Through the years, Harmony had several models with great names, like "Rocket" and "Meteor" both models are very under-rated. These are "entry level" guitars but play real well and simply sound fantastic!

The Rocket line of guitars were some of the best "entry level" guitars ever made. Set up properly, they are great fun to play and they sound great! They were offered with 1, 2, and 3 pickups. They could come with standard fixed tailpiece or with a vibrato tailpiece. Depending on the number of pickups and vibrato, prices on this line went from $100.00 to $150.00 Today they are worth $75.00 to $300.00 depending on condition.

Early 60's Harmony Rocket model H53/1 with single DeArmond designed single coil pickup.

DeArmond designed most if not all of Harmony's pickups. Rowe Manufacturing was the company that actually built the pickups. Kay and Kustom also used these electronics. Carl Perkins of Rockabilly fame toured with a Kustom guitar in the mid 60's equipped with DeArmond/ Rowe pickups!

Note the narrow pickups and compare them with the next pictures showing the wide pickups.

Here is a fine example of a Rocket. These pictures were sent to me by Ray Barron.

He even customized a case for his Rocket. This is a good idea, and he did good work with the logo!

Meteors were considered a step up from the Rocket. They had a fancier tailpiece and block inlay. Some feel that the 3 pickup Rocket is better than the 2 pickup Meteor.

All in all, the Meteor was and still is a good design. The Meteor model helped launch the carreer of many guitarist in the 1960's. Just listen to any early "British Invasion" song and you will hear a Meteor or two. The Rolling Stones among others were Meteor players.

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