Harmony H44 stratotone reissue opinions

[futureperfect2]

I was considering getting one of these but can't find any reviews or clips. I do have a harmony dealer by be but they don't have this model in at the moment. Have any of you had the chance to play one? Is it well built? Does it sound at all like the original? I would appreciate any information.


Thanks,

Keith

[In Tune]

Im also interested in these cool Harmony reissues..But you are correct no talk of them here. I do think they are most likely made better than the originals and look killer. Just my opinion.

[johneeeveee]

Im also interested in these cool Harmony reissues..But you are correct no talk of them here. I do think they are most likely made better than the originals and look killer. Just my opinion.

Just my opinion, but:

They don't really look like the originals and felt more like a plastic toy to me. The pups aren't even close, nor are the necks.

I will say that the reissues aren't a bad guitar, although not a bargain at the price they go for. They are just very different than the vintage H-44's. You might like it, but definitely a different animal.

Good luck - jv

[futureperfect2]

I have played the Jupiter Stratotone and it didn't feel like a toy to me. I would say that it did sound kind of bland but it is my impression that these guitars especially sound best through a cranked amp.

I did find a few videos of the h44 reissue:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHF3l67IOpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tf_IjiHc7T8

sounds pretty good to me. Possibly good enough to buy. The guy in the second video has an original as well and says it's pretty close.

here is an original for comparison.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMjOGNYHU9A&feature=related

It does seem to have more character than the reissue but that could be a function of the player/amp/bad youtube sound.

[minorseventh]

the Harmonys do seem a little high priced, but then again so do the Eastwoods. I have read several times that they are made by the Jay Turser folks, who probably also make a ton of other low to mid priced brands.

(not necessarily a bad thing, I just dont know if any korean guitars are worth 800 bucks ya know.)

I do wish the harmony reissues had a second model with a bridge pickup. In any event, if one could be had for less than retail.. a a vintage dearmond/rowe pickup could be found on ebay and you would have a pretty killer little blues machine..although you'd be approaching the 1000.00 mark quickly.

[johneeeveee]

sounds pretty good to me. Possibly good enough to buy. The guy in the second video has an original as well and says it's pretty close.



I agree... they are pretty cool, but still think they are just a very different animal... especially the sound of the pups and the much much thinner neck.

Just my 2 cents... trust your own ears.

Good luck - jv

[futureperfect2]

The store by me should have one in by the time I get a chance to go there. I'll let people know what I though after I try it out.