Knutsen HM4

**Clyde** · Jan-01-2009, 8:52am

I have just received a Bass-point HM4 Knutsen. It has a broken headstock. The interesting thing is that it was given to me my friends mum. Their last name is "Anderson" Those of you that know Otto Anderson, some believe, taught Knutsen to build his instruments. Any idea of the value of this instrument?

Thanx!

**delsbrother** · Jan-01-2009, 1:32pm

When you say "bass-point HM-4" do you mean it's LIKE the instrument listed as "HM-4" on Gregg Miner's Knutsen Archives website? Or do you mean it IS this instrument?

AFAIK Knutsen didn't use model numbers, so by using those words to identify the instrument it implies you're already familiar with the site..

In any case, Gregg would be the person to contact. Depending on condition Knutsens can be worth hundreds to thousands. Of course the broken headstock will affect that somewhat, but it's not uncommon to find Knutsens in need of work.

**Clyde** · Jan-01-2009, 2:19pm

it is the same as the picture to a "t" moon and diamond inlay inside label C. Knutsen sole patentee. I did send an e-mail to Gregg and will take pics for him.

**Clyde** · Jan-01-2009, 2:41pm

Here is a pic

**clem** · Jan-01-2009, 3:49pm

It's going to be sweet when you get it restored. Take it to the right luthier. I'd love to play it. Unusual...but in a good way.

**delsbrother** · Jan-01-2009, 4:33pm

That's a nice one! Does yours have a birdseye back and sides like the one on the site?

Gregg has contacts within the Anderson family that might be able to piece things together; I'm sure there's an interesting story there.

**Clyde** · Sep-28-2011, 1:55pm

Just a quick update. It has been a few years but it is being restored as I write. will post pics when it is done.

**Clyde** · Jul-31-2012, 10:23am

Here is the finished results! It sound a good as it looks. All original (Ivory bridge, bone nut and tuning pegs). Only replacement is the face plate with African Mahogany.. Great work by Larry Smoak of Wooden Wizard.

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**Jim Garber** · Jul-31-2012, 11:24am

Clyde: post more photos, please!

**Starrshine** · Jul-31-2012, 12:44pm

Yes! More pics! That is purdy!!!!

**Clyde** · Jul-31-2012, 1:52pm

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**Clyde** · Jul-31-2012, 5:01pm

Here are the requested pics!

Originally Posted by Clyde

**Clyde** · Jul-31-2012, 6:49pm

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**Charles E.** · Jul-31-2012, 7:50pm

Wow, how did they set the neck in those? Very cool.

**Marty Jacobson** · Jul-31-2012, 10:15pm

Really beautiful instrument. How does it sound? I'd guess it has a mellow attack and really dark tone anchored in the bass, with that huge body volume? I wonder if the extra body room just adds tonal complexity or if it also increases the sustain... should do, in theory.
Is that an accidental extra soundhole in the lower bout on the back?

**Jake Wildwood** · Jul-31-2012, 10:27pm

Really fun! -- but what a reach around to play it.

**delsbrother** · Jul-31-2012, 11:10pm

To my knowledge, Knutsen never used model numbers. Your instrument is similar to the one cataloged as "HM4" on Gregg Miner's Knutsen Archives website, but as those instruments are numbered individually (according, perhaps, to the date entered into the Archive) yours couldn't possibly be "HM4". Eventually, when Gregg updates the archive, yours will probably get another, similarly arbitrary number. Even the nomenclature, "Lower bass point" is something made up by Knutsen fans and has no historical basis - Knutsen simply called them harp mandolins. All that being said, I really like the look of yours, especially that purfling!

My harp mandolin (cataloged on Gregg's site as "HM28") does have a deeper, darker sound than most flattops I've played, as well as increased sustain. It almost sounds like a mandola vs. a mandolin. Playing it isn't as hard as you might think, though if you are of the type that likes to look at your left hand, it is a bit of a "look around".

**Tavy** · Aug-01-2012, 2:40am

Nutty as a squirrels lunch box, but I love it!

**JEStanek** · Aug-01-2012, 8:54am

I merged these two threads keep the conversation easier to follow.

Jamie

**Clyde** · Aug-01-2012, 1:46pm

It sounds great. Nice and loud

Has nice low end and sustain is nice. I just got it back this past Friday and the neck is settling so I can not play very high on the neck.. The luthier wants it back after the summer for adjustments..