I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to build a custom case for a Suzuki SBD-39 Double Bass harmonica that has been modified using Brendan Power’s Slider-Bass mouthpiece/slider adapter by orchestral harmonicist and harmonica repair specialist, George Miklas.

The case is special in its Western “basketweave” stamp embossing treatment, custom tooled logo and an “antique” finish treatment that enhances these embellishments.

Like its older siblings the case is patterned after a doctor’s bag and is made from a single piece of top quality 8/64″ t 9/64″ thick vegetable tanned saddle skirting leather.

It has three snap closure straps for added security and the inside aspect of each piece of hardware (snaps & rivets) is covered by a small patch of brown pigskin. The expensive instrument does not come into contact with any metal that might otherwise mar it.

There is further protection in the form of a special protective block that prevents the harmonica from sliding inside the case and spuriously pressing the slider button. The delicate button cannot come into contact with any part of the inside of the case.

The fact that, after modification, a Slider-Bass won’t fit in its OEM case makes these beautiful and expensive instruments vulnerable, especially when transporting or shipping one. A SilverWing Leather case fits the harmonica like a glove and protects the owner’s significant investment so that it is in gig-ready shape at all times.

If you own a Slider-Bass and ever leave home with it, you really should consider giving it a case that befits and cradles it safely. Information to order yours can be found on the Contact, Pricing and Ordering Information page.

I am fortunate to have been given the opportunity to build a custom harmonica belt for a well-known harmonica player. He asked for a harmonica belt in the style of an old-west gunslinger’s pistol belt. I pointed him at some online resources to help him decide on specific embellishments. He liked the “Ranger” style belt with overlapping flaps that increase comfort and stability. He also found some “conchos,”decorative emblems or shields, that I used as button caps to hold the lids for each pouch closed. He also requested his initials and a pictorial mountain scene to fill out the available real estate.

This is what I came up with:

The pouches with concho button caps:

The client wanted the pouches on the back. Here is the belt from the front showing the Ranger style tongue and buckle with underlying strap. I left it unlined so that the inside would have some good “tooth” to help keep the belt in position when it’s loaded with harmonicas.

And finally a rear view showing the “business” side of the belt as it appears when the belt is buckled up.

If you’re interested in such a custom belt or bandolero, please see the Contact, Ordering and Pricing page. I’d be delighted to help you design a belt that suits your style and budget.

I’m pleased to announce the introduction of my new Basic Bandolero. It features up to 7 pouches that fit most known diatonic harmonicas, holding them securely in an upright position.  Each one is custom-fit to the particular client’s body size via PDF printouts of the pouch section exchanged via email. and attached to a client-supplied ribbon or paper model of the belt section.

The pouches have no lid flaps for ease of access but they’re snug enough that the harps won’t fall out if you bend over or take the Bandolero off. The ends of the single piece of top-grade vegetable-tanned saddle leather are attached via 3 heavy-duty solid brass snaps at the waist (several colors of leather and snaps are available). This means that the Bandolero can be rolled up along with your harmonicas for safe and secure transport or storage.

Possible upgrades include additional pouches, snap-closed lid flaps, adding a chromatic case (if the desired number of harps and the length of the bandolero permit), and various kinds of embellishments to personalize  and mark your Bandolero for identification and security purposes. I can even hide a microchip in the stitching for additional security.

I can just as easily make a belt to go around your waist. Please ask for details.

Contact me and we’ll design the perfect Bandolero to fit you and your personality.

Pricing is available on the Contact, Pricing and Ordering Information page.

It’s no secret that I am a lover of Rhythm Bones as well as many other “folk” instruments. As a confirmed bones rattler, I carry a number of sets of two. Each has its own tone and timbre, carving its own niche in my set. Real bone is my favorite material, but various types of wood also make nice bones.

Anyway, I got tired of carrying my bones loose in a canvas bag and having to sort them out before or even during a performance. So, I developed this little 3-compartment bag to carry bones to, from and on-stage. It really works well! An adjustable neck strap makes for a perfect fit. Made from thick yet soft and pliable motorcycle garment leather, the bag can be secured in its rolled-up mode by a strap with a heavy-duty snap closure like the one on the flap. Then on stage the bag can be unrolled and carried over the should or around the neck or laid out on a table or music stand. Now I have access to each of my sets of bones right at my fingertips wherever I go on stage. No more on-stage fumbling-around embarrassment.

Please see the Contact page for current pricing and ordering information.

After the positive reception for my new Compact 7 case for diatonic harmonicas (https://silverwingleather.com/2013/06/14/new-compact-multi-diatonic-case/) the natural next step was a case of similar construction and attributes that would carry a set of 14 harps.

Consisting of two of my unique Kydex thermoplastic divider inserts with a separator all enclosed in a leather case, this is the Compact 7 case’s big brother.

Here the case is shown closed and opened up. Notice that when open, there is a male snap located on the inner top of the case that allow you to “park” the cover out of the way to provide full access to your instruments.

In an effort to keep the cost down, just as the Compact 7 case, the Compact 14 comes with two “d-rings” attached to the rear portion of the sides. I encourage potential owners to get creative and repurpose an old camera neck strap or handle to make a neck or shoulder strap for the case. Otherwise, I am happy to work with you to create a leather handle or strap of your liking (at an extra charge of course).

Priced at or even under what players are paying for a single diatonic these days, this is the smallest, lightest, most affordable 14-harps case out there! Please see the Contact page for current pricing and ordering information.

Spurred by a customer’s request for a simple case in which he could carry a single diatonic harmonica within his shirt or pant pocket, I recalled a simple stitched leather case with a snap closure that I made for a single diatonic “carry” harp a decade or so ago. I’ve had one in my purse ever since and I don’t know why it took a customer’s suggestion to spur me to include cases like it in my product line. Another customer had suggested a simple case to carry a couple diatonics. Here are some examples of what I came up with.

These pouches don’t offer the crush-proof protection of one of my rigid molded leather cases. They are meant to be carried in pockets or purses where they are protected from direct contact from outside objects. They do afford protection from lint and fuzz as they are deep enough to cover all 10 holes and have full cover flap with a positive snap closure. I now have a supply of this leather in black and tan colors as shown.

You know that you carry at least one harp wherever you go, right? If you don’t you need to start. And here is the ideal way to do that while protecting your favorite axe from foreign material and minor bumps and dings. Yes, you probably have a free case that came with your harmonica. It might even be made of a leather-like material, but is it full-grain genuine leather through and through? Does it have a flap to close it? Is it guaranteed by the maker? Probably not. You paid dearly for your favorite carry diatonic; you might want to think about how you carry it around.

Please see the Contact page for current pricing and ordering information. Try one and it will soon become your constant companion.