Pricing and availability

Average Price: $800

High-end/Boutique

$200

$601+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Harmony Stella 12 String Acoustic is a testament to the rich musical heritage that dates back to the early 20th century. Originally crafted under the Stella name, these guitars have been cherished by early blues musicians for their resonant sound and affordability. Acquired by Harmony in 1939, the Stella brand continued to evolve while maintaining its commitment to quality and accessibility. This 12-string variant offers a lush, full-bodied sound that layers beautifully in any ensemble setting, making it a favorite amongst folk and blues players alike.

Crafted with a trapeze tailpiece and adorned with traditional dot inlays, the Harmony Stella 12 String combines vintage aesthetics with modern playability. While these guitars are historically known for their high action, modern iterations have been refined for smoother performance, allowing both beginners and seasoned players to enjoy its rich tonal palette. The guitar's white pickguard adds a touch of classic style, while also serving a practical purpose in protecting the guitar's body. Whether you're strumming away in a solo performance or adding texture to a band, the Harmony Stella 12 String Acoustic delivers a sound that is both timeless and unique.

Key Features:

  • 12-string configuration for a rich, layered sound
  • Trapeze tailpiece for vintage style and stability
  • Dot inlays for classic aesthetic appeal
  • White pickguard to protect and enhance the guitar's look

Product specs

Brand Stella
Model 12-String
Finish Sunburst
Year 1960s
Categories 12-String Acoustic Guitars
Color Family Brown
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Number of Frets 18
Number of Strings 12-String
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
String Type Steel

FAQs

What kind of sound can I expect from the Harmony Stella 12 String Acoustic?

The Harmony Stella 12 String Acoustic is known for its rich, full-bodied sound, characteristic of vintage 12-string guitars. It offers a jangly, bright tone ideal for folk and blues music, with a resonant quality that enhances its projection.

Is the Harmony Stella 12 String Acoustic suitable for beginners?

The Harmony Stella 12 String Acoustic may not be ideal for beginners due to its wider neck and additional strings, which can require more finger strength and precision. However, it offers a rewarding experience for players familiar with 6-string guitars looking to explore 12-string sounds.

How does the Harmony Stella 12 String Acoustic handle tuning stability?

Being a vintage model from the 1960s, the Harmony Stella 12 String Acoustic can be prone to tuning instability, especially with its steel strings. Regular maintenance and proper tuning techniques can help maintain its tuning stability.

What is the neck profile like on the Harmony Stella 12 String Acoustic?

The Harmony Stella 12 String Acoustic features a relatively wide neck profile to accommodate its 12 strings, which can be challenging for players with smaller hands but offers a comfortable grip for those accustomed to 12-string guitars.

What type of music is the Harmony Stella 12 String Acoustic best suited for?

The Harmony Stella 12 String Acoustic excels in genres such as folk, blues, and classic rock, where its bright, chiming tones can add depth and richness to the music. Its vintage sound is particularly favored in acoustic settings.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Harmony Stella 12 String Acoustic.

Value and pricing

  • In excellent condition, the Harmony Stella H912 is valued around $1000, with its popularity boosted by Kurt Cobain's use of the model.

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  • A similar model was sold for $750 on gbase, providing a realistic starting point for pricing negotiations.

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  • A Harmony H1270 in good condition, even without a pristine case, can be priced around $1,200, depending on condition and urgency of sale.

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Setup and maintenance

  • It's advisable to remove the additional strings if the 12-string setup is not needed, allowing for easier playability without altering the guitar.

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  • Many vintage Harmony guitars, including the H1270, often require a neck reset, a common necessity for maintaining playability.

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  • It's suggested to lower the action by adjusting the saddle height, as there seems to be ample saddle to work with.

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  • Check if the guitar has a truss rod for potential adjustments to address high action.

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User experience

  • It's been observed that the thick poly finish on these guitars can become brittle over time, though this specific model appears well-preserved.

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  • Potential buyers or owners may want to assess if the instrument is playable in its current state or requires setup work.

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Features and functionality

  • The guitar's bracing supports heavy strings tuned to C standard, contributing to a large, resonant sound suitable for blues styles reminiscent of Leadbelly and Hendrix.

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Use cases and applications

  • This model is sought after for exploring low-tuned 12-string blues, similar to iconic songs like "Hear My Train A Comin'" and "Stairway to Heaven."

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  • This model is favored by folk musicians seeking a Lead Belly sound, offering a distinct tonal quality.

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Other

  • Original strings from brands like Black Diamond, found in the guitar case, may hold collectible value, though aren't suitable for use.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners consider re-bracing from ladder to X bracing for improved sound quality, though this is a debated modification.

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4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
peasinafookinpod420

much better than my other one

I got it also on my most recent guitar safari and it is much better. Will be using it a hole lot more considering Shifter is starting to do more acoustic stuff

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Lead Belly uses Harmony Stella 12 String Acoustic

Lead Belly

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Uniqueguitar

Huddie Ledbetter, better known as Leadbelly played a Stella 12 string. So did a lot of other Blues men. Most loved the big, big sound it got when they played slide guitar. Most of them tuned their Stella's down to accommodate the tension of the strings.

http://uniqueguitar.blogspot.mx/2009/11/stella-12-string-guitar.html

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