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Description

Step back in time with the Harmony Alden H45 Stratotone, a semi-hollowbody electric guitar that captures the essence of the classic 1950s rock 'n roll era. This vintage-inspired guitar is perfect for musicians who appreciate both historical design and modern playability. Its lightweight construction offers hours of comfortable playing, while the semi-hollowbody design provides a rich, resonant tone that sings with warm, mellow overtones.

The Harmony Alden H45 is equipped with a single Hershey Bar pickup, known for its distinctive sound that is both clear and punchy, making it ideal for a range of genres from blues to rock. The straightforward control layout, featuring a single tone and volume knob, allows you to easily dial in your preferred sound. The short scale length of the neck makes it more accessible for players of all levels, providing a smooth and fast playing experience.

With its timeless design and versatile sound, the Harmony Alden H45 Stratotone is not just a guitar, but a piece of musical history that fits seamlessly into any collection. Whether you're a seasoned performer or a budding enthusiast, this guitar offers a nostalgic journey through the golden age of electric music.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollowbody design for enhanced resonance
  • Single "Hershey Bar" pickup for signature vintage tone
  • Simplified control layout with one tone and volume knob
  • Short scale length for comfortable playability
  • Vintage styling with modern reliability
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Harmony H45 Stratotone Vintage Guitar (Holiday) Video

Video thumbnail for Harmony H45 Stratotone Vintage Guitar (Holiday) Video by soundcheckvideos

Harmony H45 Stratotone Vintage Guitar (Holiday) Video

soundcheckvideos

soundcheckvideos

Video thumbnail for Vintage Minty Harmony Alden H45 Stratotone Guitar by Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Vintage Minty Harmony Alden H45 Stratotone Guitar

Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Harmony Alden H45 Stratotone.

Features and functionality

  • The Harmony H45 Stratotone often features DeArmond pickups, which are highly praised for their unique sound.

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  • The original pickguard is often swapped out alongside pickups, suggesting a common vintage mod.

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  • Removing the pickguard may reveal the manufacturing date stamped on the wood, providing historical context.

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Build quality

  • The necks on these guitars are reputed to stay straight over time, making them reliable for long-term playability.

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Use cases and applications

  • This model is popular among collectors and is often valued for its vintage tone, particularly in blues and rock styles.

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  • A Toronto music shop, Paul's Boutique, is noted for carrying rare models and parts for vintage guitar enthusiasts.

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  • Owners report that the guitar's sound inspires blues playing, even for those who don't typically play blues.

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Setup and maintenance

  • It's crucial to replace the original amp's power cord with a 3-prong for safety, as the vintage design can be hazardous.

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Value and pricing

  • Typically found for under $1,000, making it an affordable option for vintage guitar enthusiasts.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners have replaced original pickups with 60s Teisco pickups for a unique tone while maintaining the vintage vibe.

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  • Cupcake knobs are a popular choice for replicating the original look of the Harmony Alden H45 Stratotone.

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User experience

  • Owners describe the guitar as a "one trick pony" that excels at its specific sound, particularly for vintage-style music.

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  • A specific owner purchased the guitar in 1960 and describes its playability as exceptional, highlighting long-term satisfaction.

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Other

  • These guitars were sold by Alden department stores, adding a layer of historical retail context.

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Artist usage

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See how Lianne La Havas uses Harmony Alden H45 Stratotone

Lianne La Havas

Singer, Guitarist

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Verified via Photo

In this photo, Lianne La Havas can be seen playing a Harmony Alden H45 Stratotone. In this Guitar World interview, when asked about her guitars, she makes reference to what could possibly be this guitar. In various photos of her playing live, a Danelectro does not make an appearance, leading to the conclusion that she's actually talking about her Hamony Alden Stratotone:

"My guitar is a Danelectro, and it’s a Silvertone model from 1964, and it’s a hollow body. And I found it in a little store in New York in the Lower East Side called Rivington Guitars. I had two other electric guitars before that. But this was the first time that I saved up money to buy specifically a guitar that I would really like to play. And I found that one through the guy in the shop, and he just brought it to me. I never would’ve picked it out just looking at it. Actually, I can’t imagine playing any other guitar now. It feels like I’ve owned it for a lot longer than I have. I’ve had it for a year now, and it’s my favorite."

S

Sean Caskey

Singer, Guitarist

Last Dinosaurs

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Verified via YouTube

At 01:20, Sean can be seen playing a 'Harmony Alden H45 Stratotone' Electric 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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