Harmony made many models of Electric Archtop guitars. This page is by no way complete. All of these guitars are nice when set up properly. They have a definite low midrange warm sound as well as a definite "funky Harmony" sound. They definitely have their own personality! When listening to CD's, you can almost always hear the definite sound "stamp" of certain guitars and you know what the artist is playing without seeing the instrument. You can always tell a Fender Strat or Tele by their distinct sound, as well as a Gibson Les Paul or ES335. What I'm trying to say is, these guitars have their own distinct sound and record very well. You can pick them out on any CD, for all the right reasons!
1955 Harmony Riviera
Now here is a couple of pictures of the real thing!
Thanks to Mike Allan for the 3 pictures!l Allan" michaelallan@prodigy.net
Mike says:
I grew up watching my great uncle play this guitar. He left it to me in great condition. I understand they only made it for 1 year 1955. Then the Hollywood Model replaced it.
Model H-50
This is a fine example of Harm0ony craftsmanship.
Made in the late 1940's and early 1950's this is a good example of a fine
electric archtop guitar
I am not sure, but the knobs seem to be replacement "Gibson style", the pickguard mounting bracket is definitely not stock Harmony and I suspect the pickguard is aftermarket also.
MODEL H452
H452 Headstock
This is a 1957 Harmony H452 Electric Archtop Guitar
It is the granddaddy of the Hollywood and they shared many of the same features
Note the "cross grain" style pattern of the knob
Harmony had a way with a sunburst!
Notice how the neck and the body compliment each other.
Perhaps the best known model is the Hollywood. It has the looks, the sound and the name!
This Hollywood is basically a dressed up electrified Broadway. The difference between this guitar and a Broadway is of course, the pickups, binding, pickguard and neck inlay. These guitars produce a very warm tone. They have a definite "mid tone" instead of a deep bass tone. They are very desirable to use as a rhythm guitar.
As a lead instrument, they sound a bit like Willie Nelsons guitar.
Nice Two Pickup Model
Technical Tip
To keep your guitar looking in an almost new condition, try going to a good antique store to buy Bees Wax and Citrus polish and finish restorer. There are several brands out there, they all work wonders!