• From: Virginia, USA
  • Registered: 2009-06-12
  • Posts: 873

Topic: Anybody Currently Own a Harmony Stella/Sovereign Guitar?

As part of my lack of strategy dealing with GAS I've often thought of adding a Harmony Sovereign guitar to the mix. I know most of the common narratives relating to these guitars. Can anyone give me good reason to pursue or not pursue this piece of America? I'm looking for something to play not to hang on the wall of the local T.J. Applebee's.

A while back I found a local man who rebuilds them to include replacing the ladder bracing with forward X stuff. What's wrong with ladder bracing?

  • From: Western Oregon,US
  • Registered: 2008-07-22
  • Posts: 2,498

Re: Anybody Currently Own a Harmony Stella/Sovereign Guitar?

X bracing allows the top to vibrate more freely (theoretically because there is less of it).  But ladder is the older technology and I'm sure there are bunches of "classic" instruments built in that manner that still sound sweet and clear.  The tonal quality of the wood I think has more to dictate than the bracing pattern.  The availability of tight tonewoods or lack thereof, has driven changes in the luthier's art.  Somewhere in that evolution is "A" pattern bracing as well, and it all has the same purpose to stabilize the top and prevent warpage without locking everything down so tight that it won't project.

No opinion on the Harmony brand though, as in my book it is the sound, not the label that makes the guitar what it is.  GAS or not, if it sings to you, you should own it!

Take Care;
Doug

"what is this quintessence of dust?"  - Shakespeare
  • From: massachusetts
  • Registered: 2010-10-18
  • Posts: 1,675

Re: Anybody Currently Own a Harmony Stella/Sovereign Guitar?

Check one out really good.I have had 2 and have a silvertone acoustic.They were all caved in at the sound hole.Watch the action up the neck for height.If it is really high,look at the soundhole to see if it is caved in.

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