Knutsen/Anderson Harp Guitar
Assuming you've first read all about Otto Anderson, and specifically
his specimen HGP16, this one is similarly remarkable!
With the second one of these "continuous-arm" harp guitars now known,
I am even more curious as to who came up with this design.
The two instruments are virtually identical, with only slight differences in the
fingerboard inlay to tell them apart (and to confirm that the one in the String Quartet
photo appears to be HGP16). The wood on this one looks like that same strange
form of walnut (the consensus from various luthiers). Likely Otto built these at
the same time, from the same log.
As this one is in the possession of one of Otto's relatives, we naturally assume
it is one of the family guitars mentioned in Jeanette's notes. It would thus
appear that Otto made this one for his family, but made the other for Knutsen -
subsequently sold or given to the player in the Quartet photograph (as implied
by the note on the back of the photograph).
With two instruments built, the possible scenarios also double. Did Knutsen (or
the Quartet player) suggest this variation and commission it from Otto as an
experiment - with Otto building a duplicate for himself? Or did Otto create it
for his family as his own unique variation, with Knutsen and/or the Quartet
player asking for a second?
In other words, who dreamt this one up? Candidates are Knutsen, the Quartet
player, and Otto himself.
Whoever designed it, it may be that Knutsen decided not to make (or request) any
additional specimens due to that problematic arm that makes playing up the neck
very difficult.
Note that there appears to be four holes near the bass side of the bridge on
this one. Could someone have been experimenting with added sub-basses?
(images copyright anonymous owner)
Knutsen Archives Inventory Number |
HGP25 |
|
Category |
Port Townsend Harp Guitars |
|
Body Style |
"continuous-arm" |
|
Current or last known owner |
anonymous |
|
Year (approx) |
1895-1898 |
|
Label |
unknown |
|
Courses / Strings |
6 strings |
|
Frets |
straight |
|
Scale length | unknown | |
Neck Joint | unknown | |
Woods |
Top |
walnut? |
Back & Sides |
unknown |
|
Neck |
unknown |
|
Fingerboard |
unknown |
|
Bridge |
unknown |
|
Headstock veneer | unknown | |
Binding, trim |
Top |
unknown |
Back |
unknown |
|
Fingerboard |
unknown |
|
Headstock(s) |
unknown |
|
Soundhole | unknown | |
Inlay |
fancy pearl fret markers |
|
Pickguard |
none |
|
Comments |
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