In response to the folk boom of the late '50s and the rise of rock n' roll in the early '60s, every department store and mail-order catalog wanted to make sure they had plenty of guitars in stock. Mass-produced axes from brands like Harmony, Silvertone, and Kay may have looked the part and temporarily satisfied the desires of aspiring songsters and rockers. While they may have captured the right look to inspire an aspiring player, these instruments were entry-level at best. Even though some were made out of the right materials, they were never actually built to be functional instruments that would ever tune and play properly.
Fortunately, Scott Baxendale and his team of luthiers in Athens, Ga., recognize the potential of these guitars and regularly remanufacture them. In doing so, they totally, re-build, re-brace, and re-voice these instruments, giving them new life and world class tone with no shortage of authentic mojo. These inspiring instruments are an exceptional value, and they're an incredible way to recycle and repurpose old axes.
The Harmony H168 was a short-lived model, only produced from 1968 to approximately 1971. It is striking and visually-distinctive with its six-on-one-side Fender-inspired headstock. This headstock design was common Harmony electrics, but its a unique touch on a concert-size acoustic guitar. But the unique look doesn't stop there—look at the pickguard! How could you not love the mustache-shaped bridge? Beyond all of that, though, the H168 was made with quality tonewoods, so it is an excellent candidate for the Baxendale Conversion Process.
This Baxendale ‘60s Harmony H168 has been totally re-braced to a scalloped, hand-voiced X-brace pattern. It also sports new frets, a new solid rosewood bridge with a bone saddle, a new 1-3/4"-wide bone nut, and six-on-a-plate Kluson Deluxe tuning machines. Its lightweight feel and round vintage neck profile make a guitar that is comfortable and inviting, and thanks to the refret, new bridge, and meticulous setup work, it plays like a brand new guitar. With a Spruce top and Maple back and sides, its ~000-size body produces a rich, warm sound with nice clarity. Baxendale's voicing on this one lends impressive bass response for a mid-size guitar.
This Baxendale '60s Harmony H168 Conversion has mojo for days and the sound and playability to back it up. Every Baxendale Conversion includes a hardshell case and a lifetime warranty.