Solid Body Electrics from the past
stephent28
Posted 2004-04-28 1:27 PM (#188978)
Subject: Solid Body Electrics from the past



Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303

Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066
I was curious as to the different solid body and semi-hollow body electrics that Ovation made in the '70s and '80s.

What are the various model names and how do they rank in terms of desirability/playability.

Thanks
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Standingovation
Posted 2004-04-28 1:46 PM (#188979 - in reply to #188978)
Subject: Re: Solid Body Electrics from the past



Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 6197

Location: Phoenix AZ
First came the STORM series semi-hollowbodies: THUNDERHEAD, HURRICANE, TORNADO, TYPHOON, ECLIPSE.
Then came the 1st SOLIDBODIES: BREADWINNER, DEACON, MAGNUM.
Next wave of solidbodies: PREACHER, VIPER, BLUEBIRD.
Next wave of solidbodies: UKII, ULTRA PF.
Next wave of solidbodies: ULTRA GS, ULTRA GP.
Then came the chambered solidbody: VIPER
Then came the aquisition of HAMER

Do a search on any of the words above in CAPS and you will find lots of info. Check the photogallery also. Miles has a great website with all these guitars.

Dave
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Wuzhizzoner
Posted 2004-04-28 1:51 PM (#188980 - in reply to #188978)
Subject: Re: Solid Body Electrics from the past


Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 1614

Location: Converse, Texas
Which guitar did David Cassidy use in the Partridge Family? The only reason I am asking is because it was one of Cliff's FAVORITE bands -- and he's too embarassed to ask! :D
Top of the page Bottom of the page
cliff
Posted 2004-04-28 2:10 PM (#188981 - in reply to #188978)
Subject: Re: Solid Body Electrics from the past


Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 14842

Location: NJ
It was a blue Breadwinner.
And the ONLY reason I know is that I had learned it HERE!!! - dickhead!
Top of the page Bottom of the page
stonebobbo
Posted 2004-04-28 2:28 PM (#188982 - in reply to #188978)
Subject: Re: Solid Body Electrics from the past



Joined:
August 2002
Posts: 8307

Location: Tennessee
Dave, great list. My only comment is that I believe the acquisition of Hamer preceded the development of the chambered Viper, which I was told at last year's factory tour was a joint effort between O & H.

I think I can hear Cliff and Hizzoner simulaneously breaking out in a stirring rendition of "I THINK I LOVE YOU". :D Or maybe it was "Kaman, Get Happy". ;) All those songs sounded the same to me.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
moody, p.i.
Posted 2004-04-28 2:50 PM (#188983 - in reply to #188978)
Subject: Re: Solid Body Electrics from the past


Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15664

Location: SoCal
Cliff was too pissed to say it, but David Cassidy also used a blonde Thead early on.

Just passing on what Cliff woulda told ya.....
Top of the page Bottom of the page
cliff
Posted 2004-04-28 2:55 PM (#188984 - in reply to #188978)
Subject: Re: Solid Body Electrics from the past


Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 14842

Location: NJ
. . . . what GREAT friends I have . . . . not HERE of course, but I do have great friends!!! ;)

Actually I must admit, I DID watch the show . . . I thought that Mrs. P was a "MILF".
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Paul Wag
Posted 2004-04-28 3:02 PM (#188985 - in reply to #188978)
Subject: Re: Solid Body Electrics from the past


Joined:
December 2002
Posts: 939

Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Sure I used to watch the Partridge Family....

But just last night I was working up a version of The Cowsill's "The Rain, The Park and Other Things"

Don't think they played Ovations....
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Mr. Ovation
Posted 2004-04-28 3:04 PM (#188986 - in reply to #188978)
Subject: Re: Solid Body Electrics from the past


Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 7222

Location: The Great Pacific Northwest
For a few tidbits (sarcasm) on the Storm and Solidbody guitars.. check out The Ovation Solidbody and Storm Series Collection
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Wuzhizzoner
Posted 2004-04-28 3:12 PM (#188987 - in reply to #188978)
Subject: Re: Solid Body Electrics from the past


Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 1614

Location: Converse, Texas
David with his Thunderhead... or is this cliff with his MILF?

Top of the page Bottom of the page
MWoody
Posted 2004-04-28 3:53 PM (#188988 - in reply to #188978)
Subject: Re: Solid Body Electrics from the past



Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13987

Location: Upper Left USA
I keep watching for Danny's bass to show up on Ebay - it went basically unplayed for all those years! :D
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Wuzhizzoner
Posted 2004-04-28 3:55 PM (#188989 - in reply to #188978)
Subject: Re: Solid Body Electrics from the past


Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 1614

Location: Converse, Texas
I don't think Mrs. P went unplayed for many years...
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Standingovation
Posted 2004-04-28 3:57 PM (#188990 - in reply to #188978)
Subject: Re: Solid Body Electrics from the past



Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 6197

Location: Phoenix AZ
OK - Time for us all to sell our blonde thunderheads, quick! Is Susan Day playing a Mellotron? Oh my God! Hey Stonebobo - yeah I think you're correct about Hamer (I can only be right 99% of the time, but I'll try harder). Don't let Miles kid you, his site is terrific. Dave
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Wuzhizzoner
Posted 2004-04-28 4:01 PM (#188991 - in reply to #188978)
Subject: Re: Solid Body Electrics from the past


Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 1614

Location: Converse, Texas
Sticking with the category -- SOLID BODY FROM THE PAST -- I had the hots for Susan Dey ... of course ... seeing what she looks like now ... she's had a ROUGH life! :D
Top of the page Bottom of the page
stephent28
Posted 2004-04-28 5:02 PM (#188992 - in reply to #188978)
Subject: Re: Solid Body Electrics from the past



Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303

Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066
Thanks for the info StandingOvation.
I thought I new most of them but I really only knew about half of the ones mentioned.

What's the general feeling as to which models are the most desirable to play?
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Stevechapman
Posted 2004-04-28 7:34 PM (#188993 - in reply to #188978)
Subject: Re: Solid Body Electrics from the past


Joined:
April 2003
Posts: 2503

Location: Fayetteville, NC
Hey Craig,
Great Shot of David and The Partridge Family.
FYI. David Played An Ovation Thunderhead, Then a Blue Breadwinner, He also Played a White One in the last Season and There was also a Roundback that he played around the house and maybe even in a few Performance sequences. Just guessing, But it was Probably a Baladeer.
Not Many people realize Just how Talented David Really Was and Still is or That his Own Personal taste in music went WAY Beyond the Pop Tunes he was known For.
He Loved Jimmy Hendrix, The Beatles and The Blues stuff ala B.B. King and Muddy Waters.
He Went on to write songs cut by KISS, ASIA and the Theme song For The Joh Laroquette show under the Alias of Blind Lemon Jackson.
Noone knew it was him until the show had been on a whole season.
he also Went onto Do Blood Brothers on Broadway, EFX in Las Vegas, and is recording For Universal Now. He is also Touring again. saw Him Last December to a Packed out Audience at The Crown Theatre in Fayetteville,NC. IT Was A Really Great Show!
My Personal Taste is Kinda Eclectic, Because I like a little of everything. Yes I grew Up with The Partridge Family, yes Occasionally I'll put one of the CD's in Just to Listen To It. It just takes me back and makes me smile.
the Music Brought Happiness to alot of people.
Who Didn't have a Crush on Susan Dey??
I don't Knock the music because it was Pop.
I don't Knock it at all.
Not Everyone has the same taste in music or Like me, You like a little of everything.
They Say Variety Is The Spice of Life..
I Believe It!!
Kaman,...Get Happy!!!


:D :D :D
Top of the page Bottom of the page
MWoody
Posted 2004-04-28 7:43 PM (#188994 - in reply to #188978)
Subject: Re: Solid Body Electrics from the past



Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13987

Location: Upper Left USA
A Balladeer...
Top of the page Bottom of the page
moody, p.i.
Posted 2004-04-28 7:47 PM (#188995 - in reply to #188978)
Subject: Re: Solid Body Electrics from the past


Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15664

Location: SoCal
In 1970, Mrs. P wasn't jsut a MILF... She was THE MILF!
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Wuzhizzoner
Posted 2004-04-28 7:50 PM (#188996 - in reply to #188978)
Subject: Re: Solid Body Electrics from the past


Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 1614

Location: Converse, Texas
from moody, p.i.
In 1970, Mrs. P wasn't jsut a MILF... She was THE MILF!


David Cassidy thought so too!
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Wuzhizzoner
Posted 2004-04-28 7:51 PM (#188997 - in reply to #188978)
Subject: Re: Solid Body Electrics from the past


Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 1614

Location: Converse, Texas
Steve:

In the late 70s, David Cassidy did a rock song called ROCK ME BABY... I LOVED that song and still do.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Stevechapman
Posted 2004-04-28 8:12 PM (#188998 - in reply to #188978)
Subject: Re: Solid Body Electrics from the past


Joined:
April 2003
Posts: 2503

Location: Fayetteville, NC
Great Song!! he Did It In The Show I Saw and Played part of a lead guitar break that Blew Me away!! He REALLY CAN PLAY!!I'll send you an MP3 of that song if you don't already Have it!
It Didn't do that great on the Charts Over here. I think it only hit 25.
But I always Loved It Too! It Really Rocked! :cool:
Top of the page Bottom of the page
BruDeV
Posted 2004-04-28 8:40 PM (#188999 - in reply to #188978)
Subject: Re: Solid Body Electrics from the past


Joined:
January 2003
Posts: 1498

Location: San Bernardino, California
The Breadwinner Limited fits in there somewhere.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
jasingram
Posted 2004-04-28 8:59 PM (#189000 - in reply to #188978)
Subject: Re: Solid Body Electrics from the past


Joined:
March 2004
Posts: 119

Location: Georgia USA
Here's the best article I've seen on the subject:

From Vintageguitar.com
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Mr. Ovation
Posted 2004-04-28 9:26 PM (#189001 - in reply to #188978)
Subject: Re: Solid Body Electrics from the past


Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 7222

Location: The Great Pacific Northwest
What's interesting about the Ovation solidbodies to me was that there really wasn't a bad one in the lot. They all had their own unique personality and sound and most were extremely flexible. All were very well thought out and affordable too. Even the UltraGS models in which the bodies and necks were imported from Korea used Kahler and Schaller hardware with Dimarzio pickups, with the foresight to jazz up the plain-jane strat body with some extra routing. The Breadwinner still holds its own today. The UKII was way ahead of its time. My favorite of the production models is the Viper. If I had to make one reccomendation it would have been to use the UKII pickups or something different in the Deacons, Preacher and Preacher Deluxe guitars, but that's just personal taste. I think the Ovation solidbody and storm series guitars will come into their own again soon. More and more people are noticing that these guitars have been around for 20+ years, and most are in great condition. With the flood of Brand G and F and even PRS for so long, I think people will be finally starting to look for something different and of quality. I hope it works out that way at least.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Beal
Posted 2004-04-28 9:41 PM (#189002 - in reply to #188978)
Subject: Re: Solid Body Electrics from the past



Joined:
January 2002
Posts: 14127

Location: 6 String Ranch
Standing man
Nice recounting of the lines with two changes.
The Bluebird was never a model, never for sale, only made for what'shisname.
The Ultra PF wasn't either. The PF series was a bunch of solid bodies, guitars and basses but again never sold but not made for whosits either. Ultra wasn't part of the name either.
There also was a bunch of Japaneese made solids and they were after the ultra gs, gp and basses.
Hamer did make the first solid chambered Viper which had to be in the early 90's. We bought Hamer in 88.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Bailey
Posted 2004-04-29 1:19 AM (#189003 - in reply to #188978)
Subject: Re: Solid Body Electrics from the past


Joined:
May 2002
Posts: 3005

Location: Las Cruces, NM
It is very well known that the solid body Viper is the very best Ovation solid body ever made, and, of course the very very best to play as anyone who has one will tell you. Especially if that is the only solid body they have, and especially if they are from Las Cruces, the solid body capitol of the west.

Bailey :D
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Wuzhizzoner
Posted 2004-04-29 4:37 PM (#189004 - in reply to #188978)
Subject: Re: Solid Body Electrics from the past


Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 1614

Location: Converse, Texas
Hey MWoody: Isn't this you circa 1976?
Top of the page Bottom of the page
MWoody
Posted 2004-04-29 4:47 PM (#189005 - in reply to #188978)
Subject: Re: Solid Body Electrics from the past



Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13987

Location: Upper Left USA
In all honesty this is:


It's from my 1976 ASB Card.
I do remember getting in the Barber Chair (prelude to the Electric Chair) and asking for a "David Cassidy" style. The poor guy could only work with what he had.

I am waiting for a "Now" pic to post.

M(that's the last time I saw 170 lbs.)Woody
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Wuzhizzoner
Posted 2004-04-29 4:54 PM (#189006 - in reply to #188978)
Subject: Re: Solid Body Electrics from the past


Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 1614

Location: Converse, Texas
I don't ever remember seeing David Cassidy and MWoody side by side, so like I said ... :D
Top of the page Bottom of the page
cliff
Posted 2004-04-29 5:19 PM (#189007 - in reply to #188978)
Subject: Re: Solid Body Electrics from the past


Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 14842

Location: NJ
Top of the page Bottom of the page
MWoody
Posted 2004-04-29 5:58 PM (#189008 - in reply to #188978)
Subject: Re: Solid Body Electrics from the past



Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13987

Location: Upper Left USA
Oowchh :eek:


Edit: Actually that is a nice look for me!


Q: Do any of you guys, like, have real jobs?
Top of the page Bottom of the page
moody, p.i.
Posted 2004-04-29 7:47 PM (#189009 - in reply to #188978)
Subject: Re: Solid Body Electrics from the past


Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15664

Location: SoCal
Naw. We all work for the government.

By the way, from the pic, it looks like a Custom Balladeer, which would date the pic to about 1972.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
xbj
Posted 2004-04-30 1:37 AM (#189010 - in reply to #188978)
Subject: Re: Solid Body Electrics from the past


Joined:
June 2003
Posts: 194

Location: Las Vegas
PF Ovation Guitar list:

Black stucco (polane) breadwinner/white pickguard
Brown gloss sunburst "fake" deacon (seen here & on eBay awhile back)
Deep blue stucco breadwinner/white pickguard (color much deeper than the production skyblue models)
Cream white stucco breadwinner/white pickguard
Nutmeg Thunderhead (never blonde; bright lights made it look lighter)
6-String Steel Acoustic (Balladeer?)
6-String Nylon Classical Acoustic
12-String Acoustic (not sure of which model)
Possibly a deep blue stucco Eclipse Guitar

PF Ovation Bass List

Deep blue stucco "Eclipse" Bass
Nutmeg Typhoon
Cream white stucco "Eclipse" Bass
Black stucco "Eclipse" Bass

All basses fretted and Typhoon II shape (same as guitars)

Les
:)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
MWoody
Posted 2004-04-30 8:02 AM (#189011 - in reply to #188978)
Subject: Re: Solid Body Electrics from the past



Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13987

Location: Upper Left USA
XBJ,
That list is so specific it is scary!

Dare I ask how one comes by such inside information?
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Stevechapman
Posted 2004-04-30 9:37 AM (#189012 - in reply to #188978)
Subject: Re: Solid Body Electrics from the past


Joined:
April 2003
Posts: 2503

Location: Fayetteville, NC
Craig,
originally, PF aired only till late 74 with reruns airing to mid 75. By that time David was done with the Show. He finished a worldwide tour,
and his obligations the Bell Label. He then quit touring but got a 3 lp deal with RCA the first of which they released in late 75 early 76. Part of the deal with RCA is that he'd be able to play, write, and have creative control. Something the Screen Gems Owned Bell never let him have. I don't think David Toured again until The 80's and most of the time he was Booked in Europe. There's a live Release of that time floating around out there.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
xbj
Posted 2004-04-30 1:51 PM (#189013 - in reply to #188978)
Subject: Re: Solid Body Electrics from the past


Joined:
June 2003
Posts: 194

Location: Las Vegas
Thanks! LOL From studying videos/DVD's of all the episodes and duplicating the collection... working on replicas of the amps now.

Will post pictures in a month or so when it's all done.

Les
:)

Originally posted by MWoody:
XBJ,
That list is so specific it is scary!

Dare I ask how one comes by such inside information?
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Wuzhizzoner
Posted 2004-04-30 2:50 PM (#189014 - in reply to #188978)
Subject: Re: Solid Body Electrics from the past


Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 1614

Location: Converse, Texas
xbj: Excellent list! Miles, maybe this is something for the reference section? :)
Top of the page Bottom of the page