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Average Price: $1,395

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$400

$1001+

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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

What is the neck profile like on the Harmony H44 Stratotone?

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.

What kind of tones can I expect from the Harmony H44 Stratotone's pickup?

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.

Is the Harmony H44 Stratotone suitable for beginner guitarists?

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.

How many frets does the Harmony H44 Stratotone have?

The Harmony H44 Stratotone is equipped with 20 frets, allowing for a wide range of notes and expressive playing.

What is the scale length of the Harmony H44 Stratotone?

The Harmony H44 Stratotone has a scale length of 25 inches, which contributes to its distinct tonal qualities and playability.

drowninginguitars

drowninginguitars

1955 Harmony H44 Stratotone Guitar Demo

Video thumbnail for 1955 Harmony H44 Stratotone Guitar Demo by drowninginguitars

1955 Harmony H44 Stratotone Guitar Demo

drowninginguitars

drowninginguitars

Video thumbnail for "Pick of the Day" - 1954 Harmony H-44 Stratotone and 2012 Carr Sportsman by Emerald City Guitars

"Pick of the Day" - 1954 Harmony H-44 Stratotone and 2012 Carr Sportsman

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

Video thumbnail for All Original 1952 Harmony Stratotone H44 - Gabor's Guitars by TheSuperFunAwesomeHappyTimePedalShow

All Original 1952 Harmony Stratotone H44 - Gabor's Guitars

TheSuperFunAwesomeHappyTimePedalShow

TheSuperFunAwesomeHappyTimePedalShow

Video thumbnail for 1950s Harmony H44 Stratotone electric guitar by Jake Wildwood & Co

1950s Harmony H44 Stratotone electric guitar

Jake Wildwood & Co

Jake Wildwood & Co

Video thumbnail for 1950's Harmony H-44 Stratotone by Southside Guitars

1950's Harmony H-44 Stratotone

Southside Guitars

Southside Guitars

Video thumbnail for '57 Harmony H44 Stratotone by Blues Is Alright

'57 Harmony H44 Stratotone

Blues Is Alright

Blues Is Alright

Video thumbnail for Original 1955 Harmony H44 Stratotone by PREMIER GUITARS

Original 1955 Harmony H44 Stratotone

PREMIER GUITARS

PREMIER GUITARS

Video thumbnail for 1957 Harmony H44 Stratotone by guitarded71

1957 Harmony H44 Stratotone

guitarded71

guitarded71

Video thumbnail for Harmony h44 stratotone Chicago shuffle electric guitar by James Oliver Guitar

Harmony h44 stratotone Chicago shuffle electric guitar

James Oliver Guitar

James Oliver Guitar

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

  • The Korean reissue features neck-through construction and genuine Kluson Deluxe tuners, a nod to its vintage design.

    Source
  • The neck of the 1955 Harmony H44 is notably thick, described as a "baseball bat," offering a sturdy feel for players who prefer substantial necks.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Known for its warmer sound, this reissue maintains the Stratotone's reputation for producing rich tones, suitable for slide guitar.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The original Harmony H44 had a fixed truss rod and was often prone to warping, making it popular for slide guitar.

    Source

Other

  • The name "Stratotone" predates the Fender Stratocaster, despite the similar naming convention, highlighting its place in guitar history.

    Source
  • The owner mentioned an interesting video featuring the guitar, highlighting its historical and personal significance.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • An action height of just over 2.5mm at the 12th fret was noted, providing a comfortable playability despite being over 70 years old.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The guitar is praised for its "killer" sound, aligning well with its use by artists like Afie Jurvanen from Bahamas and possibly Marc Ribot.

    Source

User experience

  • A specific instrument, nicknamed "Peanut," was used on tour and comes with personal memorabilia, such as an Air Canada slip with the artist's name.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Frank Lloyd Wright-Inspired Axe for the Working Class - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The 1954 Harmony H44 Stratotone is a charming relic from the atomic age, celebrated for its affordability and compact design, making it a hit among vintage slide guitar enthusiasts. Its simple electronics and unique aesthetic—featuring a bold gold finish and atomic-age logo—add to its retro appeal. However, the Stratotone's minimalistic bridge and tailpiece limit its fine-tuning capabilities, which might deter players seeking versatility. While the guitar excels as a slide instrument, its single-pickup configuration and basic controls may not satisfy those looking for a broader tonal range. Overall, the Stratotone is a nostalgic piece that shines in specific roles but may fall short for more demanding modern players.

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Dan Auerbach uses Harmony H44 Stratotone

Dan Auerbach

Guitarist, Keyboardist

The Black Keys

...
Verified via Guitar World

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.

See how Mike Campbell uses Harmony H44 Stratotone

Mike Campbell

Guitarist

Fleetwood Mac

...
Verified via reverb.com

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.

See how Dallas Green uses Harmony H44 Stratotone

Dallas Green

Singer, Guitarist

Alexisonfire

...
Verified via Twitter

Dallas Green is shown using the Harmony H44 Stratotone in a Twitter post by cityandcolour, captioned "Using some old things to make new things."

See how Tom Waits uses Harmony H44 Stratotone

Tom Waits

Singer, Guitarist

Roy Orbison And Friends

...
Verified via Photo

In this source picture, Tom Waits is photograph singing and playing a Harmony H44 Stratotone.

See how Robbie Robertson uses Harmony H44 Stratotone

Robbie Robertson

Guitarist

The Band

...
Verified via Vintageguitar

"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."

See how Blake Mills uses Harmony H44 Stratotone

Blake Mills

Singer, Guitarist

Simon Dawes

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how The Tallest Man On Earth uses Harmony H44 Stratotone

The Tallest Man On Earth

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Ritchie Valens uses Harmony H44 Stratotone

Ritchie Valens

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Here, Ritchie Valens is holding a Stratotone H44 that he had in his early days.

See how David Hidalgo uses Harmony H44 Stratotone

David Hidalgo

Guitarist

Los Lobos

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Afie Jurvanen uses Harmony H44 Stratotone

Afie Jurvanen

Singer, Guitarist

Bahamas

...
Verified via Photo

Bahamas posted this on Instagram. A Harmony H44 is visible in the top row.

See how Ella Feingold uses Harmony H44 Stratotone

Ella Feingold

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified via ELLA FEINGOLD

Ella Feingold is confirmed to use the Harmony H44 Stratotone guitar, as it is listed on her gear page on her official website. Additionally, a background photo on the page shows the guitar hanging on the wall, further substantiating its use.

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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