Playin' The Blues

Harrison Harmonicas, a small Rockford-based company that last year opened the only harmonica production facility in the United States, is closing.

The company had marketed the B-Radical as the Steinway of harmonicas and targeted professional players who have long complained about the inconsistent quality of standard, mass-produced instruments.

The company has been purchased and all orders will be filled.  It is sad to see the company close, however.  They had started to win over critics, who have a point but are far from correct.  Mass produced instruments are necessary to bring the mass public an option.  Not everyone can shell out several hundred or thousands of dollars into a potential hobby.  A serious musician will eventually invest in a more detailed and customized instrument.  I'm frankly surprised that this was the only one of its kind, which always makes me feel sentimental when a good run is over.