Yeah, I don't remember the details. I think I read that the reeds were produced for four keys and I think it was coverplate production that was the hold up. At any rate shipping has been delayed. Hey, they were aiming high and I think they should've. I'm still waiting but I certainly wasn't willing to hold things up for 2 to 3 more weeks just to have my name engraved on it. LR
But isn't this about the third or fourth time they have announced delays?
I seem to recall that originally these harps were going to be released in either very late 2008 / early 2009?
Also there was a video on YouTube with Sandy Weltman playing a prototype where Brad announced the release date of the harp and some other stuff. This video has since been removed by Richard Sleigh who uploaded it. Which to me seems very odd as all Richards other videos are still up?
I can't really see Jason and Michael putting their name to something without doing some research first.
I have never done business with Brad myself and can honestly say that I have had no personal dealings with him at all. However I have seen on various forums comments from people that have and don't seem to happy. On the other hand I have also seen numerous comments from people who have and are totally happy.
Regarding the B-Radical harmonicas though. I understand the complicated nature of trying to get everything sorted out and production up and running. It would seem to me though that to announce a release date that is not achievable is just plain stupidity, from a business point of view.
A good reputation is a hard thing to acquire, but it's a very easy thing to lose as well. Once you have lost peoples faith then trying to regain it is not an easy task at all. It would have been a more prudent move (in my opinion) to announce a realistic date (much later than needed) for the product release and then to have delivered it earlier than that deliberately late set release date.
I only hope for those of you whom have pre-ordered and for Michael and Jason and the time (and money) they have invested in this venture, that it comes to fruition very quickly.
Fall 2009 is quickly coming to a close (for all of us in the Northern Hemisphere) – the first snow of winter has already fallen here in Chicago. First of all, thank you to all who responded to our survey. We appreciate your comments and feedback. We received many survey responses that are supportive and encouraging to our endeavor; things like “I don't care how long it takes as long as it is high quality,” “you can't rush quality, please just get it right!” If we didn't answer anyone's question that was posed to us in the survey comments, please feel free to contact us directly by responding to this email. More information on our survey results follow below.
Now for the moment you've all been waiting for – our progress on the B-radical:
We have developed and manufactured our reeds for four keys utilizing our innovative FPT-9 FlexPoint reed technology. These reeds are just incredible!
The RRS replaceable reed system is fully realized; simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. All details regarding the availability, packaging and pricing of our replacement reeds, reed kits and tool kits will be available on our new website in January.
Our innovative hardwood-composite comb and black-nickel plated cover plates will be in full production in the next two weeks. Plating has run into a delay with our high-end decorative plater that is beyond our control. This is also why we are in standby mode for current pictures of our fine, Made in the USA instrument.
Although most of our components have been completed, we are still 2-4 weeks from being able to ship our summer and fall pre-orders. We would like to reiterate that we will not rush quality and we will get it right the first time. We only have one chance to create a first impression. A big thank you again to all of you who have faith in our innovative methods and put in your pre-orders. Our pre-order program has been a huge success with harmonica loving customers coming from 46 states in the US and 24 countries across the globe!
The initial Beta and reserve production run has been completed. This week we will be starting full production of the B-radical. These initial production harmonicas will begin to come off the line and go directly into the mail by chronological receipt of your pre-orders.
In response to the results of our survey, we have decided to offer personalization of your B-radical at no additional charge to you, our valued early supporters; but there will be an additional two weeks lead time in order to receive this personalized service. This personalization (on the bottom cover plate) will be laser engraved in a font style which will be similar and complimentary with our other fonts in our new logos that will be engraved on the top cover plate. If you would like to choose this personalization, then please respond to this email in order to take advantage of the offer. We can send out an example of the font being used if you would like to see one. At this time, we will only be offering engraved names in one font style. Per your suggestions, we may be able to provide your signature or other type of inscription in the future.
There are truly great things coming from us here at Harrison Harmonicas, the only harmonica made in the USA – the birthplace of blues and jazz. Thank you for hanging in there.
Call me cynical, but I somehow suspect that there will be yet more delays after this one.
The www.usaharmonicas.com url appears to not currently work (it times out when searching). There seem to be problems with the manufacturing processes, which appear to blamed on outside sources (are these really made in the USA or just assembled in the USA?). Then they offer another carrot in the way of personalised coverplates in an attempt to placate people and avoid irate emails and calls.
I really do hope that those of you who are waiting for these get a harmonica that lives up to all the hype.
Although I'm currently doubtful that it's going to. I only hope I'm proved wrong.
Last Edited by on Dec 19, 2009 4:22 AM
It really bothers me when small companies/persons in the harmonica products & services occupations choose to take advantage of many harmonica players being laid back & see it okay to do things such as this.
Luckily I chose to steer clear of this one until they at least were already officially released, if ever I tried one.
It really is a shame because I've had a number of as expected or better then expected experiences with small companies/persons in the harmonica products & services occupation through online transactions. Nowadays I'm really leery to order stuff unless a number of you guys swear by the experience.
---------- ~Ryan
"I play the harmonica. The only way I can play is if I get my car going really fast, and stick it out the window." - Stephen Wright
Pennsylvania - H.A.R.P. (Harmonica Association 'Round Philly)
Going by the email, production is just about started. I if you want free personalization it'll add 2 weeks; otherwise orders go out chronologically (though Xmas will obviously hold things up). Sounds like they're on the case to me, and a bit soon to be accusing Brad Harrison of 'taking advantage' - on the other hand I can definitely feel my expectations being lowered, but IF the B-Rad is any sort of success, a first run model will be worth every penny paid for it.
Yes,it's not like I'm waiting for a heart donor and time is of the essence. It's a freakin' harmonica. Would have been nice to have it for Christmas,but-oh well. No biggie.
I think its strange that the ones that have absolutely no money invested are the ones doing the most complaining and nay saying. If it were me I would also try to avoid spreading rumors by making speculations about things I couldn't possibly know anything about. The email clearly states what is causing the hold-up, I don't see any reason to accuse them of lying. And complaining about the free engraving offer....are you serious? They're giving you the option to have your name engraved FOR FREE. If you don't want to wait the extra 2 weeks for the engraving, then don't do it. It boggles my mind that someone would try to turn that into something negative. I don't know if you've ever pre-ordered anything before, but it's defintately not uncommon for the release date to get moved. Yes it can be dissappointing, but if you're not willing to wait then you shouldn't pre-order, simple as that. For the price tag I would most deffinately want to wait longer to make sure the harp is the best it can be, as ooposed to them thinking "Oh no, the release dates approaching. We might as well just release it now even though it's not 100% ready yet." That would upset me way more than some extra wait time.
When I was a kid all I wanted was a Millennium Falcon. It's all I asked for one Christmas. I specifically told my parents I didn't want any other toy, all I wanted was my spaceship. Well, Christmas came, and I looked around at all the boxes, and nothing looked big enough for my Millennium Falcon. I got other toys, and as I opened each one my little heart broke a little more. As I opened my last toy I was nearly in tears. No Millennium Falcon! I tried to be calm as I explained that all I had wanted was the Falcon.
As I added up the costs of the other toys in my head I was sure they added up to more than enough, but no Falcon. My voice was cracking in that way that a little kids does when he's utterly crushed, trying to keep in the Christmas spirit but roiling inside with a building temper tantrum. I turned away from the tree and my parents said wait, look behind the tree. I looked. Still no Falcon. Finally my cousin helped me look under the sheet wrapped around the Christmas tree. My FALCON!!!
I don't think everyone would be so cranky except they are so excited about the B-Radical.
The moral of this story? Well, my cousin was visiting from Florida recently and we were talking about Christmas. I turns out he was a really pissed off little kid when I got a Millennium Falcon and all he got was some action set!
Happy Holidays everyone, and may all of your Christmas wishes come true (even if you have to wait a little longer than you thought you did.)
cmon guys.... I ordered and I am still waiting too. I never dealt with Brad before but I made the decision to order alone and nobody forced me and I knew I would have to wait.
As far as I'm concerned I only paid 35$ so far wich isn't that much and I totally understand why they had to do this to launch the production. Remember that they almost started from zero to create an harmonica.
Just be patient man..... we will all receive an awesome harp very soon
Still, if you really think you got screwed just contact Michael Peloquin and he will refund you your 35$.
I am really annoyed about all these threads blasting someone wich is trying to make something big for our little instrument. I do receive updates via email since I preordered so stop saying nobody is informed about what is going on...
WOW! I don't see anybody "blasting" anybody. What I see is some anxious customers who were reassured three short weeks ago that their very expensive harmonicas were going to ship on time. Then they didn't. At least one customer (Jon) and possibly more were not notified of a delay. They have every right to be anxious and Harrison Harmonicas has an obligation to be forthright and upfront about what is going on. ---------- The Art Teacher Formally Known As scstrickland
i definitely did NOT get an email about the delay. i dont mind them taking extra time, just keep us informed. what id really like is to at least see what it looks like.
I havent been playing a year yet, and the only harmonica Ive been even slightly giddy about was the manji. I got it, and yep...it sounds awesome (blows my sp20 in the same key, fully away)...maybe it is the novice speaking here, but I get waaaaaay more excited about learning new tunes than I ever did looking forward to my manji... The point is... is this thing gonna revolutionize how ya play? hmm I get the beef with the stalling and postponing for whatever reasons yeah, that sucks. communication should be paramount. and a pic for those that preordered shouldnt be out of the question
By Pre-ordering your B-radical (for FEBRUARY 2010 delivery) you will receive a $20 discount on each $180 harmonica ordered, with no limit. You will receive a Michael Peloquin CD as our pre-order gift! to you. Due to the popularity of our pre-sale, there are only a few T-shirts and coffee mugs remaining. (All pre-orders placed before Dec 23, 2009 will still be shipped in Jan. 2010)
I think the dates have been pushed up a month. If I remember right. More time to perfect playing lighter so the reeds last EXTRA long!
Originally people were asked to pre-order for Fall 2009 delivery. This was to allow them to receive harmonicas built on the assembly line from the first full production run. This delivery has now been moved to January 2010 delivery.
Now also they are saying you should pre-order for February 2010 delivery as well. Somebody please correct me if I am wrong. But wasn't the idea that after the first batch, the B-Radicals would then be in full production?
Now if that is the case then why on earth are people being told to pre-order yet again?
On the website it also says any pre-orders placed before December 23rd 2009 will be shipped in January 2010. Now call me a cynical old git, but if Brad can't even deliver the first batch that were pre-ordered by some people around May-June on time. Does Brad seriously believe that he can deliver orders placed from today onwards by February 2010.
This smells very fishy to me!
Last Edited by on Dec 24, 2009 4:39 AM
i'm waiting patiently. but i didnt pre-order, either. lol i'm waiting for the product to get delivered and then i am fairly certain all the waiting will be worth it for those who have pre-ordered. until then, i am enjoying this thread immensely!
but i gotta laugh about the free cd that is to placate those who expected their harp by now. wouldnt another discount be better?
