How do you date a Stella harmony guitar?
There are no serial numbers on Oscar Schmidt Stella and Sovereign guitars that will identify the approximate date that a particular instrument was made. But instruments made by Harmony, including Stella and Sovereign guitars, can be identified by “date stamps” visible through the sound hole on most instruments.
What years were Stella guitars made?
It was founded around 1899. The Stella brand consists of low and mid-level stringed instruments. Stella guitars were played by notable artists, including Robert Johnson, Lead Belly, Charlie Patton, Doc Watson and Willie Nelson who learned to play on one.
Who makes Stella guitars?
the Harmony Company
Schmidt’s Stella, Sovereign and La Scala brands were acquired by the Harmony Company of Chicago, Illinois in nineteen thirty nine, who went on to produce student grade Stella guitars as well as mid-level Sovereign guitars and banjos.
When did Harmony guitars go out of business?
1975
The Harmony Guitar Company ceased in 1975, and sold the Harmony name. In the early 2000s, an unrelated company, the Westheimer Corp., based in Lake Barrington, Illinois briefly imported “reissue” Harmony guitars.
How do I tell what year my harmony guitar is?
Harmony guitars are, in most cases, very easy to identify via their comprehensive stamping and dating system. Ink stamps are typically found on the back of the instrument and are visible through the f holes or soundhole. It is not uncommon for the stamps to be poorly inked, faded, or obscured.
Is Harmony a good guitar?
The new Harmony is, in most respects, a better quality guitar than the originals, and it’s certainly built to a high standard for a mid-priced, bolt-neck solidbody.
Did Robert Johnson play a Stella guitar?
Guitars Johnson played People who knew Johnson (like musicians Johnny Shines, Robert Lockwood, Honeyboy Edwards, Calvin Frazier, William Moore) said he played Stella and Kalamazoo guitars, and perhaps a wood-bodied resonator early in his career (thought to be a Stella instrument).
Did Harmony make good guitars?
Any top-of-the-line Harmony made guitar are desirable in today’s vintage market, but generally priced way lower than Gibson, Fender or Martin making them a bargain, depending on condition and playability.
Who makes harmony guitars now?
BandLab Technologies
The Harmony Guitars brand name now belongs to BandLab Technologies (as well as Cakewalk and Teisco) from Singapore. And there are three new electric guitar models inspired by three old models from the company’s back catalogue. Each model is built in Kalamazoo Michigan USA.
Where are harmony guitars made?
Kalamazoo, MI
The Harmony Silhouette, Rebel and Jupiter guitars (US MAP $1,299) are inspired by the shapes and sounds of the past, but reimagined for the modern player. Harmony’s new Standard Series are proudly made in Kalamazoo, MI, USA.