Topic: Harmony Sovereign for blues?

[frailer24]

I have a 1968 Silvertone badged Sovereign that I am working on. My question is, I know Mance Lipscomb used one, but, would it be good for anything besides dead thumb stuff?   Larry

[frankie]

about every musician captured on the george mitchell collection would probably agree that you have a pretty fine guitar there.

[westside ryan]

Here are some players that at one time or another supposedly played a Harmony Sovereign (although there are a couple different models.  I think that the H1260 was the most popular):

Sam Chatmon
Howling Wolf
Mississippi John Hurt
Melvin ?Lil? Son? Jackson
Robert Curtis Smith
Robert Pete Williams

[Mr.OMuck]

It ain't called "Sovereign" for nuttin' bro!

[banjochris]

I used to play one all the time until the top bellied up too much -- the intonation is really off. One of these days I'll see about getting the thing re-braced but it'd probably cost more than it's worth. A great all around blues guitar, IMO. I had one pretty much just like Mance's, forget the model number. I think it's a 1203, late '50s.

[frankie]

I used to play one all the time until the top bellied up too much -- the intonation is really off. One of these days I'll see about getting the thing re-braced but it'd probably cost more than it's worth.

or.....

possibly a perfect specimen for sam collins songs with a slide?

[frailer24]

Thanks a million, just reset the neck, waiting for the glue to dry. Can't wait!

[banjochris]

I used to play one all the time until the top bellied up too much -- the intonation is really off. One of these days I'll see about getting the thing re-braced but it'd probably cost more than it's worth.

or.....

possibly a perfect specimen for sam collins songs with a slide?

Good idea! I had a nut extender on it for a while and played it lap style but that sounds more fun.

[jpeters609]

Here are some players that at one time or another supposedly played a Harmony Sovereign (although there are a couple different models.  I think that the H1260 was the most popular):

Sam Chatmon
Howling Wolf
Mississippi John Hurt
Melvin ?Lil? Son? Jackson
Robert Curtis Smith
Robert Pete Williams

And Big Joe Williams. Of course, his was tricked out with a pick-up and (frequently) duct tape. Most photos of Big Joe from the 60's show him with his Sovereign.

[frailer24]

And Big Joe Williams. Of course, his was tricked out with a pick-up and (frequently) duct tape. Most photos of Big Joe from the 60's show him with his Sovereign.

You forgot the extra 3 strings. :-P

[RobBob]

I had one in the 1060's bought it new.  I have a recording somewhere where I am playing blues on it form about 1969.  Great blues axe.

[frailer24]

It is done! Strung up, in tune, and playing "Silver City." Best $20 I ever spent!

[kindlemonj]

Biggest mistake of my life was swapping an early model Harmony Sovereign for something more "modern" although I can't remember what ! I now play a thirty-something year old Japanese made F95 Fender acoustic-a fine guitar.

[Blue in VT]

It is done! Strung up, in tune, and playing "Silver City." Best $20 I ever spent!

We need a video of that!!! come on!

I'm in the midst of resetting the neck on a 1203 myself....so far so good!



Cheers,

Blue

[Parlor Picker]

Nice to see a post from Blue in VT after all these years! You've been conspicuous by your absence here and on the Larriv?e Guitar Forum. Welcome back.

Let us know how the work on your guitar goes.