Which Model Is This? What Year Was It Made?
Let me know!

Letter from the owner of this great looking guitar....

I have a Sovereign 1203 that has a couple of features that I haven't seen before.
It has a triangular shaped pickguard that is attachedwith two screws.
It appears to be original. Also, there is anendstrip (probably Brazilian rosewood)
It is inlaid into the mahoganyat the end of the guitar.
There is a date code, but I can't make it out.
Do you have any idea when it might have been made?
I would guess1960 - 1962, but who knows?

An interesting aside: The guitar came in what appears to be the original case.
It has a label taped to it that says: FROM: James Narz, Whipple St. Hollywood Calif.
TO: Linda Narz, University of Great Falls, Great Falls Montana.

James Narz is the real name of "Tom Kennedy" - The game show host. He
hosted "Name That Tune", "You Don't Say", and many others.  Randall

Follow Up Letter......

I know you are extremely busy, and I hope this isn't a bother, but I
took some photos of the guitar that I wrote to you about earlier. I
was able to make out the date code - S45. Feel free to use the photo
if you would like to.

Randall C. Dawson  racuda@ureach.com

UPDATE!!!

Hello Jim,

You put my Sovereign pictures on your web page along with my
letter asking for info on this guitar. I received this email
from the former owner, Linda Narz:

Randall,
 
I am Linda Narz and owned that Harmony guitar.  And you are
right, my dad, Tom Kennedy (James Narz), sent me my guitar to
Montana as I attended college there.  Where did you get it? The
guitar was bought for me by my parents in the mid-1960s and it
was used. I played it for a number of years.  I am not sure what
happened to it...it must have been sold or "traded in".  I
needed a "fuller sound" so I bought a 12 string Yamaha in 1971
or 1972 and continued to play the 12 string until it was stolen
from my apartment in Boston in 1978 or 1979.  Haven't played
guitar since and have thought recently about buying one........I
am glad you are enjoying the Harmony and trust you have given
this instrument a good home. Good to hear from you, Linda
 

Thank you Jim for helping me track down the history of my
guitar.

Randall
 
 

1266 and 1260 Models
The 1266 has the looks, but the 1260 sounds a little better. Why? Because the spruce top without the massive two piece pickguard will resonate more!

1270 & 1203 Models

Here you see two different body styles

Another nice pair of Harmony Guitars!

Technical Tip

When storing your guitar for long periods, release the tension of the strings. This will keep your guitar from developing any stress problems. Also, if you are shipping your guitar UPS, US Mail, Fed Ex etc.....loosen the strings! It will really pay!

This is a fine example of a model H55 electrified Sovereign.

This is an interesting guitar as the pickup is concealed under the fingerboard! This is a desirable guitar as it has quality construction and a good sound.

Never store your guitar near a heat source or in a dry place. It is good to put a damp sponge in a plastic container, with some holes punched in the top, in the case with your guitar. Also, if the top starts to show tension or stress warp-age, tune down one step and capo the first fret or use a lighter gauge of strings to combat the deterioration.

Another nice 1260

Harmony did its best to use select aged wood for all of its instruments. They prided themselves on value and in sheer numbers. Through the years Harmony always had orders to supply more guitars than they could build, and that is saying something, since Harmony was the worlds largest maker.

Although not a builder of the finest guitars in the world, Harmony did build some of the best "more bang for your buck" in the world. The Sovereign is such a model.

Almost all Harmony acoustic guitars built in the late 1960's through 1974 when the plant closed had this type of label inside the body.

Technical Tip

If your guitar has a truss rod and you need to adjust it, ALWAYS back the nut off first at least one full turn.
Put some light machine oil or WD40 on the threads and nut and work it back and forth for several turns. Then proceed with your adjustments. This may save your guitar as expensive visit to your favorite luthier!

Buck Owens Guitar

Brad's Buck Owens 1971 Silvertone Guitar

Message from Brad....

Hello...Great Sites

 I have been enjoying your sites and checking out the great pictures...
I own that red Kustom that is pictured with the amp.
 I have a Buck Owens American...I was told these were made by Harmony, but did not see
one on your site? Sorry to bother you but we seem to have the same taste in
guitars.  Thanks for your time, Brad

Thanks to John I can now post that this guitar was made in 1971, marketed by Sears as a Silvertone, and sold for $82.50 when new.
 

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