Knutsen Harp Guitar
This may be considered the first of the "Evolving Symphony"
style, and a tricky call.
The bass headstock is just starting to evolve into the new shape -
and the bass tuners are not yet geared. The give-away is the bridge - different
from the standard Symphony bridge (and similar to all the other Evolving Symphs). It
has slanted frets also (as do almost all the Evolving Symphs). It has pretty fancy trim, something the later Tacoma
instruments seemed to eschew.
Kerry Char obtained this unique oak instrument from his friend Dan Most.
Additional photos and information can be found in From Harp Guitars to the
New Hawaiian Family by Noe & Most, p. 35.
(images copyright Tom Noe)
Knutsen Archives Inventory Number |
HGT7 |
|
Category |
Tacoma Harp Guitars |
|
Body Style |
"Evolving Symphony" |
|
Current or last known owner |
Kerry Char |
|
Year (approx) |
1902-1904 |
|
Label |
misspelled "C. NUTSEN, Sole Patentee of the Symphony Harp-Guitar" |
|
Label Code | TA3 | |
Courses / Strings |
11 course: 6 strings on neck, 5 bass |
|
Frets |
slanted |
|
Scale length | unknown | |
Neck Joint | unknown | |
Woods |
Top |
spruce |
Back & Sides |
oak |
|
Neck |
Western Red cedar |
|
Fingerboard |
walnut |
|
Bridge |
walnut |
|
Headstock veneer | unknown | |
Binding, trim |
Top |
multi-colored wood |
Back |
none |
|
Fingerboard |
none |
|
Headstock(s) |
none |
|
Soundhole | 3 rings (1 multi-colored) | |
Inlay |
4 single dot fret markers |
|
Pickguard |
none |
|
Comments |
(Noe/Most, p.35) |
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