Knutsen Harp Guitar
This 3/4 scale Seattle harp guitar is the fanciest
specimen yet known. It even has multi-colored rope binding on the back!
It also features fully bound headstocks and three unique crescent moon inlays.
What a prize!
It comes with some curious provenance - the previous owner wrote that he
received it in 1948 from his father, who bought it from Knutsen himself.
The curious part is that he claims it was in 1907 in Tacoma. Tacoma
is only a year off, so it's not impossible. However, the label (and fancy
features) point to the 1911-1913 period. It is not impossible that
Knutsen made a trip to Tacoma for the sale, and that are dating system is 5
years off, but I tend to doubt that. Unfortunately, I never trust
memories, unless there is better evidence.
Click on a picture to enlarge (images copyright Tom Benson) |
Knutsen Archives Inventory Number |
HGS71 |
|
Category |
Seattle Harp Guitars |
|
Body Style |
"Lower Bass Point" |
|
Current or last known owner |
Tom Benson > Intermountain Guitar & Banjo |
|
Year (approx) |
1911-1913 |
|
Label |
"C. Knutsen, Sole Patentee of the 11-string harp guitar" |
|
Label Code | SE2 | |
Courses / Strings |
11 course: 6 strings on neck, 5 bass |
|
Frets |
straight |
|
Scale length | ~ 19+" | |
Neck Joint | no heel | |
Woods |
Top |
spruce |
Back & Sides |
mahogany | |
Neck |
unknown | |
Fingerboard |
unknown |
|
Bridge |
unknown | |
Headstock veneer | unknown | |
Binding, trim |
Top |
multi-colored wood |
Back |
multi-colored wood | |
Fingerboard |
ivoroid? | |
Headstock(s) |
ivoroid? | |
Soundhole | multi-colored wood | |
Inlay |
fancy pearl fret markers, inlays top and headstock | |
Pickguard |
none |
|
Comments |
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