NBD - 1966 Harmony H22

[Mastermold]

I've figured out that these are Kluson 538 tuners from the late 60's/early 70's, and likely taken off of a Gibson bass. The more I play this H22 the more I suspect that it belonged, for many years, to a working bassist. Things like the intonation and action being setup so well and the cheesy Harmony tuners being replaced with what, at that time, were high quality tuners (apparently these old Klusons still have resale value). I may just keep these elephant ears on there out of respect for the previous owner, whoever he/she was.

Makes sense. The only reason to change them is for collector value. If you're happy with the tuners on there, and the bass is a player, just go make some music and enjoy it.

 

[Wannabass]

Any other Harmony players out there?

My significant other found this for me at a garage sale many years ago. I do play it once in a while and the sound is unique. The plunger adds a crazy amount of bass! But not a short scale guy and the lack of fret markers seem to mess me up. But I love it!

I may just keep these elephant ears on there out of respect for the previous owner, whoever he/she was.

Good choice, it feels like the tuner is going to snap off just as I get in tune.

 

[Danny O Danny]

That's a beauty, in fantastic condition!

 

[Wannabass]

Does yours have side markers? As far as I can tell mine's a 61.

 

[bigmikebass]

I add the marks on the side with testors white and a toothpick. Works good enough for me!

 

[dbflats]

Sorry for the late bump..... wondering if anyone would be interested in mine. Was my first bass back in '69 or '70. Much later, bastardized it by having it converted to fretless, albeit by a master luthier. Maple strips In old fret trenches, perfect job.

But then, I tore out the pickup everyone seems to like, in order to put some bill Lawrence blade thing I had. Made messy hole around pickup, then never even finished putting new pickup in. So kind of a mess, but is h22.

I haven't really even examined it in years. Anyone interested, let me know.

 

[Danny O Danny]

A follow-up on this thread I started... I eventually sold the Harmony H22. I was a blast to own and play, but it was also very much a "one trick pony" and posed certain challenges (like getting the intonation set well, getting a good sound from it in a live mix, and the general concern about taking an antique instrument to gigs, etc.). I decided to take advantage of the market demand and sell it at a profit. I followed up by using a Reverend Dub King, which could get fairly close to the H22, especially that great "thump/click" muted picking sound, and also resolved all the other issues of the Harmony. After doing that for a while I eventually went back to long scale basses and sold all my shorties, including the Dub King. The last remaining vestige of my time with the H22 is I have a Fender Gold Foil Jazz bass that has a Curtis Novak H22 replica pickup. Of course, the solid body Jazz bass sounds nothing like the hollow body H22, but the pickup roars and it's a nice reminder.