Just saw this today. What you have there, assuming you still have it, is a Stella by Harmony model H929. Today we would call that a parlor sized guitar, but in Harmony's catalog (1965) it is referred to as "Standard" size, part of Harmony's Stella/flat top series. (They also made archtops and electrics.) In the same series there was a 3/4 size and a tenor version. It was listed for $27.50 in 1965. Harmony's from the '60s and before typically didn't have paper labels, but stamped information on the inside of the back of the guitar, visible through the soundhole (or f-holes, in the case of their archtops). The stamping was sometimes hard to find, and sometimes either blurred or faded to the point of being illegible. One stamp would have 4 (or 5?) digits indicating a batch number, followed by the model # (in this case H929). Another stamp would be the date stamp. It would read either F or S followed by the two-digit code for the year. According to a former factory employee, the "F" stood for the "First" production run of the year (Jan.-June), "S" stood for "Second" run (July-Dec.). I've owned flat top and archtop Harmonys, I still have a 1953 Harmony Broadway archtop, H954. Before me, from the '40s thru the '60s,.my Dad consistently bought Harmony branded/Harmony made guitars. He had a Harmony Stella H929 from 1961-63, looked just like yours. It was the first guitar I ever played.
Usually a shop can work on that to get it a little better. It will probably never be awesome but they are fun little guitars when they play ok. Also good for slide and open tunings if it's too warped.
Right on even with 50 year old or more rusty strings I can tell it would sound good as much fun as it would be to mess with open tunings id love to but I'm still working on standard e like I have been for years I kind use to mess with dadgbd tubing bot I don't know all those open ones it will be fun someday though
I love my 64. Still don't understand why they call them student guitars, but ihave taught many lessons with them.
Loved the playing. Top shelf.
Thanks a ton! They were great little guitars.
My father purchased this exact instrument for me in 1963 for $25. It was my first guitar. It was purchased at Killeen Music in Burbank, California.
How did it play Nick? Did you take lessons and so forth?
I just found one of these at a farmers market near me the other day, fantastic little guitar
Super score! Way to go! Good rescue. Does it play ok?
Just saw this today. What you have there, assuming you still have it, is a Stella by Harmony model H929. Today we would call that a parlor sized guitar, but in Harmony's catalog (1965) it is referred to as "Standard" size, part of Harmony's Stella/flat top series. (They also made archtops and electrics.) In the same series there was a 3/4 size and a tenor version. It was listed for $27.50 in 1965.
Harmony's from the '60s and before typically didn't have paper labels, but stamped information on the inside of the back of the guitar, visible through the soundhole (or f-holes, in the case of their archtops). The stamping was sometimes hard to find, and sometimes either blurred or faded to the point of being illegible.
One stamp would have 4 (or 5?) digits indicating a batch number, followed by the model # (in this case H929). Another stamp would be the date stamp. It would read either F or S followed by the two-digit code for the year. According to a former factory employee, the "F" stood for the "First" production run of the year (Jan.-June), "S" stood for "Second" run (July-Dec.).
I've owned flat top and archtop Harmonys, I still have a 1953 Harmony Broadway archtop, H954. Before me, from the '40s thru the '60s,.my Dad consistently bought Harmony branded/Harmony made guitars. He had a Harmony Stella H929 from 1961-63, looked just like yours. It was the first guitar I ever played.
These are awesome little guitars, love the tone! I sold mine years ago and plan on picking up another! Will tune it to open G I think! Great video 👍
Finger picking Blackbird by McCartney sounds awesome on those guitars.
I want to try that! This guitar went to a new home.
I like that old Stella. Sounds good
It's pretty cool! I have a 2nd one here that has a very bent neck. Cannot seem to get it straight. Thanks for checking it out Anthony
I got one with some warp on the bottom of the neck and a high action hoping I can have it saved
Usually a shop can work on that to get it a little better. It will probably never be awesome but they are fun little guitars when they play ok. Also good for slide and open tunings if it's too warped.
Right on even with 50 year old or more rusty strings I can tell it would sound good as much fun as it would be to mess with open tunings id love to but I'm still working on standard e like I have been for years I kind use to mess with dadgbd tubing bot I don't know all those open ones it will be fun someday though
Same exact thing happened to mine at the same spot. I just replaced the bridge with a pencil and called it a day.
wow !! tuning ?
I think I was in open A. The fat string was a low A
I am going to meet a guy that has one of these for sale. He wants $200
Be aware they are pretty stiff to play. The tone is kind of boxy. More fun to look at than to play. 200 seems a little high.
I got mine for $75 + tax....
I paid $15 for mine at Goodwill. $200 is way too high.
@@the_jazmin $15 at Goodwill?! Dang. Great price. Did it need any work?
I think 200 bucks is a bargain. Wish I could get one here in the UK. 💓🎸.