Only harmonica maker in U.S. closing doors

An Illinois company that last year became the only harmonica maker in the United States is closing its doors.

Harrison Harmonicas opened in Rockford in 2010 and was recently featured on CBS’ “The Early Show.”

The company has since moved to Chicago.

Founder Brad Harrison sent an email to customers Thursday explaining that another firm had purchased the rights to produce his unique B-Radical harmonica. Harrison created the B-Radical.

In the email, Harrison said it turned out to be more expensive to produce harmonicas than he anticipated. He says the other company will fill back orders.

Some customers had complained they’d been waiting months for their orders.

The Better Business Bureau says 21 complaints are pending against the company.