Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $3,481

High-end/Boutique

$799

$2000+

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High-end

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Description

Embark on a sonic journey with the Gibson U-style Harp Guitar, a testament to Gibson's pioneering spirit in the realm of stringed instruments. This remarkable instrument marries 10 sub-bass strings with a traditional six-string setup, enveloped in a body of spruce and birch. Not just a musical instrument, but a piece of history, it offers a lush, unparalleled sound that echoes its legacy as a precursor to modern double-neck guitars. Ideal for the musician looking to explore new territories or the collector seeking to own a piece of Gibson's innovative past.

Key Features:

  • 10 sub-bass strings for deep, resonant tones
  • Standard six-string setup for traditional playability
  • Crafted with a spruce top for clarity of sound
  • Birch body construction for durability and tonal warmth
  • A historic model that paved the way for future guitar innovations

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Style U Harp Guitar
Finish Ebony, Natural, Sunburst
Year 1902 - 1927
Made In United States
Categories Archtop Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp No
Back Material Birch
Body Shape Archtop
Color Family Black, Brown, Tan
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Ebony
Model Family Gibson Style U
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 19
Number of Strings 10-String, 6-String
Pickup None
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Gibson Pre-War Era
Sides Material Birch
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce

FAQs

What makes the Gibson U-style Harp Guitar unique compared to regular guitars?

The Gibson U-style Harp Guitar features additional unstopped strings, allowing for a wider range of bass notes and a fuller, richer sound. This design provides a unique playing experience and sound profile that distinguishes it from standard guitars.

How many strings does the Gibson U-style Harp Guitar have?

The Gibson U-style Harp Guitar typically features six standard guitar strings plus additional harp strings, often totaling around ten sub-bass strings, which contribute to its distinctive sound.

What materials are used in the construction of the Gibson U-style Harp Guitar?

The Gibson U-style Harp Guitar is crafted with a spruce top, birch back and sides, and an ebony fretboard, with a mahogany neck, contributing to its tonal characteristics and durability.

Is the Gibson U-style Harp Guitar suitable for beginners?

Due to its unique design and additional strings, the Gibson U-style Harp Guitar is more suitable for experienced players familiar with stringed instruments, seeking a distinctive sound and playing experience.

What are the finish options available for the Gibson U-style Harp Guitar?

The Gibson U-style Harp Guitar is available in several finishes, including Ebony, Natural, and Sunburst, allowing players to choose a look that suits their personal style.

williesguitars

williesguitars

1918 Gibson Style U Harp Guitar

Video thumbnail for 1918 Gibson Style U Harp Guitar by williesguitars

1918 Gibson Style U Harp Guitar

williesguitars

williesguitars

Video thumbnail for The Gibson Harp Guitar as told by Walter Carter by Carter Vintage Guitars

The Gibson Harp Guitar as told by Walter Carter

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1910 Gibson Style U harp guitar by Jake Wildwood & Co

1910 Gibson Style U harp guitar

Jake Wildwood & Co

Jake Wildwood & Co

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson U-style Harp Guitar.

Value and pricing

  • The Gibson U-style Harp Guitar typically starts at $10k+ on resale platforms like Reverb, reflecting its rarity and historical significance.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The harp guitar allows musicians to perform both guitar and bass parts simultaneously, with unfretted strings extending the lower range.

    Source
  • Renowned musicians like Robbie Robertson and Stephen Bennett have popularized the harp guitar in performances, showcasing its versatility in modern music.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The instrument features a mix of fretted strings for conventional guitar play and unfretted strings for bass-like tones.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to the more common Dyer style, Gibson's version is rarer and valued for its unique aesthetic and historical production period.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Jimmy Page uses Gibson U-style Harp Guitar

Jimmy Page

Guitarist

Led Zeppelin

...
Verified via Photo

Photographer Ross Halfin took this photo of Jimmy Page at Shepperton Studios in 1993 playing this harp guitar by Gibson, as showcased in a gallery on Mr. Halfin's website.

See how Joe Bonamassa uses Gibson U-style Harp Guitar

Joe Bonamassa

Guitarist, Singer

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Photo

In this article, by Guitar Player, there is this picture of Joe, under which it reads, "Joe Bonamassa Plays a Vintage Gibson Style U Harp Guitar from 1919."

See how Jake Kiszka uses Gibson U-style Harp Guitar

Jake Kiszka

Guitarist

Greta Van Fleet

...
Verified via Photo

In the Candlelight Sessions performance of "Light My Love" , Jake can be seen with this guitar.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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