Harmony Fender Lead One Copy

Hey-this is a follow up post to the review below. In my goof, I have realized that I've totally misnamed this guitar. I was referring to the Fender Lead 2 Series; that guitar had the 2 single coil pickups. The Fender Lead 1 was the model with the single humbucker in the bridge spot. Aaahh!!! Mine is a Harmony Marquis model issued by JC Penney in the early 1980's, between 80-83 or so. I was a preteen, so had to be around 80-82. In the catalog, model was all black finish, black pickguard, chrome hardware, 2 single pups, 1 volume and 1 tone knob, 2 on/off switches for each pickup. Maple neck/fretboard. 6 in line chintzy tuners. 22 frets (correction). Man, sorry 'bout the misinfo!! So, yes, Fender actually made 3 versions of their Lead Series: 1 (humbucker), 2 (singles), and 3 (which, if my facts are right, had a single in the neck spot, and humbucker in the bridge. Have seen this set up on "Hot Rod" Charvel/Jackson models in recent past).

BTW, I also reviewed the "Encore Unknown" model in the Encore section. I owned in the early 90's a Encore Elec. Gtr that was a copy of the Fender Lead 1. I modded it; read that review. This Harmony one, 3/4 size guitar. The shape overall is rusty in spots(screws for pickguard, bridge, tuners), nicks on body, lots of wear, but like said, has "personality". A beater to play old blues on, in a old smoky bar. BTW as well, that Sam L. Jax movie is: "Snake Moan Blues". Got it right, I hope....peace....

I bought this guitar off a private seller from Ebay. It was made/issued btwn 1980-1983 in the JC Penney Catalog. I was around 12 and the Fender Lead Series had just came out at the time of the early 80's. I always liked the Lead 1 guitar; it had 2 single coils, slanted to the right like the bridge pickup on a Strat. 1 volume and 1 tone knob. 2 switches; one for pickup selection, and one for "out of phase". But those were sold at the time for $600 or so. Penney's had a cheaper alternative in their line. For $99.99, this was offered back then. As a kid, never got around to getting it/buying it. So, after nearly 30 years(!!), found this Harmony Lead 1 copy for bidding. Got it 02/08. Here are the "features":

Plywood, 3/4 size double cutaway. Brown finish *(the Penney's ad had a black finish), the neck is some kind of "grainy" looking wood. I'd say it's most likely maple, but hmm...the fretboard is is maple, for sure. 21 frets. Cheap tuning pegs. Six in line, but the old fashioned kind. Haven't seen pegs this cheaply in some time( been playing for a while :)). The plastic, ivory nut doesn't seem to quite "fit" this guitar, so might have to fix that. Plays well. Action is fine, low, comfortable. Neck is straight. 2 string trees above the nut. 2 stock single coils, slanted just like the Fender. 1 volume and 1 tone knob. 2 switches, on and off for each pickup. No out of phase feature for this one; cost cutting, even back in the day :(.... I paid $ 104 bidding for this used guy; could've bought a new one way back in the day for a few less. But I bought this one for nostalgia purposes. Hardtail bridge, chrome. Chrome Hardware. Nicks/dings in spots. It honestly plays like a cheap, WalMart guitar. I've taken those First Act electric out of their boxes to test; those are 3/4 size as well. This one plays/feels like one of the 1st acts. I'm not gonna gig with this or anything, but nostalgia is why I bought it, again.

Actually, to compare electronics now vs. then, well, pickups are better made overseas NOW vs. back then, in my opinion. More coil winding= better sounding, from what I've been told. But these aren't half bad, really. Not really squealy. I'd say it's on par with a Squier, vs. how cheaply Harmony guitars were made then, and probably still are. I plan to play old blues with this guitar, and it'll do the trick just fine. Even for some slide.

Was set up by the party I bought it from, so they must have worked on it. Good, comfortable action. Playable. Have to set the pickups somewhat. For an old guitar, not bad. Has character, really. Personality. The bridge saddles are good/set alright. Really, this is a straight forward guitar, like a Squier Bullet, the ones with 1 humbucker. Hardtail bridge, no fuss. But this one has 2 singles instead. Likes it!! A Rock 'n'Roll/Blues type of guitar. MAYBE I'll replace some stuff down the road like pickups, tuning pegs, wiring, but for now, all work fine.

Well, haven't played out with it. Don't know if/how it'll do, but I wouldn't trash it around, so maybe it could. It looks like it's been thru the battle. Obviously, it was a beginner's guitar, but I don't know, not trying to beef it up or anything, but it really has something to it, some kind of appeal, it practically screams to play "Delta Blues" with it. In a smoky type of club. I'm thinking Samuel L. Jackson in "Snake Moan Blues" movie. Who knows, Ppl? Seems durable, if one didn't bash on it.

Nah...I'd pay someone to fix whatever was wrong with it, if I couldn't do it myself.

Well, I wanted the Fender Lead One when I was a kid, wanted this one when I was 12 as a cheaper alternative, didn't get either. Grew up, went thru 80's rock, all the guitars then, the 90's, that scene, now in the 21st 00's, gettin' older, revisiting my youth like ppl my age are doing now, and found this. Got sentimental, bought it, and am cradling it. LOL!! Want to play blues, and blues rock, and have other more pro gear for that. This is my practice guitar. Maybe it'll see stage time, dunno, but to play around with, go for it. Nice 3/4 size. That's it......