Knutsen Harp Guitar
Here's a newly discovered,
previously unknown model of the 1898 Patent Style instruments.
It has only two bass strings!
It's all original, including (I presume) the bone nut for the basses,
and a hand-carved rosewood bridge. This bridge is very similar to HGP7 -
which until now, I didn't think was Knutsen's. What an interesting variation -
probably used because this is the fanciest model yet seen, festooned with fancy pearl and
herringbone trim.
Also curious is that this is another early Port Townsend guitar found at a Los
Angeles flea market (as was my HGP4).
Click on a
picture to enlarge
(images copyright Gregg Miner)
Knutsen Archives Inventory Number |
HGP13 |
|
Category |
Port Townsend Harp Guitars |
|
Body Style |
"1898 patent" |
|
Current or last known owner |
Alex Sioris |
|
Year (approx) |
1896-1897 |
|
Label |
"MANUFACTURED BY C. KNUTSEN, PORT TOWNSEND, WASH. PATENTED SEP. 15, 1896" |
|
Label Code | PT2 | |
Courses / Strings |
8 course: 6 strings on neck, 2 bass |
|
Frets |
straight |
|
Scale length | 25-1/2" | |
Neck Joint | heel | |
Woods |
Top |
spruce |
Back & Sides |
mahogany sides, ash back |
|
Neck |
mahogany |
|
Fingerboard |
ebony |
|
Bridge |
rosewood |
|
Headstock veneer | rosewood | |
Binding, trim |
Top |
herringbone, ivoroid |
Back |
herringbone, ivoroid, with herringbone center stripe |
|
Fingerboard |
ivoroid |
|
Headstock(s) |
none |
|
Soundhole | 3 herringbone rings | |
Inlay |
fancy pearl fret markers |
|
Pickguard |
none |
|
Comments |
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