1950’s Silvertone Espanada H62! SOLD!
Click any picture for supersize view!
Wow! Here’s one of my favorites, direct from my secret stash. This is a super rare Silvertone 1385L (Also referred to as a 1427L after 1960 and as an H62 if it has a Harmony logo) that has been one of my favorite archtops. Basically the same thing as the famous Espanada except without the metal binding. Also similar to the more conservative Artist Jazz series. Super duper uncommon, I’ve only seen a handful. A top end Harmony built guitar. Don’t mistake this one for a cheapie. It will go head to head with bigger brand names. The body is big and thick at 3 inches deep. Around 16 or so inches wide. The top is laminated spruce I believe with maple back and sides. The maple neck features a bound rosewood fingerboard with pearloid block inlays. The pickups are the famous Harmony P-13’s. Gibson wound, these are basically vintage P-90’s in a different cover. Original trapeze tailpiece and floating bridge (I used to have a Bigsby on it. Man did that rock!) team with open back Waverly tuners. The finish is Jet Black lacquer which contrasts nicely with the wide binding. An incredible guitar for jump blues, swing, jazz or rockabilly. Better than many Gretsch boxes of the era, I would have no problem recommending this one to a pro player. Again, super uncommon and a great addition to archtop lovers collection!
Unlike many of these, this one is set up and ready to play. Neck angle is good and the action is low. The small frets show wear but the guitar still plays well. Beefy neck shape. Binding on the driver’s side of the neck has been replaced. The P-13 pickups have great growl and bark. Warm, smooth and mellow but they can be pushed when need be. All electronics work fine with no buzzes or scratchiness. Pickguard and switch tip have taken a permanent vacation. S on the Silvertone logo has been pro replaced. Condition wise, this one is nice and solid. Average wear and tear. Some checking, scratches, dents and dings but no breaks or cracks. A nice, solid one. Comes in a recent TKL hardshell case.
This is a great and unique guitar for all of you archtop nuts. Some of my regulars know that I get weak in the knees for a good jazz box. This one is coming out of my personal collection. You know the drill on these. When they do show up they are usually straight from the attic or a dusty pawn shop being sold on ebay by folks that don’t know guitars. In other words, you may get a broken, unplayable wallhanger. Why screw around? SOLD!
