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Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3651
Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire | Pursuant to a related post by BigLouis about New York guitar shops, and contributions by our esteemed colleagues, I made a brief trip to the Emerald City to see what was available. There is a serious dearth of O's, was my impression. I was only able to visit three shops- Guitarville in Lake Forest, The Trading Musician in the "U" district (Univ. of WA), and the Lynnwood branch of (ugh!) Guitar Center. Only new stuff at GC, but I did play a black, cross-weave Adamas (yup, I'm saving my pennies now!), but the rest were Korean models- mostly 057's. No acoustics at Trading Musician, but they had one Viper, and one Preacher, both in only fair condition. Guitarville had a 2002 Collector's (nice top!), a black Elite, a Custom Legend, an 1111-4, and a peghead-repaired 1621-4. Didn't care for the neck on the Legend much- a bit thick for my taste. The Elite and 2002 were superb instruments, but a bit pricey. The old stuff, well- there's no substitute for aged wood. They had a resonance completely different from the newer instruments. But, y'know, one of my most important "take home" messages was, even though 4 out of 5 of my O's are reclamation projects, I would judge my set-ups and action jobs are every bit as good as any of the guitars I played that day. So, I am encouraged, in this regard. As to finding vintage Ovations in Seattle; that's NOT very encouraging. Expanding my search, or hitting Portland for my next outing, might be the next logical, and necessary, step in The Search (I can hear a John Williams soundtrack, can't you?!). | |
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Joined:
January 2002
Posts: 970
Location: Atlanta,Ga. | If you visit the "Experience Music Project" musium in Seattle you will find two rare Ovations that they purchased from me several years ago..The one i know is on display.Its a early Country artist model.They wanted an early ovation model with electronics..The second is a shiny bowl balladeer..Early serial number,ribbon rosette..They also bought the first ovation catalog from me..I dont think they ever displayed the balladeer and catalog but i have seen the country artist in a magazine article...So, Ovations are represented in Seattle,at least in this musium....Has anyone ever visited this place and seen the Ovation guitar?? I have never gone to see them.Its too far from the deep south and they dont serve grits there....... | |
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Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3651
Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire | Sam, true on both accounts- too far & no grits. As for EMP, I visited once, about four years ago. I don't recall seeing the Ovation, but it's a big place. Visiting the EMP is, indeed, an all-day affair. Well worth the admission fee, too. | |
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Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 7236
Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | Ahhh Seattle, one of m favorite cities on the planet (Boston, Vancouver and Garmish Germany are the others). I have tried on several occastions to visit music stores in Seattle, and I keep ending up on boats or at resturants eating Salmon intead. | |
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Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3651
Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire | Speaking of Vancouver, anybody coming to the Olympics in 2008? | |
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Joined:
May 2002
Posts: 3005
Location: Las Cruces, NM | Miles
My brother (now deceased), was stationed in Garmish Germany in the late 50's as a communication person in the Army. He was a steel guitar player at the time and played in enlisted men's clubs. He enjoyed the area greatly from what he had said about it.
Bailey | |
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Seattle Ovation Survey