Subject: [Harp-L] B-Radical feed back

[EGS1217@xxxxxxx]

Message: 10
Date: Sat, 17 Apr 2010 08:23:19 -0400
From: Edward Hart  <hooligan6a@xxxxxx>
Subject: [Harp-L] B-Radical feed back
To: _harp-l@xxxxxxxxxxx (mailto:harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx) 

Wow I thought we would see a lot more feed  back on the B-Radical harp. I 
know some people out there, have one by now.   This instrument is so 
different, I know most of us have a great interest in  it's  success.  I know I do.  
I like the fact that it is made in  Chicago, by Harp players.  I know the 
price is steep but maybe when it is  produced in sufficient quantities the 
price will come down. but by then perhaps  it will be made in China.

Ed Hart
 
Agree with most of your positive statements Ed, but can't agree with the  
idea of 'a lot more feedback'...since I'm not sure just how  many people have 
their B-Rads yet. Most of us are still patiently waiting  because we think 
of them as another custom harmonica...and customs are worth  waiting for. 
 
I think that of those who got the first of the B flats a few might not  be 
the type who either post on harp-l or who 'give feedback'. Not  everyone 
likes to interact on a public list or perhaps even let it be known  what 
expensive harmonicas they own.  Of those who would give a review,  some might well 
be waiting to see if other harps they ordered play the same as  their Bb 
(if they ordered more than one) before reviewing, and a lot of  folks I know 
wouldn't consider giving any feedback until they've given a  harmonica a good 
trial - i.e. more than a couple of weeks of solid playing time  vis-a-vis 
their other customs.
 
I rather doubt the price is coming down. The costs of such a tiny start-up  
factory trying to create something never existing before in the US has  
been prohibitive. Have you watched the recent video about Brad? For every  step 
forward there were two backwards. Brad Harrison invested his entire life  
savings into this company..and then some.  It's going to take a  lot of time, 
work and effort to even come close to breaking even. I gather that  money 
isn't (and never was) his bottom line...making the best OOTB diatonic  
harmonica, is.
 
Made in China? Also highly doubtful.  Before embarking on this venture  
Brad already had the opportunity to sell his idea for the B-Radical to a top  
Japanese manufacturer and turned down their offer. 
Selling out after  putting in his crew's and his own blood, sweat and tears 
just to have them made  in the US doesn't compute, at least for me.
 
IMHO, more patience is still the watchword.... Grasshopper  ;) 

Elizabeth