Harmony arch top

[evenkeel]

Spotted one of these at a flea market yesterday.

Harmony Patrician, built in 1959.

Terrific shape. Straight neck, always an issue with old Harmony's. All original hardware. No electronics.

Owner wanted $250. Fair price, but not a bargain.

May have to go back after the holidays and see if it's still around

 

[tot_Ou_tard]

Are those hard to play?

 

[evenkeel]

A lot of the older Harmonys; archtop, flat tops, whatever can be a bit hard to play. Necks are often a bit bowed, action is often very high. Neck resets are almost standard operating procedure.

Not sure if this one has had a reset, but I would guess it has, because she's a real easy player. Nice neck, action was very good, just a touch a relief. No truss rod as it's a '59. Harmony did not install truss rods until the mid '60's.

Great jazzy, tone. Not a lot of sustain, each note/string really stands out. A quiet guitar, but in a good way.

 

[tot_Ou_tard]

My Godin 5th Avenue is partially based on those old Harmony/Kay archtop.

I've never played another archtop besides the Godin.