Andrew
1352 posts
Jun 28, 2011
7:01 AM
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Harpwrench, your input is useful, but it's little and late. It's the kind of transparency I suggested would be useful a long time ago and which was always going to be essential for the good of BH's public image.
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Andrew.
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Those who are tardy do not get fruit cup.
Last Edited by on Jun 28, 2011 7:02 AM
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HarpNinja
1491 posts
Jun 28, 2011
7:01 AM
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Can it be 100% confirmed that HH is selling this harp on eBay?
There are a few people in the harp world I know well enough to pretty much blindly take what they say as the truth. It seems people in the know are giving a solid perspective on what is really going on.
I've been critical of their business model for a while, and am waiting on a harp in A myself, but it is what it is, and I continue to wish them the best of luck.
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Mike
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas
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Andrew
1353 posts
Jun 28, 2011
7:06 AM
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But transparency can work both ways. Numbers would be interesting. If his books are a mess, he can't give them. If his books are good, he can give them, but if the numbers are too high, that might make people lose faith.
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Andrew.
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Those who are tardy do not get fruit cup.
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harpwrench
481 posts
Jun 28, 2011
7:27 AM
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I understand Andrew. It's not my place, I'm just a subcontractor and there is a confidentiality agreement that I don't want to break. Its his business. I'd think I'd be more transparent myself, but haven't walked a mile in his shoes either. Don't understand the fleabay thing, a lower cover is a whole lot cheaper than the fees.
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jim
879 posts
Jun 28, 2011
8:13 AM
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If that's OOTB, then you must be hand- filing all the reeds?
Seydel has about 14 people working at the factory as far as I know... And their number of customers is way higher.
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Free Harp Learning Center
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harpwrench
482 posts
Jun 28, 2011
9:00 AM
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I'm unclear about what you're getting at bro. The reeds are machine milled. Reed scrapers are used for tuning lengthways, no files, no reeds from anyone come off the machine in perfect pitch usually. Comparing to Seydel is irrelevant.....lengthwise reed milling instead of a handful-at-a-time stamped out in seconds, and screwed to the plates instead of riveting one every few seconds. Screws are a pain in the neck and one thing I'd do differently.
The point I wanted to make was I accomplished a lot in a half-hour (more than requested), and the results compare very favorably to the usual harps with much more time invested. Ask Todd Parrott what one is like with merely 3-4 more hours more work, tightening slots and more serious attention to detail, crossing the boundary into "customizing" territory but nothing like the many hours I put into each of his other instruments.
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timeistight
81 posts
Jun 28, 2011
9:30 AM
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Would it be possible to buff or sand out the engraving on the "Mike Newell" harps? How long would that take?
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jordan1397
7 posts
Jun 28, 2011
9:38 AM
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"Would it be possible to buff or sand out the engraving on the "Mike Newell" harps? How long would that take?"
Probably more time than to change the coverplates and send Buzadero his Bb.
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arzajac
549 posts
Jun 28, 2011
9:40 AM
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Brad Harrison here.
Some other guy is selling a nice harp and is pretending to be me. He doesn't even look like me. That Ebay purchase will not come from Harrison Harmonicas so buyer beware.
Cheers!
Brad.
Gotcha.
See! Anyone can do it....
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JBharmonica
44 posts
Jun 28, 2011
9:51 AM
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Pretty sure it's a legit Ebay posting...the listing was posted by Brad on his personal Facebook account and by the Admin oh the Harrison Harmonica Facebook account.
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JB
http://www.facebook.com/jbharmonica
jbustillos@gmail.com
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timeistight
82 posts
Jun 28, 2011
9:51 AM
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"Probably more time than to change the coverplates and send Buzadero his Bb."
I thought coverplate availability has been a major cause of the delays. I'm assuming they don't have coverplates to swap.
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jonlaing
271 posts
Jun 28, 2011
10:21 AM
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@timeistight that's actually a really good point, and may be an overlooked and fundamental reasoning for this eBay sell. Even if they cannibalized this harp for Buzadero, it may not have sped anything up, because they'd still have to wait for new cover plates. I've been told several times by Harrison that my order was pushed back by coverplate issues.
Maybe we should be pissed at whomever is making their coverplates... nah...
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nacoran
4263 posts
Jun 28, 2011
10:32 AM
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jonlaing, I actually sent an email, out of curiosity, to the eBay account, which asked that question. I haven't heard back though.
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Nate
Facebook
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jim
880 posts
Jun 28, 2011
1:04 PM
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@harpwrench:
you mean you have to mill each reed separately? Hm... that explains the time consumed then, but does not justify it. Shouldn't regular milling + polishing do the trick faster?
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Free Harp Learning Center
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rharley5652
503 posts
Jun 28, 2011
1:18 PM
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Mike Newell!
AKA: Mike NewDamnWell,.he wasn't getting his harp !!LOL
If you don't believe this auction is from Harrison Harmonicas Inc ,.all you have to do is report the item as a fake/fraud an Ebay will investigate it !
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Simply Unique Kustom Mic's By Rharley
Last Edited by on Jun 28, 2011 1:24 PM
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jonlaing
272 posts
Jun 28, 2011
1:24 PM
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@jim I thought the lengthwise milling was one of their major selling points. Even as backed up as they are, I'm thinking it would be counter intuitive (and probably less cost effective at this point) to switch the way mill reeds.
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jonlaing
273 posts
Jun 28, 2011
2:01 PM
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On a positive note, I just received an email informing me that my B-rad is in production. It's weird how that totally quelled my frustration about the whole thing.
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Stevelegh
241 posts
Jun 28, 2011
2:08 PM
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All this HH talk has given me pause for thought and as I run a business myself which takes deposits before delivery, I thought I'd chime in given recent posts / threads.
OK. For those who aren't happy, call your credit card companies and request a chargeback.
Any takers?
Ummm....
Nope?
Lets ask why not:
You've been sold a flying car.
I want the sh!t out of a flying car! Overblows and overdraws, daym! Jason Ricci will be toast! Howard Levy is an old d1ckhead who'll be cowering at my mad skillz once I get 'Harrisoned!'.
Sorry. I am mocking. More at my own delusion when I get a new gizmo. 'Ultimate 545? I'm a f*cking god!' Oh, hang on, my tone is sh!tty and I can't cup worth a crap.......
OK. Lets look at some realities.
One. If you don't play well, you're not going to with a H harp.
Two. If you'd thought about it instead of waiting up to 2 years like the Jews waiting for the Messiah, you'd actually realised that you could have learned to customise your own harps for less money in far less time or bought from the many excellent customisers here and elsewhere.
Three. I don't know Brad Harrison for toffee, but it seems his order book has been deluged by wannabe flying car guys and he can't cope. I will suggest he hasn't done his market research very well or his R&D for that matter, given he's struggling to put out harps in certain keys, but the guy seems to be a victim of his own promises.
Four. I apologise for the rant and I mean no disrespect to anyone. We all want cool stuff and these harps are plenty cool, but the guy doesn't seem to be able to cope. All I'm suggesting is that people think about it.
If the wait is worthwhile in your opinion, then cool. Wait. If you're getting annoyed about it, then get your money back via appropriate and legal channels, but getting angry publicly on forums isn't going to get your harp any quicker.
Now, if I were Brad Harrison:
I would put a proposition to one of the majors. There's a demonstrated requirement for the product. US made doesn't mean sh!t. Sorry, but quality and timely delivery does. He should retain quality control and command a royalty for units produced. He can't make them, but he could make a great living and change the harmonica world.
Again, apologies if I've offended as that is not my intent. Harrison needs to improve / change / evolve most definitely, but I think it's fair to say the guy didn't start a company to piss people off and not honour orders placed in goodwill.
Much love to this place and I hope this all ends well.
God bless.
Last Edited by on Jun 28, 2011 2:14 PM
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Sausagescoffer
45 posts
Jun 28, 2011
2:18 PM
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I just checked the ebay listing and found this in the small print:
"Here is your ONLY chance to own a brand new B-radical without waiting a very long time."
Is that a brag about the wait time?
UNBELIEVABLE!
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HarpSlaveDave
1 post
Jun 28, 2011
2:56 PM
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I recieved this message on 6/23. It may explain the coverplate issue:
Hello,
You're probably wondering where your harmonica is, right? I wanted to give you a quick update on what is going on at Harrison Harmonicas. As you know, we recently switched from the black nickel cover plates we were using because they were very inconsistent and the vendor was unreliable. We started using a jet black finish, that seemed to be going great, until Brad had to reject the last two batches of 350 cover plates because they were bad. This has made us unable to ship out any harmonicas (we need cover plates to do that). We have found a new vendor who is guaranteeing that they will turn out great! We are hoping to have cover plates by mid-next week. After we receive the cover plates (and make sure the quality is outstanding) your harmonica will be shipped! Thank you for being so patient and supportive!
Warmly,
Amanda Guedel
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orphan
31 posts
Jun 28, 2011
3:12 PM
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@ HarpSlaveDave I received this from Amanda on 6/24:
Unfortunately due some delays that were completely out of our control, we are a little behind. Unfortunately we have experienced some delays that were completely out of our control. We had some issues with one of our vendors but luckily we have found a more reliable one. Also, we just hired on two top customizers to help us get through the back log quicker. As of now we are quoting about eleven months from the time the order was placed for all of our orders. We are confident that it won't take that long with our new staff members. I guarantee this instrument is coming, slowly but surely, and you will love it! Thank you for your patience and understanding!
Warmly,
Amanda Guedel
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ElkRiverHarmonicas
711 posts
Jun 28, 2011
6:31 PM
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I got a kick out of the milling plus polishing comment...;)
I can vouch for it. I know for a fact the listing is legit.
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David
Elk River Harmonicas
Elk River Harmonicas on Facebook
"It's difficult to think anything but pleasant thoughts while eating a homegrown tomato." - Lewis Grizzard
"Also, drinking homemade beer." - David Payne
Last Edited by on Jun 28, 2011 6:32 PM
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bonedog569
348 posts
Jun 28, 2011
10:33 PM
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I think emotions run a tad high because a lot of us feel invested in this venture on a personal level - and not just with our deposits.
I first heard about HH from Jason during his OB session at SPAH 09 and was quite excited about the prospect of "production harmonicas" built for OBing etc.. This was a company born of our community - building a product specifically for our needs - right here in the USA.
Occasional pettyness and rancor asside (we are human after all) - go to SPAH , or from what I gather the recent Hill Country fest, - and you'll find a pretty friendly bunch of folks, all sharing a love of the music and this funny little instrument with amazing potential. If that's a "snake pit" - call me a Crawling King Snake Baby.
I don't think hate is a healthy or usefull emotion. I don't think lawsuits are usually positive endeavors eithter. There are certainly better things to do with our limitted time on the planet. I certainly don't hate Brad. In fact I wish him well. - But this last ebay bit does fell a little like salt in the wound. Auctioning off cancled orders for more than the list price - when so many have been waiting so long is just not cool - and as a community who have invested money and faith in this enterprise, it is appropriate that we express how we feel - here in our public square, - as well as to Brad & Co. directly.
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Last Edited by on Jun 28, 2011 10:45 PM
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jasonL
53 posts
Jun 29, 2011
4:24 AM
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bonedog,
I agree I find most folks here to be a supportive bunch.
Just a note, I believe it was said here already but $200 is not more than the list price as it is engraved and that is a $20 charge on top of the $180.
Hope that helps,
Jason
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MrVerylongusername
1722 posts
Jun 29, 2011
4:33 AM
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Yeah, but that is just the starting bid - it's already (slightly) exceeded list price and with 14hrs to go I think it'll go much higher (in the last 5 mins probably).
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Buzadero
785 posts
Jun 29, 2011
5:59 AM
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Just for the record, I have nothing but the highest level of respect and admiration for the endeavour itself, and for what Harrison is trying to pull off. I think the world of Peloquin and know him to be a sincere and straight up guy. In the brief email exchanges we've had, that Payne guy has grown on me as well.
When Michael first told me about this, I was sitting at his house talking about proper reed setup, gapping, embossing etc. The usual stuff. He just mentioned that Harrison was going after bringing a higher level of so called "off the shelf" harps to the world. Made in the USA, by harp people, I thought that very cool and asked him to keep me in the loop.
I already had a couple of Harrisons tweaked Marine Bands on order and Brad sent me an email telling me that he was taking pre-orders for the new model. So, I ordered two harps (A & Bb) that I figured would be solid representative keys. In hindsight, maybe A and C would have arrived sooner. But, at the time I was short on Bb's. Whatever.
I got the A when Michael came out to SF for his 50th birthday. The Bb was supposed to be close behind it.
I've digressed a bit from the point. That being that I am not a "dissatisfied" customer. If this thing goes, will I buy another? Probably. I still applaud the concept and effort. And, I am very happy with the A that I've got.
My frustration is with the length of wait and the shortage of communication. Although, the recent excuses email updates are on the right track....just a little late in the process. But, as we continue to remind ourselves, they ARE still learning to establish the business.......and, they are still harp people and not professional business people.....YET.
That is the fine line of make or break in the rough and tumble world of entreprenuerialism.
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~Buzadero
Underwater Janitor, Patriot
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ridge
282 posts
Jun 29, 2011
7:01 AM
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So how many of you belly achers are also secretly eBay sniping this harp today? Only 12 hours left and it's at a modest $202.50!
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Miles Dewar
989 posts
Jun 29, 2011
7:15 AM
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$202 for a harp brand that I have seen nobody try. One that could turn out to be a big piece of junk? Nah.
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ReedSqueal
159 posts
Jun 29, 2011
7:19 AM
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@Ridge - wondered that myself! LOL. Will be interesting to see the final bid! It's at $280.00 at the time of this post, with 11 hours to go in the auction.
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Go ahead and play the blues if it'll make you happy.
-Dan Castellaneta
Last Edited by on Jun 29, 2011 7:41 AM
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KingBiscuit
62 posts
Jun 29, 2011
7:51 AM
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These harps can't possibly be that much better than OOTB or Customized Harps. You will never convince me otherwise.
I can only imagine that people are thinking they will be collector items at some point in time.
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MrVerylongusername
1723 posts
Jun 29, 2011
8:00 AM
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$305 for a new harp with someone else's name on it! the world has gone mad.
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groyster1
1165 posts
Jun 29, 2011
8:07 AM
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@king biscuit as far as custom harps go they are probably not as good especially since they are stock harps to begin with
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toddlgreene
3083 posts
Jun 29, 2011
8:21 AM
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I don't think the bid price is directly relative to the actual cost/value of the harp itself, btw. Ebay bidding is a sport for some. I've done it-not about to be outbid on an item, and saying to Hell with my pre-set maximum pay for an item, simply because I want to win it! I do wonder if the bidders and eventual winner are members of this forum though.
If so, out yourselves!
p.s.-Ya think this particular harp will ship on time ;-)
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Todd L. Greene
Last Edited by on Jun 29, 2011 8:22 AM
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JBharmonica
45 posts
Jun 29, 2011
8:43 AM
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How about not paying on time! Sorry, Paypal is having some problems...I am gonna use a different payment method...The checks in the mail....
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JB
http://www.facebook.com/jbharmonica
jbustillos@gmail.com
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KingBiscuit
63 posts
Jun 29, 2011
8:46 AM
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@JB....LOL, you beat me to it....as I was reading that the bid was up to $305, I was thinking, perhaps the winning bidder will give Harrison the run around when it comes to paying for the harp.
Just Deserves! LOL
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nacoran
4266 posts
Jun 29, 2011
9:15 AM
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Miles, it's not like they haven't delivered some. You can find reviews. Some people don't like the shape, some people say they adjust it a bit themselves, and some people say that for $180 plus the wait it wasn't worth it, but everyone says it's still a really nice harp and some people absolutely love it.
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Nate
Facebook
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toddlgreene
3085 posts
Jun 29, 2011
9:21 AM
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Miles, Brandon Bailey actively played his B-Rad at HCH. That's got to tell you something.
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Todd L. Greene
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ElkRiverHarmonicas
712 posts
Jun 29, 2011
9:34 AM
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$202 is a good deal less than what it will cost when they are taking orders again. That's not a cheap harmonica to make.
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David
Elk River Harmonicas
Elk River Harmonicas on Facebook
"It's difficult to think anything but pleasant thoughts while eating a homegrown tomato." - Lewis Grizzard
"Also, drinking homemade beer." - David Payne
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Jaybird
242 posts
Jun 29, 2011
9:39 AM
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Bidding is up to $305.00
I like JB's suggestion.
I sell things on eBay often, and several times I was not paid, and the buyer was not penalized.
So go ahead guys. Bid up that Harrison harp to the limits. Make him 'pay' for his greed.
..
Last Edited by on Jun 29, 2011 9:45 AM
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nacoran
4267 posts
Jun 29, 2011
10:16 AM
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Maybe it's marketing research? He could be trying to find what the market will bare.
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Nate
Facebook
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AirMojo
163 posts
Jun 29, 2011
10:31 AM
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I should've ordered mine with the name "Kim Wilson" on it...
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rharley5652
504 posts
Jun 29, 2011
12:51 PM
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Looks like x***x (191) is the only guy bidding it up !
Current bid: US $310.00
maybe HH found a way to sell for more than asking price,. Supply an Demand !!
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Simply Unique Kustom Mic's By Rharley
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sydeman
50 posts
Jun 29, 2011
1:01 PM
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The sale ends today on this one:
http://www.hydroponicsonline.com/store/BRAD-HARMONICA-B-RAD-B-RADICAL-HARP-HARRISON-KEY-OF-C_380341789413.html
Please note: There is a thin foil like material peeling off of the cover plates. Most of it has already peeled off.
It doesn't affect the looks or playability. I don't know if Harrison is aware of this issue??
Harmonica has been completely sanitized with 91% ALCOHOL which completely evaporates.
Last Edited by on Jun 29, 2011 1:04 PM
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Philosofy
390 posts
Jun 29, 2011
4:14 PM
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But Sammyharp, you're not supposed to be buying a customized product. You're buying an expensive stock harmonica that's supposed to be just as good as a customized harp.
I don't want to start another HH thread, but has anyone replaced a reed yet? Replaceable reeds is the reason they said the B Radical will be the last harp you own. The way its going, its the last harp you get.
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Kyzer Sosa
983 posts
Jun 29, 2011
4:56 PM
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I think the whole thing is going to be tanked before Xmas...after some not so uplifting comments or two from some performers at HCH2, I think theres something very fishy going on and no one will just flat out say it.
Lamborghini's, Bugatti's, hell even Bently's dont sport 2 year wait times, you mean to try and convince ME that a tin sandwich takes two years to manufacture, mass produce and ship? Bullshit. And then for 'pros' to get their hands on one right away while the 'joes' wait for them? go f*** that business model.
Here's a thought. What kind of deep deep deep doo doo would Brad be in if everyone cancelled their >1 year old pre-order? You know the answer. Pitiful. That is all.
Im so glad I didnt buy into the hype of an american made harp. Ill stick to ones made in germany and china... thanks.
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Kyzer's Travels
Kyzer's Artwork
"Music in the soul can be heard by the universe." - Lao Tzu
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groyster1
1167 posts
Jun 29, 2011
5:32 PM
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@kyzer
effin A!!!! stick to what you know will work hohner suzuki lee oskar and rockinron
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nacoran
4269 posts
Jun 29, 2011
7:40 PM
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Groyster, Rockin Ron's also sells Seydels, doesn't he? Just in the interest of being complete.
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Nate
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Rubes
355 posts
Jun 29, 2011
7:55 PM
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B-rad waiting list/register:-
Name Key Order date
Rubes D 29/4/10
..............................
Last Edited by on Jun 29, 2011 7:55 PM
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ElkRiverHarmonicas
713 posts
Jun 29, 2011
9:28 PM
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David Payne Bb, D and G/02/01/10
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David
Elk River Harmonicas
Elk River Harmonicas on Facebook
"It's difficult to think anything but pleasant thoughts while eating a homegrown tomato." - Lewis Grizzard
"Also, drinking homemade beer." - David Payne
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mandowhacker
56 posts
Jun 29, 2011
9:30 PM
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"$202 is a good deal less than what it will cost when they are taking orders again."
Yeah, I bet the recent eBarf success will cause an adjustment in the demand/price picture.
Not a problem, just order an ERH (Elk River Harmonica...typed easier).
Brad sends you false hopes of receipt in e-mails-----David calls you about your harp and constantly e-mails you as to the progress of your order.
I think maybe Brad should move to West Virginia and learn how to provide service. David moving to Illinois didn't work---and that's a good thing.
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Just when I got a paddle, they added more water to the creek.
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