Knutsen Harp Guitar
This Symphony Harp Guitar is a very fancy
model, and, except for the solid headstock, a near duplicate of Anna Knutsen's second guitar (HGT11). While hers
was built in Port Townsend, this one is Tacoma built (based on the label).
Like many Knutsens, it hasn't held together perfectly - but this one isn't all
Knutsen's fault. According to luthier Kerry Char, some hacker decided that they didn't like the treble strings -
but rather than simply removing them, they chopped off the bridge and pin block!
But first, they tried stringing them to the tail end of the top - which is
probably what ripped it off. They then patched this area (and all the original
treble areas). Eventually we'll see the "after" pictures - this is slated for full
restoration by Kerry Char (he says he's repaired worse!), and will ultimately be offered for sale.
10/10/04: The restoration is complete, and the guitar is fully functional. The
seller (Ken Anderson) can be contacted at kena@forhiskids.org
Click on picture to
enlarge
(images copyright Kerry Char, bottom row courtesy of Ken Anderson)
Knutsen Archives Inventory Number |
HGT37 |
|
Category |
Tacoma Harp Guitars |
|
Body Style |
"Symphony" |
|
Current or last known owner |
Darlene Langstrom |
|
Year (approx) |
1900-1902 | |
Label |
Mr. C. Knutsen, SOLE-PATENTEE of the Symphony Harp Guitar With 11 Strings. The 5 extra bass strings being tuned to D, C, B, A, and G, one octave lower than regular pitch. This HARP GUITAR is the deepest tone instrument made. This is the only GUITAR with the slanted fret. For prices and circulars address: C. Knutsen, 1001 south J St., Tacoma, Wash. |
|
Label Code | TA2 | |
Courses / Strings |
18 course: 6 strings on neck, 5 bass, 7 treble (removed) |
|
Frets |
slanted | |
Scale length | 24-3/4" | |
Neck Joint | no heel | |
Woods |
Top |
spruce |
Back & Sides |
mahogany | |
Neck |
cedar | |
Fingerboard |
dyed ? | |
Bridge |
dyed maple? | |
Headstock veneer | mahogany on both | |
Binding, trim |
Top |
multi-colored wood purfling, maple, red/white dyed wood side stripe |
Back |
maple | |
Fingerboard |
multi-colored wood purfling | |
Headstock(s) |
maple on bass headstock | |
Soundhole | 3 rings, 1 multi-colored wood purfling | |
Inlay |
fancy pearl fret markers | |
Pickguard |
none |
|
Comments |
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All Site Contents Copyright © Gregg Miner, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005,2006,2007,2008. All Rights Reserved.
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