Knutsen Harp Guitar
Here is an unusual newly discovered specimen. Eight sub-bass strings, for a new record! It also has an inlaid pickguard - typical Knutsen, but for steel guitars and mandolins, not harp guitars. Fancy multi-colored rope binding, with a bound back and fingerboard. Probable original case.
I was able to acquire this remarkable find in 2014 and verify its measurements: 46-1/2" total length, 18-7/8" wide!, 4-5/8" deep. Despite its appearance, it has a (just over) standard scale at 25-3/4". The basses sound incredible (the instrument appears on my 2017 CD Norwegian Wood).
Click on a picture to enlarge (images copyright Rob Meinhardt) |
Knutsen Archives Inventory Number |
HGS73 |
|
Category |
Seattle Harp Guitars |
|
Body Style |
"Lower Bass Point" |
|
Current or last known owner |
Rob Meinhardt > Gregg Miner |
|
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 | 25-3/4" | |
Neck Joint | bracket, no heel | |
Woods |
Top |
spruce |
Back & Sides |
mahogany | |
Neck |
mahogany | |
Fingerboard |
unknown |
|
Bridge |
mahogany | |
Headstock veneer | mahogany | |
Binding, trim |
Top |
multi-colored rope |
Back |
blonde wood | |
Fingerboard |
ivoroid | |
Headstock(s) |
none | |
Soundhole | multi-colored rope | |
Inlay |
fancy pearl fret markers | |
Pickguard |
inlaid black plastic (?) with inlays |
|
Comments |
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