my studio it is Skype or FaceTime.
4:11 "It loads fairly easily...." Maybe it's even easier than that. Isn't that loop in the middle of it designed to put your finger in to pull the bar down?
I've used my Elton holder almost every day since 1980 and apart from some replacement screws and wing nuts it's as good as the day I bought it.
I have the second one you used. Like you, I found the harp too low. Recently I flipped it around 180 degrees so the part with the thumbscrew turns up instead of down (and is now on my left instead of my right). The height was good but of course the tabs to keep the harp from falling forward were now facing me. Those tabs have a 90 degree bend which I bent striaght and back again several times and they broke where the bend was. Then I spun the remaining part around to the other side and bent them up again. There was plenty of tab remaining to do this as the original tabs were long (I guess for a double sided Echo Harp?). Finally I used a dremel tool to grind the rivets down and then polish them so they would not scratch my harps. Now I really like that rack. I also went to the hardware store and bought a new hose for the neck part. The original did not cover the entire neck loop. The new hose cost $1 cut off the bulk hose roll at the hardware store.
Very helpful, Ken. Thanks a lot. I got a Hohner rack today. It seems a little top-heavy at first but the adjustments that can be made make it the winner of all the racks I've tried across the years:)
What about Seydel Gecko Harmonica Holder ? Does it worth the price?
Yes. It is a good rack. If you use Steel reed harmonicas the magnet will affect the reeds, I have 2 of them now
Thanks for your very useful video. I searched a lot to peek a holder and finally I chosen hohner flexrack
Tell me a bit about a "hands-free chromatic".
I bought my Elton in the mid-sixties. I've bent it so that the harp hits my mouth at right angles and have added lock washers. Otherwise it's stock.
I would use the Hohner for playing unplugged. However, for live gigs, nothing beats a harp lock! Best invention since single wrapped cheese.
Sweet Rainsong 🤙🤙
I would like to have the chromatic Harmonica holder, that goes down and up
amazing! well explained and great playing!!!
I tried the Hohner Flex Rack. It played hell with my guitar strap. I noticed Mr. Leiboff didn't use a strap when he demonstrated it.
With the model at 3:56 would I still be able to sing in front of a microphone
Yes. Not a problem I always back away from the mic with the harmonica and lean in for the vocal .
Thanks for the info, Ken!
The second rack you show I have one. I put it on in reverse with the bend in the wire near the join is going up and not down... then its right height. Try it you might like it . ;-)
Hi Ken, do you offer guitar and harmonica lessons? if not, you should
Robert Jones Yes I teach blues harmonica, chromatic harmonica, guitar , ukulele , old time banjo and looping. I do in my studio it is Skype or FaceTime.
thanks for the video Ken
What Seydel harmonica is that you play in the Hohner Flexrack? It sounds awesome!
Thanks. That is a Seydel deluxe. It is an older one. The combs of the deluxe are now made of clear plastic,,,
Thank you
What's the last harmonica you used? It sounds amazing.
thisisruben it is a Lee Oscar Harmonic minor
ever heard of a rack that can be moved out of the way when you want sing? Nice playing BTW
4:11 "It loads fairly easily...." Maybe it's even easier than that. Isn't that loop in the middle of it designed to put your finger in to pull the bar down?
I think so. I keep the springs very tight so it takes both hands to load. Even so the loop makes the bottom bar easier to grab
Horner flexrack