Harmony (Airline) H70 Meteor 1960 - Sunburst / A Beauty!

Offered for sale is a beautiful, 1960 Vintage Harmony H70 Meteor, branded as an Airline, the same Harmony model used by Keef and Dave Davies in the early years of the British Invasion, most famous perhaps as the lead guitar on “You Really Got Me,”: by the Kinks.  This guitar is in 95% original and Excellent condition.  The only non-original parts are the tuners (I believe) and the endpin.  The pickups and wiring harness are completely spec, and those DeArmond PUPs NEVER disappoint.  These also have the adjustable pole pieces!  There is no noise in the volume or treble controls, or at the jack.  The guitar has a couple nicks and dings on it (who doesn’t at 63 years old?), but everything is  purely cosmetic.

As most Harmony fans know, Harmony manufactured guitars for a host of retailers, generally along the same basic construction lines, but with subtle tweaks to give each “brand name” a vibe of its own.  Airline was the brand of guitars sold through one of the catalog giants of 1950s and 1960s, Montgomery Ward.  

So, what is different about this Meteor?  

I’ve had the tuners off and I suspect that they are replacement, but there is only one set of holes for the tuning machine screws.  There is a possibility that they are original (they work perfectly).  The main difference is that this Meteor uses a style of trapeze tailpiece that is more like the later H-75 series guitars.  Harmony branded Meteors of this Vintage have a straight “T” style of tailpiece.  Also, the pick guard is black and white, while the Harmony models typically used a tortoise shell guard.

Other than that, this Meteor is the same as any other Harmony H70 of the era.  It has the bound neck and the cupcake knobs, those wonderful DeArmonds, and a slim, straight neck.  The build quality is absolutely first rate.  I love these old Harmony guitars, but build quality varied considerably between models.  The Meteor line is a much more solid guitar than say the Rockets or Rebels, which can feel a little flimsy in the hand.  The Meteor is every bit as well made as the Guild, Gretsch and Fender hollow bodies, and, with its bolt on neck, it is a breeze to service.

Some important specs:

Top - Laminated Spruce

Back Sides and Neck - Laminated Maple

Fretboard and Bridge are Brazilian Rosewood

Body Width - Lower Bout - 15 1/2”

Body Depth - 2”

Nut Width - 1 13/16”

Scale Length - 24 1/4”

Action - 3/32” Low E, 5/64” High E

If you are into old-time rock and roll, country, jazz or even rock blues, this is a great, Vintage guitar. On-stage or in the studio, it is sure to get you noticed.  And if you haven’t experienced them yet, the single coil DeArmonds have a cult following for a good reason.  They are robust and warm, where the Strat pickups tend to sound thin and raspy.  The treble end is bright without being shrill.  And the bottom end is dark as night.  These are among the finest pickups ever to grace an American guitar.

Please be sure to check out the photos carefully, as I have tried to capture the guitar from every angle.

Serial #: 2220H70 (1960 Manufacture)

Comes with an original, vintage Harmony Case, well worn but functional.

This Harmony Meteor H70 is sold AS IS, and is not returnable unless it arrives in a condition other than as described or photographed, here.

Price: $1600 (was $1800) (plus $125 Shipping (Lower 48, USA only)