Harmony Monterey

$349.00 Price Tier: Budget

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Page last updated Jun 11, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 11, 2026.

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5.0 (2)

$349.00 8 available Used

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Average Price: $349

Budget/Beginner

$500

$1201+

Price Tier

In the Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars category, Harmony Monterey is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

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High-end

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Description

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Immerse yourself in the vintage charm of the Harmony Monterey, a semi-hollowbody electric guitar that stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of music. From its auditorium-sized silhouette to the distinctive redburst finish, the Monterey is more than an instrument—it's a piece of history. Crafted with care and precision, this guitar echoes the sounds of yesteryear while offering the playability and comfort modern musicians demand. Whether you're a jazz enthusiast, a blues aficionado, or simply in love with the warm, resonant tones of semi-hollowbody guitars, the Harmony Monterey invites you to explore a world of musical possibilities.

Key Features:

Auditorium-sized semi-hollowbody design for a unique blend of resonance and comfort.
Distinctive redburst finish, capturing the essence of vintage aesthetics.
Solid birch body construction, ensuring durability and a warm, vibrant tone.
Painted white binding and f-holes, adding to the classic visual appeal.
Trapeze tailpiece and dot inlays for a touch of elegance and simplicity.
Black pickguard, providing a sleek contrast and protecting the body from pick scratches.

Product specs

Brand	Harmony
Model	Monterey H950
Finish	Redburst
Year	1950s
Made In	United States
Categories	Archtop Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp	No
Back Material	Birch
Body Shape	Archtop
Color Family	Red
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Fretboard Material	Maple
Number of Frets	19
Number of Strings	6-String
Pickup	None
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Sides Material	Birch
String Type	Steel
Top Material	Birch

FAQs

What is the body shape of the Harmony Monterey guitar?: The Harmony Monterey features an archtop body shape, which is known for its distinct sound projection and vintage aesthetic appeal.
What materials are used in the construction of the Harmony Monterey?: The Harmony Monterey is constructed with birch for the back, sides, and top, and features a maple fretboard, contributing to its unique tonal qualities and durability.
Does the Harmony Monterey come with any pickups?: No, the Harmony Monterey does not come with any pickups, as it is designed to be an acoustic archtop guitar, emphasizing natural acoustic sound.
How many frets does the Harmony Monterey have?: The Harmony Monterey is equipped with 19 frets, providing a range suitable for various playing styles.
Is the Harmony Monterey suitable for beginners?: While the Harmony Monterey is a vintage-style instrument with specific tonal characteristics, it can be suitable for beginners interested in exploring archtop acoustic guitars, provided they are comfortable with its unique playability.

Videos

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Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Harmony Monterey Guitar

Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Harmony Monterey

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Owner Insights

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

Setup and maintenance

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Owners often need to perform a neck reset due to a sharp bend where the neck meets the body, indicating a serious project rather than a simple truss rod adjustment.
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Regulating the two archtop support braces by shaving them down can increase top resonance, according to user modifications.
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Owners often find the nut requires replacement due to damage; careful measurement and filing are necessary for proper installation.
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High bridge setups can hinder playability past the 12th fret; replacing it with a lower bridge can improve action for standard playing styles.
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Build quality

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The maple wood construction delivers a "woody" sound, enhancing certain songs with a punchy bar chord resonance.
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Some guitars exhibit separation where the back meets the sides, which can be a significant structural issue if not addressed promptly.
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User experience

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After a professional setup and refret, the guitar becomes significantly more enjoyable to play and visually appealing, even serving as a wall display piece.
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Use cases and applications

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Despite factory flaws, once restored, these guitars can still be robust and maintain their charm for specific musical styles, especially with a vintage aesthetic.
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Critic Reviews

Old gold: 1945 Harmony Monterey H1456 | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The 1945 Harmony Monterey H1456 is a charming relic from the jazz era, offering warm, smooth acoustic tones that jazz enthusiasts will appreciate. Its sunburst finish and vintage build, with features like a wartime wooden tailpiece and art deco headstock, lend it a timeless appeal. While it may lack modern refinements like truss rods, this 72-year-old beauty still plays wonderfully, making it a steal at current vintage prices around £600-700. Ideal for collectors and players seeking a piece of musical history, the Monterey holds its own against pricier contemporaries.

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Artist usage

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Tash Sultana

Singer, Guitarist

Verified via YouTube

In this YouTube music video, Tash Sultana can be seen using a Harmony Monterey acoustic guitar (first seen at 0:19). Tash Sultana used this guitar to record their James Dean music video in February 2023.

Muddy Waters

Guitarist, Singer

Verified via Photo

In a photo taken at Newport, Muddy Waters is shown holding a Harmony Monterey semi-hollowbody electric guitar.

John Lee Hooker

Guitarist

John Lee Hooker & Carlos Santana

Verified via Photo

John Lee Hooker is confirmed to have used a Harmony Monterey guitar at the Newport Folk and Jazz Festival in 1960. Notably, Muddy Waters borrowed this guitar for the photo shoot of his "At Newport 60" album cover, as his Fender Telecaster was left on stage.

Garrett Mason

Singer, Guitarist

Verified via Photo

Color/Finish: Sunburst

Garrett Mason uses a Harmony Monterey archtop guitar, which he purchased at the age of 15, despite it being covered in mold at the time. This guitar features a single pickup mounted to the neck and is utilized for performing several songs during each set. Garrett employed this guitar in his band and on his record "Love and Sound" in E-flat tuning. Over time, he further lowered the tuning and now plays it solo. This information is supported by an image available on Equipboard.