1954 Harmony H-42 Green

Harmony Stratotone Newport Model H-42 Model Solid Body Electric Guitar, made by Harmony (1954), made in Chicago, green metallic finish, hardwood body and neck, and original case. Originally listing priced at the grand sum of $67.50, the Harmony Stratotone Newport H-42 is about as small, simple, and handy as an electric guitar gets. The metallic green “Colorama” finish and the metal-and-rubber “Harmometal” body trim make this a fantastic example of 1950s “Populuxe” aesthetics. The through-body neck is very large and chunky, but the body wings are very thin and light, making for a unique feel. The pickup is the same DeArmond made unit as the more familiar and slightly more upscale Model H-44 which cost all of $5.00 more in most years. Despite its diminutive size and rather unsubstantial feel, the guitar is excellent sounding. The controls are a single tone-bypass switch and a cool stacked tower of concentric tone and volume knobs on a single pot. This example carries a stacked CTS pot dated 1953, so is an early example probably sold in 1954. The H-42 was sold under the Harmony and Silvertone names but in either case is a relatively rare guitar, especially in excellent playing condition. These are always a nostalgic conversation piece guitar and a funky treat for the ’50s culture connoisseur.Overall length is 36 inches, 11 in. wide at lower bout, and 1 1/4″ thick, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 25- in. The width of nut is 1 3/4 in. This guitar is in fantastic playing condition and remains all original. The green lacquer finish has a lot of fade and some typical wear including an assortment of dings, chips, scrapes and dents. The finish back of the neck is not worn as is typical of these 50s metallic lacquers but it does have age marks and chips into the paint. All the hardware is original; the pickguard has a tight partial crack beneath the Combo volume/tone control but is stable. The bridge has no issues. There is a dab of darker green paint under the high E string tha maybe a previous owner was attempting to match it up. It has the original case that works- see pictures. Consignment.
This a great blues, lead, or slide guitar from simpler times with a great action that will surprise you!!!