Harmony 50's Flat Top.

**mandrian** · Jul-26-2012, 3:57am

Hi,

I am interested in trying out tenor guitar, but don't want to invest too much. Given that, I was trying to pick up a used vintage one that maybe did not look too great, but was fine in terms of playability and sound and where I might get my money back if I decide to upgrade later on.

The only one i've found so far is this one;

http://www.pamelasmusic.co.uk/images...itars/G402.htm

What do you think in terms of value and desirability? The crack runs the whole length on the back, but has been repaired and is said to be stable. It's either that or go down the new route and get the Gold Tone 18 model for £400 from a UK net store.

Any advice or anyone selling anything of interest.

Thanks for any help you can provide

**ambrosepottie** · Jul-26-2012, 9:31am

Judging by the label I'd say it's quite a bit older than 1950's. 30's or 40's. I've only seen the 1960's version of this and it's okay. This one looks very nice. Apart from the crack, it should be checked for a straight neck as these have no truss rods. It looks like birch back and sides. And maybe top.

**mandrian** · Jul-27-2012, 12:34pm

Hi,

I was told by the seller of this tenor guitar that the neck is good and straight and that the action is medium. When I queried her on the string clearance at the 12th fret she said it was 4mm. Does that seem a reasonable clearance and action for a tenor. I don't really know anything about their setup, but thought it perhaps sounded higher than you would want. It's 23" scale tuned CGDA.

Regards

**ambrosepottie** · Jul-27-2012, 12:52pm

Hi Mandrian,
4mm is about 5/32" which might be a bit high. It looks like the saddle is very low or perhaps it's a fretwire saddle. In either case adjusting the action would be difficult. It might need a neck reset. That said, my little Regal tenor has higher action than this at the 12th fret but it plays fine with silk and steel strings. The overall tension is lower than a guitar. I'd probably want to see it before buying. Also there's a nice 1960's gibson TG0 in the classifieds here for a very reasonable price.

**mandrian** · Jul-27-2012, 1:02pm

Yes, I think I'll maybe leave the Harmony, it seems to be too much of a gamble as I won't get to see it. In terms of the Gibson I did reply to the advert, but have still to hear back. Pity the original owner put the hole in it and took off the pickguard, but looks like a nice player for a fair price. I need to add about 30% on to that price to cover shipping, tax and duty to the UK!

Anyway, thanks for you help.