Harmony "Cowboy" guitar?

Chris LeDrew · Post by **Chris LeDrew** » 8 Oct 2009 5:27 pm

Does anyone know anything about this model guitar? It's for sale locally and I was wondering if it would be worth picking up - provided it was playable upon in-person inspection, of course.

Any leads would be appreciated, thanks!

Richard Damron · Post by **Richard Damron** » 8 Oct 2009 7:22 pm

Chris -

I'm not going to assault your senses with a bewildering set of do's, don't's, facts, figures, etc. I can, however, relate a couple of observations which may help you to make a decision.

Harmony has typically produced instruments which can be considered as "low range" in terms of price and even of durability - bending of the neck etc. The lower picture suggests that the instrument has a laminated maple top. Were it MY money that you were spending I'd strongly suggest that you spend more, look for an instrument with a spruce top, decent tone woods in the sides and back and, even, an adjustable truss rod in the neck.

My thinking is that, if you're only interested in "plunking" around on an instrument without any notion of truly learning it, then the Harmony will suffice. If, on the other hand, your interest is in producing pretty music then a much better instrument is warranted. No doubt you can recall the many moments spent agonizing over "tone" in your PSG. The "tone", presence, projection of a more expensive instrument will usually be much greater thus satisfying your critical ear.

Others may wish to fill in the multitude of gaps in this note. All well and good - sometimes every little bit helps. I have NEVER bought an inexpensive instrument - and I've never regretted it.

Hope this helps a tad.

Respectfully,

Richard

Richard Damron · Post by **Richard Damron** » 8 Oct 2009 7:24 pm

Another observation.

Those strings are on BACKWARDS from the normal setup. Any idea why? Were the photos simply reversed?

Chris LeDrew · Post by **Chris LeDrew** » 9 Oct 2009 4:31 am

Thanks, Richard! I hardly ever buy cheap instruments either, so I'll probably pass on this one. I thought it might be an older 50s Harmony with some usable tone.

I'd say the present owner is left-handed.

Lee Baucum · Post by **Lee Baucum** » 9 Oct 2009 4:33 am

I think it would make a wonderful wall-hanger for a music room. I wouldn't purchase it with the idea of playing it.

Barry Blackwood · Post by **Barry Blackwood** » 9 Oct 2009 6:16 am

If you were planning on being a singing cowboy in the movies, this guitar would be an excellent choice.

Steinar Gregertsen · Post by **Steinar Gregertsen** » 9 Oct 2009 7:47 am

Those old cheapos can sometimes turn out to be 'interesting' lap slide guitars if you put on an extension nut. Probably won't sound "good", but can have a distinct sound of their own that will work great for some stuff..

Doug Earnest · Post by **Doug Earnest** » 10 Oct 2009 10:46 am

Those old painted scene guitars are kind of collectible, not sure what people actually pay for them. They go in the "fun to have, not to play" category. If it's for cheap, get it!

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 10 Oct 2009 12:14 pm

The "stenciled" Harmony guitars only bring a decent price if they're in very good condition, and associated with a character. Frequently, the necks are quite warped (no truss rods), and the action is atrocious. They do have their own unique sound, though, in the same way that the old oak-bodied Stellas played by so many bluesmen in the '20s and '30s do. The "Lone Ranger" or "Roy Rogers" models might bring $200-$300. Others bring less, as they are pretty "low-end" instruments. The one pictured I think might fetch $50-$150...on a good day.

Chris LeDrew · Post by **Chris LeDrew** » 10 Oct 2009 3:22 pm

Thanks everyone for the input. The seller is asking $150. I think I'll pass. I don't really need it. I thought maybe I could use it for a slide instrument or something, but unless I plan on hanging it, I'd probably be better off without it.