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Average Price: $425

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$500

$1201+

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Description

H39 - Hollywood Electric Archtop Production year(s) : 1952-1967 (other years possible, not verified) 1 pickup - H39 model starts in 1952 but did not yet wore the Hollywood name/logo. It had a red treble clef logo on headstock, as seen on the Archtone acoustic series (H1215). Then in real life some early (53-56) models had an "atomic" logo ala Stratotone (see H44). H39 has a "Hershey bar" pickup until 1958, with a volume control and cord attached to the pickguard (and a red jack plug...). "Golden" DeArmond pickup is installed in 1959, with usual "internal" tone and volume pots, and jack on body's side.

Top wood: Birch, Body wood: Birch, All solid woods,

Scale: 25"1/4, 642 mm

Product specs

Brand Harmony
Model H39
Finish Sunburst
Year 1960s
Categories Archtop Electric Guitars, Hollow Body Guitars
Body Shape Non Cutaway
Body Type Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Brown
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Composite
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Number of Frets 19
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration S
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What kind of music is the Harmony H39 Hollywood best suited for?

The Harmony H39 Hollywood, with its hollow body and single pickup configuration, is ideal for blues, jazz, and vintage rock genres, offering warm, resonant tones characteristic of 1960s archtop guitars.

How does the Harmony H39 Hollywood's neck profile affect playability?

The Harmony H39 features a set-neck construction which provides a stable and comfortable playing experience, making it suitable for players who favor smooth transitions across the fretboard.

Is the Harmony H39 Hollywood suitable for beginners?

While the Harmony H39 Hollywood can be played by beginners, its vintage design and specific tonal characteristics are often more appreciated by intermediate to advanced players familiar with hollow body guitars.

What are the tonal qualities of the Harmony H39 Hollywood's pickup?

The single pickup on the Harmony H39 Hollywood delivers a warm, mellow tone with a rich midrange, perfect for achieving classic 1960s sounds.

Does the Harmony H39 Hollywood work well with modern guitar amplifiers?

Yes, the Harmony H39 Hollywood can be used with modern amplifiers, though its vintage-style pickup may produce a distinct tone that pairs especially well with tube amps for an authentic retro sound.

Maxime Tanti

Maxime Tanti

Harmony Hollywood H39

Video thumbnail for Harmony Hollywood H39 by Maxime Tanti

Harmony Hollywood H39

Maxime Tanti

Maxime Tanti

Video thumbnail for Rare Guitar 1957 Harmony H-39 Hollywood Hersey Bar Pickup by Lawman Guitars

Rare Guitar 1957 Harmony H-39 Hollywood Hersey Bar Pickup

Lawman Guitars

Lawman Guitars

Video thumbnail for Harmony Hollywood H39 - Meanderings by Maxime Tanti

Harmony Hollywood H39 - Meanderings

Maxime Tanti

Maxime Tanti

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Harmony H39 Hollywood.

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners suggest checking the nut for proper string slot cutting, which could be affecting tuning stability and open chord sound quality.

    Source
  • High action from the bridge may contribute to tuning issues, particularly on open chords like A and D.

    Source
  • Open-geared tuners originally on the Harmony H39 can collect rust and dirt, impacting tuning, and may require cleaning to function optimally.

    Source

User experience

  • Despite tuning challenges, the Harmony H39 Hollywood is appreciated for its unique sound and vintage aesthetics, appealing to enthusiasts.

    Source
  • It's mentioned that the Harmony H39 Hollywood can shine in open tunings, offering a unique tone that's particularly appreciated in those setups.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some owners highlight the unique sunburst spray finish, noting it's preferable to the less desirable spruce photoeffect sticker on lower models.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend converting the guitar into a rubber bridge guitar for a distinct tonal change.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The guitar is suggested as a potential project for learning repairs, specifically guitar setup and part replacement.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Sheryl Crow uses Harmony H39 Hollywood

Sheryl Crow

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Crow is visible playing the Harmony H39 Hollywood archtop.

See how Mark Linkous uses Harmony H39 Hollywood

Mark Linkous

Singer, Guitarist

Sparklehorse

...
Verified via Wikipedia

Mark Linkous is associated with the Harmony H39 Hollywood, as noted on Wikipedia.

See how Gregory Alan Isakov uses Harmony H39 Hollywood

Gregory Alan Isakov

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

On this picture you can see Isakov play a 50's or 60's Harmony Hollywood without the electronics.

See how Brad Oberhofer uses Harmony H39 Hollywood

Brad Oberhofer

Guitarist

CRX

...
Verified via Photo

In this video, you can see him playing with a Harmony H39 Hollywood guitar.

See how Grayson Capps uses Harmony H39 Hollywood

Grayson Capps

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In this picture Capps can be seen holding his 1950s Harmony Hollywood archtop guitar. According to an interview with Guitarplayer.com he used it for the slide parts on his 2005 album "If you knew my mind". (http://www.guitarplayer.com/artists/1013/grayson-capps-is-the-bard-of-the-bayou/19695)

Album Usage

The Harmony H39 Hollywood 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.

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  • Added to Equipboard on by

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    lexman

    Gear IQ 6823