Harmony Banjos

Harmony Tenor and 5 String Banjos

One of the "standards" of the Harmony company was their banjos. They made everything from incredibly cheap to a pretty good Sovereign line of tenor and 5 string banjos. Many players learned to play on Harmony products. By the late 1960's Harmony did not put much emphasis on their line of banjos, mandolins and ukes.

Harmony Tenor Banjo

Harmony made banjos from the early 1900's right up to the end of production. Pre War models are the most desirable. They are "fancier" and are constructed closer to the top line models than the later ones. Sovereign models are the best post WW2 models.

Harmony Roy Smeck Tenor Banjo
(The following pictures are of theWeb Masters personal banjo.)

Who is Roy Smeck? Click here to find out and listen to his unique style.

Harmony stated in their promotional literature that their entire Roy Smeck line were designed for Roy Smecks professional performances. Although not fancy, they were some of the highest quality instruments that Harmony offered. That is not to say they are a Gibson or Martin, but they were among the top Harmony models.

Lots of lugs, good neck with block inlay

Closed back, open gear tuning machines. Solid but plain.

Harmony 5 String Banjo

Harmony 5 String Banjos were for the most part middle of the road student models. These models can be upgraded by the owner to increase their desirability. Some of these improvements would be a better bridge and a new head. A real skin head really mellows these models out.

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