The Players

I want YOU to play a Highland Strings instrument. If you are interested in playing and hearing the unique voicings of my instruments, please contact me and I will do whatever I can to get one into your hands. New pictures of performers are coming soon.

-- Thanks, Jason Harshbarger

"Right away I was struck by the Athena's tone - it had incisiveness and breadth, a combination I like a lot and don't hear too often.  It was full and clear with a tone all of its own. Also, very even and balanced up the neck - the voices staying consistent.  Its sustain is engaging, and I like that as well. Perhaps best of all was the fact that those elements invited me to play it. It took an open tuning very nicely, and responded to both strumming (with a heavy pick) and fingerstyle equally well.  It is versatile in the best sense of the word."
-- Paul Schmidt of Art of Music Instruments

"I've played a lot of mandolins in my time, but Jason's Copperhead mandolins are the finest sounding mandolins I've ever owned. Hands down."
-- Adam McIntosh of Jett's Creek

"The Aurvandil is both pleasing to the eye and ear.  The shape of the body, especially, is uniquely modern and artistic but very practical and comfortable.  The neck feels great, the sound and playability are superb, and the guitar is completely suitable for numerous styles.  The fact that it was made with wood from a wind-fallen walnut tree, non-toxic finish, and overall consideration for the environment, makes it a truly rare find and my ideal choice for an instrument.  Previously, I did not think it was possible to find this combination of features in one guitar."
-- Todd Fink of The Giving Tree Band

"Your guitar carries a warmth and spirit that can only come from the Creator of the materials and the creator of the instrument.  Thanks again for sharing your gift with me... "
-- Brian Maddox

"It arrived, and it is WONDERFUL.  I am extremely impressed by the tone and playability most importantly -- that it's gorgeous and the workmanship impeccable is marvelous, but would be nothing if it weren't for how well it plays and how great it sounds. A PHENOMENAL INSTRUMENT -- get Jason to build you one before he gets too famous!"
-- Dan Leemon

"I own 35+ medium to high end acoustic guitars, and I've owned, played and sold close to 60 other guitars over the past five years.  These new Highland Strings guitars (Athena & Aurvandil) are two of my absolute best, in both looks and sound.  The fullness and roundness of the low strings is enough to cause heart irregularity - aarrrgggh!  Pure bliss. The Aurvandil alone would bring many guitar players to tears.  Yes, that good!"
-- Todd Walker ---www. toddcwalker.com

"I recently played two of Jason's newest mandolins, and was extremely impressed. Their full, balanced voicing was complimented by his eye for design and detail. Great sounding works of art from a new generation master luthier.  I'm proud to represent them at Mandolins & More."
-- Jeff Cowherd

"I wouldn't change a thing!  I took it to a bluegrass jam I do every once in a while down in Lebanon and the guys loved it!"
-- Bruce Clough

"Just unboxed the lyre... it's truly a thing of beauty, my friend. I'm absolutely blown away. And I've already had 8 people stop by my cube and ask what it is. I'm really diggin' this harp; it's one of the coolest things I've ever laid my hands on."
-- Aran Adams

"I don't believe that I can say enough about Jason Harshbarger's guitars and his overall expertise as a quality luthier.  I have had the opportunity to witness the cultivation of Jason's passion into a vocation that will one day soon make a mark in the global luthiery market.  I have also have the wonderful joy of owning a Highland Strings guitar.  It really is a wonderful experience. 

As a female with small hands, I had been looking for an instrument for a very long time that suited me and my playing style.  Jason made me the guitar of my dreams.  I knew the second I played it.  When he gave me my original consultation, he took a lot of time to figure out what I wanted and make sure that my new guitar would meet my expectations.  It did that and more.  It plays like a dream.  the action is perfect.  The fret length just right for me.  The sound...AMAZING!  It sounds like a dream.  The inlay is amazing (He did a custom inlay of a cardinal for me!)

I used to sit and long for a guitar like this.  Jason and Highland Strings has made it possible for me to own a work of functional art that will be a family heirloom for many, many generations.

Thanks so much Jason, "

-- Jilli Ann Moon