Harmony H1270 Jumbo 12-String c 1968 | SOLD | (v2244) Harmony in Chicago offered a variety of 12-string guitars, covering a number of price ranges. The H1270 was surely their top of the line, flagship 12-string offering. We've had a number of them over the years and have found that they don't disappoint. The jumbo body, quality woods and appointments like the radiused fingerboard and adjustable truss rod make this model a very well-respected guitar for 12-string enthusiasts ... and the fact that a number of high-profile rock stars used them back in the day certainly boosts the appeal!
The back is made from a nice grade of 'ribbon' mahogany. Harmony must have had quite a stash of this wood, since it's seen on a good number of their better guitars. The top is solid spruce and ladder braced. The top features multiple w/b/w/b/w/b inlaid binding/purfling (a bit more than its sibling v2248). The neck is made from mahogany, bound in white celluloid and topped with a Brazilian rosewood fingerboard. The neck features an adjustable truss rod. The head stock is capped with a Brazilian overlay, and features the Harmony name in gold. The tailpiece is the attractive 'Made in Germany' style. The bridge is Brazilian rosewood.
The body measures 16 5/16" across the lower bout. Scale length is 25 1/4". The fingerboard at the nut measures a hair under 2", and string spacing at the saddle is 2 3/8".
The guitar is in mostly original condition. We reset the neck; supported the upper area of the sound hole with cleats to prevent any 'wrinkling'; replaced the missing celluloid heel cap; fashioned and fastened a new pick guard; eliminated the goofy Harmony dual-saddle set up and went with a single, notched saddle set up; frets were leveled and dressed. All braces are nice and tight. There are a few secure hairlines under the tailpiece; the truss rod cover is missing; there appears to be small stress crack in the bass and treble waist area; the metal shows some patina; the finish shows some stress marks and various and sundry nicks and dings from age and use. The top has mellowed to an attractive pumpkin-color patina. Action is set at 6 & 7/64".
With good action, radiused board and comfortable neck feel, this is a great playing guitar. But the cherry on top is the sound .. this one has the 'it' sound .. with 11-52s the E strings tuned to A#, this one is perfect for the Willie Mctell sound .. big, open, dry and woody .. a joy to play. And for some reason less jangly than other Harmony 12s of the era.
Comes with a soft case.
Check out the sound clip!
The back is made from a nice grade of 'ribbon' mahogany. Harmony must have had quite a stash of this wood, since it's seen on a good number of their better guitars. The top is solid spruce and ladder braced. The top features multiple w/b/w/b/w/b inlaid binding/purfling (a bit more than its sibling v2248). The neck is made from mahogany, bound in white celluloid and topped with a Brazilian rosewood fingerboard. The neck features an adjustable truss rod. The head stock is capped with a Brazilian overlay, and features the Harmony name in gold. The tailpiece is the attractive 'Made in Germany' style. The bridge is Brazilian rosewood.
The body measures 16 5/16" across the lower bout. Scale length is 25 1/4". The fingerboard at the nut measures a hair under 2", and string spacing at the saddle is 2 3/8".
The guitar is in mostly original condition. We reset the neck; supported the upper area of the sound hole with cleats to prevent any 'wrinkling'; replaced the missing celluloid heel cap; fashioned and fastened a new pick guard; eliminated the goofy Harmony dual-saddle set up and went with a single, notched saddle set up; frets were leveled and dressed. All braces are nice and tight. There are a few secure hairlines under the tailpiece; the truss rod cover is missing; there appears to be small stress crack in the bass and treble waist area; the metal shows some patina; the finish shows some stress marks and various and sundry nicks and dings from age and use. The top has mellowed to an attractive pumpkin-color patina. Action is set at 6 & 7/64".
With good action, radiused board and comfortable neck feel, this is a great playing guitar. But the cherry on top is the sound .. this one has the 'it' sound .. with 11-52s the E strings tuned to A#, this one is perfect for the Willie Mctell sound .. big, open, dry and woody .. a joy to play. And for some reason less jangly than other Harmony 12s of the era.
Comes with a soft case.
Check out the sound clip!