Knutsen Harp Guitar    

This is one of only two "patent-style" guitars with binding on the body. 
As this 9-string version never appeared on a patent, did it precede the 11-string, or was it a variation?
Both versions are mentioned (and this style is pictured) in Knutsen's ads from 1898 (HGP12).
I first thought that the bridge must have been someone's fanciful replacement - but a nearly identical original bridge was recently discovered (HGP13).
Additional photos and information can be found in From Harp Guitars to the New Hawaiian Family by Noe & Most.

hgp7.jpg (18162 bytes) braceshgp7top.jpg (19100 bytes)

(left image copyright Tom Noe, right copyright Kerry Char)

Knutsen Archives Inventory Number

HGP7

                 Category

Port Townsend Harp Guitars

                 Body Style

"1898 patent"

                 Current or last known owner

Dan Most Estate

              Year (approx)

1897-1898

                 Label

"Patent applied for" in pencil

                 Label Code PT4?

                 Courses / Strings

9 course: 6 strings on neck, 3 bass

                 Frets

straight

                 Scale length 25-1/2"
                 Neck Joint small heel, glued flush with body

Woods

Top

Western Red cedar

Back & Sides

walnut

Neck

walnut

Fingerboard

ebony

Bridge

rosewood

Headstock veneer none

Binding, trim

Top

herringbone

Back

unknown

Fingerboard

none

Headstock(s)

none

Soundhole 3 rings (2 herringbone), ivoroid binding

                 Inlay

fancy pearl fret markers

                 Pickguard

none

                 Comments

Horizontal back brace. (Noe/Most, p.22)

 

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