Pete had no intention of ever selling this, his first harp guitar (purchase in 2007), until he realized that he could afford not one, but two Kathy Wingert harp guitars (he now owns #3 and her personal #4, and, yes, we all hate him!).

Pete is what I would call fastidious (in a good way), and this well-played instrument is still near mint.  It's ridiculous - it might as well be new.  There are just three tiny blemishes in the satin finish inside the harp arm that were there from day one, and the lightest of general finish wear.

This is the standard "Stephen Bennett model" though the label does not state so (as SB never got over to sign the labels).  It is a very accurate replica of the unadorned, unbound Dyer Style 4.  

As usual, fit and finish are a 10, while materials are more standard grade sitka and mahogany (I mention this only in comparison to the ultra-premium all-the-bells-&-whistles Merrill I last sold).

Plays like a "new Dyer" might and sounds like a Merrill, meaning great (ostensibly like a Dyer might have in the 1900's).  Absolutely balanced across the spectrum.  Light to medium overtones, and even "broken in," it still sounds punchy and "crisp."

You can hear Pete play this very instrument on the Harp Guitar Dreams CD compilation.

The included case is an upgrade that Pete ordered from Calton.  It is the tiniest harp guitar flight case I've ever seen with the thing tucked in tight, but completely reliable (Pete flew with it to his first Harp Guitar Gathering).

I definitely have to "bless" this one.

-Gregg Miner, the "harp guitar pope"

Specifications: 

• Dated April 12, 2006 # 11
• Sitka spruce top
• Honduras mahogany back, sides and neck
• Rosewood headstock veneer
• Ebony fingerboard
• Adjustable truss rod
• Binding: Traditional Dyer multi-colored purfling and blue ring on small soundhole.
• Dot pearl fretboard markers.
• Gold 5-star 4:1 sub-bass tuners with ivoroid Waverly buttons
• Waverly neck tuners
• Six sub-bass strings
• 25-1/2" scale
• 1-7/8" nut width
• Dimensions: 15-1/2" lower bout, 4-1/16" depth at tail block, ~41-1/2" total length
• Includes Calton harp guitar flight case
• Strings: Most harp guitars offered have temporary sub-bass strings (whether new or used) in various tunings. This one (with older strings) is in Pete's strange Hawaiian tuning.  New strings are available here.  If you need help calculating gauges for your tuning on this instrument (or if you would like help with tuning suggestions), just ask the pope!

Price: $7,800 SOLD (