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Joined:
October 2002
Posts: 16
Location: Canada | Okay, guys, on your advice and using my own common sense, I purchased the used Custom Balladeer 1612 (circa 1984?) instead of the new Korean-made Celebrity. Bigger, heavier, better-sounding and better-playing. Less buzzing and better action. I'm very happy, except for one thing. This model features a rotating volume dial and no external access to the battery. Do I have to remove strings just to change the battery? That seems like quite a hassle. Was it designed this way? Also, would any of you know the best way to get some on-board EQing happening? Would I have to change the pickup? And if so, can anyone recommend anything?
Sorry for all the questions. I really do appreciate the help. Thanks everybody.
gord | |
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Joined:
July 2002
Posts: 150
Location: Minneapolis, MN | Gordholio,
Great handle, by the way :D I also have a 1612 Balladeer ('78), and haven't looked at my celebrity (cs-257) since I got it! It plays so much nicer...
If you haven't put new strings on it already, check out the battery and battery holder when you take off the old ones. You'll see what your up against that way. I haven't found it necessary to take the strings completely off when changing the battery after having done this first. There's a screw on the bass side of the body- give it a turn and the whole battery assembly will come loose. You can then pull it out of the soundhole (careful not to pull on the wires).
As for the onboard EQ question, you might find something utilizing the search function of this site. Others know much more than I about that pickups, electronics etc. Hope this helps!
-Rich | |
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Joined:
October 2002
Posts: 16
Location: Canada | Okay, I get it. Unscrew the screw a half turn, unscrew three of the strings, pull out the battery compartment, replace ther battery, stick the whole contraption back into the soundhole, try to line up the screw with the screwhole, re-tighten it, and then tighten the strings. Whew!
My other question stands, though. Is there a good way to get some sort of on-baord EQing happening?
Merci.
gord | |
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Joined:
October 2002
Posts: 16
Location: Canada | Rich, thanks for the reply! We must have been posting simultaneously. I did exaclty what you suggested, probably at the exact same moment you were suggesting it.
Looks like we're in much the same situation, moving from recent Celebrities to older American-made Ovations. Cool.
Hey, how long does your battery usually last? Also, do you know if the serial number reference section is failsafe? My serial number indicates that my Balladeer is an '84 vintage, but I thought by 1984 Ovation had instituted externally-accessed pickups.
gordo | |
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Joined:
July 2002
Posts: 150
Location: Minneapolis, MN | You could try to memorize which way the battery goes in, as in which way to line up the postive/negative and not have to go through the whole routine (which btw, the guitar was designed this way)... Me, I'm not that good at it, so I have to do exactly what you stated in your post everytime I change batteries :rolleyes:
> I've only changed batteries in mine twice, once when I got it, and once when I loaned it to a friend for a gig- just to be safe. I've only owned mine for about 3 months. From what I've read, they should last quite awhile, a couple of months maybe..
[ October 23, 2002: Message edited by: Rich ] | |
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Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 18
Location: Bham,AL | Battery life....
Be sure to unplug your guitar from the amp when you are'nt playing it, leaving it plugged in will drain the battery.
Fishman makes an EQ box that will clip to your back pocket, its not "on board" but its fairly handy.
bukwheat | |
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Korean made Ovations - Update!!