1963 Airline Stratotone 7215 Hollow body - Cherry Red Burst

1963 Airline Stratotone 7215 – Vintage Hollowbody with Iconic DeArmond Pickups

The Altitude Summary
The 1963 Airline Stratotone 7215, made by Harmony and sold through Montgomery Ward, is a lightweight short-scale hollow body electric that embodies the unique, punchy tones of early rock, blues, and jazz. With its maple body and bolt-on maple neck, this guitar delivers a resonant, woody character, enhanced by two DeArmond diamond-cutout single-coil pickups that provide clarity, bite, and vintage warmth. Weighing just 4.8 lbs, this Airline Stratotone is incredibly comfortable to play, making it an excellent choice for stage or studio work.

This guitar is over 70 years old and shows it, but it plays splendidly!  The tone is warm, and the neck is surprisingly fast.  The only significant damage is at the input jack (pictured), it appears that pressure was exerted on the jack at some point which cracked the wood/finish around it.  This does not affect structural integrity, sound, playability, or functionality and is purely aesthetic.  The finish has a ton of cool checking, frets have some wear but are in fantastic shape for the age.  All electronics are original and pots date to 1963 (pictured).  Only non-original parts are the white knobs, these are reproductions as the originals are near impossible to find.  The case of this guitar is also original!

Classic Hollow body Construction
Featuring a hollow maple body with celluloid binding, the Stratotone 7215 produces a naturally resonant, airy tone, which is further enhanced by its short 24” scale length. The cherry red finish, a hallmark of the 1963 model, maintains a stunning vintage aesthetic, with finish checking throughout, some scratches, and dings, all of which are consistent with its age. The bolt-on maple neck offers a comfortable 1.75” nut width and a fast, low action, making chording and lead playing smooth and effortless. The original silkscreened "Airline" logo remains intact, adding to its vintage appeal.

Responsive DeArmond Pickups
The two chrome DeArmond single-coil pickups deliver a clear, dynamic sound with a punchy, articulate response. The neck pickup produces round, warm tones, making it ideal for jazz, folk, blues, and soul, while the bridge pickup delivers sharp, biting attack, perfect for rockabilly, garage rock, and punk. A 4-way selector switch allows for easy tone shaping, with individual volume and tone controls for each pickup, and a dedicated rhythm setting for deeper tonal versatility.

Vintage Hardware and Design Details
The original open-back 2×3 inline tuners with white plastic buttons provide smooth tuning stability. The black headstock with a silkscreened "Airline" logo captures the vintage aesthetic of the era, while the adjustable truss rod ensures long-term neck stability. The gold reflector top knobs, cream pickguard, and bound rosewood fingerboard complete the guitar’s unmistakable vintage charm.

Key Features:

• Ultra-lightweight at just 4.8 lbs for exceptional comfort.
• Hollow maple body for a warm, resonant tone.
• Bolt-on maple neck with a rosewood fretboard for smooth playability.
• DeArmond diamond-cutout single-coil pickups for clear, punchy tones.
• 4-way pickup selector with individual volume and tone controls.
• 24” short-scale length enhances warmth and responsiveness.
• Open-back 2×3 tuners for solid tuning stability.
• Gloss cherry red burst finish with celluloid binding.
• Compensated bridge for improved intonation.
• Very good condition with finish checking, scratches, and dings consistent with age.

A True Vintage Treasure
The 1963 Airline Stratotone 7215 is more than just a rebranded Harmony H49 Stratotone Jupiter—it’s a uniquely crafted, resonant, and inspiring instrument that delivers raw vintage character with a wide range of tones. Whether you’re after smooth jazz, gritty blues, or punchy rockabilly, this guitar offers versatility, comfort, and a tone that stands out.