Product: Harmony H48 Stratotone
Price Paid: US $200 used
Submitted
10/20/2003
at
10:34pm
by
Bill
Email: brgs at mindspring<dot>com
Features
:
9
1958, Small, LesPaul style hollow body guitar made in USA. Seems to be made of Maple with beautiful grain. 1 pickup, a Dearmond, a tone, volume and some crazy selector switch for Bass, Rhythm and treble. Block inlay, rosewood floating bridge, tortious pickguard, and kluston tunners. Slim, fast neck with a truss rod and 22 frets. White binding, natural finish.
Sound
:
10
The sound is fantastic!!! Reminds me of a old Gibson. It can go from a warm jazz sound to a blues tone with just one flick of the switch. The only problem is you need to have the volume control (on the guitar) ALL the way up to get a really clean sound. This guitar beats the heck out of my Fenders.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
10
The guitar is very well made and looks like an expensive guitar. It was DOA when I bought it so I spent 3 hours taking out the pickup and controls, cleaning them, sodering a wire and putting it back together. The pots and wiring are something you dont see anymore. Quality! Ground sheilded and very sturdy. The pickup must weigh 1/2 pound! After 45 years, it held up very well and feels and plays like a million bucks.
Reliability/Durability
:
10
The usual dings for a 45 year old guitar. The finish has held up very well as well as the binding and pickguard. There is no other backup for this guitar unless it's another H48.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
Don't know but there are many Harmony sites on the web to help out with parts and advice.
Overall Rating
:
10
I collect and build guitars for a hobby. I have many Electric and accoustic guitars. The only other electric guitar to come close to this H48 is my Hagstrom III made in 1965 which has a totally different sound. Playing this guitar is like someone else has taken over and is making the most beautiful sounds in the world. That may seem strong but I have been playing for over 47 years now and I would NEVER get rid of this guitar. If someone stole this one, I'd hunt them down and beat them to death with a Dean guitar. (at least their good for something). If you ever get the chance to buy one, DO IT!
