Harmony Model 200 | 1947 | Serviced | Vintage Tube Amplifier |

1947 Harmony Model 200 Vintage Tube Amplifier

Offered here is a beautiful and remarkably well-preserved Harmony Model 200 amplifier dating to approximately 1947. This is an early postwar Chicago-built Harmony amplifier with wonderful period styling and, more importantly, the warm, harmonically rich sound that makes these early low-powered tube amplifiers so desirable for recording.

This amplifier has been carefully serviced and is performing perfectly. Necessary aging capacitors have been replaced to make the amplifier reliable and usable while retaining as much of the original circuitry and character as practical. A 3-prong cord has replaced the original cord. The original transformers and major components remain in place.

Of particular interest is the amplifier's pair of vintage blackened 6V6 output tubes, believed to be original to the amplifier. I tested both tubes on my Hickok TV-7D/U military tube tester, and remarkably, both test at 80, providing an exceptionally well-matched pair. They are installed and operating properly in the amplifier.

The original carrying handle had deteriorated with age and has been replaced with the high-quality stitched leather handle shown in the photographs. The original handle has been retained and will be included with the amplifier.

The Model 200 provides three inputs, with the third accommodating instrument or microphone, separate Instrument and Microphone volume controls, and a Bass/Treble tone control, all visible on the original rear control panel.

Sound

This is where the amplifier really shines.

At moderate volume it produces a warm, full vintage tube sound, but when pushed it moves naturally into the soft, compressed and harmonically rich overdrive associated with small American amplifiers of the 1940s. The breakup is extremely musical and responsive to playing dynamics.

It is an especially appealing studio amplifier for guitar, where natural power-tube saturation can be obtained without the excessive volume of a large amplifier. It is also exceptionally well suited to blues harmonica/harp, where its natural compression, warmth and early breakup are exactly the characteristics many players seek.

This isn't a reproduction or a modern amplifier designed to imitate a 1940s sound. It is the real thing—an approximately 79-year-old Harmony tube amplifier that remains a genuinely useful musical instrument.

Condition

The cabinet retains its wonderful original cream and burgundy two-tone covering, distinctive Harmony-script grille cloth and period rear control panel.

There is considerable honest cosmetic wear—scuffs, discoloration, edge wear and other marks—which I would leave exactly as it is. It looks like a genuine 1940s amp rather than something that has been cosmetically restored. Please examine the photographs carefully for condition.

The chassis has been serviced as necessary, including replacement capacitors, while retaining its vintage construction and major original components.

Currently tested, fully operational and sounding excellent. See video to hear