Harmony Stratotone 1958-1960 - Sunburst

Harmony Stratotone Mars H-45 Model Thinline Hollow Body Electric Guitar (1965), made in Chicago, sunburst lacquer finish, laminated maple body, maple neck with ebonized fingerboard, Original case but not pictured due to poor condition of the case. Guitar is in Very good condition for a 50 to 60 year old guitar.

The H-45 Mars was the bottom of the new hollow Stratotone line introduced in 1958, with a single pickup, non-adjustable truss rod and simple electronics. The Harmony catalog described it thus: "...Provide(s) outstanding value in its price class. Hollow "tone chamber" construction. Ebonized maple fingerboard. Straight-line hardwood neck with built-in steel reinforcing rod. Finely finish in warm sunburst effect showing the grain of the wood. White celluloid bindings. Adjustable bridge. Hinged tailpiece. Single pickup built into body, highly responsive. Tone and volume control. Special slide-switch on mounting plate permits quick change from bass emphasis used for rhythm to treble emphasis used for take-off or solo playing.

This unpretentious little guitar is a bit of a garage band classic, offering a very good value in a light and handy electric guitar for the price. A great vintage vibe at a still-budget price.
 
Overall length is 38 1/4 in. (97.2 cm.), 13 1/8 in. (33.3 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 24 in. (610 mm.). Width of nut is 1 11/16 in. (43 mm.). A very good example, this Stratotone appears all original except for the lower strap button with only some light wear here and there. Sounds and plays as it should, a nice funky little Harmony with a cool vibe.