Jupiter And Saturn

“Saturn”, like “Zoso”, was another design exercise and my tribute to the Harmony H-49 Stratotone Jupiter, a guitar popularised by British Blues great, Ian Siegal. I have always loved the Jupiter and, as such, I wanted to see if I could come up with a modern reflection that would not only appeal to Harmony lovers, but guitar enthusiasts, in general. Unlike the original, I decided to make “Saturn” a double-cutaway because I think it adds a certain charm to the overall design. When I completed the rendering I put it on Twitter to gauge the reaction and it caused quite a stir. Bob Harris, the legendary BBC Radio and Television music presenter, Tweeted exclaiming the design to be, “Absolutely gorgeous”.

Back in the 1950s and ‘60s, Harmony, who were based in Chicago, designed and built some cool looking guitars. They also sounded fantastic thanks to the DeArmond pickups that the company fitted on numerous models and, why today, they are greatly sought after by musicians and collectors. Apart from paying tribute to Harmony, I also created “Saturn” to visually showcase our latest concept pickup, “Platinum”, that when developed, will be our tribute to iconic pickup pioneer, Mr Harry DeArmond.

“Platinum” will be a single coil that will have tone and clarity by the bucketful and perfect for slide work. The prototype will be developed this year in association with our good friend, Bob G. Harrison. Last year, Bob and I created “The Vigilante”, our modern reflection on the old Teisco Gold Foil. “Platinum”, will be similar to “The Vigilante” but will have added “DeArmond” charm and glamour. I am really pleased at how “Saturn” has turned out. I would like to think that my rendering captures the spirit of the original Stratotone Jupiter and why I decided to put her on our website. I have no intention of taking the concept further unless you tell me otherwise! SR

“Saturn”

Inspired By The Harmony H-49 Stratotone Jupiter Hollow-Body

(Bob G. Harrison/Raw Guitar Co. “Platinum” Single Coil Pickups)