Awesome! My now 91 year old uncle gave me his 1960s Sovereign during his 90th birthday party. He cannot play anymore with his arthritis. Cleaned it up, put the first new strings in years on it and it sounds great.
20 to 30 years ago I wouldn’t have given these types of guitars a second look. I have realized that they have their own cool factor. Nice guitar! Thanks! ✌️😎🌞🎻🎸🪕
Hey , great playing and a great guitar . I remember back in the day (1970's )I saw Johnny Coppin a few times playing a h 1260 in Cheltenham I think. I was so impressed with the guitar ( and obviously music ) that I saved up and bought one , still have it . I was looking on Y T for his vids and saw you playing mando as part of a 3 piece with him to include a wonderful girl singer . Hence the link .. Great times back then and still playing my Sovereign ( prob not as well as you ! ) Respect.
Dang that’s a beauty. You also have a great voice. I love Harmony, I have owned a few over the years and just picked up a H162E that I have yet to string up and bring back to life I am def subbing your channel
Thank you Phil Beer - you have lifted a great burden of guilt from me that I have carried round for 50 years! I got a Harmony Sovereign from the fabled (!) music shop in Bridgeland St Bideford in 1964, and played it relentlessly for 10 years until it collapsed one evening on stage when a large crater suddenly appeared behind the bridge, and the body top cracked and imploded! Much hilarity around me, but utter heartbreak for me! I assumed this happened because I had neglected it, but I now hear from your description how fragile the less securely braced versions were - so I can begin to forgive myself! You have made an old man very happy!!
Will be shortly doing a video with one that has been crudely but effectively fixed. It actually sounds lovely but is unplayable above the 12th fret. One day when I've got a spare £1500, I'll have it rebuilt.
If you have a mirror to stick inside, or use your phone camera, look around for a little stamp on the underside of the top for a two digit year. It’ll be like F## or S## for Fall or Spring of that year. They generally put two in there, one on the inside of the top, and one on the back somewhere in there, but they can be hard to spot. Mine says S-69.
I have still got (well my son has had it for years!) my 1960 Harmony Sovereign, which I purchased new in early 1961. It cost me £25 (+ £3 H.P. charges!) It is covered in "battle scars" We had some new frets and the nut done, by Jerry Bix, up in Bideford, and it still sounds wonderful (although the neck might be lifting a touch - a job for Brook Guitars?) I expect my grandchildren will be playing it in another 60 years time!!
Hi Phil, I used to play Harmonys back in the '60s H1260 and a sunburst H1265. I was rooting around in my attic earlier this week and found an old Harmony Sovereign that looks remarkably like yours (with a label in it) and with the pin bridge with (possibly) securing bolts that is a Korean made version - If is has a stamp inside saying H6561 -then it will most likely be the later Korean version.
It is a Korean one build in the 70ties ,to be recognised on the text on the head saying est 1892.. and the label inside and the bridge shape .Still great guitars and furthermore build in the same shape and way as the USA ones .
I know this is a late comment and left one already a few months prior, But just some info from what ive learnt about mine since and what i can tell about others. My Korean made harmony sovereign from what i can tell is one from the 80s because it has an adjustable truss rod and yours also does (from what i can see) which means its most likely its also 80s and also model, while the 70s Korean models were built without one. I only discovered this since my bastard of a mate who borrowed mine and completely sheered the truss rod hex nut and ive spent awhile looking for a replacement which then led me into fourms explaining the differences between models.
Phil, nice guitar, I have exactly the same, an H6561. From what I understand, if, under the Harmony name on the headstock, it says "est 1892", the guitar was actually made in Asia, not America. In my case, I have been unable to find the location of the serial number, perhaps you can guide me in this respect. Great playing of a great song on a great guitar! Thanks for sharing.
@@atrio1136 Absolutely it was a good deal. I am not sure about the conversion between dollars and euros but I have seen these guitars on Reverb for up to 700.00. I looked up the conversion. 700.00 dollars would be about 599.27 euros.
@@atrio1136 You would have to ask someone who is more familiar with the old Harmonies than me, but there are two models of the Sovereign to my understanding. One has the shaped bridge like the one Phil is holding in this video. The other is a straight bridge. I believe the straight bridge to be a laminate guitar and much less collectible. It would be worth a trip to your local guitar store to get it appraised. Those guitars have a sort of sloppy glue joint where the neck meets the body. You finding it in the trunk of a car is worrisome. I hope it didn't get too hot in there and loosen that joint. 36 is a great age to learn and TH-cam is a great resource for all the free lessons you could ever need.
It's Korean if it's says EST 1875 on the headstock in small letters. And around 1978. If it's Korean it has a very weird neck joint like cheap furniture it's dowelled on
Phil, I think I have a near identical guitar in my attic that I bought at a boot sale for £25 -mine was made in Korea. Suggest a double check - is yours ladder or cross braced?
You probably know thus already but attics notorious for extremes of temperatures so not ideal storage for musical instruments but then you knew that already- Best wishes
@@hougrel9514 Hi Totally agree! However in 1983, I was struck down with an illness which made it impossible for me to play for nearly 10 years. I couldn't bear to see them, so my wife put my D35, my Dobro, and mandolin (in cases) in the attic. Ten summers and winters! Ten years later we got them down and all were in perfect condition. (and all pretty much in tune!) but, no certainly not recommended!
Awesome! My now 91 year old uncle gave me his 1960s Sovereign during his 90th birthday party. He cannot play anymore with his arthritis. Cleaned it up, put the first new strings in years on it and it sounds great.
This guitar was made in Japan. Check the headstock. Not made in USA
20 to 30 years ago I wouldn’t have given these types of guitars a second look. I have realized that they have their own cool factor. Nice guitar! Thanks! ✌️😎🌞🎻🎸🪕
Hey , great playing and a great guitar . I remember back in the day (1970's )I saw Johnny Coppin a few times playing a h 1260 in Cheltenham I think. I was so impressed with the guitar ( and obviously music ) that I saved up and bought one , still have it . I was looking on Y T for his vids and saw you playing mando as part of a 3 piece with him to include a wonderful girl singer . Hence the link .. Great times back then and still playing my Sovereign ( prob not as well as you ! ) Respect.
Dang that’s a beauty. You also have a great voice.
I love Harmony, I have owned a few over the years and just picked up a H162E that I have yet to string up and bring back to life
I am def subbing your channel
Once the intonation is sorted out, it would be perfect. Definitely a keeper.
Thank you Phil Beer - you have lifted a great burden of guilt from me that I have carried round for 50 years! I got a Harmony Sovereign from the fabled (!) music shop in Bridgeland St Bideford in 1964, and played it relentlessly for 10 years until it collapsed one evening on stage when a large crater suddenly appeared behind the bridge, and the body top cracked and imploded! Much hilarity around me, but utter heartbreak for me! I assumed this happened because I had neglected it, but I now hear from your description how fragile the less securely braced versions were - so I can begin to forgive myself! You have made an old man very happy!!
Will be shortly doing a video with one that has been crudely but effectively fixed. It actually sounds lovely but is unplayable above the 12th fret. One day when I've got a spare £1500, I'll have it rebuilt.
I own a 65 and I love the tone of the ladder brace with the jumbo body nice and full and that neck fits my hand nicely a brilliant guitar
I found one in the trash. It's probably worth more than my brand new Taylor 12 string. In the trash
Nice guitar and musician
Love the Paul Simon bit, sounds great! Replacing the truss rod in my sovereign, I’ll have to have that be the first song I play on it after repair.
If you have a mirror to stick inside, or use your phone camera, look around for a little stamp on the underside of the top for a two digit year. It’ll be like F## or S## for Fall or Spring of that year. They generally put two in there, one on the inside of the top, and one on the back somewhere in there, but they can be hard to spot. Mine says S-69.
I have still got (well my son has had it for years!) my 1960 Harmony Sovereign, which I purchased new in early 1961. It cost me £25 (+ £3 H.P. charges!) It is covered in "battle scars" We had some new frets and the nut done, by Jerry Bix, up in Bideford, and it still sounds wonderful (although the neck might be lifting a touch - a job for Brook Guitars?) I expect my grandchildren will be playing it in another 60 years time!!
Cracking guitar! And one of my favourite Beatles songs too, which this guitar really suits👌
You sir are a dude. I have a real affection for old guitars and away from the Martin chasers who csnts hear a note wrong
Nice guitar..great singing voice...
Hi Phil, I used to play Harmonys back in the '60s H1260 and a sunburst H1265. I was rooting around in my attic earlier this week and found an old Harmony Sovereign that looks remarkably like yours (with a label in it) and with the pin bridge with (possibly) securing bolts that is a Korean made version - If is has a stamp inside saying H6561 -then it will most likely be the later Korean version.
Wow, sounds awesome
It is a Korean one build in the 70ties ,to be recognised on the text on the head saying est 1892.. and the label inside and the bridge shape .Still great guitars and furthermore build in the same shape and way as the USA ones .
You and me both. Mine was covered in duct tape. I worked all night
I know this is a late comment and left one already a few months prior,
But just some info from what ive learnt about mine since and what i can tell about others.
My Korean made harmony sovereign from what i can tell is one from the 80s because it has an adjustable truss rod and yours also does (from what i can see) which means its most likely its also 80s and also model, while the 70s Korean models were built without one.
I only discovered this since my bastard of a mate who borrowed mine and completely sheered the truss rod hex nut and ive spent awhile looking for a replacement which then led me into fourms explaining the differences between models.
Phil, nice guitar, I have exactly the same, an H6561. From what I understand, if, under the Harmony name on the headstock, it says "est 1892", the guitar was actually made in Asia, not America. In my case, I have been unable to find the location of the serial number, perhaps you can guide me in this respect. Great playing of a great song on a great guitar! Thanks for sharing.
Looks like an h1260 to me
@@NickleJ They were similar i think, but this one is a H6561.
I know that guitar shop- good find!
Harmony rocket owner for the last 41 years I know its not your scene but I love it dearly although it fairly bashed up
whats the name of that first song you sang it sounded really good
As good as these guitars are, its your singing and picking that really shine through. What are the names of all the songs you did?
Just BRILLIANT
The Beatles - I've Just Seen a Face
Thankyou
Gorgeous instrument. I have one in my shop to work on right now. It appears to be original but I have yet to really give a going over.
I just found this guitar at a car boot in good condition for £35. Was that a good deal?
@@atrio1136 Absolutely it was a good deal. I am not sure about the conversion between dollars and euros but I have seen these guitars on Reverb for up to 700.00. I looked up the conversion. 700.00 dollars would be about 599.27 euros.
@@Sci-Que Wow, thats alot. Its my first ever guitar, im 36 now, so it's now or never to learn.
@@atrio1136 You would have to ask someone who is more familiar with the old Harmonies than me, but there are two models of the Sovereign to my understanding. One has the shaped bridge like the one Phil is holding in this video. The other is a straight bridge. I believe the straight bridge to be a laminate guitar and much less collectible. It would be worth a trip to your local guitar store to get it appraised. Those guitars have a sort of sloppy glue joint where the neck meets the body. You finding it in the trunk of a car is worrisome. I hope it didn't get too hot in there and loosen that joint. 36 is a great age to learn and TH-cam is a great resource for all the free lessons you could ever need.
@@Sci-Que The one i bought is the same as in the video, i checked the model number and it's the Korean made version i believe (model number H6561).
It's Korean if it's says EST 1875 on the headstock in small letters. And around 1978. If it's Korean it has a very weird neck joint like cheap furniture it's dowelled on
Phil, I think I have a near identical guitar in my attic that I bought at a boot sale for £25 -mine was made in Korea. Suggest a double check - is yours ladder or cross braced?
Its a korean. Found out now.
You probably know thus already but attics notorious for extremes of temperatures so not ideal storage for musical instruments but then you knew that already- Best wishes
@@hougrel9514 Hi Totally agree! However in 1983, I was struck down with an illness which made it impossible for me to play for nearly 10 years. I couldn't bear to see them, so my wife put my D35, my Dobro, and mandolin (in cases) in the attic. Ten summers and winters! Ten years later we got them down and all were in perfect condition. (and all pretty much in tune!) but, no certainly not recommended!
I just found this same guitar at a car boot in good condition for £35. Was that a good price?
Hey dude , that's not USA Made, it's from Asia, the date on the headstock,,,,,,,,,,,,
it looks x-braced?
03:28 The only reason anybody is here.
Thankyou.
Hi Phil ! This sounds great ! What's the name of the song at 3:58 ?
I think he just came up with it right then and there.
I've Just Seen A Face - The Beatles