shbamac
1 post
Oct 18, 2010
8:41 PM
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Hello all! A few days shy of a year after the order was placed it has arrived... Will I ever buy another one, NOPE! It's nice but not a $160/$180 nice. Doesn't come in a hard case. Came with a microfiber bag. Got two holes (can't remember which ones right now) that choke. Overblows, a little more easy than a Special 20. About the same as the Hohner Crossover. The projection is about the same as well. Haven't taken it a apart yet... not going to. I do not care for the shape either. Not very comfortable in my hands or against my mouth. I can feel the read nuts as well when tongue blocking. The composite comb taste really bad.
Anyway, some of my thoughts on the harp...
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REM
9 posts
Oct 18, 2010
8:56 PM
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"I do not care for the shape either. Not very comfortable in my hands or against my mouth."
Really? I tried one and I thought it was by far the most comfortable harp I ever played. But as they say "different stokes for different folks."
As for the problems you're having with the reed set-up, like the choking reeds, I suggest you contact Brad. From what I've heard he's more than willing to make adjustments if you're having problems with the set-up. And the turn around would be quite fast, it's not like you'd have to wait weeks to have it fixed, I'm guessing it would only take a day or two and then he'd send it right back to you.
Last Edited by on Oct 18, 2010 8:57 PM
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ZackPomerleau
1191 posts
Oct 18, 2010
9:15 PM
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Don't be so sure about the turn-around. Sucks this happened, but, I'd only pay that for a custom. Check out Chris Michalek or Joe Spiers if you want a good harp. Randy Sandoval, too.
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REM
10 posts
Oct 18, 2010
9:32 PM
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"Don't be so sure about the turn-around."
Why? Have you heard from anyone who's sent their B-radical back for adjustments. From what I've heard, they were very quick when it came to making adjustments and sending it back.
Yes it's taking time to recieve orders, but that's a completely different issue.
Last Edited by on Oct 18, 2010 9:33 PM
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ZackPomerleau
1192 posts
Oct 18, 2010
9:38 PM
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I have heard from people that ordered harps years ago, up until now, where it was an issue no matter what. I'm just letting him know what I have heard from numerous players.
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REM
11 posts
Oct 18, 2010
9:50 PM
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He's already recieved his harp, so like I said it's a completely different issue. Just like with a customiser, it can sometimes take upwards of year (sometimes more) before you recieve your harp. But once you recieve your harp, if you have any problems (like a reed go's flat and needs retuning, or a reed breaks and needs to be replaced)all you need to do is send it back and they'll fix it and send it back right away. It doesn't take them a year to fix it. It's the same thing with the B-Radical.
So like I said, the fact that it's takes a long time to recieve the harp after placing an order, it doesn't mean that it will take a long time to get the harp adjusted or fixed, it's a completely different issue.
Last Edited by on Oct 18, 2010 9:51 PM
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ZackPomerleau
1194 posts
Oct 18, 2010
10:12 PM
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No, I said there are people who complained about waiting times even when getting adjustments. And, it's not like a custom because a custom for this price would not have this issue most likely. Plus, waiting times aren't that long with most guys, at least not always. Apples and oranges, except the mass produced ones are taking too long.
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REM
12 posts
Oct 18, 2010
10:28 PM
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"No, I said there are people who complained about waiting times even when getting adjustments."
Umm, no, that's not what you said at all. You said "I have heard from people that ordered harps years ago, up until now, where it was an issue no matter what." Maybe you meant something else, but I can't read minds, so I can only go by what you right.
"And, it's not like a custom because a custom for this price would not have this issue most likely. "
I have recently recieved two harps from a well known/respected customiser (I'll refrain from saying who, because that's not really the point), and both needed adjustments. One of them had a pretty serious squeel on one of the overblows, and one of the other holes also squeeled on the overblow (but not nearly as intensely as the other, of course I could control it if I was careful, but that shouldn't be necessary).
"Plus, waiting times aren't that long with most guys, at least not always."
There's been times where Joe Filisko has had waiting times close to two years. Brad's company was being built from scratch and the number of pre-orders was much more than anyone expected. On top of that he had to deal with all sorts of problems with machines that are using brand new technology. It's a start up company in it's first year of business, is it really that surprising? Not to mention part of the reason the wait time was so long for some people is that they pre-ordered well before the harps even went into production. But now the wait periods have been cut drastically, and are in line with the wait period you'd experience from some of the popular customisers. There are definately some thing that about Harrison Harmonicas that I've critised and thought they could have done better, but I also think it's important to give them a fair assesment, and also take into account the reason for some things that we dislike.
Last Edited by on Oct 18, 2010 10:35 PM
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ZackPomerleau
1196 posts
Oct 18, 2010
11:13 PM
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Joe Filisko hasn't been making for anyone for years except his few people, because of the waiting period. And, notice at my statement I said "no matter what." That implies no matter what the waiting period was long. Sorry if you did not see my implications.
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REM
14 posts
Oct 18, 2010
11:35 PM
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"Joe Filisko hasn't been making for anyone for years except his few people, because of the waiting period. "
Irrelevent. Joe builds only for working pros, he's decided to stop selling to the general public because he doesn't want to spend all his time building harps. From what I've been told, even the people he still builds for often still endure waiting periods. I can certainly name other customisers who have gone through periods of extremely long wait periods, so like I said it's irrelevent. Harrison went through a period of very long waiting periods, and it wasn't surprising considering he was starting a business and doing things that no one has ever done before, and now he's gotten his waiting period down to a more reasonable period that's in line with the waiting periods that some of the popular customers have. And hopefully in the future, as his business grows and all the processes are smoothed out, the waiting period for a new harp will shrink down to a very reasonable time frame. But like I said that has nothing to do with the turn-around time for adjustments/repairs. Like I said I've heard directly from couple people that said the turn-around was very quick. In fact one of the people I talked to has several of the original Harrison custom harmonicas, (I just talked to him again tonight, to ask him about his experience) and he said he's had no problems when sending back a harp to get a reed fixed after it went out of tune.
"And, notice at my statement I said "no matter what." That implies no matter what the waiting period was long."
I still don't understand what you're saying.
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shbamac
2 posts
Oct 19, 2010
5:21 AM
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The wait time was never much of an issue with me. It was more of how they handled the whole situation. While I wish them the best and hope they succeed, I do not think they are doing a good job of building a loyal customer base. They have failed with me.
As far the shape of it, it just doesn't work for me. The reedplate feels sharp (though it's not). I don't care for the rounded front. Feels to large or long, like it sticks into my hand. Just feels odd to me. In time I might come to love the shape of it. Could just be that I've been playn' hohners for 20 years...
Last Edited by on Oct 19, 2010 5:56 AM
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Buzadero
591 posts
Oct 19, 2010
5:44 AM
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If you contact Brad, Michael or Dave, I can assure you that they want to hear the feedback about ANY choking reeds, flat notes, or any other 'issues' that would reflect QA/QC. They will make it right.
Street impressions and word-of-mouth is the lifeblood or death blow to any small business enterprise. It would be entrepenurial suicide to stand idly by while customers are running around disparaging the product.
Give them a chance to make it right by you before you close the door.
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~Buzadero
Underwater Janitor, Patriot
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shbamac
3 posts
Oct 19, 2010
6:33 AM
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I have no doubt that they would make it right. Stand behind the product and try to make me happy now that I have it. I haven't "closed the door" on that issue. I've closed the door on ever buying another one. Mainly because if how I was treated and/or not treated before I received the harp. Not going to go into detail. All comunication was very freindly and professional. They just didn't do what I feel any good business should do to build a loyal customer base...
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Jaybird
185 posts
Oct 19, 2010
6:35 AM
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After reading all this, I will never buy a custom harp. Wait a year or more, and then need adjustments? Ridiculous!
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hvyj
726 posts
Oct 19, 2010
7:02 AM
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If you buy a good suit and after it's fitted, you need a second fitting to remove, say, a little bulge or wrinkle under the collar in order to get the fit exactly right, does that mean you'll never buy a tailored suit again?
The best customizers will set a custom harp up specifically for your particular style of play, the same way a good tailor will tailor a suit so it fits your particular physique. Inevitably, some fine tuning or second fitting may be necessary to get everything exactly right. Personally, I do not consider that to represent a deficiency in the process.
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Buddha
2581 posts
Oct 19, 2010
7:22 AM
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when I was buying custom harps from Filisko I would wait about two years or more and then many of them would still need a little tweaking.
I never complained once.
@shbamac
contact me off list groovygypsy at gmail
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"I am a great believer in understanding, not copying."
Last Edited by on Oct 19, 2010 7:23 AM
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bigd
230 posts
Oct 19, 2010
7:38 AM
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For whatever it is worth: And I try to remain neutral on these often polarized threads: My experience has been a quick turnaround and almost overcompensation for any hiccoughs on Brad's harps (this relates to both his present B-Radical and previous customized pieces). The result of any dialogue between you two will be a more "customized to the player" B-Radical. As suggested the turnaround for the repair should be (it has been for me) expeditious. This comment does not mean to invalidate your structural complaints or indignation over wait times: Just my experience with repairs or adjustments where Brad does imo excel. Good luck. d
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shbamac
4 posts
Oct 19, 2010
8:14 AM
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The B-radical is not a custom harp. It's a production harp. At least that is my understanding. I think it's irrelevant what other customier do and their wait times. Like I stated I'm sure that they wil make it right for me. I am not telling anyone to buy or not to buy... Just listing my opinion of the harp and their handling of the whole situtation prior to me receiving the harp. Everone is intileted to their opinion. What ever that might be it's not wrong or right.
@ Buhhda - mail sent
Last Edited by on Oct 19, 2010 8:20 AM
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clyde
60 posts
Oct 19, 2010
9:22 AM
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having never ordered a cutom harp or a b-rad i have no personel experience with harmonica orders of this type. it does however seem to me that the harmonica community complains more about prices and the waiting time for (let's call them) special harps than any other ...hobby....or....profession.
i can tell you from experience with ... let's say handguns....that when one sends a revolver to be tuned up by some of the top smiths in the field it can take a year, two, or more....you seldom hear complaining like this.
oh and yes .. sometimes even the best has to sent back for adjustment.
by the way zack...who are some of the players you have heard from ... and how many harps do you have from michalek, spiers, and sandoval?
i believe all personel opinions should be taken with a grain of salt and we really have to find out first hand.
and by the way i respect everyones opinion hear.
Last Edited by on Oct 19, 2010 9:23 AM
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Ant138
599 posts
Oct 19, 2010
9:30 AM
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@Shbamac
you might just need a week or two to adjust to the harp. I know when i got my first custom(i know the b rad is not strictly a custom) i had to get used to using less breath to get results. mess around with it for a few days to a week then make up your mind. it could just a little getting used to,the reeds may start not to choke up on ya:o)
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http://www.youtube.com/user/fiendant?feature=mhum
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Buddha
2582 posts
Oct 19, 2010
9:31 AM
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speaking of custom items.
One of my friends is a custom knife maker. His waiting period is 7 years. If you're a pro knife guy, the wait is closer to three.
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"I am a great believer in understanding, not copying."
Last Edited by on Oct 19, 2010 9:31 AM
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Tin Lizzie
141 posts
Oct 19, 2010
9:50 AM
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For me, the hardest part with customizers has been lack of communication. When a harp is promised by a certain date, and I don't get the harp, then I expect an email with an update. Brad Harrison was terrible to deal with. He just wasn't responsive to my emails or phone calls. He promised delivery in 110 days... I waited a year.
Buddha was a dream to deal with. He responded to all my emails very promptly plus he delivered the harp quickly.
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Tin Lizzie
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Buddha
2583 posts
Oct 19, 2010
9:58 AM
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I'm guilty of very long waits and missed deadlines.
Sometimes there are things that pop up that are out of a person's control and sometimes things go right.
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"I am a great believer in understanding, not copying."
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shbamac
5 posts
Oct 19, 2010
10:36 AM
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Those are some good pictures. It is a very well made harp. Lots of design/engineering went into it.
@ Ant138
True, and yes it did/is taken soem time to get use to it. I've had it for about three weeks. Still got some issues with a few holes.
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6SN7
102 posts
Oct 19, 2010
11:30 AM
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The b radical. You know, I think it is great that these are being made in the states and all that but enough already, waiting over a year? I am sick of reading about the delays. I bought harps from Richard Sleigh a number of years back. 3 month wait. I currently have order another harp from someone and I'll have it by Christmas. I wish the b radical people the best but I wish they would deliver. They have extended the honeymoon for a long time.
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snakes
580 posts
Oct 19, 2010
12:22 PM
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I received my Bb B-rad last night in the mail. I ordered in June of 2009 and stated in an earlier post that I had lost my enthusiasm due to the long wait period. I'm eating a little crow because I'll have to tell you that this is a thing of beauty. It takes very little air to play and seems to be loud. I say seems to be as I was recently coached to break in a harmonica (something I've never really done) by playing first position and chords with medium air for two or three hours before I start to bend, etc. I'll agree that it is a little fatter than I like, but not more than I can get used to over time. I want to finish my break in period and then compare it to my favorite harps (some custom and some not), but I can tell you right now that it will most likely rank right up at the top amongst the best I own. My favorite harps (for those interested) are my three customs from Buddha, Deak, and Joe Spiers followed by the Suzuki Manji and Fire Breath and the Seydel 1847 (although I wish the holes weren't so large...).
I can sympathize with those who were dissappointed with the wait, but I am pleased with the product and may consider buying another one next year if I hear that wait time is less than a year (6 months would be more my preference if a wait is to be had at all). As for communication I was pleased with the sort I received from Brad and Dave. It was very cordial and did not give me any false dates other than perhaps the general marketing date we saw at the inception of the order taking. I would recommend a process whereby the orders were delivered first in first out, but I am sure they've heard that enough to foster thoughts around how to make that happen.
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ElkRiverHarmonicas
535 posts
Oct 19, 2010
5:01 PM
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Hello shbamac,
Someone passed along to me that you had an adjustment issue. I am not aware of any recent requests for adjustment, so please contact me. Ordinarily, I would contact you privately after the issue was brought to my attention, but I do not know who you are.
Please contact me at b-radical at harrisonharmonicas.com about sending it in for adjustment. Adjustments go out the same day they arrive. Always.
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www.harrisonharmonicas.com
"There are only two things money can't buy - true love and homegrown tomatoes." - Lewis Grizzard
Last Edited by on Oct 19, 2010 7:54 PM
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