What it is
The Bobkat is one of the best-known solid-body electric guitars produced by the Harmony Company during the 1960s. The design first appeared in 1963 under the name Silhouette, and the same guitar was renamed Bobkat in 1968 with only minor cosmetic changes.
The guitar features a compact offset body and usually one or two single-coil pickups. These pickups were often made by Rowe Industries, whose distinctive gold foil designs have since become highly sought after for their unique tone.
Models included:
- H14 – single pickup
- H15 – two pickups
- H17 / H19 – upgraded versions with vibrato and additional features
Although marketed originally as affordable instruments, these guitars were built in Chicago during a period when Harmony was producing enormous numbers of guitars for American players.
Why it’s a sleeper
For decades the Bobkat was considered a student guitar. That reputation kept prices relatively modest even as interest in vintage instruments grew.
In recent years players have started to appreciate the character the old Harmony pickups, which can produce bright, dynamic tones that sit somewhere between a traditional single coil and a P-90.
Even with this renewed interest, Bobkats often remain far more accessible than many American guitars from the same era.
What it’s like to live with
Bobkats tend to feel lightweight and lively. The offset body makes them comfortable to play seated or standing, and the simple electronics keep the experience straightforward.
The pickups are the real highlight. Many players describe them as clear, gritty, and extremely responsive to picking dynamics.
These guitars work especially well in styles such as:
- garage rock
- indie and alternative
- blues
- roots music
Who it’s for / who it’s not for
For you if:
- You want a genuine 1960s American electric guitar
- You like quirky pickups with personality
- You enjoy lightweight guitars with simple controls
Not for you if:
- You want modern precision and consistency
- You prefer humbuckers or high-output pickups
- You want a guitar that behaves like a Fender or Gibson classic
What to look out for
Harmony built these guitars quickly and in large numbers, so condition varies widely.
Things to check include:
- neck straightness
- fret wear
- original electronics
- hardware condition
Because of their age, setup can vary significantly from one example to another.
Buying notes
One advantage of Bobkats is that they remain widely available compared with many other vintage guitars. That makes it possible to be selective and hold out for a good example.
The design also inspired the modern Harmony Silhouette, part of the brand’s contemporary revival. While the modern instruments are far more refined, the Bobkat represents the original garage-era concept that inspired them.