This was Jimmy Page’s main acoustic guitar from around 1970 to 1972. He began using it in late April 1970, shortly after returning from the U.S. tour—during which he primarily played his Martin D-28. Around that time, Jimmy and Robert Plant retreated to Bron-Yr-Aur cottage to work on material for Led Zeppelin III.
Although there are no known photos to confirm it, most Led Zeppelin researchers agree that Jimmy took the Harmony acoustic with him to the cottage. It’s widely believed this was the guitar he used to write songs like Over the Hills and Far Away, Bron-Y-Aur Stomp, and That’s the Way.
Specs
Jimmy’s Harmony was a jumbo flat-top acoustic model, featuring a spruce top, mahogany back and sides, a mahogany neck, and a rosewood fretboard with pearl dot inlays. This model was produced by Harmony from 1958 to 1971 and was also used by notable guitarists of the era, including Syd Barrett and Pete Townshend.
I still have my pre ’64 HS 1260 which I bought for $40 around 1968 and it is the guitar I pick up and play the most, even over my Martin D-28! I think mostly because the mahogany back and sides give a brighter sound on the high end that I prefer. His is a later issue than mine as it has “Harmony” in script on the head whereas mine was the pre 64 block letters, (now almost completely worn off). I often wondered why successful musicians like Page & Townsend used such an inexpensive Sear’s guitar… I guess because they were expendable compared to a Martin.
Beautiful guitar Alan!
Great acoustic. Ideal for sessions, though some models had a very high action.
Owned one, plus a 12 string.
I own one…jeff
It’s a spruce top, not maple.