1962 Harmony Stratotone H45 “Mars” – Excellent Original Condition – Original Blue-Lined Case

Offered for sale is a beautiful early-1960s Harmony Stratotone H45 “Mars”, made in Chicago, USA.

This example carries the internal factory body stamp 107H45. On Harmony guitars of this period, the number after the “H” identifies the model; in this case, H45 confirms it as a Stratotone H45 “Mars.” The preceding number is understood as a factory production/batch code rather than a modern-style serial number.

This guitar is an exceptionally clean and highly original example that has been carefully preserved for more than sixty years. It retains its original finish, electronics, hardware, wooden compensated bridge, pickguard-mounted pickup, and original blue-lined Harmony chipboard case.

Features

• Made in Chicago, USA
• Factory body stamp: 107H45
• Model: Harmony H45 Stratotone “Mars”
• Early 1960s, circa 1962
• Original two-tone Sunburst finish
• Original “Atomic” pickguard
• Original pickguard-mounted Harmony single-coil pickup
• Original electronics and cloth wiring
• Original Switchcraft output jack
• Original compensated wooden bridge
• Original tailpiece
• Original tuners
• Original knobs
• Original blue-lined Harmony chipboard case

Condition

Overall condition is excellent for a guitar over 60 years old.

The finish shows only honest cosmetic wear from normal use. The hardware displays a beautiful natural vintage patina. Electronics function properly, and the guitar plays exceptionally well with comfortable low action.

The original case remains structurally sound. The blue interior is well preserved, showing only minor wear and one small tear in the accessory compartment lining.

Please review all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of this description. Every effort has been made to describe the guitar accurately and honestly. The instrument will be shipped exactly as pictured and described.

Originality

The guitar appears to retain all of its major original components, including the finish, electronics, hardware, bridge, pickguard, pickup, and case. Internal construction, wiring, body stamp, and hardware are all consistent with an early-1960s Harmony H45.

Many Harmony H45s have had replaced bridges, modified electronics, changed hardware, or missing original cases. Finding one this clean, this original, and still paired with its correct chipboard case is becoming increasingly uncommon.

Please feel free to contact me for additional high-resolution photos or specific measurements.

The guitar will be carefully packed and fully insured for shipping.