Harmony Round Hole Archtop (Supertone)

Harmony Round Hole Archtop (Supertone) c 1937 | $595 | This model appeared in the Harmony catalog in 1937 and was described as the 'Standard Quality' and priced at a whopping $4.95. If you wanted celluloid binding, you ordered the 'Supertone Quality' guitar. That would set you back an extra two dollars.

We've long been fans of round-hole archtop guitars. They sound different, are great for ragtime and blues, and look cool. We date this all original example to c 1937, since it appears in the '37 catalog, but it could be a few years before or after that date. The body is solid birch, both top and back pressed into an arch. Top and back sport white-painted binding, and the sound hole is bound in white celluloid. The top has a striking small sunburst with a touch of faux paint to simulate spruce, while the back is done in simulated tiger maple. The neck is likely poplar, and the finger board appears to be 'ebonized' maple. The heel is topped with a white celluloid cap.The fancy position markers appear pearl, but are actually sprayed in white. The bridge appears dark rosewood with adjustment wheels. A gold 'Harmony Chicago USA' decal adorns the headstock.

The body measures 14 1/4" across at the lower bout. Scale length is 25 1/4". The fingerboard measures 1 11/16" wide at the nut, and string spacing is 2 1/4" at the bridge/saddle. The neck is carved in a 'V', typical of the era.

All components of the guitar appear original. There is really nothing to report regarding repairs. The tailpiece shows some oxidation. A photo of the side of the neck shows a 2" section of the fingerboard where it looks to have been glued, and another short section at the nut. Otherwise, a real spiffy guitar.

Action is set 5/64" and the guitar plays easily. The sound is very archtop-like with most of its oomph in the midrange and treble. Fun to play, and a nice fingerpicking guitar for a slightly different sound.

Comes with an older hard case.