Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $229

Standard/Professional

$200

$601+

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High-end

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Description

Dive into the rich history and timeless sound of the Harmony H165, a gem in the world of acoustic guitars. This instrument, known for its solid Mahogany body and Spruce top, marries vintage aesthetics with modern playability. Whether you're serenading the sunset or crafting your next masterpiece, the H165 offers a sonic palette as versatile as your creativity. Its evolution from a rounded bottom to a more Martin-like shape in 1958 marks a nod to tradition while embracing the future of music.

Key Features:

  • Solid Mahogany body and Spruce top for a warm, resonant tone
  • Auditorium flattop body style, offering comfort and playability
  • Incorporation of a truss rod in 1968, enhancing neck stability
  • Classic design elements including square bridge and dot inlays
  • White button tuners, combining vintage look with modern functionality

Product specs

Brand Harmony
Model H165
Finish Natural
Year 1969
Made In United States
Categories Concert Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp No
Back Material Mahogany
Body Shape Concert
Color Family Brown, Natural
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 19
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup None
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Sides Material Mahogany
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce

FAQs

What type of wood is used in the construction of the Harmony H165?

The Harmony H165 features a mahogany back and sides, a spruce top, and a mahogany neck, contributing to its warm and balanced tone.

Is the Harmony H165 suitable for fingerstyle playing?

Yes, the concert body shape and the combination of mahogany and spruce woods make the Harmony H165 well-suited for fingerstyle playing, offering clarity and projection.

How many frets does the Harmony H165 have?

The Harmony H165 is equipped with 19 frets, allowing for a range of playability across its rosewood fretboard.

Does the Harmony H165 come with any built-in electronics or pickups?

No, the Harmony H165 is a purely acoustic guitar with no built-in electronics or pickups, designed for natural acoustic sound.

What is the scale length of the Harmony H165?

The Harmony H165 has a scale length of 25 inches (635 mm), providing a comfortable playing experience with balanced string tension.

gearwire

gearwire

Harmony H165: A Great, Inexpensive Guitar With Beautifully Aged Wood

Video thumbnail for Harmony H165: A Great, Inexpensive Guitar With Beautifully Aged Wood by gearwire

Harmony H165: A Great, Inexpensive Guitar With Beautifully Aged Wood

gearwire

gearwire

Video thumbnail for 1960's Harmony H165 Flat Top Acoustic Guitar. Solid Mahogany Body. Restored.X Re-Braced. by Roadtoast Guitars James Ralston (James Ralston)

1960's Harmony H165 Flat Top Acoustic Guitar. Solid Mahogany Body. Restored.X Re-Braced.

Roadtoast Guitars James Ralston (James Ralston)

Roadtoast Guitars James Ralston (James Ralston)

Video thumbnail for Harmony h-165 Vintage 1966 All Mahogany guitar by Talk of the Tone

Harmony h-165 Vintage 1966 All Mahogany guitar

Talk of the Tone

Talk of the Tone

Video thumbnail for Baxendale Conversions '50s Harmony H165 by Telluride Music Co.

Baxendale Conversions '50s Harmony H165

Telluride Music Co.

Telluride Music Co.

Video thumbnail for 60’s Harmony H165 OM sized, X-Brace conversion DEMO by Brian McFarland

60’s Harmony H165 OM sized, X-Brace conversion DEMO

Brian McFarland

Brian McFarland

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Harmony H165.

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners often find that older H165 models require neck resets for optimal playability, which can affect their value.

    Source
  • The steel bar, functioning as a truss rod, can become ineffective over time; replacing it with carbon fiber might be necessary for stability.

    Source
  • Owners suggest using epoxy for reinstalling the steel bar in the neck, although bent bars might require replacement for proper fit.

    Source

Build quality

  • The absence of a "made in USA" stamp on some models suggests Asian manufacturing, potentially impacting perceived quality and value.

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  • The neck of an H165 is often held with minimal hide glue, making neck removal straightforward, but the fretboard may be more securely glued.

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  • All-solid mahogany construction with one-piece tops and backs; quality wood but often assembled with less precision, requiring maintenance.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Fender F1030 is essentially an H165 without the USA label, often marketed as an Asian-made guitar.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The market value of an H165 in good condition with a neck reset is debated, with some buyers prioritizing American-made versions for higher value.

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  • The H165 has gained popularity, with some being picked up during COVID for as low as $200, suggesting a rising interest in vintage models.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners note that finding the right Harmony guitar can be challenging due to variations in manufacturing locations and conditions over the years.

    Source
  • An owner observed improved sound quality immediately after a neck reset, indicating potential tonal benefits from such maintenance.

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  • Some owners recall these as student guitars, indicating they were once beginner-level despite their current collectible status.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Converting the top bracing from ladder to X-bracing is a considered modification to enhance tonal quality.

    Source
  • Scott Baxendale remanufactures these guitars to sound like vintage Martin mahogany models, indicating potential improvement in tonal quality post-modification.

    Source

Critic Reviews

1950s Harmony H165 Flattop Guitar

jakewildwood.blogspot.com

The 1950s Harmony H165 Flattop Guitar shines with its aesthetically pleasing design and vibrant sound, reminiscent of a good Kalamazoo KG-14. Its curvy body offers comfort and a more interesting tone compared to later models. However, its "beater" condition requires attention, with issues like crack repairs, poor action, and intonation challenges due to its original design. Despite these flaws, post-repair it delivers a snappy performance, making it a worthwhile vintage find for those willing to invest in its restoration.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Elvis Presley uses Harmony H165

Elvis Presley

Singer, Guitarist

The Blue Moon Boys

...
Verified via Scottymoore

Used in the movie Girls! Girls! Girls! during the performance of "Song of the Shrimp".

See how Lightnin' Hopkins uses Harmony H165

Lightnin' Hopkins

Guitarist, Singer

Lightnin' Hopkins & Sonny Terry

...
Verified via YouTube

Visible in this performance of “Gonna Pull a Party”.

Album Usage

The Harmony H165 has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

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

1 alternative for Harmony H165, curated by the Equipboard community.

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