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Average Price: $1,395
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Description
Discover the Harmony H44 Stratotone, a cherished classic in the world of solid body electric guitars. Revered for its vintage appeal and straightforward design, this guitar is a testament to simplicity that doesn't sacrifice character or quality. Originally introduced in the mid-20th century, the Stratotone has made a lasting impact on musicians across genres thanks to its unique tonal qualities and easy playability.
This guitar is perfect for players who appreciate the rich, warm tones that only a true vintage-inspired instrument can deliver. The Harmony H44 Stratotone features a single pickup configuration, which offers a distinctive voice and allows for a wide range of expressiveness. Its lightweight, compact body ensures comfort during long sessions, whether you're performing on stage or practicing at home.
The Stratotone's design is both practical and aesthetically pleasing, making it a standout choice for guitarists who want an instrument that looks as good as it sounds. Whether you're a seasoned performer or an enthusiastic beginner, the Harmony H44 Stratotone will inspire you to explore new musical landscapes.
Key Features:
- Solid body construction for robust sound
- Single pickup configuration for unique tonal expression
- Lightweight and compact design for enhanced comfort
- Vintage-inspired aesthetics with modern reliability
- Ideal for a variety of musical styles and skill levels
Product specs
| Brand | Harmony |
| Model | H44 Stratotone |
| Finish | Gold |
| Year | 1956 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Shape | Single Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Stop-Bar |
| Color Family | Gold |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Number of Frets | 20 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup Configuration | S |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
FAQs
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What is the neck profile like on the Harmony H44 Stratotone?
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The Harmony H44 Stratotone features a comfortable set-neck construction with a vintage-style neck profile, providing a smooth playing experience suitable for both rhythm and lead guitarists.
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What kind of tones can I expect from the Harmony H44 Stratotone's pickup?
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The single pickup on the Harmony H44 Stratotone delivers a warm and rich tone, ideal for blues and rock genres, with a vintage character that complements its 1950s design.
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Is the Harmony H44 Stratotone suitable for beginner guitarists?
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While the Harmony H44 Stratotone offers a unique vintage appeal, its single pickup and straightforward controls make it accessible for beginners, though its historical value might be more appreciated by experienced players or collectors.
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How many frets does the Harmony H44 Stratotone have?
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The Harmony H44 Stratotone is equipped with 20 frets, allowing for a wide range of notes and expressive playing.
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What is the scale length of the Harmony H44 Stratotone?
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The Harmony H44 Stratotone has a scale length of 25 inches, which contributes to its distinct tonal qualities and playability.
Videos
drowninginguitars
1955 Harmony H44 Stratotone Guitar Demo
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Harmony H44 Stratotone.
Build quality
Features and functionality
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Known for its warmer sound, this reissue maintains the Stratotone's reputation for producing rich tones, suitable for slide guitar.
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Comparisons
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The original Harmony H44 had a fixed truss rod and was often prone to warping, making it popular for slide guitar.
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Other
Setup and maintenance
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An action height of just over 2.5mm at the 12th fret was noted, providing a comfortable playability despite being over 70 years old.
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Use cases and applications
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The guitar is praised for its "killer" sound, aligning well with its use by artists like Afie Jurvanen from Bahamas and possibly Marc Ribot.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings
Artist usage
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Used while recording Black Keys' 2011 album "El Camino".
I got a ’53 Les Paul while I was on tour. It looks like it was attacked by a shark. I used that a bunch, plus a Danelectro and an early Harmony Stratotone. I had the Stratotone before the Black Keys, and I’ve used it on every one of our albums.
Listed for sale on Reverb.com on July 21, 2021.
This Harmony Stratotone is owned by Mike Campbell
Serial: N/A There are some light scuffs and scratches from use. Some of the gold paint has turned green over time. The pick guard and pickup appear to be replacements. The guitar functions as expected.
All items in The Official Mike Campbell Reverb Shop ship fully insured with delivery confirmation and a signed and embossed Certificate Of Authenticity from Mike.
Dallas Green is shown using the Harmony H44 Stratotone in a Twitter post by cityandcolour, captioned "Using some old things to make new things."
In this source picture, Tom Waits is photograph singing and playing a Harmony H44 Stratotone.
"I had a copper-colored Harmony [H44 Stratotone]. That was my first electric, and in that band, the guy playing lead guitar was Pete Traynor, who makes Traynor amplifiers."
In this videoBlake Mills sits down for a One On One Session at City Winery New York on July 31st, 2015. He plays a Harmony Stratotone H44 guitar with a copper finish, it's probably from the 50s.
The Tallest Man on Earth talks about his 1950s Harmony Stratotone H44 at the start of his rig rundown video. The guitar has a single ‘Hershey bar’ pickup which has become famous for its massive sound in slide and blues circles. Harmony made these basic guitars to be sold through catalogues between approx 1952-57. Sears got a copper colour model, Aldens and Montgomery Ward got the gold versions he uses. The gold model got a different headstock logo as you can see in the video.
TMOE bought his first H44 at Retro Fret in Brooklyn and on Instagram recently he said he now owns two of them.
He's comping for Tom Waits at the Letterman show. From the minute https://youtu.be/rcA2_g04pMU?t=109 you can clearly see him. Frankly, I'm not sure if he just had to replicate Marc Ribot or what.
Album Usage
The Harmony H44 Stratotone 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 H44 Stratotone, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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