Chromatic Warmer

[SlideMeister]

Baby bottle warmers work great as long as you have the time to stick the Chrome back in there every so often. (Just try to find one that's not pink guys, cuz  . . . . . . you know )

[jimjams]

Thanks! The pink ones are for the Elvis tribute bands!

[SlideMeister]

Yeah, with black stripes

[kshep]

Seems like a great idea especially if you're giging on a cold winters evening!
Are they commercially available in Europe?

[Keith]

Update.

Having bought & tried my warming pad, which works, & then a baby bottle warmer that needs a water reservoir, which also works, I sent off for some hand warming USB powered gloves (come from China).

Well they just arrived.

Took the little warming pads out of the gloves, plugged them into my laptop, (on mains power), gave them 15 minutes with my 'dodgy' CX12 on them, & I have to report that I was able to play 4 tunes straight without any valve problems. 

Looks like I've found the best solution for me. 
EDIT: Unfortunately, they didn't last long before becoming useless.

[123dwight]

I just did an Amazon search for "USB Heating Rod". I found a woman's sex toy that costs less than $4 and doesn't look pornogaphic. It's 130mm long and could probably be fastened to a harmonica in a way that allows it to work while playing in colder weather. I might remove the plastic rod and mount the electronics directly to the harmonica. Or, keep it intact and paint over the pink spot? I'm not quite sure how this will work, but I'm willing to take a $4 gamble. It could be a while before I have a functioning product because its coming on the slow boat from China. I'll post results here if it actually works for me.

[Gene Oh]

It's a good topic. Please note that in New Zealand, we are just entering into Spring. The temperature is about 10-15 degrees Celcius in the morning and evening. When I purchased Seydel Chromatic De Luxe Steel, I had a problem due to the condensation.  The same issue was found with the Suzuki SCX 48. I put the harp above my electric blanket for about 10-20 minutes, and the sound was perfect. But the windsavers stick again within a few minutes of playing, really annoying! That's why I have purchase valveless Chromatic harps (Tower Chromatic 22, Tombo Chromatic 1844, Seydel Standard) which are perfect for cold weather. I use them for practices. But I need a decent method of getting my real harps warm.

[Willi]

I have never, not even once, had any problem with windsavers stickiness related to a cold harmonica. Never had to warm my harps. I don't know... everyone is always talking about that problem and I never experimented it. Maybe because of the wheater in Buenos Aires. Something to do with temperature and air humidity. 

[SlideMeister]

I played five, one month tours in Hawaii and a summer in Australia (mostly in NQLD) with zero windsaver sticking problems. I also did a month in Alaska in November with lots of wind saver problems, so yeah, I'd say ~I~ definitely have some opinions

[krishnablue]

While I was at the NHL Festival in Bristol I saw the heated harmonica case by Seydel and think it is a great idea to be able to take your harmonicas to where you will be playing and they are already at the right temperature. Their case looks great but it is expensive - over £200 so I decided to make my own and bought a heating pad that runs off a power bank and an inexpensive brief case into which it fits perfectly, for just under £80. The pad has three settings, low, medium and high and the power bank will last from two to four hours depending on the setting. So far I have set it to medium and its getting to the same temperature as my plug in heat pad. It's about 11" x 16" so will easily carry half a dozen chromatics.
Peter
krishnablue

[Scotty]

While I was at the NHL Festival in Bristol I saw the heated harmonica case by Seydel and think it is a great idea to be able to take your harmonicas to where you will be playing and they are already at the right temperature. Their case looks great but it is expensive - over £200 so I decided to make my own and bought a heating pad that runs off a power bank and an inexpensive brief case into which it fits perfectly, for just under £80. The pad has three settings, low, medium and high and the power bank will last from two to four hours depending on the setting. So far I have set it to medium and its getting to the same temperature as my plug in heat pad. It's about 11" x 16" so will easily carry half a dozen chromatics.
Peter
krishnablue

Peter--I'd love a link to heating pads which work off power banks? I realize you're in England, but still. So far everything I can find here is
either microwaveable or plug-in (I have a collection of heating pads for medical use). My main problem with brief-case style holders is that
it necessarily uses up one hand (which I need to be free since oft-times the other is using a cane). If you could add a shoulder or cross-body
strap to your briefcase (or fit it into a carry-on) it might be a bit easier for air travel (something I have to focus on). For that matter, could
the heating-pad inside a brief case be a problem for the FAA? Anyone? (Remember, I'm flying out of NY where the protocols are extremely
rigid).

Elizabeth (scotty)

[krishnablue]

While I was at the NHL Festival in Bristol I saw the heated harmonica case by Seydel and think it is a great idea to be able to take your harmonicas to where you will be playing and they are already at the right temperature. Their case looks great but it is expensive - over £200 so I decided to make my own and bought a heating pad that runs off a power bank and an inexpensive brief case into which it fits perfectly, for just under £80. The pad has three settings, low, medium and high and the power bank will last from two to four hours depending on the setting. So far I have set it to medium and its getting to the same temperature as my plug in heat pad. It's about 11" x 16" so will easily carry half a dozen chromatics.
Peter
krishnablue

Peter--I'd love a link to heating pads which work off power banks? I realize you're in England, but still. So far everything I can find here is
either microwaveable or plug-in (I have a collection of heating pads for medical use). My main problem with brief-case style holders is that
it necessarily uses up one hand (which I need to be free since oft-times the other is using a cane). If you could add a shoulder or cross-body
strap to your briefcase (or fit it into a carry-on) it might be a bit easier for air travel (something I have to focus on). For that matter, could
the heating-pad inside a brief case be a problem for the FAA? Anyone? (Remember, I'm flying out of NY where the protocols are extremely
rigid).
Elizabeth (scotty)

Hi Elizabeth,
The heat pad that I have is a Beurer HK47 Portable Seat Heat Pad with Powerbank and I just checked and you can buy one from eBay in the US (eBay.com) https://www.ebay.com/itm/Beurer-HK47-Portable-Seat-Heat-Pad-with-Powerbank/401435339236?epid=2167759051&hash=item5d776929e4:g:WwoAAOSwYwJZ~FG0 although it does ship from London.
A briefcase with a strap could work but if that's too bulky then it could be folded in half (it would then measure approx. 7" x 11") and carried in a shoulder bag with your carry on. The powerbank it comes with lasts between 2 and 4 hours depending on the setting but you can of course by a powerbank with a bigger capacity. I've just ordered one with double the capacity for £8.99.
For the FAA, I would imagine that if you carried the user manual for the heat pad that should satisfy them. Good luck with it.
Peter krishnablue

[SlideMeister]

I'm gunna be taking me little electric gizmo out in the cold weather some more testing and give it a more grueling test than but I am expecting to be satisfied with the resultz.

[Scotty]

While I was at the NHL Festival in Bristol I saw the heated harmonica case by Seydel and think it is a great idea to be able to take your harmonicas to where you will be playing and they are already at the right temperature. Their case looks great but it is expensive - over £200 so I decided to make my own and bought a heating pad that runs off a power bank and an inexpensive brief case into which it fits perfectly, for just under £80. The pad has three settings, low, medium and high and the power bank will last from two to four hours depending on the setting. So far I have set it to medium and its getting to the same temperature as my plug in heat pad. It's about 11" x 16" so will easily carry half a dozen chromatics.
Peter
krishnablue

Peter--I'd love a link to heating pads which work off power banks? I realize you're in England, but still. So far everything I can find here is
either microwaveable or plug-in (I have a collection of heating pads for medical use). My main problem with brief-case style holders is that
it necessarily uses up one hand (which I need to be free since oft-times the other is using a cane). If you could add a shoulder or cross-body
strap to your briefcase (or fit it into a carry-on) it might be a bit easier for air travel (something I have to focus on). For that matter, could
the heating-pad inside a brief case be a problem for the FAA? Anyone? (Remember, I'm flying out of NY where the protocols are extremely
rigid).
Elizabeth (scotty)

Hi Elizabeth,
The heat pad that I have is a Beurer HK47 Portable Seat Heat Pad with Powerbank and I just checked and you can buy one from eBay in the US (eBay.com) https://www.ebay.com/itm/Beurer-HK47-Portable-Seat-Heat-Pad-with-Powerbank/401435339236?epid=2167759051&hash=item5d776929e4:g:WwoAAOSwYwJZ~FG0 although it does ship from London.
A briefcase with a strap could work but if that's too bulky then it could be folded in half (it would then measure approx. 7" x 11") and carried in a shoulder bag with your carry on. The powerbank it comes with lasts between 2 and 4 hours depending on the setting but you can of course by a powerbank with a bigger capacity. I've just ordered one with double the capacity for £8.99.
For the FAA, I would imagine that if you carried the user manual for the heat pad that should satisfy them. Good luck with it.
Peter krishnablue

Cool! Thanks for the info and your response. I'll check it out. Just acquired yet another indoor/outdoor kitty
heating pad (plug in) for the outdoor cat houses I have (and make) for the few feral cats who hang out by my front door. If I can buy heating pads for them, I think I'm entitled to one for my chromatics. 

Elizabeth (scotty)

[Gnarly He Man]

I'm gunna be taking me little electric gizmo out in the cold weather some more testing and give it a more grueling test than this last one but I am expecting to be satisfied with the resultz.

Are you in touch with the folks who provided it to you?
It's definitely a step in the right direction.

[SlideMeister]

I have the gentleman's email around here somewhere. I'm still waiting for him to get a method of distribution that's a little more "west-friendly"  I understand that at least for now, the guy's locked into that on-line store. It would be great if maybe Danny G could be the US distributor. Ha ha!

[Scotty]

I have the gentleman's email around here somewhere. I'm still waiting for him to get a method of distribution that's a little more "west-friendly"  I understand that at least for now, the guy's locked into that on-line store. It would be great if maybe Danny G could be the US distributor. Ha ha!

Now that'd be a step in the right direction. I too have been waiting for more availability (and more
outdoor testing by you to ensure it holds up in the ice and snow).

Elizabeth (scotty)

[Gnarly He Man]

Group buy!

[SlideMeister]

Now there's a thought 

[Scotty]

Now there's a thought 

I might be in if that becomes a possibility? 

Elizabeth (scotty)

[SlideMeister]

Okay, this is amazing. From outta nowhere, Mr Fujiwara wrote me (maybe he's monitoring this site - never thought of that) Anyway, he just wrote me and included info on his latest item: The same warmer (pretty much) for a CX-12.  Lord knows, the CX needs this more than anything (at least in my opinion) so should be a welcome new addition.

I'll be in touch with him again but I just thought I'd give you a little heads up on his latest info.

[SlideMeister]

Quick question for you CX folks out there: Using a caliper or equivalent, (not a ruler) what's the difference in thickness of the CX Gold, CX black and CXJazz?

[SlideMeister]

Got another note this morning. The builder says he may have some creative ideas on marketing outside of the outfit he has a contract with.  I may be getting one of these myself. If so, I will definitely be doing a cold weather video on the thing. He tells me they're doing well in Japan so far.

Again - SlideMeister has no financial affiliation with this company

Age

[SlideMeister]

Okay, here's the latest:
The maker (Mr. Fujiwara) made a new model just for the CX series. It's supposed to work on all of them. I have one coming (as a Christmas present ) and I will do a review on it as soon as I get it. "Lead plate" really means brass plate. (little bit of a translation detail)

I'm really hoping this works cuz for me anyway, the CX-12 is the absolute hardest thing to get up to (and maintain) playing temperature. By the looks of the PDF, the warmer takes it up just a tad above body temperature, which should be just fine. We'll see, eh?

[Scotty]

Okay, here's the latest:
The maker (Mr. Fujiwara) made a new model just for the CX series. It's supposed to work on all of them. I have one coming (as a Christmas present ) and I will do a review on it as soon as I get it. "Lead plate" really means brass plate. (little bit of a translation detail)

I'm really hoping this works cuz for me anyway, the CX-12 is the absolute hardest thing to get up to (and maintain) playing temperature. By the looks of the PDF, the warmer takes it up just a tad above body temperature, which should be just fine. We'll see, eh?

Depends on whose body temperature, LOL. I usually run 97. (thyroid plays into this). Also, there IS one other chromatic which gets even colder than
my CX's --the Easttop Brass, likely because of that big block of solid metal.   It'd be fabulous if the warmer would also work on a 16 - and that one in
particular? Would it be possible for you to ask Mr. Fujiwara about it?

I need something to use on both types of chromatics. For the December party (where John is insisting I play since he loves my song choices and he's determined to overcome my intense dislike of playing alone in front of others)  I'll probably wear the scarf I bought last year which came with heated
pockets (battery powered) to keep the chromatics warm enough inside the restaurant. The last time we had one of these dinners it was colder INdoors than out and my Easttop just would not stay warm enough to play without popping and buzzing..

Elizabeth (scotty)

[SlideMeister]

Just to save time, before leaving for the nursing home on Wednesday mornings, I heat up my case full Chromatics with Barbie's hairdryer. The case is lined with insulated foam stuff, so it holds the heat pretty well, plus the nursing home is never actually cold, so it's never that much of an issue. But getting back to the hairdryer; they do a great job of quickly heating Chromatics. I don't have a brass ET but I'm sure pre-heating would save a lot of time. Then all you have to do with that nifty-spiffy heater gizmo is to  "maintain" the temperature insteadda heating the thing up from nothin'.

I know the warmer seemed to work fine on my standard ET-B&G 16. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYsStNr1VtM )  I'm pretty confident it will do the same with Brass ET-B&G 16

[Scotty]

Just to save time, before leaving for the nursing home on Wednesday mornings, I heat up my case full Chromatics with Barbie's hairdryer. The case is lined with insulated foam stuff, so it holds the heat pretty well, plus the nursing home is never actually cold, so it's never that much of an issue. But getting back to the hairdryer; they do a great job of quickly heating Chromatics. I don't have a brass ET but I'm sure pre-heating would save a lot of time. Then all you have to do with that nifty-spiffy heater gizmo is to  "maintain" the temperature insteadda heating the thing up from nothin'.

I know the warmer seemed to work fine on my standard ET-B&G 16. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYsStNr1VtM )  I'm pretty confident it will do the same with Brass ET-B&G 16

yeah, it seems to really keep that chromatic warm outdoors! Just what I need...so if you get the info from the manufacturer (about us maybe
doing a group buy?) I'd be interested.

Elizabeth (scotty)

[SlideMeister]

I'll let ya know.

[Lesley]

I was looking at these USB rechargeable  hand warmers.  They can also be used to recharge cell phones.

https://www.amazon.com/BigBlue-Rechargeable-Electronic-6000mAh-Emergency/dp/B01M35W3BU/ref=sr_1_25?ie=UTF8&qid=1512319630&sr=8-25&keywords=hand+warmer

https://www.amazon.com/Letouch-Rechargeable-Portable-Electric-Double-sided/dp/B076X2L4PS/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

This thing is meant to keep a camera lense warm (to prevent it fogging up)

https://www.amazon.ca/Warmer-Heater-Universal-Camera-Telescopes/dp/B075JKBN6D/ref=sr_1_27_sspa?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1512320271&sr=1-27-spons&keywords=hand+warmer&psc=1

[SlideMeister]

Well this one, so far is the only CX-12 model in the world, and I got it here now. I understand I'll hafta do a little "trimming" on the spring width, and I'm crazy busy right now, but I hope to have a review in a week or so.

Off to that "Liberry" thing.
TTYL
Age