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Average Price: $661

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$200

$601+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Discover the Harmony Sovereign H1260, an acoustic guitar that stands the test of time. With its jumbo body shape, this guitar boasts a powerful, resonant sound that echoes the heyday of the '60s. Crafted during Harmony's golden era, the H1260 is a part of the esteemed Sovereign series, alongside other revered models like the dreadnought and orchestra-sized guitar. Its distinctive design elements such as white binding, dot inlays, white button tuners, and a black pickguard complete its classic aesthetic. Experience the robust sound and timeless charm of the H1260, a true testament to Harmony's legacy of quality and craftsmanship.

Key Features:

  • Part of the Sovereign series, a popular range from Harmony during their peak in the 1960s
  • Jumbo body shape known for its big, booming voice
  • Unique design elements including white binding, dot inlays, white button tuners, and a black pickguard
  • Produced between 1958 - 1971, reflecting a golden era in Harmony's history
  • A versatile guitar suitable for different styles and techniques
  • Known for its robust sound and timeless charm, a testament to Harmony's legacy of quality and craftsmanship.

Product specs

Brand Harmony
Model H1260 Sovereign
Finish Natural
Year 1960s
Made In United States
Categories Jumbo Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp No
Back Material Mahogany
Body Shape Jumbo
Color Family Natural, Tan
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 19
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup None
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Sides Material Mahogany
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce

FAQs

What is the body shape of the Harmony Sovereign H1260?

The Harmony Sovereign H1260 features a jumbo body shape, which is known for its large size and full, resonant sound projection, making it ideal for bold strumming and rich acoustic tones.

What materials are used in the construction of the Harmony Sovereign H1260?

The Harmony Sovereign H1260 is constructed with a spruce top and mahogany back and sides, providing a warm, balanced tone with clear highs and rich lows.

How many frets does the Harmony Sovereign H1260 have?

The Harmony Sovereign H1260 has 19 frets, offering a wide range of notes for versatile playing across different styles of music.

Does the Harmony Sovereign H1260 come with a pickup?

The Harmony Sovereign H1260 does not come with a pickup, making it a purely acoustic guitar ideal for traditional acoustic sound.

Is the Harmony Sovereign H1260 suitable for fingerstyle playing?

Yes, the Harmony Sovereign H1260's jumbo body and spruce top provide a dynamic range and clarity that can complement fingerstyle techniques, offering a balanced response across the fretboard.

Roadtoast Guitars James Ralston (James Ralston)

Roadtoast Guitars James Ralston (James Ralston)

1960's Harmony Sovereign H1260. Restored.

Video thumbnail for 1960's Harmony Sovereign H1260. Restored. by Roadtoast Guitars James Ralston (James Ralston)

1960's Harmony Sovereign H1260. Restored.

Roadtoast Guitars James Ralston (James Ralston)

Roadtoast Guitars James Ralston (James Ralston)

Video thumbnail for Harmony Sovereign H 1260 at The Fellowship of Acoustics by The Fellowship of Acoustics

Harmony Sovereign H 1260 at The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

Video thumbnail for Harmony H1260 Sovereign (X-braced )vs ‘64 Gibson J45, Martin HD35 and a Martin M36. by Brian McFarland

Harmony H1260 Sovereign (X-braced )vs ‘64 Gibson J45, Martin HD35 and a Martin M36.

Brian McFarland

Brian McFarland

Video thumbnail for 1967 Harmony H1260 Sovereign jumbo guitar by Jake Wildwood & Co

1967 Harmony H1260 Sovereign jumbo guitar

Jake Wildwood & Co

Jake Wildwood & Co

Reviews

PROS

  • Delivers a deep, booming tone unique to the H1260

  • Features a one-piece mahogany back, rare in modern guitars

  • Ladder bracing offers a distinct, superb tonal quality

  • Ideal entry point for experiencing vintage wood and craftsmanship at a modest cost

  • Uses top-quality materials, especially the solid spruce top

  • Offers a unique sound reminiscent of 60s Gibson guitars

  • Can be modified for top-notch playability and sound

CONS

  • Nearly always requires a neck reset for proper playability

  • Known for high action and poor initial intonation

  • Assembly details and quality control historically poor

  • Often overlooked by serious players and collectors

  • May require extensive improvements to meet modern standards

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Harmony Sovereign H1260.

Build quality

  • The back of the 1960s H1260 features a unique solid piece of mahogany, unusual compared to typical book-matched designs.

    Source
  • The H1260 features a jumbo size with spruce over mahogany, all solid wood construction, and ladder bracing that enhances its distinctive sound.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • It's crucial to check the neck angle using a straightedge or by sighting down the neck to ensure it remains playable.

    Source
  • The binding on older models can become brittle, requiring careful handling or potential replacement.

    Source
  • It often requires a neck reset due to high string action, impacting playability and resale value.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The fingerboard is made of Brazilian rosewood, contributing to its distinctive sound.

    Source
  • Known for its unique fat bottom tone, attributed to the ladder bracing which enhances bass response.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The H1260 is favored for its authentic late-sixties sound, ideal for blues and classic rock, reminiscent of Jimmy Page’s recordings.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Often called the "poor man's Martin D-18," it offers charm despite not matching the Martin's quality.

    Source
  • The Harmony Sovereign H1270, a 12-string version, is noted as more expensive and oversized, offering a different playing experience.

    Source

User experience

  • The guitar is noted for its unique tone, appealing to collectors and musicians seeking vintage acoustics.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the Sovereign for its historical significance and connection to artists like Jimmy Page and Syd Barrett.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 8 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
rtotheichard

My first guitar

Action high as hell, intonation off by a mile, but it's what I learned on.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jimmy Page uses Harmony Sovereign H1260

Jimmy Page

Guitarist

Led Zeppelin

...
Verified via Photo

Jimmy played this Harmony Sovereign H1260 on famous songs such as "Ramble On" and "Stairway To Heaven." He can be seen holding it in a more recent photo as well.

See how Keith Richards uses Harmony Sovereign H1260

Keith Richards

Guitarist, Singer

The Rolling Stones

...
Verified via Photo

Keith and Mick Taylor used a Harmony Sovereign H1260 live during 1971 shows.

See how Pete Townshend uses Harmony Sovereign H1260

Pete Townshend

Singer, Guitarist

The Who

...
Verified via Thewho

Pete Townshend’s Harmony Sovereign H1260 6-string jumbo acoustic guitar, as used in the studio and demo recording ’60s. The Harmony 6-string featured a double-bound jumbo body in natural finish and dot inlays. In 1968 Pete purchased a new 1968 Gibson J-200 acoustic from Manny’s in New York and stopped using the Harmony guitar.

See how Graham Coxon uses Harmony Sovereign H1260

Graham Coxon

Guitarist

Blur

...
Verified via YouTube

Coxon occasionally uses a Harmony Sovereign acoustic guitar, model unknown, which he bought around 1999.

Used on Later... With Jools Holland: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEpnnSYRNzU

http://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2016/jan/29/graham-coxon-bert-jansch-music-concerts-blur-celtic-connections-festival

"I was standing (which I would never do now), and as I started the first song I felt my knees turning to rubber, and my already weak voice took on an involuntary and very embarrassing vibrato. I was shaking and sweating and really struggling with my old Harmony Sovereign guitar and its tree-trunk strings. It was awful."

http://slackr.uk/blurcentral/totalguitarblur.htm

"More recent purchases include a Harmony Sovereign, an American acoustic from the 60's, the choice of many old blues and roots guitarists which Graham used on his solo album."

See how Ray Toro uses Harmony Sovereign H1260

Ray Toro

Singer, Guitarist

My Chemical Romance

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, at 29:35 to 29:15 Rays guitar talks about the Harmony H1260 Acoustic Guitar. It’s primarily used during the first set for The End. And The End (Reprise). The pick guards seems to be off and added a LR Baggs M1 active pickup.

See how Syd Barrett uses Harmony Sovereign H1260

Syd Barrett

Keyboardist, Composer

Pink Floyd

...
Verified via Photo

Syd Barrett is pictured with a Harmony Sovereign H1260 acoustic guitar, as shown in a user-uploaded photo on Wikimedia.

See how Miles Kane uses Harmony Sovereign H1260

Miles Kane

Singer, Guitarist

The Last Shadow Puppets

...
Verified via iTunes

Kane can be seen in this performance of "Miracle Aligner" by the Last Shadow Puppets playing a Harmony Sovereign H1260.

See how Dallas Green uses Harmony Sovereign H1260

Dallas Green

Singer, Guitarist

Alexisonfire

...
Verified via YouTube

Dallas is playing this Harmony Sovereign H1260 on his eTown live taping episode.

See how Anton Newcombe uses Harmony Sovereign H1260

Anton Newcombe

Singer, Guitarist

The Brian Jonestown Massacre

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video you can see Anton with his Harmony guitar

See how Ryan Peake uses Harmony Sovereign H1260

Ryan Peake

Guitarist

Nickelback

...
Verified via YouTube

In the Premier Guitar Rig Rundown video, Ryan Peake of Nickelback is shown with his Harmony Sovereign H1260 acoustic guitar.

See how Jarvis Cocker uses Harmony Sovereign H1260

Jarvis Cocker

Singer, Guitarist

Pulp

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Cocker can be seen playing a Harmony Sovereign H1260 Acoustic Guitar.

See how Aynsley Lister uses Harmony Sovereign H1260

Aynsley Lister

Guitarist

...
Verified via Aynsleylister

"My ‘Blues’ guitar. Very very beat up but very cool. It has a really old ‘woody’ sound and so great for some classic old blues noodling….Fitted with a period De Armond model 210 Soundhole pickup".

-Aynsley Lister

Album Usage

The Harmony Sovereign H1260 has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Harmony Sovereign H1260, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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