Here’s an example of an important mandolin model in the history of popular music. Blues legends Yank Rachell and (to a lesser extent) Carl Martin, as well as Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones, used the Harmony H35 (later renamed H835) as a stage mandolin during their careers. You still see them today in the hands of pro musicians.
     The looks of the H35 have, in my humble opinion, never been beaten. The block inlays, modified F-holes, exaggerated bass point, even the lovely gold foil pickup cover, all add up to a classic package. The original DeArmond pickup is loud enough to rattle the windows. Its tone is perhaps best described as "raw" ... listen to Rachell’s Chicago Style album if you want to know what I mean. But for certain styles of music there’s nothing better or more authentic.
     Also colloquially known as the "Batwing," the H35 may appear to be an acoustic/electric, but it isn’t really: if you took off the top you’d see that everything north of the pickup is a solid block of wood, which tends to dampen the acoustic sound, but improves sustain and helps control feedback from the pickup. Best to think of the H35 as "semi-hollow."
     Batwings have been very popular instruments at Emando.com. I've taken to giving them names to keep them all straight.

1. 
   
   Margriet. F-70. $875. This H35 is labeled F-70 MADE IN U.S.A., meaning it was built in the first half of 1970. It has seen some use and is in reasonable condition apart from minor finish wear on the treble point and more extensive finish wear on the bass horn. A strap button has been added at the bass horn, and the original bridge has been replaced with a compensated ebony Gibson-style 2-piece adjustable one.
        Margriet has the desirable truss rod, die-cut 3-ply vinyl headplate with the cut-out Harmony logo, and matching logo on the pickguard.
        Gig bag included. See more photos, call 425/772-0231, or for more information. 48-hour approval period. $875 plus shipping.
   
   
   
   
2. 
   
   Ophelia. F-73. $850. This H835 is labeled F-73, indicating that it was made in the first half of 1973 before production moved to Japan. It has the later printed script logo. Truss rod, adjustable bridge, tone and volume controls, and vinyl pickguard. There is a good amount of wear on the neck, a smaller spot of wear on the bass side, and another on the back. The tuners are not original and it looks as though the treble tuner plate is slightly bent. A strap button has been added at the heel and there's also a hanger-type contraption on the headstock. It is currently set up with very heavy strings and was probably being played in EBF#C# ("Yank Rachell tuning"). I'll restring it with Emando.com Lights before shipping, unless you ask me not to. Chipboard case or gig bag included, or upgrade to a custom gig bag or hardshell case.
        See more photos, call 425/772-0231, or for more information. 48-hour approval period. $850 plus shipping.
   
   
3. 
   
   Phyllis. $950. This H835 is quite clean and has its original chipboard case. It has a lot number of 4447 but no date stamp. My best guess for the year is 1973. My luthier repaired a loose seam at the tailblock and fixed a loose tailpiece screw. A small gap between the binding and the treble side has been filled in, and there is just a tiny bit of finish wear on each side and along the base of the headstock. It bears the post-1972 printed script logo. Truss rod, adjustable bridge, tone and volume controls, and vinyl pickguard.
        See more photos, call 425/772-0231, or for more information. 48-hour approval period. $950 plus shipping.