c.1925 Harmony-built Fancy Parlor Guitar

This is a nice 0-size "parlor" built specifically for steel strings, by Harmony, c. mid-twenties. It originally had a metal bolted-on bridge, but I've made a reproduction approximating the original (which is in the guitar's case) out of ebony with a bone nut. This not only improves the sound dramatically but let me get the action down a bit. This replacement bridge, however, still uses the dry-fit bolted-on approach.

These type of guitars were most often seen sold through the Sears catalog as one of their higher-priced models, and usually came with a Supertone label. Regardless of its progeny... this guitar sounds awesome. Very rich, very loud, and spectacular balance. The bottom end is huge compared to what one would expect from this size of box.

Slotted headstock with gold-decal star and diamond. Ebony(?) nut.

Fretboard is bound with white celluloid and the board itself is ebony with MOP inlay.

The binding and purfling is far too cool -- check out that faux-pearl celluloid around the body's edge and in the middle of the rosette. Very fun, and elegant but not overbearing.

Here's my reproduction bridge out of ebony and bone. Note that I've dry fit it with bolts like the original bridge, using the original bridge's metal mounting plate on the underside of the soundboard. Strings pass through the rear and come up just behind the saddle. Makes for a very clean and very interesting look.

Front overview. The original finish has yellowed over the years and this excellent spruce top has a lovely golden-orange "vintage" look.

3/4 shot.

Back... and no... that's not rosewood, but birch that's been painted and stained to look like rosewood. Nevertheless, back and sides are solid.

And both the top and the back are bound... luxury! Heh.


Back.


Headstock rear. Original brass-plate tuners with bakelite buttons.


Side.


...finish is in great shape.


...other side.


...


End pin area.