bazzzzou
59 posts
Jan 21, 2011
11:21 AM
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Is it better to take a 180$ custom harp or a B-radical ??...
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ridge
158 posts
Jan 21, 2011
11:32 AM
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Is it better to forum search or start new posts that mimic previous posts?
I don't own either. If you have alot of patience and like unique instruments, then put some money in for a B-Radical. If you want an instrument tailored to how you play, buy a custom.
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OzarkRich
354 posts
Jan 21, 2011
11:40 AM
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I wish I could tell you. I've been waiting a year and three months for my B-radical and still don't have a clue as to when it's coming. I ordered one in the key of "A". I know others have received that key several months ago and they have produced other keys since then. I've been patient but...
If a custom has a shorter waiting time, go for it.
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Ozark Rich
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Ozark Rich's YouTube
Ozark Rich's Facebook
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shbamac
66 posts
Jan 21, 2011
11:50 AM
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I'd go for a custom. Got my B-rad is not that special...
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RyanMortos
982 posts
Jan 21, 2011
12:38 PM
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In my opinion, customized harmonica is better & factually will arrive more timely with better communication. I know a couple of people that have customs from a few different guys & a b-rad and say even their own personally made customs play better.
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~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)
Contact:
My youtube account
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Todd Parrott
355 posts
Jan 21, 2011
1:01 PM
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The thing about the B-Radical is this.....
It's still gonna need to be set up for your playing style, so it will still need to be customized to a certain extent, however, my understanding is that they are even better now than the first ones that were produced (like the one I own). So I doubt there'll be anything that can compete with them out of the box, but at $180.00, this would certainly be the expectation.
The wait time is an issue for now, but I applaud Brad for making huge steps in advancing the instrument. I think this will only encourage harmonica manufacturers everywhere to raise their standards and produce better instruments.
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bazzzzou
60 posts
Jan 21, 2011
2:14 PM
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ok thanks =P
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robbert
24 posts
Jan 21, 2011
2:46 PM
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Before Brad started on the B-radical, I had ordered a custom from him, to check out custom harps in general and his in particular. I had heard good things. I converte3d my custom order to a B-rad, and waited for quite some time as the company was formed, designs completed, proto-types developed, etc.
I finally received an 'A' harp and thought it was really good. Great tone and response overall. Overblows don't come easy for me, but I could at least produce the notes on this harp.
Then my order for a 'C' harp arrived some time later, and that harp was even more responsive.
So, I am very happy with these harps. I do own one other customized harp, but I think it needs a little more tweaking to suit my playing needs. Up until the B-radicals, that custom harp had been the best. It was designed specifically for overblows.
I am sold on the B-radical, and find it's a superlative instrument, but having reviewed many informative customization discussions here on the forum, have left room for further exploration of custom instruments.
After all, Harrison is slated to produce only 5 keys in the near future, so even a B-radical enthusiast may wish to complete his instrument needs with customs.
Finding the budget for all this is another entire discussion.
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Barry C.
136 posts
Jan 21, 2011
3:52 PM
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how old are you?
how old do you want to be when you get the harp?
unless you're willing to wait until old age, go custom...
i'm still waiting~
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~Banned in Boston!
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BigBlindRay
78 posts
Jan 21, 2011
5:53 PM
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First thing to note is what OOTB defines which in a nutshell means an instrument made entirely from scratch off an assembly line.
B-Rads are entirely made from scratch - this instrument is not made from parts of other existing harmonicas. Its also built to a level of quality renowned only to custom harps. So IMO the B-Rads are most certainly a Custom Harmonica.
The ordering process allows space to fill in info about styles of music you play etc - to allow the team to know how best to set up YOUR B-Rad.
I currently own two (C and A) I have 3 more on Back order. I placed my order back in June 2009 - In that time i had to send one back and have it repaired due to some knucklehead dropping one of my B-Rads and misalligning the reeds.
Brad Harrison and his team are a class act and are doing some extraordinary things with the instrument - Ive made comments about this before but in a nutshell - Nothing good in life ever comes easy.
Theyre worth the wait.
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Big Blind Ray's YouTube Channel
Mavis and her China Pigs
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sammyharp
78 posts
Jan 22, 2011
5:33 AM
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I know there are lots of people who are waiting for over a year for their harps. I recieved mine just before christmas. These harps really are something special. I'm not sure if all of you who are fed up with the wait have really considered exactly what is being manufactured here. The reeds are a revolutionary development. The comb is like no other that has ever been made. It took them a while to get all of this smoothly running in production. This is an amazing instrument, and every bit worth the wait. Harrison also said they should be releasing dates of completion for all outstanding orders within the next 3 weeks.
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OzarkRich
356 posts
Jan 22, 2011
7:57 AM
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"I'm not sure if all of you who are fed up with the wait have really considered exactly what is being manufactured here."
For me that's not the issue. It's false hope. when I ordered I was told that I would have my harp by the end of 2009. Then the date was changed to February 1st. Then spring 2010, etc.
I've had $125 sitting in an account since my initial deposit. I've passed on some good deals because I assumed I would get an email from them "any day now".
If I'd been told up front "We don't know the time table but we'll give you a 30 day heads up" it would have helped.
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Ozark Rich
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Ozark Rich's YouTube
Ozark Rich's Facebook
Last Edited by on Jan 22, 2011 7:57 AM
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Kingley
1419 posts
Jan 22, 2011
8:18 AM
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Given the current time frame of deliveries on the B-Radical reported on this forum and others I can't see why anyone would actually order one. A custom harmonica would seem to be a far better proposition for the money and wait time incurred.
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