In 2016 I released a new concept in bass harmonica: the SliderBass!
Instead of having to jump awkwardly between two separate units as in the past, with the SliderBass players could now use just one comfortable rounded mouthpiece and get all chromatic notes via a sprung slider - just like a normal chromatic harmonica. Aside from the advantages in comfort, speed and accuracy, it offered bass harp players new techniques never possible before - like legato semitone playing, slider trills and more!
I designed the SliderBass for all the Hohner and Suzuki basses on the market, large and small models. It proved popular with amateur and professional bass harmonica players alike. However it was a demanding, time-consuming product to make and, due to other commitments, after a few years I discontinued the product.
Ever since I’ve had many requests to bring it back – and now it’s here again! This time my SliderBass assembly is only available for the smaller bass harmonicas: the older wood-comb Hohner small basses (Double-Reed 265 and the Single-Reed 264), and the Suzuki SDB-29. (With some customisation it will also fit the new acrylic-comb Hohner Bass 58).
I designed it carefully to allow players to adjust their basses without full disassembly. Inner and outer coverplates can be removed in seconds to allow gapping and fine-tuning of ALL reeds! Here are some past photos of my SliderBass fitted to the smaller Hohner and Suzuki basses:
This can be retrofitting the parts to your existing bass, or fitting to a brand new bass harmonica. See the website links and email addresses below for Joel, George and André. Each Recommended Customiser has his own price for doing the basic parts fitting job, and optional costs for extra options such as fine-tuning, reed-slot embossing etc. The total price you pay will be a combination of the SliderBass parts kit ordered here, PLUS the price you agree with your selected Recommended Customiser for the fitting job - paid to him directly at a time you both agree.
PROCEDURE: You should contact your selected tech guy FIRST to discuss options/prices, confirm the job and (if appropriate) receive their postal address for sending your bass harmonica. THEN come back to this page and make the parts order, along with selecting your preferred fitter in the drop-down box. After receiving your order we'll post the SliderBass parts to your selected customiser - and the rest is between the two of you!
" I was lucky enough to receive the very first Suzuki Slider Bass produced - I was an instant convert! " Ross Garren
" The bass slider is great. Great job. Congratulations and thanks for all the innovations you've come up with. I had a lesson with you in London in 2001. Thanks for always being an inspiration. " Marcus Milius