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Harpguitar by C. Knutsen c.1901 previously owned

Harpguitar by C. Knutsen c.1901 previously owned

$ 3696

Availability: 100 in stock

All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted

Condition: This is an 18 string harp guitar made by Christopher Knutsen in Tacoma, WA around 1901. It has 5 bass strings & 7 harp strings on the body of the guitar in addition to the standard 6 on the neck.The frets are all slanted, the neck is 14 frets long. This instrument was previously owned by Joan Doan who recorded 'Night Crossing' and other tunes on similar instruments, prior to having his 20 string harp guitar made by Sullivan & Elliott. I acquired it in 1986 while taking lessons from John Doan. he had it repaired earlier to its current condition. It is very playable, I've been playing it for 30 years, it is also quite a collector's item as it has both antique and contemporary musician value. I've tried to show any cracks or flaws in the instrument - be assured, they have ALL been repaired in its past restoration under John. I have kept it in a humidity monitored case when not being played. The buyer will receive the original fiberglass case John made for it. Email me with any questions.

Exact Year: 1901

Description
Size Guide

Description

This Knutsen 'Concert Harpguitar' is made of mahogany sides and back with a spruce top and Douglas fir neck. There are a few nicks in the neck as the photos will show - but they do not hinder its playability. It is 14 5/8" at its widest bout and 4 1/8" wide (about the same proportions as a classical guitar). It is 24 3/4" from nut to bridge (a slight adjustment was made at the bridge during its repairs -see photos). The longest bass string is 31 1/8", the shortest harp string is 5 1/8" (bridge to bridge). I use steel strings from 0.011 to 0.022 on the neck and an A & E classical string on the bass 2. All 5 bass harp strings are classical E strings. This guitar stays remarkably in tune with only slight adjustments needed between tunings. The upper harp strings are tuned with an antique Zither key given to me by John. The slanted frets are noted on the seal inside the sound hole as an original design by Christopher C. Knutsen as 'the only guitar with the slanted fret'. The string pegs are all wood with mother-of-pearl inlay. There are 4-5 cracks in the back and one at where the body and neck are joined - all have remained solid and glued for these 34 years. It has been a wonderful instrument to own and play. A marvelous collector's item.