jonlaing
307 posts
Aug 04, 2011
6:20 PM
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Just got this email:
Dear valued customers,
Harrison Harmonicas has made a name for its B-Radical harps and earned a reputation for making a top-quality instrument. That commitment will continue but with a different company. The B-radical is a very expensive instrument to create, something we weren't able to anticipate when we set our price in pre-production. Even as we began to meet and sometimes even exceed our production goals, there were obstacles we were unable to overcome. It is with a heavy heart I say Harrison Harmonicas is no longer able to continue as a company.
However, another innovative American company with a reputation for manufacturing excellence has purchased the B-Radical harmonica and will build the B-radical as well as other HH-concept models. They are committed to - and with 49 years of manufacturing experience are capable of - carrying forward the revolution we started.
The new company has expressed a firm commitment to filling our backorders. It will be sending out a communication to you in the coming weeks, you should be hearing from them soon via email announcing the new home and how backorders will be handled.
Thank you for your support.
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Kyzer Sosa
998 posts
Aug 04, 2011
6:25 PM
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its about freakin' time...
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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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jonlaing
308 posts
Aug 04, 2011
6:32 PM
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i wonder if he's going to move with the new company or if he's just selling everything away and washing his hands of it all.
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Big Daddy Ray
95 posts
Aug 04, 2011
6:34 PM
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Jon I wondered the same thing but also wondered if it's all hogwash and he is just changing business names.
But, if it is an entirely different company without Brad involved I might try one someday but I have become spoiled with true customs.
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jonlaing
309 posts
Aug 04, 2011
6:42 PM
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I don't think Brad ever tried to deceive anyone, I think he just bit off more than he could chew and was too passionate (and as a result stubborn) to admit it. Hopefully the new company can deliver what Harrison Harmonicas promised.
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harpwrench
518 posts
Aug 04, 2011
6:45 PM
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huh
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ElkRiverHarmonicas
718 posts
Aug 04, 2011
6:52 PM
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No, It's a new company... As in different people own it.
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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 Aug 04, 2011 6:53 PM
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HarpNinja
1559 posts
Aug 04, 2011
6:57 PM
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Sh!t. Mine was in production a month ago and due to ship any minute (so I was told). I just had my dad (it was a gift) pay the balance off. I feel HORRIBLE! I told him to call the CC company first thing in the morning and try to get a refund.
Honestly, I'd be less concerned if it was my money. I feel so bad for my folks!!!
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Mike
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas
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LSB
47 posts
Aug 04, 2011
7:04 PM
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Sooooo, Brad takes our money, does just about everything wrong that he possibly can from a management standpoint while continually making promises that everyone will be taken care of, then can't pay the bills and can't deliver promised product and sells the company pocketing some money himself in the process..... All without refunding anything to those who have placed deposits. Nice Brad. Very honest, very ethical.
"Thanks for your support." you say? Yes, that is some thank you indeed.
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HarpNinja
1560 posts
Aug 04, 2011
7:08 PM
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As a very small business order, I run into issues out of my control all the time - down to being occasionally slow with email. That being said, and having a small understanding of the hardship and complications in trying to get things done on time, etc, I can't believe how stupid this whole story has gotten.
At least be honest.
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Mike
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas
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orphan
36 posts
Aug 04, 2011
7:11 PM
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"Due to the overwhelming success and demand for the B-radical, we are not currently accepting new orders."
Isn't it amazing what overwhelming success and demand can do?
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ReedSqueal
184 posts
Aug 04, 2011
7:19 PM
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I wonder if this will create greater demand i.e. place higher value on *original* B-Rads vs. 2nd party manufacturer B-Rads.
I mean, look at what those Mike Newell B-Rads raked in on ebay. $480.00!
Buying a b-rad was like buying stock.
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Go ahead and play the blues if it'll make you happy.
-Dan Castellaneta
Last Edited by on Aug 04, 2011 7:49 PM
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Big Daddy Ray
97 posts
Aug 04, 2011
7:25 PM
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If the sale is like it should be, think of the Monopoly game, they not only bought HH, they assumed HH's debt,including having to take care of the back orders and figured all of this into their purchase price. I have a feeling that since this company has supposedly been around for 49 years they will put the harps that are on back order out reasonably quick.
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eharp
1390 posts
Aug 04, 2011
7:30 PM
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i thought there were 2 key points when considering buying a b-rad.
1) made by a harmonica player that was going to be hands on. (look at some of the people he had working for him.)
2) replaceable reeds that were going to be sold at major music stores.
and now??
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Big Daddy Ray
98 posts
Aug 04, 2011
7:33 PM
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eharp,who knows, perhaps they will offer jobs to those who were making the B-rads to work solely on that line and I don't see why the new company couldn't make the reeds available at music stores.
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Buzadero
811 posts
Aug 04, 2011
7:37 PM
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"I have a feeling that since this company has supposedly been around for 49 years they will put the harps that are on back order out reasonably quick."
With the quality consistent with a two hundred dollar harp? Or, will they pump them out to get the monkey off their back, clean the slate back to zero by whatever is the most expedient means, and resculpt the business to a model more in keeping with their own philosphy?
Will the delivered product off the Backorder List attain the value of the two hundred bucks already in the hand?
Muchas preguntas......
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~Buzadero
Underwater Janitor, Patriot
Last Edited by on Aug 04, 2011 7:48 PM
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harpwrench
519 posts
Aug 04, 2011
7:46 PM
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ReedSqueal
185 posts
Aug 04, 2011
7:51 PM
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What I want to know is *where* is this company that has been around for 49 years.. I am assuming at this point it is not the USA. China?
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Go ahead and play the blues if it'll make you happy.
-Dan Castellaneta
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Buzadero
814 posts
Aug 04, 2011
7:55 PM
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Suzuki is more like 60 years. Don't know how long Tombo's been around.
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~Buzadero
Underwater Janitor, Patriot
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Mojokane
428 posts
Aug 04, 2011
8:03 PM
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Fool me once....
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Why is it that we all just can't get along?<
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ReedSqueal
186 posts
Aug 04, 2011
8:05 PM
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An American company that outsources manufacturing?
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Go ahead and play the blues if it'll make you happy.
-Dan Castellaneta
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LSB
48 posts
Aug 04, 2011
8:23 PM
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It may very well not even be a harmonica company that purchased the rights to the B-Radical harmonica.
And not naming the company is another unethical and suspect move by Brad.
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Gumshoe
1 post
Aug 04, 2011
8:53 PM
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I just noticed that the Harrison Harmonica facebook page has been taken down.
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Big Daddy Ray
102 posts
Aug 04, 2011
9:02 PM
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From the posts I have read about HH over the last year or so I am surprised there is only one,lol. Some purchasers got pretty nasty in their threads.
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ReedSqueal
187 posts
Aug 04, 2011
9:15 PM
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@ LSB - Good point. I think most people assumed (well, I did at least) that it was another harmonica manufacturer.
Of course we all remember the story of the rise, fall and rise of Harley-Davidson. And AMF. AMF! A bowling company buys out H-D.
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Go ahead and play the blues if it'll make you happy.
-Dan Castellaneta
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LittleVillage
9 posts
Aug 04, 2011
9:38 PM
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F@#&%*^ING...HarpNinga, my parents got ripped off too! made the order after seeing the show and thought it would be a nice gift. My mother and step father have a running bet and my mother just won. Of course she said they would fold before he got the harp. Man, good thing harrison wasn't a custom amp builder as we'd be talking thousand's in lieu of a couple hundred..wonder if he'll be at Spah? LOL
Last Edited by on Aug 04, 2011 9:39 PM
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JInx
31 posts
Aug 04, 2011
11:12 PM
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I'm new to all this internet harp hype. What a bunch of suckers we are.
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Cristal Lecter
81 posts
Aug 04, 2011
11:45 PM
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The sad thing is - besides the people who has been outrageously fooled, besides the amount of money that some of us have saved for having this "dream" instrument, besides the deceived hope, besides the fact that pros like Jason, Michael Peloquin, and some others has lost some credibility because a "business man" has fucked up big time without being wise and humble enough to say that he couldn't make it - I was saying the sad thing is, since I've promote quite a lot on french forums the future of Harrisson Harmonicas, now that it's official they're closing, I look even more ridiculous and inadequate than before in that "community'.....I never thought it was possible....Amazing !!!
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Never try to be as good as someone else, succeed to be the best player you can be!
Last Edited by on Aug 04, 2011 11:49 PM
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Big Daddy Ray
105 posts
Aug 05, 2011
12:07 AM
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Cristal, I do not see those guys or you losing credibility for promoting Harrison Harmonicas. What happened to the company was not your fault or the fault of anyone you mentioned.
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blogward
156 posts
Aug 05, 2011
1:24 AM
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It took me two years to get one B-Rad after initially ordering six. More hassle and money than a Buddha and it's not as good. Most disappointing was the fact that the loose bag is useless and the B-Rad doesn't fit in any other case. Oh, and the 'engraving' is silk-screened in Tahoma - tasteful, not. Lesson being that it's better to go to a craftsman builder than someone trying to be the Henry Ford of harps.
http://www.theflitters.com
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Kingley
1572 posts
Aug 05, 2011
1:24 AM
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I feel sorry for all of you who invested money in this company by pre-ordering harps from them. I find it outrageous that Brad has taken peoples hard earned money and not delivered the goods. Seemingly lied consistently to folk about the state of their orders and the company itself and then sold then company on (if indeed he really has sold it). I can't say that I'm surprised though really.
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chromaticblues
956 posts
Aug 05, 2011
4:44 AM
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Who Cares!
Great concept! Wrong person? Bad timing?
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Kingley
1573 posts
Aug 05, 2011
4:53 AM
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"Who Cares!
Great concept! Wrong person? Bad timing?"
chromaticblues - I'd imagine that all the people would collectively have lost ten of thousands (if not hundreds of thousands!) of dollars care a great deal about the loss of their hard earned money and the way they have been treated by Harrison Harmonicas.
I agree the concept was great. It just evidently wasn't thought through enough. Shame because it had great potential really.
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Buzadero
815 posts
Aug 05, 2011
4:55 AM
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I cares.
My money was parted from me as I acknowledged both the concept and the person(s) as being something that I could support.
The idea was a good one. I considered it a noble cause. A sucker does this make me?
If no one had fronted money, the odds of Harrison getting off the ground would have been much longer. I put out money on good faith and because I thought the idea a good one.
Does that make me a "fool"? Perhaps to an unaffected outside observer with nothing ventured or lost. Perhaps.
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~Buzadero
Underwater Janitor, Patriot
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Stickman
678 posts
Aug 05, 2011
4:56 AM
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I kind of feel bad for Brad. Some here paint a picture that they were screwed by HH. I have no reason to believe that Brad set out to (or ever intended to) screw anybody. It is apparent that he took some big risks to provide a quality product made in the USA. Unfortunately he bit off more than he could chew.
Some have suggested that Brad is walking away from this sale with a big wad of cash. I think it is more likely he is walking away with big losses. I am sure that he invested quite a bit of his own capital to get the business going and usually when a struggling business is sold, the buying prices pennies on the dollar. The good new is, he didn't file bankruptcy leaving customers without harp or money.
Not only could his credit be trashed but his reputation has taken a beating. After reading the above posts, would any of you invest in future Brad Harrison product?
I'm not defending Brad, just pointing out that that it could have gone down worse. These are the risks you take when you start a business, especially done as ambitious as selling $200 harps. I remember how many people were eager to support HH when it first started. Although I can understand peoples frustration and disappointment, my point is that many here bet on a losing horse, but that horse was not in the race to lose or screw anybody. I believe Brad did his best and It must be hard to see this happen to his baby.
I wish Brad the best and the same to all his customers.
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SweetLips
8 posts
Aug 05, 2011
5:02 AM
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Here is my open letter to Brad - posted here as the good folks at Harrison had the foresight to send me this email without a reply address possible.
I have to say this is really crappy. I paid IN FULL over $500 almost a year ago for 3 of your harps. Not only have I not received them, but now you tell me that my order is being BAIT AND SWITCHED to another manufacturer. How do we now it will be the same harmonica, built with the same specifications, composite materials and hand craftsmanship that you promised? You sold us a bill of goods based on your manufacturing and craftsmanship - and now I have no idea who, how, or when my order will be filled - that’s total crap, and I bet illegal. COMPLETE BAIT AND SWITCH - WHAT A SHAME. I love the harmonica, love the instrument, love playing it. I missed an opportunity to purchase a Joe Filisko custom when he was still taking orders, and when you launched I thought - wow, how great that there is a new company taking innovative approaches to design and manufacturing. I know running a business is hard, and I am sure you tried your best, and your failure at that is disappointing - but what is egregious is how you have handled this situation with your customers. You have had my money - in full for almost a year and I have never, not once, had a single direct communication about my order - always the same newsletter saying you're trying to get the orders out. And then the first direct communication I have is to tell me that you are shutting down and have bait and switched my order to some unknown, not named company that should be contacting me shortly....and you have the temerity to send that from a do-not-reply email address.
That leaves me little recourse but to go out to the social networks and shout from the mountain top that Brad Harrison, and his company Bradical were nothing but smoke and mirrors and a total scam. Shame on you.
Truly dissapointed in your actions,
Drew MacFadyen
-----Original Message-----
From: Harrison Harmonicas (Brad Harrison) [mailto:noreply@harrisonharmonicas.com]
Sent: Thursday, August 04, 2011 9:19 PM
To: drew@proz.com
Subject: Important message from Harrison Harmonicas Inc.
Dear valued customers,
Harrison Harmonicas has made a name for its B-Radical harps and earned a reputation for making a top-quality instrument. That commitment will continue but with a different company. The B-radical is a very expensive instrument to create, something we weren't able to anticipate when we set our price in pre-production. Even as we began to meet and sometimes even exceed our production goals, there were obstacles we were unable to overcome. It is with a heavy heart I say Harrison Harmonicas is no longer able to continue as a company.
However, another innovative American company with a reputation for manufacturing excellence has purchased the B-Radical harmonica and will build the B-radical as well as other HH-concept models. They are committed to - and with 49 years of manufacturing experience are capable of - carrying forward the revolution we started.
The new company has expressed a firm commitment to filling our backorders. It will be sending out a communication to you in the coming weeks, you should be hearing from them soon via email announcing the new home and how backorders will be handled.
Thank you for your support.
This message was sent to from:
Harrison Harmonicas | 605 Fulton Ave. | Rockford, IL 61103
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SweetLips
9 posts
Aug 05, 2011
5:13 AM
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I know some have posted saying this or that and others like Stickman have made valid points that it is unlikely Brad set out to fail or deceive anyone - I agree with that. Businesses fail, I get it - no problem. But what he has done from a customer service standpoint is absurd. Its customer service 101 - if you cant fulfill the orders STOP F'ing TAKING THEM. Or at least have the sense to communicate with your customers.
I paid in full at once almost a year ago for 3 harps - it was my birthday gift from my wife - and we never heard anything from them, not one communication email just the same crap, we're working on it, we're hiring more people etc. This is bait and switch - I paid for one product, they are now trying to deliver a different product. And as many have postulated, there is little doubt in my mind that the new manufacturer will get those orders out - but will they be the same Bradical we we're promised, almost certainly NO - how could it be. One definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. If Brad failed at his attempt, why on earth would this new company manufacture the exact same way - they would likely cut some costs or corners in the process.
When they start taking their own direct orders....what will the cost be? I doubt they will be more expensive.
The whole thing just stinks. I am pissed about being out this large sum of money for so long, I am pissed that they handled customer service so poorly, I am pissed that the first radical new design on a production harp has failed, but what really pisses me off is that I feel like I will not be playing the superior product I paid for.
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Littoral
329 posts
Aug 05, 2011
5:47 AM
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What I never understood was how a harp could be worth $200. True, I've never played one but I know that I can get everything out of a reasonably worked stock harp. Any limitations are in me, not the harp. Sorry, just my opinion.
Stickman, your post left me a little confused. I agreed with the whole thing. Well said.
Then I agreed with Sweetlips. I'd want to hunt him down. I guess the summary, for me, is HarpNinja's point:
Just be honest.
Last Edited by on Aug 05, 2011 5:48 AM
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Tag
18 posts
Aug 05, 2011
6:14 AM
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First of all, I have no horse in this race but the company being sold, if that IS the case, may NOT be a bad thing. Sure you paid for a top shelf product but those of you who do not get a refund, it sounds as if the new company is going to fill the orders. Sure you may not get EXACTLY what you paid for but wouldn't that be better than getting nothing for your money? The new outfit may indeed produce a top of the line product but find a way to produce it cheaper and quicker than brad did. I'm not usually one to look at the bright side but let's not condemn the buyer of HH just yet.
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blogward
157 posts
Aug 05, 2011
6:31 AM
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The name will live on. A 'Harrison' is now an indeterminate amount of time that is actually three times as long as you could reasonably expect it to be, eg, "I'll get these overdubs done in a couple of harrisons".
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Andrew
1404 posts
Aug 05, 2011
7:22 AM
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I wouldn't feel bad for Brad before knowing how much money he sold the company for.
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Andrew.
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Those who are tardy do not get fruit cup.
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groyster1
1249 posts
Aug 05, 2011
7:34 AM
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the best thing to do is to stick with hohner and suzuki these can be improved by customizers to outplay the B rads
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chromaticblues
957 posts
Aug 05, 2011
8:03 AM
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@Buzzadero You answered your own question!
I chalk that right up there to people buying custom harps for $250, but there is a two year waiting period! I would consider both of these things to be not very smart. So when people complain about it. I don't care. Its your fault! Brad tried to make a go of it and failed. I'm sure it isn't any fun for him either. BUT the people that put there money up front for him to try to start a busness. UH thats called a loan. Thats what banks are for. Did anyone not think the whole thing sounded stupid to begin with?
I hope whinning online eases the blow!
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SantaRosa
14 posts
Aug 05, 2011
8:11 AM
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On the B-radical forum,I told people that as of this past Monday,I contacted Visa for a refund of 2 harps I paid for in full. Visa said I would get the full amount credited to my account within the next 2 billings. Will see. If anyone out there charged for the harps, call your credit card company immediately and see what they can do for you. My order was placed June 2010. In the future I would not have anything to do with Harrison or any other member of his company . Way to shady of an operation!!!!As someone once said-if you put your hand in a hole and get bit, your not going to stick your hand in that hole again.
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Tuckster
860 posts
Aug 05, 2011
8:35 AM
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Well,it was a noble venture. I feel badly for those who prepaid. I wish you luck. I only put a $35 deposit down. For that,I got a T-shirt(now a collectable?) and Michael Peloquin's CD. I'm cutting my losses and moving on. As Buzadero said,quality is now in question. Without Brad's involvement,it's a pig in a poke. I'm cancelling my order and looking towards the many customizers for a harp in that price range(or less).
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Barry C.
287 posts
Aug 05, 2011
9:44 AM
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what a scam job just like many suspected- i dont feel bad for them in the freaken least - what a shitty businessman Brad is (ummm was!) - his reputation now done & done! fool me once shame on me...thanks brad hope u enjoy spending MY hard-earned money!
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~Banned in Boston!
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HarpNinja
1561 posts
Aug 05, 2011
9:52 AM
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While I can't assume malice, or that he actually made any money (let alone enough to live off of), I can safely assume he was a better thinker than doer.
This was a great idea handled poorly. I have next to no business background, and certainly nothing formal, but it seems a not brainer that:
1. You have to take a lost to get started.
2. You shouldn't plan on paying back that loan/loss before you are able to produce the product.
3. You shouldn't sell something you don't have (I learned this the hard way) if it involves waiting on others to come up with product.
4. You won't make any profit for a long time.
5. Honesty is the best policy.
6. Paitence is a good thing.
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Mike
Quicksilver Custom Harmonicas
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Todd Parrott
613 posts
Aug 05, 2011
10:00 AM
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Remember, Suzuki initially wanted to purchase the B-Radical design and produce it with Brad's input. He consulted with them for awhile.
I wouldn't be so quick to assume that this may not be a similar deal with this new company. Who knows? Perhaps we will now see the B-Radical mass produced, and who's to say that Brad won't be invloved? We'll just have to wait and see....
I do hope that those who have outstanding orders will receive their harps. I think they will.... again, we'll have to wait and see....
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Kingley
1574 posts
Aug 05, 2011
10:05 AM
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Let's hope so Todd.
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bharper
2 posts
Aug 05, 2011
10:21 AM
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I agree with Barry C. I didn't order one because I thought it was all hype. When the delays and problems started getting out I knew it was all hype. I can't believe some people are still defending Brad Harrison, calling for patience and trust. It's way too late for that now.
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