12 String Acoustic Parlor Harp Guitar: Intimate Sound with Extended Range from Timberline Guitars
The 12 string acoustic parlor harp guitar combines the intimate voice of parlor-sized instruments with the extended harmonic range of harp guitar design. Timberline Guitars offers these specialized instruments in their premium T70 Series, featuring silkwood construction that delivers both the focused projection characteristic of smaller guitars and the rich bass extension that defines harp guitars. This combination creates an instrument ideally suited for close-quarters performance and recording applications.
The Parlor Guitar Foundation
Historical Context
Parlor guitars emerged in the mid-1800s as instruments designed for home entertainment and intimate gatherings. These smaller-bodied guitars typically measure 13-14 inches at the lower bout, compared to 15-16 inches for auditorium models and 16+ inches for dreadnoughts. The reduced body size produces a more focused sound with pronounced midrange characteristics and quick note response.
The parlor size gained popularity during the folk revival of the 1960s and has experienced renewed interest among contemporary fingerstyle players and singer-songwriters who value its articulate voice and comfortable playing dimensions.
Size Advantages
Parlor guitars offer several practical benefits that become even more pronounced in harp guitar configurations. The smaller body sits comfortably against the player, reducing arm stretch required to reach the harp strings. The reduced internal air volume responds quickly to string vibrations, creating an immediate note attack that works well for fingerpicked arrangements.
For players with smaller frames or those who prefer more intimate playing positions, the parlor harp guitar provides access to extended range instruments without the physical demands of larger body sizes.
Timberline T70 Series Parlor Harp Guitar
Construction Details
Timberline constructs their 12 string acoustic parlor harp guitar using silkwood for the top, back, and sides. This tonewood choice provides balanced frequency response with clear note separation, important characteristics for instruments with multiple string sets. The company pairs silkwood with Macassar ebony for the fingerboard, bridge, and harp string arm, creating visual contrast while adding density to wear surfaces.
The construction follows traditional Spanish fan bracing patterns modified to accommodate the additional string tension from the harp strings. Internal reinforcements support the extended headstock and harp string attachment points without dampening the natural resonance of the parlor-sized body.
Design Specifications
The T70 parlor harp guitar features a classical Venetian cutaway that provides access to upper frets while maintaining structural integrity. The high-comfort arm bevel on the lower bout reduces contact pressure during extended playing sessions, particularly important given the larger overall dimensions compared to standard parlor guitars.
String spacing follows industry standards for both the main guitar strings and harp strings, ensuring compatibility with standard playing techniques and string gauges. The scale length typically measures 25.4 inches for the main strings, providing familiar tension and intonation characteristics.
Acoustic Properties
Tonal Character
The 12 string acoustic parlor harp guitar produces a focused sound with quick attack and controlled sustain. The smaller body size emphasizes midrange frequencies while the solid wood construction provides the harmonic depth that develops over time as the instrument ages. The parlor dimensions create natural compression that works well for recording applications.
Harp strings on parlor-sized instruments often sound more defined compared to larger body sizes. The reduced internal air volume means less acoustic coupling between the harp strings and body resonance, resulting in clearer note separation when multiple harp strings are played simultaneously.
Frequency Response
The parlor body size naturally emphasizes frequencies in the 200-800 Hz range, which corresponds to fundamental frequencies of middle guitar strings and lower-order harmonics of higher strings. This emphasis creates a voice that cuts through mixed environments effectively while maintaining warmth and musical character.
The extended bass range from harp strings provides low-frequency content that the parlor body would not normally produce. This creates an interesting sonic contrast where the main guitar strings provide midrange focus while harp strings supply bass foundation and harmonic richness.
Playing Applications
Recording Environment
The 12 string acoustic parlor harp guitar excels in recording applications where controlled sound and clear note definition are priorities. The focused projection works well with close microphone placement, capturing detail without excessive room interaction. The quick attack characteristics translate effectively through recording equipment and playback systems.
Many recording engineers prefer parlor guitars for layered acoustic arrangements because their focused frequency response occupies less sonic space while maintaining musical presence. The addition of harp strings extends this capability into bass frequencies without creating muddy low-end buildup.
Live Performance
For intimate venue performances, the parlor harp guitar provides sufficient volume while maintaining the controlled dynamics that work well in smaller spaces. Coffee houses, house concerts, and acoustic clubs are ideal for these instruments.
The comfortable playing size becomes particularly important during extended performances where player fatigue could affect musical quality. The reduced arm stretch required to reach harp strings allows for longer playing sessions without physical strain.
Solo Arrangements
Fingerstyle players often gravitate toward 12 string acoustic parlor harp guitars because the instrument provides complete harmonic arrangements within a single guitar. The harp strings supply bass lines and pedal tones while the main strings handle melody and chord work, creating the impression of multiple instruments.
The quick response and clear note separation make rapid fingerpicked passages more articulate compared to larger-bodied instruments where notes might blur together in difficult arrangements.
Technical Considerations
String Setup
Parlor harp guitars require careful attention to string selection and setup parameters. The smaller body size means that heavy string gauges can overpower the instrument's natural voice, while very light gauges may not provide sufficient harp string volume to balance with the main strings.
Most players find that medium-light gauge sets work well for the main strings, with harp strings chosen to complement the overall tension and tonal balance. Professional setup becomes important to achieve optimal playability across all strings.
Maintenance Requirements
The combination of smaller body size and additional string tension requires regular monitoring of neck relief and bridge height. Temperature and humidity changes affect parlor guitars more quickly than larger instruments due to their reduced mass and thinner construction.
String changes on parlor harp guitars typically take longer than standard guitars due to the additional strings and more layered tuning system. However, the smaller overall size makes the instrument easier to handle during maintenance procedures.
Model Variations & Options
Standard Configuration
Timberline offers the T70 parlor harp guitar in their premium silkwood series with standard harp string configurations tuned to complement common guitar keys. The instrument includes high-quality tuning machines for both main and harp strings, ensuring stable tuning performance.
Electronic Options
Acoustic-electric versions feature dual K&K Pure Mini pickup systems that capture both string sets independently. This configuration allows for separate processing and mixing of main guitar and harp string signals in amplified performance or recording situations.
The pickup placement takes into account the different string heights and playing positions, providing balanced output levels between the main strings and harp strings without requiring extensive gain adjustment.
Market Position
Timberline positions their 12 string acoustic parlor harp guitar as a specialized instrument for serious players who want the intimacy of parlor guitars combined with the extended range of harp guitar design. The T70 Series pricing reflects the premium materials and construction methods while remaining accessible compared to custom boutique instruments.
The parlor harp guitar serves musicians who need extended range capabilities but prefer the controlled dynamics and comfortable playing size that smaller instruments provide. This creates a niche market segment that bridges traditional parlor guitar players and harp guitar enthusiasts.
Conclusion
The 12 string acoustic parlor harp guitar from Timberline Guitars offers a distinctive combination of intimate sound projection and extended harmonic range. The T70 Series silkwood construction provides the build quality and tonal characteristics that serious musicians require while maintaining the accessibility that has made Timberline instruments popular among working players.
For musicians seeking an instrument that can provide complete solo arrangements in intimate settings, the parlor harp guitar delivers capabilities that neither standard parlor guitars nor larger harp guitars can match. This specialized instrument serves a specific musical need while building on the familiar techniques that acoustic guitarists already possess.