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Average Price: $450

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Step back in time with the Harmony Bobkat H17, a vintage-inspired solid body electric guitar that captures the essence of the 1960s while delivering modern performance features. Designed for musicians who crave both style and substance, this guitar is perfect for those who want an instrument that stands out in both appearance and sound.

The Harmony Bobkat H17 boasts a unique headstock design, rounded like the H19 model, offering a distinct silhouette that guitar enthusiasts will appreciate. Equipped with dual single-coil pickups, the Bobkat H17 delivers a bright, punchy tone perfect for surf rock, blues, and beyond. Its lightweight construction ensures comfortable playability for long jam sessions or gigs, making it a favorite for both hobbyists and professional musicians alike.

One of the standout features of the Bobkat H17 is its stock vibrato unit, providing smooth, expressive pitch modulation right at your fingertips. This guitar's vintage charm is further enhanced by its classic styling and meticulous attention to detail, reminiscent of the golden era of rock 'n' roll.

Whether you're strumming chords or picking out intricate melodies, the Harmony Bobkat H17 offers a versatile and engaging playing experience that invites creativity and exploration.

Key Features:

  • Solid body electric guitar with vintage-inspired design
  • Dual single-coil pickups for bright, punchy tones
  • Unique rounded headstock design
  • Stock vibrato unit for expressive pitch modulation
  • Lightweight construction for comfortable playability

Product specs

Brand Harmony
Model H17 Silhouette / Bobkat
Finish Blue, Cherry Red Sunburst, Red, White
Year 1963 - 1973
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Tailpiece
Color Family Blue, Red, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Composite
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Offset Body
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Harmony Bobkat H17?

The Harmony Bobkat H17 features a comfortable, slim neck profile, making it easy to play for both beginners and experienced guitarists. Its bolt-on neck construction adds to the playability and allows for easy maintenance.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the Harmony Bobkat H17?

The Harmony Bobkat H17 is equipped with single-coil pickups, delivering bright, clear tones with a vintage character, suitable for genres like rock, blues, and surf music.

Is the Harmony Bobkat H17 suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Harmony Bobkat H17 is a great choice for beginners due to its lightweight, comfortable body and easy playability. Its vintage sound profile also appeals to more experienced players looking for a classic tone.

Does the Harmony Bobkat H17 have a tremolo system?

Yes, the Harmony Bobkat H17 features a tremolo tailpiece, allowing players to add expressive vibrato effects to their playing.

What materials are used in the construction of the Harmony Bobkat H17?

The Harmony Bobkat H17 has a solid maple body and a composite fretboard, providing durability and a resonant tone with a glossy finish for a classic look.

PrimeiraNota

PrimeiraNota

Guitarra Harmony Bobkat H17 - Review

Video thumbnail for Guitarra Harmony Bobkat H17 - Review by PrimeiraNota

Guitarra Harmony Bobkat H17 - Review

PrimeiraNota

PrimeiraNota

Reviews

PROS

  • Lightweight and compact, ideal for extended play sessions

  • Distinctive gold foil pickups deliver warm, bluesy tones

  • Short scale with a chunky neck, great for players with smaller hands

  • Nostalgic 60s garage rock aesthetic appeals to vintage enthusiasts

  • Sturdy build with a sound that stands the test of time

  • Smooth action and reliable intonation for extended play without tuning issues

  • Perfect for slide guitar and blues, with a straightforward setup

  • Unique and underrated, providing a custom feel for those seeking something different

CONS

  • Often requires additional setup and repairs to be fully playable

  • Price inflation has made it less accessible as a budget-friendly option

  • Neck issues like twists or high action can be common

  • Tremolo system and wiring may need upgrades or repairs

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Harmony Bobkat H17.

Setup and maintenance

  • The neck is described as "thick baseball," but its short scale makes it easier to play once properly set up.

    Source
  • A permanent bridge replacement significantly improves intonation up the neck compared to the original floating jazz-style bridge.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • DeArmond pickups provide clear tones with warmth, performing well with amp distortion, but may have lost punch over time.

    Source
  • The vibrato tailpiece reportedly affects pitch stability, not ideal for precise intonation.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to the Yamaha Pacifica, the Bobkat offers less playability and reliability but excels in vintage character and tone.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • With fluctuating market prices, $700 is high but not unreasonable for a clean model if you're drawn to its vintage appeal.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • An adjustable bridge designed for archtop guitars can be modified to fit the Bobkat, offering improved tuning stability and ease of setup.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The goldfoil pickups excel in slide guitar for Chicago blues and garage rock, especially when paired with a cranked 5-watt Fender Champ.

    Source
  • The Bobkat's sound is particularly suited for Elmore James covers, capturing the essence of old blues with its distinctive tonality.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners find the Bobkat ideal for open tunings, enhancing its use for specific slide guitar styles.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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mpf
mpf

106

Not for everyone, but almost worth stupid collector prices

It's got a short scale with a fat baseball bat neck. If you have small hands and fingers, it's perfect. Wooden bridge, plywood body, but ohhhhhh those pickups.

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