c.1940 Harmony H134x Monterey Archtop Guitar
This model, stamped inside H134x (where x is unreadable) is like an upgraded version of the H1327, in that it has fretboard binding and nicer back and side woods -- and it's a nice guitar, for sure, with solid spruce top, laminated birdseye maple back with maple sides, rosewood fretboard, bridge, and tailpiece, way-cool multi-lined/colored purfling around the top edge, binding top, back... and unlike most of these Montereys -- it has fretboard binding, which gives quite the nice touch.
I've never seen another one of these models before, and no information can be found about it, other than that it's very similar to the H1327 but upgraded.
This particular guitar is entirely crack-free, with the finish still showing plenty of gleam (though weather checked), and all-original save a new rosewood bridge topper I installed (the old one had been cut down too much). It also has its original case!
My work included a neck reset, fret dress, a bunch of cleaning and de-scuffing, replacement of the aforementioned bridge topper, and setup. It plays super easy, has that spanky, direct, sustained, and typically "balanced" archtop tone... and in addition to that the neck has a quick, more modern (well, modern for me... I'm used to chunky Regal v-necks from the 20s!) feel, and a very slightly radiused fretboard.
I've never seen another one of these models before, and no information can be found about it, other than that it's very similar to the H1327 but upgraded.
This particular guitar is entirely crack-free, with the finish still showing plenty of gleam (though weather checked), and all-original save a new rosewood bridge topper I installed (the old one had been cut down too much). It also has its original case!
My work included a neck reset, fret dress, a bunch of cleaning and de-scuffing, replacement of the aforementioned bridge topper, and setup. It plays super easy, has that spanky, direct, sustained, and typically "balanced" archtop tone... and in addition to that the neck has a quick, more modern (well, modern for me... I'm used to chunky Regal v-necks from the 20s!) feel, and a very slightly radiused fretboard.
Sure is a looker!
I've got a set of GHS "vintage bronze" strings to get a little more warmth. To really get some more warmth and vintage charm/tone on these guitars, flatwounds will do it.
Complete with wild pickguard...
The tailpiece on this one is much nicer than the later misc. hardwood ones... in that it's a big hunk of rosewood! Looks real classy.
Cool purfling.
This back (and the sides) are hilarious to me... because they're birdseye maple (veneer, I think), with plenty of purty figure... but Harmony went ahead and also added faux-flamed to both the back and sides... why? Style? Curious to me, but is fun all the same!
Old Klusons work just fine.
End pin's a little dirty, but that's alright by me.
Comments
Thanks, Mike