1950's/60's Harmony/Stella 3/4 Size Guitar

 

I'm on the job, driving a truck for work, and I roll through a little town just a few towns northwest of where I work.  It was this past fall and they were having a townwide garage sale.  I take it slow while driving to see what I could see, and low and behold, there's a guy with a little tent set up with some instruments in it.  This little thing caught my eye.  I picked it up and it played great.  The neck was straight, it stayed in tune, and the action was low.  The proprietor of the tent monkeyed around with guitars and other instruments, getting them in good enough shape to play.  He was more of a hobby luthier than someone completely committed to the craft.  He sees me in the tent and walks over to tend to me.  I ask him how much, and he says 50 bucks!  I couldn't get the money out fast enough.  I know, this doesn't exactly rate with finding a '56 Tele under grandmas bed, but I think it's a good story.  I could have sworn he would say $200-300 when I asked the price.  Hell, the tuners alone on this thing are probably worth 50 bucks.

Date is stamped on the inside, as they are with most Harmony guitars.  Problem is, it is a little smudged and hard to make out the year.  Most likely 50's-60's.  One of the best little knock around the house guitars you will find. 

 

Silvertone 1457 Amp in Case Electric Guitar

 

Is this guitar going to flip anyone out because of its rarity?  Nope.  Nonetheless, how can you look at this thing without muttering to yourself how cool it is?  The materials, the design, the vibe.. you gotta love it.

Of course, this is the amp in case model.  There were numerous models produced by Danelectro that came with a guitar case that had a built in amp.  This guitar didn't come with the amp, which I wasn't too concerned about.  In all original condition, it's also in terrific shape for its age.  Born in the mid 60's, the design befits the era and gave birth to a whole slew of future rock and rollers.  

Is this guitar going to be your number one road guitar?  Probably not...unless you are Buddy Miller!!  But these old, funky, Danelectros and Silvertones do things that your Strat or Les Paul can't.  They are in studios all across the country because of their ability to catch a vibe that the big name players can't.  They also happen to catch that vibe at a fraction of the price.

Check out the appointments - Lipstick pickups, concentric volume and tone knobs, skate key tuners, tiny slab of rosewood for a bridge. cutaway design and funky build materials.  There is a ton of info on these out there.  I won't waste your time with descriptions.  Enjoy a couple of photos.