Harmony 1964 Silhouette H15

The Harmony 1964 Silhouette H15: A Classic American Vintage Icon

A Historic Piece from the Golden Age of Harmony Guitars

The Harmony 1964 Silhouette H15 is a true relic of the 1960s American guitar boom, originally produced at the Harmony factory in Chicago, USA. Launched in 1963 as part of the Silhouette solid-body series, this model was designed as an entry-level student guitar, yet its DeArmond “Golden-Tone" gold foil pickups quickly made it a favorite for blues and garage rock players. This guitar retains its original vintage charm, with only minor touch-ups and overspray on the body, making it a rare and highly collectible piece.

Classic Birch Construction with Vintage Wear

The solid birch body delivers a distinctive midrange punch, while the C-profile birch neck provides a comfortable playing experience. Its ebonized maple fingerboard features six faux pearl dot inlays, and its 10-inch radius makes for smooth chording and effortless lead work. While the original finish has been touched up, the guitar maintains its authentic character, showing natural wear that enhances its vintage appeal.

DeArmond Gold Foil Pickups for Iconic Tone

Equipped with original DeArmond/Rowe gold foil pickups, the H15 delivers the raw, gritty tone that has been celebrated in countless recordings. Known for their warm, dynamic response, these pickups provide everything from jangly cleans to aggressive overdriven tones, making this guitar a favorite among vintage enthusiasts and indie rock players alike.

Vintage Hardware and Electronics

This guitar features original CTS mini pots dating to 1964, with a fully intact pickguard assembly manufactured by Rowe Industries. The electronics remain untouched and fully functional, including the original grounding braid wraps. The floating faux rosewood bridge with its adjustable saddle adds to the guitar's authenticity, complete with circular saw marks-a known feature of these models.

A Collector's Dream with Original Features

Aside from some minor strap button replacements and cosmetic touch-ups, this 1964 Harmony Silhouette H15 remains largely original. With its period-correct open-geared tuners, original white pickguard, and unmistakable cupcake knobs, this guitar is a true time capsule of vintage American craftsmanship. Whether you're a collector or a player seeking authentic ‘60s tone, this instrument is a rare find.

Specifications

• Make: Harmony
• Model: Silhouette H15
• Year: 1964
• Body Material: Birch
• Neck Material: Birch
• Neck Profile: C Shape
• Neck Attachment: Bolt-On
• Neck Depth:
  • 1st Fret: 0.857"
  • 10th Fret: 0.885"
• Scale Length: 24"
• Fingerboard Material: Ebonized Maple
• Fingerboard Radius: 10"
• Number of Frets: 20
• Fretwear: Slight wear in the first position
• Inlays: Faux Pearl Dot (6)
• Nut Material: Bone
• Nut Width: 1.762"

Electronics

• Pickups: Stock DeArmond/Rowe Gold Foil (Neck & Bridge)
• Controls: 2 Volume, 2 Tone, 3-Way Toggle Switch
• Potentiometers: Original CTS Mini Pots (Stamped "1376420")

Hardware

• Bridge: Floating Faux Rosewood with Adjustable Saddle
• Tuning Machines: Original Open-Geared Tuners
• Pickguard: Original White Single-Ply (Manufactured by Rowe)
• Other Features: Original Chrome Tailpiece, Nickel Tuners, Black "Cupcake" Knobs