Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $1,200

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Introducing the Harmony H22, a classic gem from the golden era of electric basses. Loved by bassists worldwide, this hollowbody bass comes with a flat back and front, providing a warm, resonant tone that's truly unique. Crafted meticulously, this model was indeed a game-changer when it was first introduced in 1961. Its popularity soared with the introduction of the double cutaway version, the H22/1, in 1969. The H22 continues to be a testament to Harmony's commitment to producing top-quality musical instruments.

Key Features:

  • Hollowbody bass with flat back and front
  • Produced from 1961 to 1968
  • Double cutaway version (H22/1) introduced in 1969
  • Known for its warm, resonant tone.
  • Testimony to Harmony's superior craftsmanship.

Product specs

Brand Harmony
Model H22 Bass
Finish Sunburst
Year 1960s
Made In United States
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Color Family Brown
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 4-String
Pickup Configuration H
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Harmony H22 bass guitar?

The Harmony H22 bass guitar features a comfortable neck profile that is well-suited for players who enjoy a vintage feel, making it a great choice for those accustomed to 1960s-style instruments.

What kind of tones can I expect from the Harmony H22's pickup?

The Harmony H22 is equipped with a single passive pickup that delivers warm, vintage tones characteristic of the 1960s, perfect for genres like blues, rock, and jazz.

Is the Harmony H22 bass suitable for beginners?

The Harmony H22 bass is ideal for players who appreciate vintage instruments, but its straightforward design and comfortable playability also make it accessible for beginners looking to explore classic bass sounds.

How does the Harmony H22's scale length affect its playability?

With a 30-inch scale length, the Harmony H22 offers a shorter reach, making it easier to play for those with smaller hands or those who prefer a more compact bass guitar.

What is the body shape of the Harmony H22 bass guitar?

The Harmony H22 features a single cutaway body shape, which provides easy access to the upper frets and contributes to its classic vintage aesthetic.

gearwire

gearwire

Harmony H22 Bass Demo: World's Oldest Living Bass

Video thumbnail for Harmony H22 Bass Demo: World's Oldest Living Bass by gearwire

Harmony H22 Bass Demo: World's Oldest Living Bass

gearwire

gearwire

Video thumbnail for Harmony H22 Bass by phlattgetit

Harmony H22 Bass

phlattgetit

phlattgetit

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique sound reminiscent of an upright bass

  • Unmistakable vintage tone, especially in models from the 1960s

  • Treble boost switch for enhanced solo capabilities

  • Iconic batwing pickguard minimizes feedback and stands out visually

  • Lightweight design for comfortable playing

  • Gold foil Dearmond pickup offers a wide range of tones

  • Storied history in R&B and rock and roll

  • Wider fretboard provides a distinct playing experience

CONS

  • Hollow body design requires careful handling to avoid feedback

  • Vintage models may have wear and tear due to age

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Harmony H22.

Features and functionality

  • The Harmony H22 has a switch that offers two tonal options through its single pickup: one deep and one bright, similar to the Fender Esquire circuit.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Harmony H22/1 is rarer than the standard H22 model and was played through a 64’ Fender Concert, the same amp used by Carol Kaye for famous recordings.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Acoustic guitar amps can serve as temporary bass amps since they are full range, functioning like mini PAs for the Harmony H22.

    Source
  • The Harmony H22 is valued as a piece of history, with owners reluctant to sell their original 1962 models due to their vintage appeal and sound quality.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The switch on the H22 works like tone knob presets, toggling through different capacitors akin to the Gibson varitone circuit.

    Source
  • A Fender jack can be used as a replacement for the Harmony H22's output jack, ensuring functionality without distortion.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The ground wire is integrated with a spring around the hot lead to reduce hum and interference, a detail crucial for maintaining sound quality.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report the absence of humming or buzzing sounds, indicating reliable performance even without a bridge-to-tailpiece upgrade.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Freshening up a 1962 Harmony H22 Bass - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Ace Kefford uses Harmony H22

Ace Kefford

Singer, Bassist

The Move

...
Verified via Photo

In this rare picture of Ace, he is seen playing with a Harmony H22 Bass guitar, which he may use only for this specific performance. From what is recalled, Ace has never really used any other basses other than his Fender Precision, which is his main gear. This Harmony H22 bass may only be used as a back-up instrument, in case his Precision is used for service.

See how Mike Elizondo uses Harmony H22

Mike Elizondo

Bassist, Music Producer

The Shady Band

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Mike Elizondo can be seen with a Harmony H22 bass guitar.

See how Len Hawkes uses Harmony H22

Len Hawkes

Bassist

The Tremeloes

...
Verified via YouTube

In the 1971 performance of "Hello Buddy" by The Tremeloes on YouTube, Len Hawkes is seen playing a Harmony H22 Bass. This bass, with its semi-hollow body and humbucker-style pickup, offers a distinct sound compared to his primary Fender Precision Bass, suggesting it may serve as a backup instrument.

A

Alex Bingham

Bassist

Hiss Golden Messenger

...
Verified

Visible in this June 20, 2024 Instagram reel by Viv & Riley.

BAND PRACTICE! playing @redwingroots on friday with @_magic.al and @joyero_andystack .

Album Usage

The Harmony H22 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.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Harmony H22, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1
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