Knutsen Harp Guitar
Here's a wonderful late-period guitar with perhaps the longest bass strings in relation to the neck. The bass headstock is similar to the two Double Point 12-string harp guitars (HGS26 & 39), while the tuner arrangement is exactly like HGS31 - what I believe to be the last variation (see Harp Guitar Evolution for more details on these final designs). Alert reader Benoit Meulle-Stef noticed that the treble string pins were configured upside down! The tuning pins and bridge pins are swapped - with the zither pins inserted into the bridge, and bridge pins holding the strings in a block under the top (as in HGS40). A mini bridge and saddle complete the scenario.
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(images copyright Experience Music
Project)
Knutsen Archives Inventory Number |
HGS19 |
|
Category |
Seattle Harp Guitars |
|
Body Style |
"Lower Bass Point" |
|
Current or last known owner |
Experience Music Project permanent collection |
|
Year (approx) |
1913-1914 |
|
Label |
C. KNUTSEN, SOLE PATENTEE OF
THE 11 STRINGED HARP GUITAR |
|
Label Code | SE2 | |
Courses / Strings |
18 course: 6 strings on neck, 5 bass, 7 treble | |
Frets |
straight |
|
Scale length | unknown | |
Neck Joint | no heel, bracket | |
Woods |
Top |
black |
Back & Sides |
mahogany | |
Neck |
fir | |
Fingerboard |
dyed ? |
|
Bridge |
mahogany | |
Headstock veneer | unknown | |
Binding, trim |
Top |
light/dark/light wood |
Back |
light wood | |
Fingerboard |
light wood | |
Headstock(s) |
none | |
Soundhole | ~8 light, red & black wood rings | |
Inlay |
fancy fret markers | |
Pickguard |
none |
|
Comments |
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