NMM 1147.  Harp-guitar by Gibson Mandolin-Guitar Company, Kalamazoo, 1915. Style U (18-3/4").  Serial number 21789.  Factory Order Number 2415. Arne B. Larson Collection, 1979. The harp-guitar was produced by the Gibson Mandolin-Guitar Manufacturing Company from its inception. While its 1903 catalog featured three harp-guitar models, Styles R, R-1, and U, the first two were soon eliminated in favor of the Style U. With its ten sub-bass strings tuned chromatically from A-sharp to G-sharp, the harp-guitar was an ideal instrument to fill out the sound of the mandolin orchestra. The bass strings were to be plucked by the thumb, while the chords could be played, as on a conventional guitar, on the top six strings over the fretboard. Gibson aggressively tried to combat the reluctance of players to adopt the huge harp-guitar. In its 1912 catalog, it minced no words when promoting the harp-guitar as the instrument of the future. In an essay, "When Gray Hairs Applaud, Progress May Well Ask: What Have I Done Amiss?," the company likened the difference between the harp-guitar and the standard guitar to that between the piano and the harpsichord, and wrote, "Death alone saved Bach from the ridicule of the then rising generation, for time and the piano proved Bach’s satisfaction and joys were cheats that held him within the narrow limits and belittled his gratifications by hedging his musical aspiration and inspiration with an instrument of but dwarfed comparison." Other old-fashioned examples held up to mockery included the "dear old grandma" who insisted on using candles and the "quaint old Massachusetts town" that still used oxen for public works. Concluding with a fanciful, not-so-subtle metaphor, Gibson stated that "Because the elevator to success (the Harp-guitar) has been generally stuck (construction not permanent), you have been toiling up the stairs (the six-string Guitar), but the 'Gibson' Harp-guitar is the elevator never stuck. Come in. It’s only 16-2/3 cents a day (a mere pittance, a few cigars or a little candy daily sacrificed) and the matchless 'Gibson' Harp-guitar with black leather case is yours to use and enjoy now." Literature:  Joseph R. Johnson, Mandolin Clubs and Orchestras in the United States (1880-1920):  Their Origin, History and Instruments, M.M. Thesis (Vermillion: University of South Dakota, 1987), p. 140. Return to Gibson Acoustic Guitar Checklist National Music Museum The University of South Dakota 414 East Clark Street Vermillion, SD 57069 ©National Music Museum, 2005 Most recent update: October 23, 2007 You are the 4,231st visitor to this page since May 23, 2005 The University of South Dakota Return to Top of Page