What is Bihari Designs? Where did it start and how did it become a staple in the Portablism scene?

I started modding PT01 USB turntables in early 2016. This was before the PT01 Scratch model came out. It was really hard to get a PT01 but I found one for sale in the US. This was my first portable turntable that I started to customize. I put videos and pictures on my Instagram and people went crazy for it. My profession is a graphic designer but I studied to be an electrical engineer. So, the two professions met and that’s how Bihari Designs was created.

My goal was to create Easy Install Mods that DJs can install without any soldering skills. Just simply plug-n-scratch.

You can put Internal Rechargeable Battery, Start-Stop button or a RIAA preamp without soldering a single wire. This really made things easier for DJs and had a very big impact on the portablist community. It was also a huge step in the portable mods world, I caught the attention of world famous DJs and Pro Audio Shops. People from around the world started using my products. Bihari Designs continues to come up with the most innovative portablist mods to date.

What modification for the PT01 Scratch is your best seller?

Definitely the Bihari Tonearm QRM PT01 is my number one selling product. This is the world’s first and only tonearm for PT01 Scratch and USB models with SME type connector, so you can attach your favourite headshell or cartridge. (Shure M44-7, Ortofon Concorde, OM and VNL, etc.) Durable aluminium design and it’s available in several colors (Black, Red, Silver, Gold, Blue, Green, Violet and Gunmetal)

The second one is The Ahhh Fresh "Print It Yourself" 7” Picture Disc by Bihari
You can create your own 7” scratch picture disc at home.
The transparent vinyl has an optically clear adhesive film so you can print and stick any kind of design on the record. DJs are extremely creative with this scratch tool.

How has being a part of the mod community helped portablism? In your opinion, will modding always be a part of the portablist community?

The mod community is the motor of portablism. These mods not only technical improvements but every DJ and artist wants to be original and these upgrades help them do so. You always want to make a little change, a small upgrade, a better sound, a nicer or unique look.

Of all of the mods you've made (using the PT01), for whom and which was your favorite and why?

My favourite mod is the Bihari Tonearm QRM for PT01 but I can mention a few more: The Built-in Rechargeable Battery mod, Mirror gold Bihari tonearm, Wooden Bihari tonearm, Beat booster and the External Fader Box for left fader hand DJs.

What attracted you to Portablist culture?

I always wanted to learn to scratch but a whole DJ setup (two turntables and a mixer) was really expensive, then I found PT01 USB model and I knew immediately that will be my first turntable. I became friends with a group of local turntablists and showed them my modded PT01. A few weeks later, all members of the group had the PT01 Scratch portable turntable.

What is the portablist scene like in Hungary and Europe overall? And where are the best spots to session?

In Hungary the portablist scene is very small but it’s growing fast. We have new faces at every scratch event. More and more people are getting involved. Karcosok Klubja (Scratch Fight Club) is the most popular DJ event with Sonny Kraft and Q-Cee where people can bring their portable turntables and join our scratch sessions. We have a lot of beautiful spots in Budapest where you can sit down with your PT01 setup and scratch all you like.

Where do you hope the portablist scene will be in 5-10 years? New hardware? New users?

Numbers clearly show that the community is growing fast. More and more young people are interested in DJing.

We loved your custom PT01 Scratch you created for the IDA Online competition this year. Where do you start with a design like this, and what influenced your design?

My friend DJ Kratos from Chech Republic asked me to getting involved with the IDA event and I offered to make a very unique PT01 setup as the grant prize. This setup also has a SolidCutz (Germany) platter and a Magneto (Spain) crossfader. I think the one who wins this will be very happy.

You have a great range of products from vinyl to skins to portable hardware mods. What’s on the horizon for yourself and your business?

My profession is also my passion. I always put my heart into every project. It will always be an honour to be a member of the portablist community. The people who know me in the portablist world know I always come up with something new and innovative, be that hardware, scratch records or faceplates.

I would like to thank all of the Pro Audio Shops and DJs who supported my small business.
Huge shout-outs to Open Format, Skratcher, Mega DJ Center and Karcosok Klubja.