1968 Five Star Harmony-made Parlor Guitar Sunburst Acoustic – “Athena”

Five Star-branded parlor guitar made by Harmony in Chicago during the great catalog-guitar era. “Athena” shares DNA with Harmony-made Stellas and Truetones from the period, right down to the lightweight birch construction, floating bridge and trapeze tailpiece set-up, and the dry, direct voice these old Chicago-built guitars are known for.

Built in 1968 and internally stamped “S-68” and “MADE IN USA,” this guitar is finished in sunburst with white trim details and a distinctive Five Star headstock logo featuring five stars beneath the script lettering.

Shows honest wear consistent with age and use, including small dings, scratches, and a chipped section near the 6th fret on the fingerboard edge. The area has been smoothed and does not affect playability.

Not a museum piece and not pretending to be one. Nonetheless, a very nice example of an old Chicago-built parlor guitar with plenty of character, vintage vibe, and a little cosmic dust still left in the tank.

Some stars burn out. Others just keep throwing sparks. 

SPECS

Make: Five Star Parlor Guitar

Nickname: “Athena” 

Year: 1968 

Color: Sunburst w/ white pick guard, white painted border line and sound hole trim 

Serial No.: None 

Made: The Harmony Company, Chicago, IL, USA 

Scale: 24" 

Frets: 18 

Body: Birch 

Neck: Poplar w/non-adjustable rod 

Fingerboard: Ebonized maple 

Markers: Painted dots 

Nut: Synthetic 

Nut width: 1-3/4" 

Tuners: Kluson 3x3 single line 

Bridge: Nickel-plated trapeze tailpiece, hardwood floating saddle 

Overall length: 36" 

Body length: 17-1/2" 

Depth: 3-3/4" 

Upper bout: 9-1/2" 

Lower bout: 13" 

Case: N/A  

Strings: Martin MA535 Custom Light phosphor bronze – .011, .015, .022, .032, .042, .052 

Note: Information provided is to the best of our knowledge. This is a vintage instrument and shows normal wear consistent with age. Please refer to the listing photos for the cosmetic condition of each individual item prior to clicking the “Gimme!” button. Items are sold “as is”, no returns. Thank you for respecting that. Feel free to reach out with any questions, and have a Fun Time kinda day.