~1955 Harmony H-162 Terz 3/4 size steel string Natural
No sales tax for customers outside California.
This 1950's Harmony H-162 terz guitar is a really nice example that's all original and in great shape.
It is a sharp piece, with multi-ply body binding, capped with a tortoise layer. The sound hole binding is somewhat distinct as well.
The guitar has a higher quality feel than most Harmony instruments we come across. It feels solid but not overbuilt. It has a really nice, tightly grained spruce top. I assume the back and sides are laminated, but I'm not certain.
So what is a terz guitar?
While we are all accustomed to the E-A-D-G-B-e standard tuning, a Terz takes it up a minor third to G-C-F-A#-D-G. The effect could be recreated by placing a capo on the third fret, but it also holds tonal properties you couldn’t recreate from a regular acoustic.
The Terz is also a petite 20 to 22 inches in scale length. This gives it a perceived high-end loudness next to boomier, guitars and basses usually made between 24 and 25.5 inches.
It is characterized by its narrow body; a cross between a large looking ukulele and a mariachi band requinto guitar. Over the years it has been mistaken for a child’s guitar. This has resulted in the original 19th-century romantic era models becoming almost impossible to find.
There is surface wear throughout - see the pictures. The guitar isn't in perfect condition, but it also hasn't been abused. There are no cracks or apparent repairs. The original frets are in excellent condition.
The instrument plays well and is really fun to mess around with. You're going to love it.
Sweet, original chipboard case included.
Color: Natural
Weight: 2lbs 5.6ozs
Top: Solid Spruce
Body: Mahogany
Neck: Poplar
Neck Profile: V
Fretboard: Ebonized hard wood
Inlays: Clay dots
Frets: Original brass
Fret count: 18
Nut: Non-original, bone
Nut width: 1 5/8"
Scale: 22"
Radius: Flat
Neck thickness at 1st Fret: 0.88"
Neck thickness at 8th Fret: 1.11"
Action 1st String at 12th Fret: 2/32"
Action 6th String at 12th Fret: 2/32"
Total length: 32 1/2"
Body length: 15 1/2"
Lower bout: 11 1/4"
Waist: 6 11/16"
Upper bout: 8 3/16"
Body depth/thickness: 3 3/8"
String gauge: .011-.052"
Electronics?: No
Bridge: Original
Tuners: Original, #4 is bent a little, see picture
Case: OHSC
Notes:
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Mahar's Vintage Guitars
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