Knutsen Harp Hawaiian Convertible Guitar
This is the first Knutsen of this style that has 5 sub-bass strings! The bridge proves that they are original. The extra "spacing nut" may be original or added - the screws in the bass headstock appear to be positioned to act as guideposts to properly position basses also (but perhaps not wide enough?). Interesting how Knutsen fit five bass strings on his standard skinny headstock! With a full set of basses, 16 raised frets and what looks like a more secure bracket assembly, this may have been one convertible that was actually practical as a standard harp guitar.
Click on a
picture to enlarge
(images copyright Leo Coulson)
Knutsen Archives Inventory Number |
HCP18 |
|
Category |
Convertible Guitars |
|
Body Style |
"'Upper Treble Point' Harp Hawaiian" |
|
Current or last known owner |
Intermountain Guitar & Banjo |
|
Year (approx) |
1914-1920s |
|
Label |
unknown |
|
Label Code | unknown | |
Courses / Strings |
11 courses: 6 strings on neck, 5 basses |
|
Frets |
raised metal to 16th, then inlaid |
|
Scale length | unknown | |
Neck Joint | convertible | |
Woods |
Top |
spruce? |
Back & Sides |
mahogany? |
|
Neck |
unknown |
|
Fingerboard |
unknown |
|
Bridge |
mahogany? |
|
Headstock veneer | none | |
Binding, trim |
Top |
rope |
Back |
none |
|
Fingerboard |
double inlaid wood stripes |
|
Headstock(s) |
none |
|
Soundhole | rope | |
Inlay |
celluloid diamond and dot fret markers |
|
Pickguard |
dark celluloid with celluloid inlays |
|
Comments |
|
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