mpharpsax
9 posts
Dec 01, 2009
10:37 PM
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To all of our fellow harmonica fanatical friends,
I have been the beneficiary of musical bliss for the last ten years as a direct result of knowing Brad Harrison. I am a professional harmonica player and I have relied on Brad’s craftsmanship and research to provide instruments that I consider to be the Ferrari of harmonicas. Brad understands what makes this small, seemingly simple instrument tick unlike anyone else out there doing this kind of work.
I am now a partner with Brad in Harrison Harmonicas, Inc. (we just incorporated!). He has designed the innovative B-radical and is ready to take the harmonica world by storm by combining his passion for his instrument and craft with hi-tech production methods.
When Brad offered me a chance to be a partner in this exciting new venture, I jumped at the chance based on the strength of Brad’s skills as a craftsman, my craftsman that has helped to move my music!
I know that many of you reading this have invested and supported Harrison Harmonicas though your pre-order commitments to our collective dream: a high quality, harmonica INSTRUMENT Made in the USA. I knew from the outset that this would be a tall order, but I would have never guessed how tall! All along during this pre-sale, we have promised Fall 2009 (yes 2009) delivery of this fine instrument. I hate to bring up the fine print, but we do have almost 3 more weeks of Fall. It is getting cold here in Illinois, my home state. This brings me to another issue.
Please understand my commitment to this company. After 26 years in the Utopian island that I feel that Northern California is, I am fully moving back to the frigid tundra of Northern Illinois. I have so many musical and personal relationships that I am leaving behind . I am changing my life in most ways for the instrument that has given my life so much joy over the last 33 years. I do not take this decision lightly and I ask that none of you do either. Brad Harrison and this company will be successful and make most of our customers happy and we will not be perfect, but always striving for that brass ring of perfection.
Please have patience, we are working 14 hour days to give birth to this bouncing baby of a company. I understand some of the frustration, I do own about 3-4 dozen customized diatonic harmonicas, I believe that I paid 50% to full in advance for most of them.
I most go to bed now, I need to get up and talk with 4 more Made in USA vendors, revamp a website, setup a production facility, and bring Brad some more coffee. Thank you all for your support, kind words of encouragement, patience and understanding. This thing will work out, for all of us.
Music Is The Answer,
Michael Peloquin
1997 Harmonica World Champion
Currently homeless in the USA
http://www.usaharmonicas.com
Last Edited by on Dec 01, 2009 10:54 PM
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Kingley
526 posts
Dec 01, 2009
11:11 PM
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"All along during this pre-sale, we have promised Fall 2009 (yes 2009) delivery of this fine instrument. I hate to bring up the fine print, but we do have almost 3 more weeks of Fall."
Michael,
This sounds as if you are getting ready to tell people that they won't receive their B-Radicals, from the first production run until sometime in January 2010 at the earliest and possibly even later than that.
Is that in reality more than likely to be the case?
Last Edited by on Dec 01, 2009 11:12 PM
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blogward
26 posts
Dec 01, 2009
11:28 PM
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If they live up to the hype, I don't care if Fall ends in 2010. Just keep us posted, thanks.
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mpharpsax
11 posts
Dec 01, 2009
11:48 PM
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Kingley-
Thanks for your response. No panic necessary, the B-radical will be shipped this month. We are just starting to feel the justifiable heat and I thought that is people knew my personal story, that it would help.
All the best-
Michael
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jonsparrow
1370 posts
Dec 01, 2009
11:57 PM
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whats up with the rest of the payment? are you going to send out emails when its time to ship them?
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mpharpsax
12 posts
Dec 02, 2009
6:19 AM
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Jon,
We can invoice you anytime. We prefer to wait until a few days before they're ready to ship. We are anxiously waiting this birth, or alien invasion...
the Visitors are our friends-
mp
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ness
118 posts
Dec 02, 2009
6:29 AM
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I just love this stuff!
Michael -- that's exactly the kind of passion and enthusiasm a budding company needs. I suspect the other partners share it as well.
I've only been messing with the harmonica for about 9 months, but it's evident to me that there is a need for a quality, high-end instrument. There are plenty of disposable harps out there, and plenty of companies cranking them out.
Of course, the proof's in the pudding, and I'm sure you guys know that.
To the guys that have money down on these, I'd encourage you to be patient. These guys have taken on a monumental task, and they are sure to have some unforeseen things come up. If they don't nail the deadline, just give them the benefit of the doubt. This ain't easy.
Michael -- keep us all up-to-date, and if there's a delay, let us know.
Good luck with this!
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Bluzdude46
292 posts
Dec 02, 2009
7:13 AM
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I still have a problem with a production line harp that is close to custom prices and now after collecting pre-orders is looking like it will be late?
Why not just buy a Custom Harp?
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ness
121 posts
Dec 02, 2009
7:25 AM
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"now after collecting pre-orders is looking like it will be late?"
I think it was Kingley that suggested they might be late. Michael, who would know, said the end of this month. That's pretty close to "Fall" in my book.
"Why not just buy a Custom Harp?"
I guess that question is yet to be answered.
I'll guarantee one thing: the verdict won't be unanimous. And Harrison doesn't have to have 100% of the market to be successful.
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mpharpsax
13 posts
Dec 02, 2009
7:51 AM
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Bluzdude--
Great questions.
When we are in full production in the next few months, there should be no wait. Please wish us well, there are a lot of great things in the works from HH for all of us.
Michael
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Kingley
528 posts
Dec 02, 2009
9:05 AM
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Great to hear that those folk who have pre-ordered will be soon playing them Michael. :-)
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Randy G. Blues
111 posts
Dec 02, 2009
9:52 AM
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I WAS (stressed purposely) a subscriber to the Harrison mailing list to get updates on the B-Radical. I received the E-mail message this morning from them (similar to the above letter from Michael) that Michael was joining the efforts there. I deleted it so fast that I don't remember how similar it was. Ya... Great... Thanks.. I used the link in the message and immediately canceled my list subscription.
Less hype, guys... We have had plenty concerning these harps. To paraphrase, "Well do a jam. The Harp is in the mail. I promise it won't taste like $*#& in your mouth."
My feelings at this point are shut the $*&^ up and deliver something. The chance of it being delivered (on time, or at all) is inversely proportionate to the amount of hype.
Yes, I am still interested in one or two (an A and probably a D) based on user reviews when (if) it ever hits the market. But I would never pay a non-refundable deposit on a harp (or anything else) that no one has ever played nor may never see the light of day just for the "privilege" of being first.
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jonsparrow
1374 posts
Dec 02, 2009
9:59 AM
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its only $35. im not hurtin from it if it never ships.
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rbeetsme
51 posts
Dec 02, 2009
10:02 AM
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Start ups are always trouble, but I applaud the effort. It would have been easier to go to Japan and subcontract this out to a major already established harp company, but quality control would be out of their hands and the company would eventually steal the design. Same thing with China and Germany, it's happened before and is happening now. Keeping it here in the US is costly, but avoids some of the nightmares involved with overseas production. Michael, you need any help over there?
Last Edited by on Dec 02, 2009 10:07 AM
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addict
15 posts
Dec 02, 2009
10:04 AM
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I hope you have better luck with him than I have had. As far as I can tell, sending money to Brad Harrison is a donation.
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hohnerjones
1 post
Dec 02, 2009
10:13 AM
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Addict...Forget the B Radical, go out and buy a Bushman Delta Frost, if you can find one!
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Tuckster
279 posts
Dec 02, 2009
10:16 AM
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I prefer to give them the benefit of the doubt. I'm sure they're got a lot riding on this being successful and they want it to be right before they start shipping.I ordered one for the sheer chutzpah as much as anything else. "Tis a brave thing they do.Even if the worst happens-which I doubt- I'd be out $35,they'd probably lose everything.
BTW Those who ordered- What do you think of Michael Peloquin's CD? I love it!
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hohnerjones
2 posts
Dec 02, 2009
10:16 AM
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Not trying to be funny, but getting any nice harp is a challenge. I buy from mulitple online dealers, never can buy all keys from one source, what is it with harps?, just don't sell enough of them to keep production up I guess.
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rbeetsme
52 posts
Dec 02, 2009
10:20 AM
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Tuckster, I did the same, then decided to get 3, if I like it I know I'll want more than 1 key. I didn't really expect to see these right away, I'm willing to wait.
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OzarkRich
44 posts
Dec 02, 2009
10:25 AM
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I pre-ordered one in D. I didn't order it just to be one of the first, I happen to need an extra D and am interested in the B-Radical. If I'm willing to fork out pushing $200 for a harp, then I'm not going to quibble over the deposit if it all tanks. My current Promaster D is dying. If it plays out before the B-radical comes out I'll get new reed plates. No big deal.
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Buzadero
209 posts
Dec 02, 2009
10:44 AM
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I've said it before, and I'll repeat it here.
These guys are trying to get this ship off the ground. It's a noble quest. I am willing to give them the benefit of the doubt during these early, formative stages. Precise launch dates fall into the category of "best intentions". Even the military doesn't always have "military precision".
I've never met Harrison. But, Michael is a solid dude. Fiddle Kitty is as well.
They've got my support and my money. I'm not worried.
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~Buzadero
Underwater Janitor, Patriot
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KeithE
68 posts
Dec 02, 2009
10:53 AM
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Michael - a while back it was stated that Guitar Center would carry the harmonicas and replacement reeds as well. Can you comment on this?
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jonsparrow
1376 posts
Dec 02, 2009
11:02 AM
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im pretty sure they only said there gonna carry the reeds.
as for the CD i never got it.
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Greg Heumann
175 posts
Dec 02, 2009
11:16 AM
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I have one on order. I can accept getting it a little late as long as I am kept informed. Michael, thanks for your thoughtful and informative message. I admire your dedication, and, running a harmonica-focused business myself, you and Brad have my admiration, respect and support.
Damn though, what a shame to lose your presence in this area - I miss you already. Don't be a stranger.
Best
/Greg
http://www.BlowsMeAway.com
http://www.BlueStateBand.net
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/bluestate
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/Greg
http://www.BlowsMeAway.com
http://www.BlueStateBand.net
Last Edited by on Dec 02, 2009 11:16 AM
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mpharpsax
15 posts
Dec 02, 2009
1:25 PM
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Oh my-
This can be a tough crowd... it's OK, I've been a performer most of my life and have died more than a few deaths on stage.
Harps will be delivered.
$35 NR deposit is only the FIRST $35.00 -- of the few customers that have canceled their pre-orders, their $35 is on account through 3/31/10, with the same deal that they had before.
Thanks to all who poated
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mpharpsax
16 posts
Dec 02, 2009
1:28 PM
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rbeetsme -- please email me at mjp10 at harrison harmonicas dot com
thanks
mp
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nacoran
481 posts
Dec 02, 2009
1:55 PM
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rbeetsme- Would you mind if I switched your icon on the map? It won't scale. I tried the Google Map forum, but I can't find a way to fix it at the moment.
Mpharpsax- (and any other harp company people!) Do you want to add a pin for where your company is based?
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&source=embed&msa=0&msid=104845941585189236070.000477e32eddb140744f2&ll=7.710992,139.921875&spn=165.298295,360&z=1
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mpharpsax
17 posts
Dec 02, 2009
1:55 PM
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Brad Harrison is a stand up guy. As a customizer, Brad passion was so much about his craft that he let some other more mundane admin issues fall by the wayside with some clients. Well the business known as Harrison CUSTOM Harmonicas is no more, it is now Harrison Harmonicas, Inc. We are a full on manufacturer, not a cottage industry. Brad brought me on to take care of these admin details, customer service issues, etc so that he can do what he does best: create and innovate.
Thanks,
Michael
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mpharpsax
18 posts
Dec 02, 2009
1:56 PM
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nacoran-
please email me about the map thing
thanks
mp
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mpharpsax
20 posts
Dec 02, 2009
2:14 PM
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KeithE-
As of now and for the near future, the plan is to do our own retailing and distribution in the US. We are currently in the process of formulating the packaging, price point and marketing of the RRS replaceable reeds for our harmonicas.
Thanks,
Michael
http://www.usaharmonicas.com
Michael -
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mpharpsax
21 posts
Dec 02, 2009
2:17 PM
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addict-
please email me at mjp10 at harrison harmonicas dot com
to discuss any issues that you may have had with Brad's former venture "Harrison Custom Harmonicas" I will do you right, ask anyone who knows me.
Michael
http://www.usaharmonicas.com
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nacoran
483 posts
Dec 02, 2009
2:24 PM
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Mpharpsax- It's just a Google map I created for the forum. It's open source so everyone puts there own pin in. Adam added the Crossroads were he filmed on of his videos and a lot of the harpers on here have added pins. It's sort of neat to see who is near you. All you need to put a pin in is a Gmail account, or if you don't have one, let me know and I'll put a pin in for you! Here's the link... (As of right now custom pins don't scale real well, but there are a bunch of different colorful pre-made pins.)
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&source=embed&msa=0&msid=104845941585189236070.000477e32eddb140744f2&ll=7.710992,139.921875&spn=165.298295,360&z=1
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eharp
363 posts
Dec 02, 2009
3:03 PM
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i think it is nice that there is an update of the product. even if it is bs (and i sure aint saying it is) i think it is better than being left completely in the dark. and now there is some actual info that could be used for any sort of debate if folks get stiffed (and i sure aint saying they will be).
i just dont think his harmonica life story or anything personal pertains to the status of the harps, imo.
i hope these harps rock and i hope this company flourishes.
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mpharpsax
22 posts
Dec 02, 2009
6:47 PM
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eharp-
The purpose of my original post was to build faith in our endeavor, for current and future customers... my entire story is a bit drawn out for this forum. I did once play with the Doobie Brothers and Michael McDonald was there sitting in--way back behind me.
Michael
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GermanHarpist
737 posts
Dec 02, 2009
7:00 PM
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mpharpsax, I think what eharp wants to say is that it would have been good to release some information about the development of the harp, some photos of the design, some info about production, the development of the company... etc. etc. also if it doesn't equal the final product.
There is soo little information about, all that we hear are testimonials of the owners and partners of the endeavor. Which results in this being solely a matter of trust. And while your reputations are all excellent this inevitably results in a lot of doubts and mischief.
Especially because it would have been so easy to give people some updates from time to time... Your endeavor very much relies on the hard core harp consumers. And we're all here...
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germanharpist on YT. =;-)
Last Edited by on Dec 02, 2009 7:01 PM
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Bb
108 posts
Dec 02, 2009
7:17 PM
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Michael, I'm someone in the boat that has custom Marine Bands on order.
Problem is, I have keys on order that you won't have ready.
Can you contact me off list to discuss? Thanks.
(205)533-1380
bharrison@luckie.net
-Bob Harrison
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rbeetsme
54 posts
Dec 02, 2009
7:21 PM
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Michael, your address failed. Mine.
rbeetsme@hotmail.com
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kudzurunner
830 posts
Dec 02, 2009
7:27 PM
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Michael:
...and with no insult intended towards those here who might, just might, be giving you a hard time:
I learned something about the blues when I volunteered, as part of my hiring-commitment at Ole Miss, to put on a blues conference of some sort during my first year on the job. I busted a** for 9 months, put the thing on, and solicited comments from folks in an exit poll of sorts. People complained. One person--we have subsequently become good friends; he's a member of the Blues Foundation--complained that we'd scheduled events at 9 on Saturday morning, instead of 10. I emailed him back. "Basically you're saying that because we created a situation in which you had so much fun on Friday night that you got messed up, drunk, and couldn't get here by 9 on Saturday morning, we're somehow to blame?" I said. "You're blaming US for YOU having too much fun!"
"Well, yeah," he admitted sheepishly.
He dropped the issue.
What I discovered is that people who are attracted to blues--and by extension, blues harmonica--are people who like to complain. Heck, I'm complaining about such people right here. We like to complain!
That's who blues people are.
Haven't you ever met a blues person at a club, somebody who maybe likes the same band as you, or somebody who has heard of you, and suddenly they're spewing THEIR s--t, they're bending your ear about the ex-GF who slept around or the record label who f'd them over? They bend your ear--and it really doesn't matter that it's YOUR ear, it could be anybody's ear as long as it's a willing ear, a bendable ear--until you're forced to make an awkward exit and flee. As you flee, you notice that they're moving toward their next victim. They've got the blues and will sing for any audience that will have them.
It's a full moon tonight and I'm feeling it. At least I'm conscious of my own werewolf side. Most people aren't. They just channel it unconsciously.
In any case, that was a good lesson: you bust your nut trying to bring something new and beautiful into the world, and if you can't bring it off with perfect grace and perfect timing, pleasing all the people all of the time, you've blown it, dude. You suck. (I'm using "you" in the subjunctive, not the literal, sense here.)
Heck, I don't think you'll be in any trouble if you finally deliver on these harps in mid-January. If they're good harps, the people who stayed with you instead of blowing you off will be none the worse for wear, and the people who grumbled will probably ease back around to check the harps out, by and by. Unless they're REAL blues people--in which case they'll cultivate a grievance and milk it for years, organizing a whole mode of life around it.
That's just who we are. Blues people.
Last Edited by on Dec 02, 2009 7:30 PM
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nacoran
484 posts
Dec 02, 2009
8:59 PM
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Lol. Yes blues people complain, but at least we don't do it in a high pitched whine like those emo people.
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oldwailer
957 posts
Dec 02, 2009
9:31 PM
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Yeah, I guess we do love to whine and snivel a bit--but at least we argue a lot!
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phogi
135 posts
Dec 03, 2009
3:34 AM
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I can't wait to see these harps. I now I will be buying one eventually, but not until they are in stock, with surplus reeds. My primary motivation for wanting one is the replaceable reeds.
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rbeetsme
55 posts
Dec 03, 2009
3:51 AM
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Geez Adam, that was a pretty long post.
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ness
122 posts
Dec 03, 2009
5:33 AM
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rebeetsme:
LOL. And, I do believe that's the first time I've seen the word 'subjunctive' in a couple decades. I had to look it up.
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Bluzdude46
295 posts
Dec 03, 2009
6:33 AM
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Sorry, it may be a very, very good Harp but it is still too close to custom pricing for a production Harp. And with all due respect, telling me we WILL ..(insert promise here) be doing in the future is meaningless if you you miss this deadline, because the deadline you sent was merely a former promise.
I still withold that the instruments cannot be better then custom harps are, they are so close in price as not to be an advantage, and the customizer I do business with hits his dates for me. I am asking a pointed question, all these things considered why should I buy your product?
And Adam? sorry my friend if they are free to promote here I can inquire with the hard questions without it being considered, whining, bitching or anything else derogatory. I have not ordered this product and while I wish them well and have in the past on this forum I see this venture, possibly driving the costs of some of the better priced customizers up because they know that a custom harp HAS to be better then a Production model.
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Philosofy
293 posts
Dec 03, 2009
7:17 AM
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My guess is that, if the B Radical just magically appeared out of thin air one day, available in all keys, and ready to ship, with no notice of a new harp coming to the market, plenty of people here would bitch about it. "Why didn't we know?" "If I had known, I wouldn't have ordered that Firebreath..."
You can't please everyone. Some here seem to be lumping Harrison in with the guy who gold plates your covers (total rip off.) Until the deadline for delivery passes, by a long time, then all the doom and gloom is speculation.
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congaron
312 posts
Dec 03, 2009
7:51 AM
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I wouldn't worry about custom pricing. Customizers already know production harps are inferior.
Custom pricing appears to me to be set based on a love of the instrument and the reality of acceptable profit for the individual customizer...if he makes a living at it his $/hr pricing may be higher than his competition, until his volume increases. Or, If he does it on the side and primarily cares about passing a custom baton, so to speak, he may be doing it for tiny $/hr. Point is, it's custom work and the pricing is already established by each individual. They ask what they feel is fair. I can't picture a production harp affecting this.
They ALL have to deal with the reality of the $35 harmonica I can play as I drive away from the store i bought it at. If a reed is off, I can take a toothpick or paper clip and adjust it. That right there is very powerful competition already..I don't expect price increases. Why would they?
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MrVerylongusername
670 posts
Dec 03, 2009
8:03 AM
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Congaron - I wish I could be as optimistic!
How about this scenario?
The big name brands see the increasing emphasis that players place on customs. Their response is to compete at that end of the market - hence the Fabulous, Manji, Crossover, Aero Reed, 1847 etc... The flip-side of this is of course is a reduced interest in the stock harp. Profit margins rule, so they pay less attention to quality control on the lower end models - outsource production, compromise on materials. Bad news.
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rbeetsme
56 posts
Dec 03, 2009
8:20 AM
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Seems to me the problem with a custom harp is the product the customizer has to start with. What if...we redesigned the reeds, used different materials, different production techniques to produce a better reed. Same with the comb and coverplate, not limit ourselves to modifying some other companies design...then we could make a harp without the compromises present in the current designs. That would be radical! Hey, how about calling it...B Radical! Bluzdude, it's a new design, about time someone did it. Give it a chance, speculating about how well it will play and will it be successful is a waste of time. Give these guys a chance to bring it to market. I'm speculating you'll have one within a year.
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Randy G. Blues
112 posts
Dec 03, 2009
8:59 AM
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Let me state my somewhat-vitriolic comments in a more mature, less-emotional manner:
It has been a number of months since we first heard of and and read the marvelous statements and comments concerning the B-radical: made in the U.S., precision equipment and tight tolerances, composite comb, easy-to-replace reeds, and so forth. OB and bends right out of the box, pro endorsers, and even prototypes being played and raved about. All of that sounds quite good, but it is still nothing but advertising hyperbole and (literally) sound bytes.
In my opinion, it was a great mistake posting delivery dates that were overly-optimistic. Another was having players state how well the prototypes worked, then announcing that changes have been made that have delayed production and delivery. Is it better now? We are told it is, but if these pros said it was so great before, why change it? I only pose that question to highlight the problem which can be created in the eyes of the consumer- If it was so great, why change it? Lessen production precision or material quality to increase profit? I AM NOT stating that this is the case, but merely presenting this to show how doubt can be cast by injudicious release of information that can be misconstrued or misinterpreted.
A problem perceived by me at this point is that the harps are nearly ready to ship and yet not a single picture of a production model of the harp has been presented. I sure would love to see some images- final comb, covers, reedplates, reed replacement system, etc. would all be great to see! Really!
I will again state that I am very interested and could use one or two B-Radicals which could live up to the hyperbole that Harrison has presented to us. I have no relationship nor personal knowledge of the folks involved so have no distrust of their honesty, yet I have no real evidence other than comments from the company that the harps will live up to the claims.
There have been pages of "what ifs..." And as far as speculations, these have been created by the company itself. As months go by the promises which began as full are increasingly perceived as empty. Speculation as to how great the harps will be that was created early on by the company and their website has continually created an increasing amount of negative speculation the longer we go without so much as an image of a production model.
I am willing to wait and listen for reports from actual owners of a B-radical to see if they are worth the investment. I think it would have served Harrison Harps well to have done at least a bit more of the same.
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MrVerylongusername
673 posts
Dec 03, 2009
9:43 AM
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Well taking a prototype through to production is not an easy or cheap process. All the tooling is not cheap, which is why so many companies prefer these days to outsource. Controlling production increases your control over quality, but it does increase your outlay. The chicken and egg come into play here. The business needs money to proceed to production, but to secure loans it needs to demonstrate that the product is worth investing in. How do you do that without a product? It seems to me the path that has been taken, securing endorsements from top, respected players and filling their books with pre-orders was their only option. Good luck to Harrison Harmonicas Inc. I hope one day you'll find a UK distributor so that I can buy a B-Radical at a price which compares with your US customers (as opposed to nearly double)
I also hope that you [Brad, Michael and Jason] consider other, cheaper models that compete more directly with the established names. Then we might actually all benefit - whatever brand we choose.
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