Vintage baritone ukuleles

bsfloyd

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Hello gang. I'm considering picking up a baritone and seen these three vintage Harmony's on Reverb. As I know very little about vintage Harmony ukuleles (I do know about their guitars and they are can be nice for a good one), I'm hoping I can get a nay or yay from those more experienced than I. Thanks.

https://reverb.com/item/2370900-harmony-baritone-ukulele-1960-s-natural

https://reverb.com/item/6466473-harmony-baritone-ukulele-1950s-original-mahogany

https://reverb.com/item/1942063-harmony-baritone-ukulele-1950-s-natural
 
I have a couple of friends that have vintage Harmony Baritones. They are sweet sounding instruments, not particularly loud, but that may be a string choice. I think they are great instruments and those look like excellent prices for what you would be getting assuming they are in good condition.
 
Some folks I know have said that often the Harmony baritones need a good set up as the action can be high. Once that is done I have heard they are decent. FWIW- I have heard raves about the Giannini baritones. They are reputed to be really great sounding and playing instruments and can often be found relatively cheaply.

In fact, there is one listed right now

https://reverb.com/item/6997025-giannini-baritone-ukelele-mahogany-made-in-brazil

Favillas are also worth considering.
 
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Had a Silvertone bari (made by Harmony). It was a very nice sounding instrument. It sounded better than a Favilla bari I had at the time. The only minor issue is that they usually have is high action at the 12th fret. This was by design, to avoid any possible buzzing in a mass produced instrument. Not much of concern if a little higher action at the 12 the wouldn't bother you, or if you can sand or file the saddle.

Harmony baritones typically sell between $100 and $200 in good working condition.
 
Thanks for the replies and info, everyone! I will knock it around a while and see how they go...
 
My dad used to say, you get what you pay for. Not dissing Harmony instruments at all as I own a vintage Harmony guitar and like it for what it is. And while I'm not suggesting that you mortgage the house to acquire a priceless vintage gem, some really quality vintage baritones can be had if you're patient and prepared to pull the trigger when they pop up on your radar. I own both a vintage Martin and vintage Guild baritone that are stellar and quite a few quality rungs above any Harmony you will find. Both were purchased for less than $500, and while neither came injury free, both needed very little work done to get them up to snuff and will continue to please as long as I choose to keep them. And following up on what EDW said, I also own a Gianinni baritone that set me back $125 and is a very solid instrument. Just a thought. Best of luck on your search.
 
Vegas from the 50s might suit you. I've seen them in the 150 range. Condition is always a concern for anything over 60 years old including me.
 
Did you get one?

bsfloyd, did you pick one up? I picked up two Harmony baritones in the last few months. Both need some minor work, but they sound great. I started as a tenor player so I prefer the larger sizing.
 
Thanks for the message, Heavy2600! Nope, never did. I am always looking at them though on Reverb, just never took the plunge yet. Good to hear though as I am currently considering another baritone. Thanks.
 
I have a 1950's Harmony baritone that belonged to my uncle. I have to say that I'm pleased with how it plays and sounds, especially given the bad press that vintage Harmony ukuleles receive when you start trying to research the value. If the price is right (and it shouldn't be too expensive), I don't think you'll be disappointed. It isn't nearly the finesse instrument that my Kala acacia baritone is, but this one has more than enough of it's own charm!

Here's a sound check I did with mine when it still had the original strings: https://www.instagram.com/p/BJCQ6ZxAX0A/?taken-by=braddtastic.
Here's a closer look at the instrument itself: https://www.instagram.com/p/BJCQZRqg0Pn/?taken-by=braddtastic
 
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