Although harmonics are traditionally associated with the blues and folk music, harps have long been played in music genres as varied as classical, rock, and even hip hop. The harmonica is the musical instrument for choice for many people both because of its portability and because you don't have to learn to read music in order to learn to play the harp.
For players who like to carry their harmonicas with them, there are a variety of leather harmonica cases that serve to protect harps in style. Here are some of the most popular:
Harmonica Holster with Loop: Perfect for carrying in your pocket or in your luggage, the harmonica holster is backed with a leather loop for sliding onto your belt. These leather harmonica cases come in two sizes, and are made to carry either a 10-hole diatonic harp or a 12-hole chromatic harmonica. You can even attach multiple holsters to your belt if you want to carry more than one harmonica.
Multi-Slot Leather Harmonica Cases: If you want to carry several of your favorite 10-hole diatonic harps, a multi-slot case will fit your needs perfectly. These types of cases come in several different sizes, to hold varying numbers of harmonicas. A four-slot case will hold four harps, a six-slot will hold six harmonicas, and a twelve-slot will hold twelve harps. A unique feature of some multi-slot harmonica cases, like those made by Buckeye Leather or Pullman, is that you can wet the pouches in order to custom fit the case to your favorite 10-hole diatonic harps. They also feature a leather flap so that your harmonicas are completely covered.
Harmonica Waist Wraps: A harmonica waist wrap has two major advantages: you can slide your own pants belt through the slots at either end, making it a "one size fits all" leather harmonica case, and it's open so you can easily access your harps. A waist wrap typically holds six harmonicas.
Harmonica Belts: If you don't normally wear a belt, but want your harmonicas within easy reach, these leather harmonica belts offer the best of both worlds. Lined with Velcro, the ends are easy to adjust, as well as to put on and take off. Harmonica belts are typically offered in three sizes, and fit waists from 28 inches to 44 inches.
Combination Straps: If you play a stringed instrument as well as the harp, combination straps are perfect. Typically, these are adjustable leather guitar straps, banjo straps, and mandolin straps that have four pockets for harmonicas.
Briefcases: Although harmonica briefcases aren't typically made from leather, they do come in handy for professional harp players who need to transport a dozen or so of their harmonicas to gigs.
The best leather harmonica cases are made from leather tanned in the U.S. and then cut, formed, and buffed by hand. Over time, the leather softens and almost becomes an extension of your harp - or at least a comfortable home for those times when you're not playing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
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QUESTION:
What type of portfolio (art/graphic design) case do you use to hold your work?
Some people use the clear plastic sheets in a binder, some people mount their art onto matt board/foamcore and carry in a large metal or leather case... what is most acceptable these days?-
ANSWER:
The most acceptable is a binder with plastic sheets. I use the Kolo Calvin Presentation Book, which you can find here: http://www.dickblick.com/zz152/15/One thing to mention is make sure the book itself stands out. Personalize it in some way but keep it professional. With the Kolo Calvin I use, there is a cut out square on the front where I can insert a logo or a close-up of one of my artworks. There are lots of other very nice presentation books on the market so check out the rest at the Dick Blick website or your local art supply store. Hope this helps!
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QUESTION:
What are the best (and worst) art portfolios you've seen? What makes them great or trash worthy?
I'm in the process of revamping my art portfolio and I'm trying to figure out exactly what to do. Should I bound it, keep it in clear sleeves, add text descriptions, design a background template for each page?I've seen very few art portfolios and need some direction in making my own. I want to know what others have done to land their design job or what hiring professionals find interesting in a portfolio to bring back that interviewee.
I'm currently a junior designer and to get the job I used a black leather, zip binder with clear sleeves inside to hold my artwork. The artwork was printed on regular 8 1/2" by 11" white paper. So a lot of white space was seen. At the time, I liked my portfolio but now looking at it, I find it very weak presentation wise. I doubt it will help me get to that next level if I keep it the way it is. I want to make it stand out but in all the RIGHT ways.
I hope to work somewhere that will let me make art from scratch and eventually as an art director.
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ANSWER:
Personally I take super duper pricy portfolio with dread because it usually means they will be pretty bad. Let your work speak for itself with a clean, clear professional approach. It’s true that sometimes the white border can be harsh if you have a piece that relies a lot on colour and subtleties. Cut your artwork to get rid of the border and contact glue it on a neutral gray sheet to fit in your portfolio.
As you probably already know, put ONLY your best work in there and any piece you’re not sure to include or not, don’t. You’re judged on your WEAKNESSES and not your strengths… Your best piece should be first, second best should be in the middle and third best should be last.Worst portfolio that ended up on my desk was full of pretentiousness and to top it all of had a plagiarised piece in it. Blacklisted name and dead-boxed portfolio.
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QUESTION:
What are the best (and worst) art portfolios you've seen? What makes them great or trash worthy?
I'm in the process of revamping my art portfolio and I'm trying to figure out exactly what to do. Should I bound it, keep it in clear sleeves, add text descriptions, design a background template for each page?I've seen very few art portfolios and need some direction in making my own. I want to know what others have done to land their design job or what hiring professionals find interesting in a portfolio to bring back that interviewee.
I'm currently a junior designer and to get the job I used a black leather, zip binder with clear sleeves inside to hold my artwork. The artwork was printed on regular 8 1/2" by 11" white paper. So a lot of white space was seen. At the time, I liked my portfolio but now looking at it, I find it very weak presentation wise. I doubt it will help me get to that next level if I keep it the way it is. I want to make it stand out but in all the RIGHT ways.
Thanks for Answering!
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ANSWER:
depends on the agency and their creative directors idea of what is cool. I have seen some real garbage that has been real liked by agencies that gear toward that style. It really depends on personal opinion. So if one doesn't like your work, dont be discouraged, it's just personal taste & style.
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QUESTION:
Looking for rare leather portfolio/folder.?
I am looking for a leather portfolio that has no zippers and looks more casual then executive.See link for best example of what I'm looking for: http://www.renaissance-art.com/Prod93/Product.aspx
I like the style of the folder in the previous link, but want the leather to be like this, see link below:
http://www.saddlebackleather.com/briefcases.htmAny leather gurus, I would really appreciate your help for this xmas item! Thanks!
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ANSWER:
Try Wilsons Leather, they have a website you can search. Go under business and travel then portfolio. Good luck.
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QUESTION:
How to make an art folio?
Im really confused on how to make an art folio....I don't know what one would look like, what to incliude and how to present it???? ahhhh.
I bought a black leather portfolio for it to go in, it's like a binder inside and has a pocket inside.
I don't know how to do it? Should the folio be on a bored? Where do i put my drawings? I don't want to put holes in them or smuge the charcoal i used to draw them or I don't want to glue them to anything, How do I present them???
Im really confused
thanks for any help at all.-
ANSWER:
Your binder should have transparent pages inside, punched to fit the binder. You can buy these at a stationery supply store. Sometimes they have a sheet of black paper already inside of them. They are usually 81/2 by 11 inches. I am assuming that's the size of your binder, although there are portfolios that are bigger than that. Neatly trim your drawings to fit inside the page. If your drawing is made with charcoal or pastels, spray it with a spray fixative made for paper, available at art supply stores. Slide the drawing into the page.
As to what to present- 10 to 15 pieces should be the maximum, unless otherwise specified. That should be enough for anyone to get an idea if you are what they are looking for. Show a variety of media and approaches, but try to also show that you have some direction to your work. By direction, I mean that there are a few themes that you have developed through more than one piece, not a different subject for every piece. If in doubt about the quality of a piece- leave it out.
Everything should be clean and well-crafted, because it will show that you care about what you do.
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QUESTION:
What are the best (and worst) art portfolios you've seen? What makes them great or trash worthy?
Please list specific examples.I'm in the process of revamping my art portfolio and I'm trying to figure out exactly what to do. Should I bound it, keep it in clear sleeves, add text descriptions, design a background template for each page?
I've seen very few art portfolios and need some direction in making my own. I want to know what others have done to land their design job or what hiring professionals find interesting in a portfolio to bring back that interviewee.
I'm currently a junior designer and to get the job I used a black leather, zip binder with clear sleeves inside to hold my artwork. The artwork was printed on regular 8 1/2" by 11" white paper. So a lot of white space was seen. At the time, I liked my portfolio but now looking at it, I find it very weak presentation wise. I doubt it will help me get to that next level if I keep it the way it is. I want to make it stand out but in all the RIGHT ways.
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ANSWER:
The best portfolios- neat and organized.
It can be bound or not, art work should be in sleeves, and MOUNTED (standard border is 3x3x3x3.5).
You should choose only your best work and one size for all of the work (typically 11x14 or 18x24). Keep it consistent, it should "flow" and show work in different stages (employers will look for consistency in skill and style, they also want to see how your ideas progress).
Choose pieces that fit the company or gallery that you are presenting them in. Let your work speak for itself, keep text to a minimum. If you need to, take along notes for the pieces of work to help with the review or any questions the employer/buyer might have.
My portfolio is 11x14 mounted (most of the time on black or neutral grey board), in clear sleeves, and unbound. My work is presented in a black (inside and out) archival box. People will carefully look through the work and handle it as they would a precious object. I hope this helps you along your way.
Good Luck
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