Knutsen Harp Taropatch
Wow! A third surviving harp taropatch, and this one is
completely different from the two previous larger instruments.
This one is closer to what would become the "traditional" size of
American taropatch: 25" long, with upper bout of 6-7/8", lower bout at
8" wide, and the body 2-1/4" deep. The scale length is 14-3/8",
much closer to the standard ukulele scale (between 13-1/2"-14"), and a
lot shorter than the 16-1/2" scale of the others. This is the first harp
taropatch found with a label - the "Patent Applied For" label that
could have been used anytime between 1909 and 1917. The trim (rope top and soundhole) is like the harp
ukes, rather than the other two uniquely-appointed taro's. The far right image
shows size comparison with the previous specimen #HT3, my harp uke (#HU16), and
this instrument (#HT4)
Click on a picture to
enlarge
(images copyright anonymous owner)
Knutsen Archives Inventory Number |
HT4 |
|
Category |
Harp Taropatches |
|
Body Style |
"Standard" |
|
Current or last known owner |
anonymous > Gregg Miner |
|
Year (approx) |
1914-1917 |
|
Label |
Patent Applied For |
|
Label Code | SE3 | |
Courses / Strings |
4 course: 8 strings |
|
Scale length |
14-3/8" |
|
Woods |
Top |
red gum |
Back & Sides |
red gum |
|
Neck |
koa |
|
Fingerboard |
none (one-piece neck/fingerboard) |
|
Bridge |
mahogany |
|
Headstock veneer |
none |
|
Binding, trim |
Top |
rope |
Back |
none |
|
Fingerboard |
none |
|
Headstock(s) |
none |
|
Soundhole |
rope |
|
Inlay |
2 dot fret markers. |
|
Pickguard |
none |
|
Comments |
|
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