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June 2002
Posts: 6202
Location: Phoenix AZ | OK, we all know the first acoustic models introduced had only names (no model numbers). Namely the Balladeer, Deluxe Balladeer, Classic, Josh White and 12-String.
In a 1968 catalog I see them with the follwoign model numbers:
K-1006 = Balladeer
K-1016 = Deluxe Balladeer
K-1026 = Classic
K-1036 = Josh White
K-1042 = 12-String
I'm guessing the logic is the the first 2 digits don't mean anything. The 3rd digit is just sequential 0 through 4. The 4th digit is 6 for the 6 strings and 2 for the 12 string.
Do any of the early model fans (Sam, Bob, Paul ???) know anything about this. In the 1969 catalog they change to the standard model numbers of 1111, 1112, 1113, 1114, 1115. |
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March 2004
Posts: 6
Location: Southington,CT | OK.I own a Balladeer Model#1111-1.Brought it to the factory for info and was told that the early ones weren't documented or sketchy at best.I purchased new in 1971 and they figured it was vintage '70 or '71.They did locate the ser#8349 inside the guitar at the base of the neck but you'll need a flashlight for sure.The most surprising thing I was told was the border between the wooden top and the plastic back was ivory.I will never sell it as it is still my favorite of all the guitars I've owned.Hope this helps.
Jim. |
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September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | I bought my Balladeer about the same time. The serial # is 3521. Maybe it sat around for a while or the numbers are not consistant.
Didn't Ovation realize in 1969 that in 34 years, a couple thousand Ovation fans from all over the world would be discussing their serial number process using powerful, almost Star Trek like computers?
Brad |
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January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | the first series of numbers mean nothing, forget about them (K-1047 etc)
The ones that count are the 1111-bd 1112 Custom bd 1115 12string etc...... |
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February 2002
Posts: 5750
Location: Scotland | The most surprising thing I was told was the border between the wooden top and the plastic back was ivory.QB]
Plastic??????????????? Wash your mouth out.
Ivory hasn't been used on guitars since the 1930's. They may have said "Ivoroid" which is a tradename for a specific type of synthetic used in luthierie |
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September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | CWK2,
If I may ask, what did you mean when you said, "the only ones that count"?
Brad |
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April 2004
Posts: 265
Location: Warrenton, Virginia | Dave...I got my balladeer in 68/69 timeframe. I think it is 10 something something...can't remember...am at work and can't confirm until at home tonight.
Anyway...I don't know what the first digits represent....but agree that maybe the last 2 have to do with Ovations sequential numbering scheme and the style/type Ovation. |
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Early Model Numbers - Can someone explain?