Alternative harmonica holders

Anything apart from the two mainstream default harmonicas (Solo-tuned fully-valved chromatic, and un-valved Richter 10-hole diatonic). Alternate tunings, different construction, new functionality, interesting old designs, wishful-thinking... whatever!
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EdvinW
Posts: 259
Joined: Tue Jun 05, 2018 6:02 pm
Location: Sweden

Alternative harmonica holders

Post by EdvinW » Mon May 06, 2019 4:26 pm

I got inspired to start this thread after seeing that Seydel apparently started to stock these:
https://www.footdrums.com/product/gecko ... figuration

They differ from other harmonica holders I know of in several aspects, and the ones I find most interesting are these:
1) There is a "memory" function, so that you can adjust it once, and then quickly take it on and off while keeping the same adjustments.
2) The harp is being held with a magnet instead of with a clamping mechanism.

Has anyone tried these, or other holders with similar features? Does the magnet affect the reeds?

I have been playing around a little with a very traditional harmonica holder, but never felt really satisfied. My main problem is that it always has me bending my head forward while playing, as if I'm looking down. While this might be ok sitting down, for instance while playing a guitar, I find it uncomfortable while standing or walking around. I have done some experimenting with accompanying my juggling with some harmonica music, but as juggling often makes you want to look up instead of down, my current rack is not optimal. I also find that the screws must be tightened very hard to avoid pushing the harp away, and this makes fine adjustments tiring.

Do you know of any sturdy holders that lets you adjust the harp far up or down, or ones witch are otherwise suitable for playing while performing other physical activities? Are there even harmonica holders suitable for running?

These are the things on my mind, but other thoughts, ideas or experiences concerning harmonica holders are welcome!
Edvin Wedin

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triona
Posts: 373
Joined: Thu Mar 30, 2017 3:24 pm
Location: Aue / Germany

Re: Alternative harmonica holders

Post by triona » Thu May 09, 2019 5:03 pm

I think I will have the chance to try one by end of September at Seydel's.

Here is a short first impression by one who has bought one recently:
https://www.harpforum.de/phpbb/viewtopi ... 18&t=13807
(in German)

Btw: In the meantime it is to see on the Seydel website as well:
https://www.seydel1847.de/epages/Seydel ... D=43096716 (DE)
https://www.seydel1847.de/epages/Seydel ... D=43096716 (EN)

At least it costs about the half or a third of the one which was considered best up till now - a high tech product as well: http://slk-sonnenschein.de/produkte/specials


dear greetings
triona
Aw, Thou beloved, do hearken to the Banshee's lonely croon!
sinn féin - ça ira !
Cad é sin do'n té sin nach mbaineann sin dó


https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1yI3H ... 9ktgzTR2qg

WoozleEffect
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Jun 13, 2019 2:07 am

Re: Alternative harmonica holders

Post by WoozleEffect » Thu Jun 13, 2019 3:09 am

I just got one this past week. Haven't really had a chance to put it through its paces, but so far I'm impressed.

I'm a little concerned that the strength of the magnet may be affecting the draw notes on my stainless steel harps, but this could be my imagination at this point. I do find that the harp is more comfortably positioned higher up than traditional holders, so I can look straight ahead comfortably when singing and play g without straining my neck forward or down.

I love the locking "memory" feature. It solves my biggest complaint with every harp rack I've ever owned! Consistent positioning that doesn't slide forward!

Now, if only I could afford a set of fancy Farmer Foot Drums to go along with them! (Maybe someday!)

Cheers,

Rob

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