Details
The Style U harp guitar was the most expensive instrument in Gibson’s catalog until the introduction of the Lloyd Loar Master Models in 1922, and for good reason. For starters it's huge (almost 19" wide) with a complex shape and a carved top and carved back. The two necks are topped with elaborate headstocks and the 10 additional harp neck strings exert tremendous tension on the body. In summary, Gibson's harp guitar was a stylistic and engineering challenge. Harp guitars were widely used in mandolin groups, and the voluminous bass they produced was needed to balance all those high-pitched mandolin strings. Given Gibson's heavy reliance on mandolin sales in the 'teens and early 1920s, it's no surprise they would give their harp guitar a curl on the upper bout to match the curls on F model mandolins and their flagship Style O guitar. When viewed together in period photos of the day all those curls made quite a fashion statement and there was no mistaking a Gibson!
This example was made in 1917 and it’s in excellent structural and cosmetic condition. It looks to be all original and includes its original hardshell case. The previous owner actually played this guitar and had it refretted by Fred Carlson, a luthier who knows a thing or two about harp guitars, so the six-string neck is very playable, for a 1917 Gibson. (Gibson guitar necks from this period have a very robust V shape.) The sub bass strings were recently replaced, as well, making this one of the very Style U harp guitars that has been set up and ready to go.
Specs
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Back sides
Birch (carved back)
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Bridge
Maple/Ebony
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Fingerboard
Ebony
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Finish
Shellac
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Neck material
Mahogany
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Nut width
1 3/4"
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Scale length
25"
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Top material
Carved Solid Spruce
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Tuners
Original Waverly
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Year
1917
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Case type
Original Hardshell
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Serial number
35596
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SKU
GIBSTYLEU-35596
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UPC
142072
