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

hgt37.jpg (25869 bytes) hgt37back.jpg (27211 bytes) hgt37heads.jpg (29755 bytes)
hgt37damage.jpg (54093 bytes) hgt37treble.jpg (27128 bytes)
hgt37repair3.jpg (35132 bytes) hgt37repair.jpg (31572 bytes) hgt37repair2.jpg (22276 bytes)
Post-restoration

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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