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Family : Sovereign

Other brands : H1203 Sovereign was also sold as Barclay BA1203-3 | Fender F-1050 | Montgomery Wards 8290 | Regal R230 | Vega FT90

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Original catalog descriptions

[1957 catalog]
SPANISH SOLO GUITARS
HARMONY SOVEREIGN Auditorium size, in the Spanish mode. Full toned, responsive for solo playing. Polished natural finish selected spruce top, inlaid at soundhole and edge with pin lines. Back, frame, and neck are of fine polished mahogany. Ovaled rosewood fingerboard Pin-ess type rosewood bridge.
No.1203 - $59.50
Has Slim Line" neck with Torque-Lok reinforcing rod

[1966 catalog]
HARMONY SOVEREIGN - GRAND CONCERT SPECIAL Full toned, responsive for solo playing. Has "Slim-Line" neck with Torque-Lok reinforcing rod-fast, easy to finger for modern guitar performance. Polished natural finish selected spruce top, inlaid at soundhole and edge with pin lines. Back, frame, and neck are of fine polished mahogany. Ovalled rosewood fingerboard. Pinless type rosewood bridge. Shell celluloid pick guard.
No. 1203 - Size 15 1/8 x 40 in. : $74.50

Original price

  1951 : $45.00
  1957 : $59.50
  1958 : $59.50
  1959 : $59.50
  1962 : $62.50
  1967 : $74.50
  1969 : $82.50
  1972 : $99.50

Verified production year(s) : 1947-1971
others years possible, not verified.

6 comments | Add your comment !

• Gregory Jones - 2006-04-17
  I love mine. Despite a half dozen applications of Stew-Mac polish it won't shine. The sides have cracks indicating that at one time or another it probably had been used as a weapon. There is only one crack on the top. All cracks have been amaturishly (?) repaired. The tuners would "pop" just as the string reached pitch. I replaced them with Grover "Vintage" open tuners with an 18:1 ratio from Stew-Mac. I love it. It sounds so fine it replaced a 00016GT. Blues on a Martin? Ha!!!!!!! My Harmony will bring tears to your eyes. This is one sweet ugly dog.
• Larry Heagle - 2007-04-04
  I just outbid everyone on eBay for a 603 recently. It is in very good condition except that someone must have dropped something heavy on it just below the sound hole as there is some cave in damage right under the pickguard. This particular guitar has been autographed by bluegrass phenom Jimmy Martin and the Sunny Mountain Boys. Although the guitar vibrates freely, the overall sound is a little "thin" for my taste. Still it is a valuable addition to my collection.
• Jimbo 32 - 2007-05-20
  I was just given this Guitar, with a case, It doesn't have a truss rod neither a sereal # it is in good condition for the age but I would like to get more information as to its age.. anyone know? Jimbo32
• Mindy - 2007-06-11
  I have what I believe to be a Harmony Sovereign H1203 that belonged to a family member in either the 60s or 70s. It's a very heavy guitar in pretty good condition, but it's missing a pick guard. Is there a place to buy one (preferably vintage, not repro)? There are no date or model marks that I can find on this guitar, but the pickguard shape appears to be exactly like those pictured in the 1203. I'm probably going to sell this guitar on ebay, eventually, but I'd like to replace that pick guard first. luckymin@hutchtel.net
• Lester - 2007-12-03
  I have a '67 a friend rescued from the city landfill. I've replaced the tuners and re-glued the pick guard over the last 10 years and to this day it's still my favourite. It has way more tone than any modern guitar around the $500 range. 10 years ago this gem was a descent guitar but as time passed more and more players came to appreciate what a fine instrument these harmony's are.
• Bob Vaughan - 2007-12-04
  Just got a 1203 for free. Needs neck reset but tone is unreal. Perfect cond.despite deeply worn frets. The original finish on these things is incredible as is the wood. The top is close-grained with some bear-claw. In a word.....gorgeous! To be continued....(after neck set)