Bob,

Haven't been to the Depot in a while...but you might want to look on their website. Quite often you can find things that might not have sold well in your region, but are still available other places. Just a thought.

I have a couple of intrument cases that have been converted to carrying some of my stuff. They work well and have the velvet lining in them to protect the cups and other metal items that may be contained in them. They also lock. I have converted sax and trumpet cases for friends and they seem to work the best. A flute case is a little small but I did see a nifty harmonica case at Guitar Center recently that would make the perfect and ideal size case for smaller items such as coins and such. Check it out.

For storage of my effects when I am not working, I use plastic tool boxes with a removable top try that I got from Lowes for $8.00 each. They are huge and they work great, and they are extremely durable for the price.

When I am working in more formal restaurants and venues, I do not carry the case holding my props from table to table but I keep my things in a case that I modified, which was the case to a poker playing set. I removed the poker stuff and lined the entire inside with a plush black velvet lining, sewed two black elastic straps into the underside of the lid to hold various items and I also made a few velvet-covered dividers for the bottom section of the case, which can be added as needed or removed completely. I also had Pattrick Przysiecki make me a custom-cut close-up mat (easy, since I lived about 10 miles away from him at the time) that would cover the top of the case for when I do use it tableside, and would also fit inside for easy storage/transportation.
The case is well made and I did purposefully purchase the poker set just for the case, which was only $20.00. It has thick, matte-finish aluminum covering with nickel plated edge liners and corner protectors and it closes with clasps. Total investment with all modifications including the custom 10"x7" mat: about $30 dollars.

@ Mike Maturen: How close is Harrisville to Frankenmuth? I noticed you are within the same area code. I currently live in Wyandotte and we come up to Frankenmuth once a month. I would love to see one of your shows sometime!

I ahve a guitar case that I picked up for cheap at a pawn shop that I converted to hold props. It's just fun to carry it in.

Great idea!

Lol, I just had a thought: It would be hilarious to walk up/in to your next performance with this giant guitar case in tow. Set it down and open it up to reveal...a deck of cards.

That is a brilliant idea kennewhitson! So for smaller gigs, use a violin case. Great inspiration.