Stellas, Harmonys, and Kays can be great fun to collect because you can't go broke on them! A couple of things to look out for would be the Harmony Sovereign, 6 and 12 string models from the 50s to early 60s. They're solid, sound good and rarely cost more than a couple of hundred. Of all the instruments I've had, I guess the one I'd want back the most (it was stolen) was my Sovereign 12. 'Course the Epiphone Emperor that I bought for 200 and sold for 500 would buy us a new house today..but for sound..the old Harmony was great.

Keep in mind that Harmony and Kay also built lots of guitars for other companies. Most Vega guitars were made by Harmony.(but had Vega price tags)

Few celebrities played or endorsed these instruments (save the blues guys who appreciated their durability) but the amazing Roy Smeck had his own models (he also endorsed Gibson) and if you love the sound of Joe Hickerson's playing..he did it on a BIG Kay.