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Average Price: $649
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$400
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Description
In the realm of vintage electric guitars, the 1960 Harmony Stratotone Mars stands out as an iconic piece of musical history. Celebrated for its chambered body and distinctive Dearmond pickups, this guitar delivers a tone that's both warm and resonant, making it a favorite among collectors and players alike. Originally crafted by Harmony but also sold under the Airline and Silvertone brands, the Stratotone Mars embodies the spirit of an era where creativity and innovation in guitar design were paramount.
This two-pickup version offers a versatile sound palette that suits a wide range of genres—from blues to rock. Its lightweight build ensures comfort during long sessions, while the unique pickguard and knob configurations add a touch of vintage charm. Whether you're strumming in your living room or performing on stage, the Stratotone Mars promises a rich, full-bodied sound that captivates audiences.
This guitar is not just an instrument; it's a piece of history that invites you to explore the soulful sounds of the past. Perfect for musicians who appreciate the nuanced tones of yesteryear, the 1960 Harmony Stratotone Mars is a testament to timeless craftsmanship and enduring musicality.
Key Features:
- Chambered body for enhanced resonance
- Two Dearmond pickups for versatile sound options
- Lightweight design for comfortable play
- Unique pickguard and knob configurations
- Produced by Harmony, also branded as Airline and Silvertone
Product specs
| Brand | Harmony |
| Model | H46 Stratotone Mars |
| Finish | Sunburst |
| Year | 1960s |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Shape | Single Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Stop-Bar |
| Color Family | Brown |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Number of Frets | 20 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup Configuration | SS |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
FAQs
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What kind of tones can I expect from the Harmony 1960 Stratotone Mars?
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The Harmony 1960 Stratotone Mars offers a warm, vintage tone typical of the 1960s era, with its single-coil pickups delivering clear, articulate sounds that are well-suited for blues, rock, and jazz.
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Is the Harmony 1960 Stratotone Mars suitable for beginners?
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While the Harmony 1960 Stratotone Mars is a solid choice for enthusiasts of vintage guitars, its unique playability and tonal characteristics may be better appreciated by intermediate to advanced players.
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What is the neck profile like on the Harmony 1960 Stratotone Mars?
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The Harmony 1960 Stratotone Mars features a comfortable set-neck construction, providing a smooth playing experience with easy access to higher frets, suitable for various playing styles.
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How does the Harmony 1960 Stratotone Mars compare to modern solid-body guitars?
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The Harmony 1960 Stratotone Mars offers a distinct vintage vibe with its unique tonal qualities and classic design, differing from modern guitars which may focus on more versatile, high-output sounds.
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Does the Harmony 1960 Stratotone Mars take pedals well?
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Yes, the Harmony 1960 Stratotone Mars works well with pedals, allowing players to expand its vintage sound palette with effects like overdrive, reverb, and delay for more versatility.
Videos
Guitar & UkuleleShop TANTAN (タンタン)
Harmony H45 STRATOTONE MARS 1960年ごろ@guitarshoptantan
Reviews
PROS
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Rare vintage instrument with a unique retro appeal
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Fantastic dynamic range and acoustic quality
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Neck design ideal for slide guitar enthusiasts
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Lightweight and user-friendly for comfortable playing
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Hershey bar pickups provide a thick, punchy sound akin to P90s
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No feedback issues, even at high volumes
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Iconic historical significance with ties to famous musicians
CONS
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Hershey bar pickups struggle with capturing higher notes
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Noticeable volume drop-off between high E and B strings
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Pickups are riveted, limiting sound adjustment options
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Might not suit players with large hands due to short scale
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Requires potential modifications for optimal sound balance
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Harmony 1960 Stratotone Mars.
Mods and upgrades
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Jazz bass 250k tone / 500k volume dual concentric pots were used to replace the original 50k tone/volume pots for improved pickup tone.
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Installing an ABR-1 bridge improves intonation and enhances playability.
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Teisco pickups from the same era are a common swap, maintaining vintage tone without major body alterations.
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Features and functionality
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Hershey Bar Pickups, similar in concept to gold foils, are praised for their exceptional sound when paired with the right electronics.
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Alden models might feature unique pickguard and pickup combinations, indicating later custom modifications.
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The Harmony Stratotone Mars has a darker sound profile, especially when paired with an old Fender amp, highlighting its suitability for blues and jazz styles.
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Use cases and applications
Value and pricing
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Prices for the Harmony Stratotone Mars are steadily increasing, suggesting potential investment value.
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Build quality
3.5 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Eric Clapton said that he bought this guitar for nostalgic reasons, it reminded him of his Yardbird days and '60s peers such as The Stones.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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