Please Help Me Identify this Eharp

Mike Stelnicki · From: Chicago, Illinois, USA

Could someone help me date this Eharp? Not sure if it's a later Epiphone or one of the earlier Valco ones. I'd guess it's an early sixties model but have no idea.

I've heard and played a pretty early Epiphone and thought it was a great sounding, really well-designed steel guitar.

Any comments on this one?

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Mike Stelnicki · From: Chicago, Illinois, USA

Duane Solley · From: San Antonio, Texas, USA

Mike, Look at the website www.Eharpplayers.com. I believe I have a brochure describing your guitar and will try to get it posted today or tomorrow. I know the brochures I have on there now are almost unreadable and you have given me the motivation to replace them.

Mike Stelnicki · From: Chicago, Illinois, USA

Thanks, Duane.

I checked out the pamphlets - and it seems like this is one of the 1975 Oak "Islander" series.

It looks pretty similar to your axe as well. How do these sound compared to the older Epiphone models?

Many thanks again for your help.

Duane Solley · From: San Antonio, Texas, USA

I have not actually heard that many Eharps Mike, so I cannot compare them, but I really like mine. From what I have learned about Eddie Alkire he was always trying to improve things so I would assume the latest models sound the best. Your's is sure a beauty. Are you going to tune it to the Alkire tuning? Will you be taking it to Winchester or Joliet this year? Love to see it.

Charles Buttner Jr · From: Easton, Pennsylvania, USA

Mike,
I have the same Eharp I think I bought it about 1963-1965 from Eddie Alkire here in Easton Pa. I believe it may have been the last models made.I try calling Ed Jr. and see if he has any information on that model.
Charlie

Charles Buttner Jr · From: Easton, Pennsylvania, USA

Mike,
I got in contact with Richard Alkire about the model Eharp that we both have. He told me the guitar was made by Valco. This particular model was made in the late 50's or early 60's and was the last model made for Alkire. The earlier models, up until about 1950, were made by Epiphone.

I hope this helps you.

Charlie

Mike Stelnicki · From: Chicago, Illinois, USA

Charles - thanks a bunch for living in the birthplace of the Eharp and for giving Ed Jr, a call.

Duane - this guitar's for sale in a non-local (to me) music store, and I'm thinking of picking it up. I was just introduced to the Alkire tuning and love it. I'm a great admirer of his guitars, as well - the early Epiphone Eharp I've seen is really well engineered, is beautiful, and sounds great to my ears.

Thanks for all your help gentlemen!

Michael Lee Allen · From: Portage Park / Irving Park, Chicago, Illinois

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Mike Stelnicki · From: Chicago, Illinois, USA

Michael - thanks for the explanation about this Teacher's model.

I don't have the steel - it's for sale in a guitar shop on the West Coast. They sent over these photos. They're asking $499 plus shipping, which seems like a fair deal considering I just found an identical Eharp (in substantially poorer condition) Elderly Instruments in Ann Arbor is selling for $685.

I know this is impossible to quantify, but could you describe the overall tone and feel of these Teacher's Models compared to the late 40's Epiphone model 'harps (or other steels for that matter)?

I think Eddie Alkire's system is great and would love to have one of his guitars, I just hate to buy instruments completely blind...

Anyway, thanks again for all the explanations.

Doug Beaumier · From: Northampton, MA

Mike, that little metal tag on the bottom, near the tuners, is a Valco serial number tag. That number will tell us the exact year of production. Those aluminum tags were used until 1964. The Case looks like late 1950's or very early 60's.
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Michael Lee Allen · From: Portage Park / Irving Park, Chicago, Illinois

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Mike Stelnicki · From: Chicago, Illinois, USA

Doug - thanks for the tip.

I called the store but got the answering machine (holiday weekend's got everyone 'jumping the desk' early it seems).

I zoomed in on the photo with the plate and I'm pretty sure the serial reads T39257.

Michael Lee Allen · From: Portage Park / Irving Park, Chicago, Illinois

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_________________
"Wisdom does not always come with age. Many times age arrives alone."

Michael Lee Allen · From: Portage Park / Irving Park, Chicago, Illinois

removed
_________________
"Wisdom does not always come with age. Many times age arrives alone."

Mike Stelnicki · From: Chicago, Illinois, USA

Michael - thanks for your advice - I'm going to contact the guys next week and see what the store guarantees are and whatnot.

Seems like a good guitar at a good price - seems like even crappy instruments nowdays are crazily overpriced. It's nice to come a fair deal.

Charles Buttner Jr · From: Easton, Pennsylvania, USA

The serial # on my Eharp is G7687. I know it's 1960's but just like to ckeck the site. I can't fine the web site to check it. Can anyone give me the URL for the site.
Charlie

Michael Lee Allen · From: Portage Park / Irving Park, Chicago, Illinois

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"Wisdom does not always come with age. Many times age arrives alone."

Charles Buttner Jr · From: Easton, Pennsylvania, USA

Michael, Thanks for the info.I had the site at one time but it got amomg the missing.

Charlie

Brad Bechtel · From: San Francisco, CA

http://www.provide.net/~cfh/national.html#valco

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