NBD: Harmony, help ID!

[PennyroyalWe]

Got a new bass today, some sort of oldish Harmony short scale p bass thing. Tore it down and cleaned it up, and have it a decent set up. Plays pretty ok now! For the life of me, however, I can’t find a single whisper of what this bass model might be. Any help is greatly appreciated.

here’s a bunch of pics I took while it was apart.

 

[GretschWretch]

Google Images suggests this is a Harmony H65 bass from the early eighties. All Japan, no Chicago.

 

[PennyroyalWe]

Google Images suggests this is a Harmony H65 bass from the early eighties. All Japan, no Chicago.

Hmm, all the images I’m seeing for the H65 are p bass clones, body shape and everything.

 

[GretschWretch]

True, but you still should be able to gain some insight into production dates. The neck/headstock for example.

 

[B-Mac]

Got a new bass today, some sort of oldish Harmony short scale p bass thing. Tore it down and cleaned it up, and have it a decent set up. Plays pretty ok now! For the life of me, however, I can’t find a single whisper of what this bass model might be. Any help is greatly appreciated.

here’s a bunch of pics I took while it was apart.
View attachment 3842229 View attachment 3842230 View attachment 3842231 View attachment 3842232 View attachment 3842233 View attachment 3842234 View attachment 3842235 View attachment 3842236 View attachment 3842237 View attachment 3842238 View attachment 3842239 View attachment 3842240

Here’s an old thread on Harmony’s and based on a quick glance @GretschWretch appears to be correct in his ‘no Chicago’ assessment.
Help on vintage Harmony

found this too

Harmony History

 

[PennyroyalWe]

Here’s an old thread on Harmony’s and based on a quick glance @GretschWretch appears to be correct in his ‘no Chicago’ assessment.
Help on vintage Harmony

Yeah, there’s no doubt in my mind that it’s definitely made in Asia. My guess is it’s from the 80’s-90’s, judging by the discoloration of the neck. Possibly 2000’s even, though I doubt it. I’d be really surprised if it’s from Japan, too. Even most Korean basses from the era seem to be better made than this. More likely China, Taiwan, or Indonesia? I just wish I could find a model #. So far in my searches I’ve only found 2 pictures of this same model bass. It’s like an updated take on the H805,

 

[B-Mac]

Yeah, there’s no doubt in my mind that it’s definitely made in Asia. My guess is it’s from the 80’s-90’s, judging by the discoloration of the neck. Possibly 2000’s even, though I doubt it. I’d be really surprised if it’s from Japan, too. Even most Korean basses from the era seem to be better made than this. More likely China, Taiwan, or Indonesia? I just wish I could find a model #. So far in my searches I’ve only found 2 pictures of this same model bass. It’s like an updated take on the H805, View attachment 3844323

Have you taken the neck off yet?
Sometimes there’s hand written indications of year and model, but probably not on this, but you never know until you do it.
Good luck with your search!

 

[abarson]

Funny how they seem to borrow some of the oddest characteristics of a Squier Bronco: double string bridge saddles, big pickup route, no shielding, etc.

 

[PennyroyalWe]

Have you taken the neck off yet?
Sometimes there’s hand written indications of year and model, but probably not on this, but you never know until you do it.
Good luck with your search!

I did take the neck off, but didn’t see any marking on the heel, and the pocket had an “8” nothing more written in it. :/

Funny how they seem to borrow some of the oddest characteristics of a Squier Bronco: double string bridge saddles, big pickup route, no shielding, etc.

I’m pretty sure this is pre-bronco bass. Now, the musicmaster bass is pretty much the same thing and that was around when this was produced. My guess is those were common features on lowest budget basses.

 

[B-Mac]

Got a new bass today, some sort of oldish Harmony short scale p bass thing. Tore it down and cleaned it up, and have it a decent set up. Plays pretty ok now! For the life of me, however, I can’t find a single whisper of what this bass model might be. Any help is greatly appreciated.

here’s a bunch of pics I took while it was apart.
View attachment 3842229 View attachment 3842230 View attachment 3842231 View attachment 3842232 View attachment 3842233 View attachment 3842234 View attachment 3842235 View attachment 3842236 View attachment 3842237 View attachment 3842238 View attachment 3842239 View attachment 3842240

Maybe someone in this club can help nail it down?
Official Harmony Bass Owners Club!!!!!!!

 

[PennyroyalWe]

Here’s a demo I made of this bass’s sounds.