"Cumberland Custom Cases"

(7) Slot / Leather and Cordura Harmonica case review!

Steve"Big Daddy BluzHarp"Harvell

( 1-23-08 I am doing this review over several nites and loading as I go.Please come back every nite this week until I finish=Jeff the owner is going to email me this weekend with info about him and his company that I can add to this) Cumberland Custom Harmonica Cases is an ABSOLUTE MUST HAVE for any harmonica player from the absolute beginner to the seasoned pro.They have Chromatic Harmonica Cases , Flat Diatonic Harmonica Cases , Diatonic Gig Cases W/Lids , Diatonic Gig Cases , Pouches and Holsters , Harmonica Belts and Bandoliers , Belts and Guitar Straps , and Cordura Cases.I am sure you have already gone to Jeffrey Spoor's site,he is the owner /maker of all the cases.And Jeffrey can personalize your cases with your intitials and possiblity more (if room allows) for an extra fee.

( 1-24-08 )Now , I will admit that the "Cordura" (7) Slot Case is more expensive than the all leather (7) slot case,but each to his own taste(I will more than likely get a leather one next). My Cordura/Leather (7) Slot Harp Case is a beautiful light brown leather and a matching medium/golden brown cordura.The attention to detail by Jeffrey is flawless,his cases will easily last a long lifetime with the proper care. This case can be worn on a belt , it has 2 belt loops on the back.The whole back is very solid leather so as to hold it's shape and provide the main support for the whole case.The belt loops are cordura as well as the cover lid.The lid (flap that covers the harps) is cordura with a strip of leather 1 1/2 inches tall by 7 1/2 inches wide. The harmonica slots are made of cordura and the bottom of the slot is leather,and all of the details are visible and accent each other . This case is an absolute work of art as well as being extremely functional!

The case is so compact, it is very easy to just grap as you are going out the door ( I never leave home without at least one harp) and carry with you in the car everywhere you go.I will open the case , fold the lid back and lay it on my car's passenger seat.As I am driving I will reach over,select a harp, and hold it between my left thumb and index finger . Put the finger next to the index one behind the harp to hold it in place.And "Wail Like Hell". I do not advise or suggest you do this because I do not want anyone to get hurt,but I know of many harp players that do this( heck,people use cell phones and look down at the phone as they are dialing a number=with a harp your eyes are on the road the whole time ) . I come up with most of my new material in this setting because there is no one to listen or feel like you need to entertain.It is OK to goof up when you are alone and trying new techniques etc.

( 1-28-08) This (7) Slot Cordura/Leather Harp Case has the most useable,versatile design that I have ever seen.Get 2 of these and you would be ready for ANYTHING that may come at you,whether it be a jam or gig.I sure could have used one of these cases back in the 1970s when I use to live on Roan Mountain in North Carolina.I lived with a band and we would hike the Appalachian Trail in sections and we would be walking and playing the harmonica,guitar,fiddle and washboard.And this case that is so slim and compact (low profile) would have been awesome on my belt(it has belt loops),so easy to grap a new harp without missing a beat.And it takes up almost NO room ,so it would fit in a backpack,suitcase,or shoulder bag with almost no bulge .

It has been a while since I have done any cd reviews but when I first started out I would rate cds from (1) to (5) Harps.Then as time went by I would get a cd every now and then that would just BLOW me away.And eventually I raised the bar to a (7) Harp Salute and vowed never to go any higher.I am keeping that vow but I am going to give the "Cumberland" (7) Slot Cordura/Leather Harp Case my coveted (7) Harp Salute for being the perfect light and easy to carry and use harmonica case.One of the BEST products I have ever reviewed!

"Cumberland" has cases that will hold from (1) to (14) harmonicas and a kazillion variations as far as material that it is made from and just as many styles.Get one,I COMMAND YOU!

Steve Harvell
http://bluzharp.tripod.com/
bluzhrpn@yahoo.com



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