VIBRA-JET

Harmony was allot more innovative than most guitar companies. They were constantly trying something new. The Vibra-Jet is another perfect example of an old dog doing new tricks!

H66 Vibra Jet Headstock

The H66 Vibrajet had an onboard tremolo which was powered by a battery.

Note the graceful curves and lines of this H66 guitar. It is officially a single cutaway model although there is a small "cutaway" on the opposite side

H66 Vibra Jet control panel.

On the inside is stamped "4077 H66" and "insp. by 515RO" From family information the guitar was bought in the Houston area around 1961 or 62. It was purchased along with an amp and microphone by my Father. He got to enjoy it until His passing in 1966. This is the guitar that I learned my first chords on, and still enjoy though can not play very well, but I try.... Johnny Coleman

(I appreciate the use of these pictures and information. Thanks!......Jim)

Technical Tip

Most Harmony hollowbody electrics were designed to be used with heavy flat wound strings. Since most players do not use flat wound strings, it is important to find the happy medium. 9-42 gauge strings are too light, the pickups do a good job of getting signal, but the bolt on necks are a little "goosey". The best gauge that I have found for Harmony hollowbody guitars is 10-46. This still allows us benders to wail, while getting the neck stability much better. The pickups also "hear" the heavier gauge strings better, and as a general rule, the heavier the string, the better the tone. Originally these guitars had 11-52 gauge, alright for rhythm or finger style, but a little heavy for my taste.

This is another H-66 Vibra-Jet guitar with the battery powered vibrato

Thanks to Bill for the information!

The Rebel was fairly radical for Harmony. It was extremely "mod" and was designed to resemble the popular Rickenbacher guitars.
 

Thanks to Roger for the information! "F. Leghorn"foghorn.leghorn@prodigy.net

Harmony H-82 Sunburst Rebel, Made in the 1960's

(H-81 had single Pick up)

Volume and tone sliders, the new "Stick Shift" controls, were used in conjunction with the DeArmond "Golden Tone" pickups.

Note the unique sound hole. This guitar was very "happening" in the mid - late 1960's.

It Looks Right At Home, Doesn't It!

Model H-82G (Avocado)

Technical Tip

The slider type controls on Rebel models tend to get dirty and cause static and or cutting out when adjusting volume or tone levels. These sliders were pre lubricated when the guitar was new. While spraying tuner cleaner will clean the static and dust, it will also strip away any lubricant and will eventually lead to complete failure of the control. ALWAYS use a tuner cleaner that is approved for all general electronics. Do not use solvent or WD40 type lubricants. Your best bet would be to use compressed air to "blow out" the sliders, thus eliminating the unwanted side effects of a chemical spray.

Harmony Rebel Headstock

My research led me to believe that 1969 was the last year of production. BUT WAIT!
Look At This!

This Rebel says it's a 1972 model!

Here is a good shot of the 1972 Rebel.

What....... faulty research!... Me!.........I stand corrected!

Thanks to Allen Dorenkott PDQ45@webtv.net  for the pictures and information!

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