Harmony 1310 Acoustic

Double cutaway archtop, gloss finish, individual tuners, medium neck with rosewood fretboard and block MOPish inlays, solid carved back and top. Though not any modern "features", the features present deserve a 10.

Superb for any style of acoustic blues or jazz. Really, plays any acoustic genre well. Sound depends on your attack...from subtle overtones through growl. I appreciate that the player creates the sound with this instrument, and so it can be very versatile. I sometimes use a DeArmond floating pick-up.

It's 50 years old, so I don't know how well it was originally set-up. The finish remains, though with a great patina from use. No cracks, warpage, binding loss, etc. The instrument is well intonated, and holds tuning well.

I have complete confidence in this instrument. I don't abuse it, but do play it hard. I don't worry that it is too delicate, old, or tempermental. It is as reliable as a rock, but sounds like a gem. I liked the first one so much, I tracked down a second (not an easy task!). The second is as good as my first, but is seldom used because my first one just keeps going.

Harmony is long gone. The couple of luthiers who've worked on it have expressed strong appreciation for the instrument. Since there's no company to rate now, I'll drop to a 9.

I'm a long time player and been through many guitars. Though not a flashy instrument, nor a big name brand, these models have a great feeling to them. I am constantly quizzed about it when I play. It gets more attention than any other acoustic I've had including the prestigious brands. It is a rare appearance that I don't get an offer to buy it from me. If I lost it, I'd be pissed, disgusted, and depressed...and that's even with having a back-up.
I've tried to balance this review with some weakness or deficit, but none come to mind.

The 1310 was Harmonys offer to the world to battle the Gibsons and the guilds. They really did a good job. Carved top, spruce wood, block inlays. This guitar is one of the finest I own and I own 51 at this point in time. It's an acoustic What features?

This thing rings out with clarity and soul. I'd put it against any Gibson or Guild. I owned a 175 Gibson and sold it when I bought this guitar. It plays like butter and feels like a million bucks in your hands...

This guitar was put together with pride. The fit and finish after 50 years is awesome... You need to check if you are buying one that it doesn't need a neck re-set. That will cost you $300.... Check out my site on Harmony guitars at www.comparethevalue.com for more info on Harmony guitars.

After 50 years it's still going strong.........

What?

I have owned a music store of guitars. I have played pro. for over 25 years and now I collect Harmony guitars. Dollar for dollar you can't beat the quality of the good ones... Once you play a good one, it will ruin you on any other guitar. Check out the Stratotone section and the Harmony H-70 series. The H-70 series kills Gibson 335's..........At 1/3 the price!