Knutsen Harp Mandolin
I love this instrument. It's visually striking, and sounds great! Not only was it the first "guitar-shaped" Knutsen mandolin I'd seen, but it was the first with bass strings to turn up. Until then, I only fantasized that Knutsen built one! Dan Most told me it was hanging in a guitar shop and wasn't for sale, but wouldn't tell me who had it! It was a frustrating wait - until one day, when I stumbled across the dealer at a trade show, who mentioned it. Frankly, I think he only sold it to me to spite Dan - but Dan blessed the transaction, and here it is. And of course, Dan immediately found another! His (#HM12), according to Kerry Char, was a very plain blonde model. I don't know what happened to it, and am hoping a picture will turn up.
Click
on a picture to enlarge
(images copyright Gregg Miner)
Knutsen Archives Inventory Number |
HM2 |
|
Category |
Harp Mandolins |
|
Body Style |
"Guitar-shaped, Lower Bass Point" |
|
Current or last known owner |
Gregg Miner |
|
Year (approx) |
1910-1914 | |
Label |
"C. Knutsen, Sole Patentee" in blue bordered rectangle |
|
Label Code | SE5 | |
Courses / Strings |
8 courses: 8 strings on neck, 4 bass |
|
Scale length |
14" |
|
Woods |
Top |
black painted spruce |
Back & Sides |
mahogany |
|
Neck |
mahogany |
|
Fingerboard |
ebony |
|
Bridge |
bone (1 replaced) |
|
Headstock veneer |
ebony on both headstocks (replaced) |
|
Binding, trim |
Top |
white / red / white celluloid |
Back |
ivoroid |
|
Fingerboard |
ivoroid (replaced) |
|
Headstock(s) |
white / black / white celluloid (replaced) |
|
Soundhole |
multi-colored rope |
|
Inlay |
fancy pearl fret markers, pearl moon in headstock |
|
Pickguard |
tortoiseshell with pearl butterfly |
|
Comments |
All new tuners. |
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All Site Contents Copyright © Gregg Miner, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005,2006. All Rights Reserved.
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