Knutsen Harp Hawaiian Convertible Guitar

I didn't pay too much attention to this instrument when I first saw it in Robert Hartman's first book, "Guitars and Mandolins in America" published in 1984 (pictured at right). But I am now - it's only one of two known so far of this unusual style. They have only two basses, 
And in November, 2003, the instrument finally re-surfaced!
It's very attractive, with full rope binding. Note the fancy screws attaching the bridges to the face.
The owner mentions (and pictures) a paper sticker marking the 4th fret. This is remaining from the Hartman period, when the instrument is pictured with a few more of these extra paper "markers!"
This "convertible" has inlaid frets, so could only be played lap style. The brackets are only for neck adjustment.

hcn1b.jpg (18020 bytes) hcn1closeup.jpg (44836 bytes) hcn1fb.jpg (19696 bytes) hcn1back.jpg (16267 bytes) hcn1back2.jpg (23946 bytes) hcn1.jpg (13546 bytes)

Click on  a picture to enlarge
(
images copyright Thomas Delago, except for right image copyright and courtesy of Ron Middlebrook/Centerstream Publishing and Robert C. Hartman)

Knutsen Archives Inventory Number

HCN1

                 Category

Convertible Guitars

                 Body Style

"'No Point' Harp Hawaiian"

                 Current or last known owner

Thomas Delago

                 Year (approx)

1920-1927 or 1928. Possibly earlier (back to 1914?)

                 Label

"C. KNUTSEN, Manufacturer of ALL KINDS OF STRINGED INSTRUMENTS, 1542 TEMPLE ST."

                 Label Code LA9

                 Courses / Strings

12 course: 6 strings on neck, 2 bass, 4 treble

                 Frets

inlaid wood

                 Scale length 24-3/4"
                 Neck Joint "convertible" brackets

Woods

Top

spruce

Back & Sides

koa or gum

Neck

unknown

Fingerboard

unknown

Bridge

unknown

Headstock veneer

none

Binding, trim

Top

rope

Back

rope

Fingerboard

two rope stripes away from edge

Headstock(s)

none

Soundhole

rope

                 Inlay

bone or ivory

                 Pickguard

none

Dimensions Upper Bout 11-1/4"
Lower Bout 15"
Body at endpin 3-1/2"

                 Comments

Paper sticker fret markers at 4 and 8. Diagonal back braces. Instrument pictured in "The Larsons' Creations", p.92

 

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