Product: Harmony Stella H942
Price Paid: USD 20 USED
Submitted
08/07/2007
at
06:08pm
by
Dan
Email: dhoenisch at tsmp<dot>com
Features
:
9
This is a great guitar, made, I believe, in 1968 in the good 'ole U.S. of A. Solid wood, but not sure what kind. Joined to the body at the 14th fret. Unlike most Stella models, this has inlaid fret markings, and not painted on. This is their Grand Concert guitar. Also unlike other Stellas, it has a glued on bridge. Latter bracing. The neck is almost as wide, but not as thick, as a 12-string guitar, but not bad at all, in my opinion, but I do play a 12-string. It also sports a steel reinforced neck.
Sound
:
10
I am a bluegrass musician, playing mostly banjo, and I love the sound. The sounds is full, bright and loud, not what you would expect in a "Student" guitar, but this was also their top of the line Stella model. I love loud bright instruments. The guitar I am reviewing is one I purchased at a garage sale for $20 over three years ago for my sister, and because I love the sound of it so much, I started a search for my very own, which is finally at an end.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
No Opinion
The action was a bit high, but I fixed that. The top and back are one solid piece of wood, so no book matching there. Everything on this guitar is solid. Since the guitar was new in 1968, and it survived at least three other owners before I got it, I'd say it will last dang near forever, as long as it isn't smashed on stage, though it may even survive that. I'm not rating this though since it was a used model.
Reliability/Durability
:
10
As I said previously, this guitar is indestructable. The painted on binding is chipped off pretty good, but the original finish is still in great shape. I can't complain. This guitar will definately last forever, as long as it is taken care of. The hardware is all great. Everything on this guitar is original.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
N/A
Overall Rating
:
10
I am rating this guitar a complete "10." I am still amazed, to this day, at the sound and durability. I was turned off to Harmony when I purchased a Korean version of one, but this oldie changed my mind, at least for the oldies. I don't much care for their tailpiece and floating bridge guitars, but this here guitar is definately one of their best ones, in my opinion. Definately one of the best guitars I've played. Very pleasing to the ears and all. I can't wait to get mine restored so I can have one of my very own (plus my sister would probably like to stop having her's taken, if you know what I mean).
