
( Brand: Harmony ), ( Model: VOGUE ), ( Part Type: Guitar ), ( Size: 3/4 ), ( String Configuration: 6 String ), ( Model Year: 1940 ), ( Series: H1163 ), ( Dexterity: Right-handed ), ( Body Material: Birch ), ( Body Type: Small Dreadnought ), ( Soundboard Style: Flat Top ), ( Country/region Of Manufacture: United States ), ( Style: Roundneck Conversion )
The 1940 Harmony Vogue Hawaiian electric soprano guitar is a remarkable vintage instrument, brimming with history, character, and the unique, mellow sound of classic Hawaiian music. This solid body electric soprano guitar is an excellent addition to any vintage guitar collection, a special piece for serious collectors or an inspiring and authentic instrument for musicians seeking to explore the traditional sounds of Hawaiian music.
Background and History:The 1940 Harmony Vogue Hawaiian guitar, manufactured by the Harmony company, is a rare find in the world of vintage electric instruments. The Harmony company, founded in Chicago in 1892, was one of the most prolific guitar manufacturers in the United States. They produced numerous models, including the Hawaiian line, which gained popularity among musicians in the 1930s and 1940s for its distinctive tone reminiscent of the steel strings used in traditional Hawaiian music. This guitar represents a piece of musical history, reflecting the rich cultural landscape of the time.
Design and Construction:The Harmony Vogue Hawaiian guitar boasts an impressive design, with a compact, solid body made of high-quality wood. Its unique appearance can be attributed to its use of contrasting dark and light wooden finishes, creating an attractive visual appeal. The guitar features a beautiful, glossy finish, making it both an aesthetically pleasing and durable instrument.
The soprano scale length guitar sports a standard soprano neck, with 15 frets and grooved white binding on the neck. The instrument comes equipped with six strings, strung in a distinctive manner to mimic the sound of traditional Hawaiian lap steel guitars.
Assorted hardware adorns the guitar, including premium gold-plated tuning pegs, a tailpiece, and a single disc covered pickup with double-shielded grounded single coil design. The volume control and tone control knobs are conveniently located near the lower neck, allowing easy access for adjustments during performance.
Sound and Tone:The 1940 Harmony Vogue Hawaiian guitar produces an exceptional and distinctive tone. The combination of the solid body design, vintage single coil pickup, and unique string configuration results in a warm and mellow sound with a subtle twang, making it an ideal instrument for Hawaiian-style music. Its compact size and lightweight nature provide ease of portability, and the short scale length and slim neck make it an appealing choice for players with smaller hands or for those seeking to develop their finger dexterity.
Condition and Maintenance:This vintage 1940 Harmony Vogue Hawaiian guitar comes in good condition, with some signs of regular use and wear apparent on the body and finish, adding to its distinctive character. The instrument has been thoroughly inspected, serviced, and set up to ensure optimal playability. It's essential to keep the guitar clean and maintain proper humidity levels to preserve its wood and finish. A hard shell case is included to protect the instrument during transportation and storage.
In conclusion, the 1940 Harmony Vogue Hawaiian guitar is a valuable treasure for musicians and collectors alike, showcasing the rich history and unique sound of vintage Hawaiian music instruments. Its beautiful appearance, premium construction, and captivating tone are sure to inspire generations of musicians to explore this authentic and cultural sound.
The 1940 Harmony Vogue Hawaiian guitar is a cherished vintage instrument known for its unique sound and distinctive appearance. Here's a comprehensive analysis, including pros, cons, and a conclusion, to help potential buyers make an informed decision:
Pros:1. Authentic Hawaiian Sound: The 1940 Harmony Vogue Hawaiian guitar offers a unique and authentic Hawaiian sound that sets it apart from modern counterparts. Its steel strings and open-back design contribute to a mellow yet bright sound with excellent projection and resonance.
2. Durability: Being a vintage instrument, the 1940 Harmony Vogue Hawaiian guitar is constructed with high-quality materials, such as solid mahogany neck, solid Sitka spruce top, rosewood fretboard, and brass hardware. These materials contribute to the guitar's durability, allowing it to withstand the test of time.
3. Aesthetic Value: The vintage appearance of the 1940 Harmony Vogue Hawaiian guitar is a significant draw for many buyers. Its floral inlays, beautiful sunburst finish, and ornate body binding add to its visual appeal and make it a unique addition to any guitar collection.
4. Playability: The scale length of a Hawaiian guitar is usually shorter than a traditional acoustic guitar, making it more comfortable for players with small hands or those who prefer the/, Slack key tuning, or ukulele playing.
5. Rare and Collectible: Due to its age, the 1940 Harmony Vogue Hawaiian guitar is a highly collectible instrument. Its scarcity contributes to its value and makes it a desirable acquisition for collectors and vintage guitar enthusiasts.
Cons:1. Cost: The rarity and desirability of the 1940 Harmony Vogue Hawaiian guitar often come with a premium price tag. Depending on the condition and market demand, these instruments can sell for upwards of $3,000 or even more.
2. Maintenance and Repairs: Vintage instruments generally require more attention and maintenance due to their age and fragility. Cracks, frets, or other issues may require professional repairs or restoration, which can be expensive and time-consuming.
3. Limited Tone Variability: The open-back design and steel strings of the 1940 Harmony Vogue Hawaiian guitar do not offer the same tonal versatility as solid-wood acoustic guitars or nylon-string classical guitars. This can limit the instrument's appeal for players who prefer more versatile or expressive sounds.
4. Potential Structural Issues: With age comes the risk of structural issues and damage, such as cracks, loose or missing parts, or other problems that may affect the instrument's playability and tone.
Conclusion:The 1940 Harmony Vogue Hawaiian guitar is an exceptional instrument that offers a unique and authentic Hawaiian sound, durability, and aesthetic value. However, its high cost, potential maintenance issues, limited tone variability, and potential structural problems may be significant cons for some potential buyers. To make an informed decision, it is crucial to thoroughly research prices, conditions, and options for the model in question and weigh the pros and cons against personal preferences and budget before making a purchase.
Recommendation:The 1940 Harmony Vogue Hawaiian guitar is recommended for vintage guitar enthusiasts, collectors, and players looking for an authentic Hawaiian sound and unique weapon to add to their collection. Those on a budget or seeking versatility might want to consider more affordable alternatives or alternative guitar types. Always consider condition, market prices, and the potential for ongoing maintenance when deciding to purchase a vintage instrument like the 1940 Harmony Vogue Hawaiian guitar.
The complete number is 0816h1163. This one runs up to the sound hole. The last 2 are small cracks on sides which stable and don't need to be addressed.
Here I have a vintage Harmony Vogue guitar. This guitar also sounds great and has a loud voice that projects.
Amazingly the original pick guard is still in great shape and you can see painted Vogue logo on bottom portion. This guitar is model number h1163 as designated in the sound-hole. The first being underneath pick guard. The conversion was done very nicely and action stands a bit below 1/8 at octave.
Even with this beefy neck you can comfortably play up to the 11th fret. It has been glued and is secure. It started life as a square neck acoustic guitar meant for playing slide and has since been converted to roundneck configuration so can be played like regular.
There are several repaired cracks in the body. There is also an old crack on the lower back of guitar that was repaired previously and not moving anywhere.