Re: Hard harp cases

Bruce Smith (palantir@ccnet.com)
Sat, 05 Oct 1996 21:49:38 -0700

That's great that your looking into having one made. I have a couple of suggestions
though. In regards to the size of the case, if you make a general one to fit up to a
36 string harp then you will always have to pay the luggage fee which can be quite
steep for large items. I know that a bicycle case is somewhere around 90 dollars.
Another I have spoken with indicated that their harp cost $45 to check as baggage but
since is was close to suitcase limits they sometimes let it slip.

I'm not sure what the general harper population lugs around but I don't think I would
want to take a 36 string around. I have a 26 string in mind. Let me know what it
will end up costing.

You might keep in mind that it should be possible to make a generic mold which is
adjustable. The thickness could just be an insert. The height is a little tricky but
by using inserts for bottom width and middle height you should be able to construct a
small and a large version. This may be a fair amount of engineering but I do know a
mech. engr. who might be willing to look at it.

Cheers,
Bruce

MTGLEN@aol.com wrote:
>
> In a message dated 96-10-12 14:03:04 EDT, you write:
>
> << Hello,
>
> Does anyone know of a manufacturer of hard shell harp cases. I would
> like to take my harp with me when I travel by plane, but I think the
> soft shell, padded cases would not protect the harp sufficiently.
>
> Thanks,
> Bruce >>
>
> Hi Bruce, and all !
>
> I am looking into having hard-shell harp cases made from cast carbon
> -filament resin. Derek Bell has ordered one from me to go with his new harp,
> that can not be destroyed by the airlines , or by none-too-careful concert
> promoters ! It seems that he has tried everything from plywood, to steel and
> alumium, with them all ending up crunched or twisted. I will need to have a
> mold made up, which may cost a bit $$. but I was going to propose to the
> company, that if the mold is of a gerneric shape and size that would fit
> most 36 string harps, then perhaps other harpist would be intrested. The
> outside shape of the case will be shaped like a soft case,( in the general
> shape of a five octave harp). The case will be lined with thick foam
> padding, custom cut to fit each harp. To get the fit correct, I would need a
> trace showing 3 views, just like what is used for a soft case pattern. It
> wiil be possible to design the padding to include room for a soft case to be
> over the harp as well.This company makes cases like this , to protect
> sensitive electronic instrements form airline -abuse. At this time i have no
> firm idea of a price, but if anyone is intrested, let me know, and I will
> keep you posted.
>
> Glenn Hill mountain Glen Harps

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