A rare 1972 Harptone E-6NC made in Newark, NJ. The guitars were made at the B & C Bulls Head Brand case factory. The company was located at 127 South 15th Street...
Now a little history:
From what I know a guy named Sam Koontz built his first guitar, a classical, in 1959. In about 1960 he built his first archtop. He apparently was shop foreman for the Framus guitar line importer and designed guitars for the Framus factory while working for Philadelphia Music Co. He also did design work for C. F. Martin Company during this time.
In around 1965 Sam was assigned the task of developing the Standel and Harptone guitar lines, including the manufacturing procedures. You can see the similar, if not identical, headstock shape on Koontz, Standel and Harptone instruments
Guitar production of the Sam Koontz designed guitars started in 1965. For two years Harptone produced Supreme labeled Harptones for the Sam Ash Company in New York City. Electric guitars were added in 1967 with the Standel contract and were produced for about two years. Total Standel production was limited to approximately 300 guitars.
Late in 1968 the Standel contract came to an end and undelivered stock was re-branded as Harptone. During this time Harptone was producing guitars under their own brand name. In 1972 Sam Koontz left Harptone and the guitars underwent some changes. The first change was a smaller bridge fitted a fixed saddle. This is one of those guitars. Another change was a dovetail designed pickguard. In 1975 the guitars no longer had a zero fret.
Harptone was sold to Diamond-S guitars in late 1975. Diamond-S Harptones were built in Independence Va. by brothers John and Danny Sturgill and their cousin Larrry Sturgill until around 1980 when most assets were sold at auction.
This 1972 Harptone is in pretty good shape. Gorgeous solid spruce top and figured maple back and sides. The back is arched much like the Crucianelli guitars of the 1960s. The neck has been reset and two top cracks along the fretboard were professionally repaired by a luthier in Connecticut. (see pics). Also has some lacquer checking, but overall wicked cool! Plays and sounds like a million bucks.
A rare survivor!
Check out the pics because they don't lie... like always! The condition is, well, check out the pics!
Shipping quoted is to you in the CONUS, as always... includes the original chipboard case.
Hey make me an offer... I just might take it. Ya never know!
