Knutsen Harp Guitar
Another marvelous discovery! Like the previous "missing link" - a simpler model with no binding or treble strings, but with what appears to be rosewood back and sides! Compare the bass headstock (on right) with the previous specimen (on left) and one can again see Knutsen's amazingly linear "Darwinian" evolution of his bass headstocks. This one has a label, and as expected, label dating and headstock evolution dating match up exactly. Note how the sharp bend left over from the Patent style instruments is smoothing out - approaching closer to his Symphony shape. A constant progression by the most innovative, restless luthier who ever lived!
Click on a
picture to enlarge
(images copyright Kent Erickson)
Knutsen Archives Inventory Number |
HGT45 |
|
Category |
Tacoma Harp Guitars (Port Townsend built) |
|
Body Style |
"Pre-Symphony" |
|
Current or last known owner |
anonymous |
|
Year (approx) |
1898-1899 |
|
Label |
"THE ONE-ARM HARP
GUITAR. |
|
Label Code | PT5 | |
Courses / Strings |
11 course: 6 strings on neck, 5 bass |
|
Frets |
straight |
|
Scale length | 25-1/4" | |
Neck Joint | no heel, but slight bulge | |
Woods |
Top |
spruce? |
Back & Sides |
Brazilian rosewood? |
|
Neck |
cedar? |
|
Fingerboard |
unknown |
|
Bridge |
unknown |
|
Headstock veneer | unknown | |
Binding, trim |
Top |
none |
Back |
none | |
Fingerboard |
none |
|
Headstock(s) |
none |
|
Soundhole | 3 wood rings (1 multi-colored) | |
Inlay |
dot fret markers |
|
Pickguard |
none |
|
Comments |
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