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Harmony H22 reissue--Has anyone tried it yet?

#45
It definitely looks nice, and people have praised its tone, but I was comparing the neck-width stats between the original H-22, the reissue H-22, and my (non-operational) reissue Epiphone Rivoli... Part of what I loved about my Rivoli was the feel of the neck and the relatively small taper from nut to heel. It actually resembles the older H-22 in that respect. The new H-22 has a more pronounced taper, more like typical modern basses. I really don't know why they had to change that with the reissue, especially when they were making a big deal about designing them to be as close to the originals as possible; it really makes it a deal-breaker for me.
 
#47
I'm not talking about the shape of the neck cross-section, but rather the taper of the neck width, from the nut to the heel where it joins the body.

Neck widths:

H-22 reissue
------------
at nut: 1 11/16"
at heel: 2 3/8"

H-22 original
------------
at nut: 1 3/4"
at heel: 2"

Rivoli reissue
------------
at nut: 1 5/13" (1.65" published stat)
at heel: about 2 1/12" (measured by hand)
 
#51
I lucked out 2 years ago and found a 1966 H22 hanging in a small music store in a small town for $400. Excellent condition and appears to have the original strings, too! LOL! It produces a real fat low-end thud, especially with the old dead strings.
Most reissues are never like the original thing, but I have not made the comparison. I have seen vintage H22 basses on Ebay. For a $100 or $200 more why not try for the real thing?
 
#52
The Harmony H22 was the 2nd bass my brother had back circa 1965-66. His first was a used Danelectro with copper metalflake that had a buzz we didn't know how to fix on the E string. We sold that for $80 and took the money and bought the Harmony for $115 at a music store in Ambridge, Pa.

Certainly wish I'd kept that H22 bass, can't say I ever felt that about the Danelectro.
That bass had a great tone and my brother actually got motivated for a year or two to practice once he had it and his own Gretsch bass amp, but those tuners were a nightmare and before electronic tuners he had a hard time keeping it in tune.
 
#53
Okay, I finally gave in. It had been hanging on the wall at the local shop for months and I decided enough was enough, this thing needed a good home. I'll admit, I was pretty reluctant about the trade in I was going to have to make, but I sacked up and went for it. I traded my Ibanez AFB200 hollowbody artcore bass plus $165 cash in order to take this retro king home. The Ibanez was a great hollowbody and will definitely be missed, I may even buy another one day and would recommend it to anyone looking for a good hollowbody, but on this particular day, I was ready for a change.

I have to say, unfortunately, I've never played an original H22, so I'm basing my opinions purely on what I feel about this exact bass. From what I've read, I guess the neck was widened up on the reissue and was getting several complaints from the old school guys out there. I wish I had the opportunity to compare the two but hey, I wasn't even conceived until the mid 80's.

To me, the neck is very comfortable. The bass came strung with flat wounds, which isn't really my style, but for now I'm dealing with it. Overall, this thing is structurally sound. It does have a set neck which is also a major change from the original from what I understand. Acoustically, it puts out enough to play along side an acoustic guitar and sounds pretty damn good. The thin body is very comfortable to me, my Ibanez always felt a little bulky. The pickup is okay, nothing spectacular as far as range, but respectively, it does have a warm, deep, full tone. With the right affect, it can simulate an upright fairly well, or as well as any hollowbody can hope to anyway.

I did find it strange that nowhere on the body, inside or out, could I find a model or serial number, maybe it's under the pickguard? I haven't taken it apart yet to find out. Also the bass/baritone switch is a little loose but probably just needs a quick tightening. The die cast machine heads help keep the bass in tune very well, which is an upgrade from the original from everything I've read.

All in all, I'm very happy with my trade in and think this is a great instrument. Over the last couple of days my fender and eastwood have played second fiddle to this baby, I've barely set the thing down at all. It's very comfortable, sounds good, and looks killer. I would recommend picking one up and giving it a go round before you knock it. At right under $500, I think it's well worth the money.
 
#54
airlinemapbass said:
Okay, I finally gave in. It had been hanging on the wall at the local shop for months and I decided enough was enough, this thing needed a good home. I'll admit, I was pretty reluctant about the trade in I was going to have to make, but I sacked up and went for it. I traded my Ibanez AFB200 hollowbody artcore bass plus $165 cash in order to take this retro king home. The Ibanez was a great hollowbody and will definitely be missed, I may even buy another one day and would recommend it to anyone looking for a good hollowbody, but on this particular day, I was ready for a change.

I have to say, unfortunately, I've never played an original H22, so I'm basing my opinions purely on what I feel about this exact bass. From what I've read, I guess the neck was widened up on the reissue and was getting several complaints from the old school guys out there. I wish I had the opportunity to compare the two but hey, I wasn't even conceived until the mid 80's.

To me, the neck is very comfortable. The bass came strung with flat wounds, which isn't really my style, but for now I'm dealing with it. Overall, this thing is structurally sound. It does have a set neck which is also a major change from the original from what I understand. Acoustically, it puts out enough to play along side an acoustic guitar and sounds pretty damn good. The thin body is very comfortable to me, my Ibanez always felt a little bulky. The pickup is okay, nothing spectacular as far as range, but respectively, it does have a warm, deep, full tone. With the right affect, it can simulate an upright fairly well, or as well as any hollowbody can hope to anyway.

I did find it strange that nowhere on the body, inside or out, could I find a model or serial number, maybe it's under the pickguard? I haven't taken it apart yet to find out. Also the bass/baritone switch is a little loose but probably just needs a quick tightening. The die cast machine heads help keep the bass in tune very well, which is an upgrade from the original from everything I've read.

All in all, I'm very happy with my trade in and think this is a great instrument. Over the last couple of days my fender and eastwood have played second fiddle to this baby, I've barely set the thing down at all. It's very comfortable, sounds good, and looks killer. I would recommend picking one up and giving it a go round before you knock it. At right under $500, I think it's well worth the money.
Click to expand...

Nice review. Thanks for the insights. This is certainly a bass I would consider. Had I not already purchased a Kay reissue, I may have got this one. These seem to be similar instruments, but I do hope to someday play one of these Harmony basses.
 
#59
I'd love to hear one. IF it sounded better than my Kay 162 Reissue , which I dearly love, I'd buy one in a heartbeat. The incredible Kay 162 is $800....a comparable price.
 

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