Bandlab Technologies from Singapore owns Harmony Guitars. Currently, the company is a discontinued guitar manufacturing firm, but before its discontinuation, Harmony was the largest musical instrument manufacturer in the United States. Some of the firm’s bestsellers included guitars, violins, and ukuleles.
Foundation
In 1892, Wilhelm Schultz established The Harmony Company. In 1916 by Sears, Roebuck, and Co. to capture the ukulele market.
The company started producing Roy Smeck models in 1928. This made the firm the largest musical instrument manufacturer in the USA. By 1930, they had sold over half a million banjos, guitars, and mandolins.
Towards the end of the 1930s, The Harmony Company started manufacturing violins. Before this, the firm had taken a 19-year break. Notably, the firm bought brand names from the insolvent Oscar Schmidt Co.
At the time, the company sold products under various company’s names. These included Sears, Silverstone Valencia, Johnny Marvin, Vogue, Valencia, and others. This practice ended in 1940 when the owner disagreed with management and decided to restart the company himself.
From 1945 to 1975, The Harmony Company made over 10 million guitars. This mass production, however, was to be short-lived. The firm instead focused on making devices for students. Competition from lowly-priced products led to reduced sales, eventually resulting in the company’s closure.
Recovery
Following The Harmony Company’s closure in 1975, the H.N Rowe & Company started producing similar musical instruments. The company operated from Toledo, Ohio.
After ceasing in 1975, The Harmony Company sold the rights to the name. At the beginning of the 21st century, a firm located near Lake Barrington, called Westheimer Corp., started to ‘reissue’ Harmony guitars.
Later, in 2018, BandLab Technologies relaunched Harmony Guitars by introducing a range of amplifiers and electric guitars. As of now, the most popular guitars in this series are the Jupiter and the Rebel.
Harmony Guitar Range
These are the current guitars you can purchase from Harmony.
- Harmony Comet Electric Guitar – This guitar turns even the most basic chords into unforgettable tunes. The Comet Guitar brings magic and classiness to everyone who plays it.
- Harmony Juno – Despite its small size, this guitar produces high-quality sound. With hand-bound pickups, you’re assured of rich harmonics, even when on overdrive.
- Harmony Silhouette – If you’re a new guitarist, this is the perfect device. It has a sleek and contoured design that is comfortableand is also easy to use.
- Harmony Jupiter – With this guitar, you willhaveminimal difficulties when playing. What’s more, it’s suitable for all genres.
- Harmony Rebel – Like other Harmony Guitars, the Rebel has outstanding aesthetics. It’s also exceptional at balancing the mids, bass, and treble to ensure that you achieve the perfect sound.
- Harmony Retro – Are you a fan of classical guitars? Then the Harmony Retro is the perfect choice for you. Although they feature an old design, these don’t disappoint on performance.
Wrapping Up
While the company is no longer at the top of guitar manufacturing, it is still a renowned name among music enthusiasts. The products are aesthetically appealing and, more importantly, they produce high-quality sound.
Additionally, you have the opportunity to purchase Retro models if you’re a fan of the old times. They come with a casing to ensure that your device isn’t damaged, lest you’re overly careless.
Lastly, Harmony Guitars offer variety. Whether you love reggae or pop, you’ll find a guitar that suits your needs. The same applies to your experience level – you might be a novice, but you’re sure to get a device that is easy to play.
