|
|
Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 208
Location: Illinois | I never was a fan of the guitar with the "Tupperware' bowl for a body, until I heard Danny play his on Donald Trumps' "The Apprentice". Did Ovation ever sign him as a spokesman? I really liked the guy. A little too creative for the upper eschelon corporate world, but a really cool guy. Anyways, from that day forward I have been open to the idea of a plastic bodied guitar.
Then it happened! I found on at an antique store (see my earlier post). I really like the tone, but it had been subjected to some heat and / or cold and the bridge is pulling a bit and may have a broken brace inside. As I didn't have a mirror to check, I'm going to get one and go back and see if I can't talk turkey with this fellow and get it on the cheap. I do some of my own luthiery work and think this one is worth the challenge!
Can any of you luthiers out there tell me how the sound board is attached to the bowl and how to seperate it from said bowl? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | There's only one guy I know who could answer that question...
Luthier444. He is well versed in Ovation repair.
You may not be able to get the top from the bowl... |
|
| |
|
Joined:
May 2004
Posts: 2850
Location: Midland, MI | I would suggest sending it back to the mothership for repairs. They're well versed in the process, extremely reasonable and most pleasant to deal with (disclaimer: I've never sent anything back, but I have conversed with them via email regarding a coupel of issues).
Congrats, welcome and good luck! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2002
Posts: 1817
Location: Minden, Nebraska | Cruster is right, but once a guitar is sent back for repairs the final cost may make it other than a bargain. I think TommyK is saying that he is willing to take a risk on one that he can get for a good price and fix, himself.
There are guys on this board who can give authoritative answers to this question, but they need to find this thread. :eek: |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 208
Location: Illinois | Yup,
Price is my main motive. I've posted my question with a more Luthier attracting subject line.
"... send it back to the mother ship..." :D funny! Only two visits to this site and I'm already beginning to sense that Ovation owners are a leeetle bit different.
Where is that mothership anyway? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13996
Location: Upper Left USA | In the Ovation Fan Club Thesaurus you will find that Factory, Mothership, Customer Servive, CT., Master Keller, Master Budny, Mother, The Bell Tower, all mean the same place.
For the most part Ovation used epoxy in lieu of hide glues or "undoable" adhesives. A repair in place or destructive removal technique are the options.
I suggest you watch Fleabay for a USA made Ovation for under $300 for your first.
BTW - If you look up Thesaurus in a thesaurus it isn't in there!
M(it's a synonymicon)Woody |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10583
Location: NJ | new hartford CT |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | I suggest you watch Fleabay for a USA made Ovation for under $300 for your first I second that notion.
We are the OFC....trust us on this one. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 208
Location: Illinois | Originally posted by MWoody:
In the Ovation Fan Club Thesaurus you will find that Factory, Mothership, Customer Servive, CT., Master Keller, Master Budny, Mother, The Bell Tower, all mean the same place...."
Yup, jus' a leeetle beet differn't. I'm guess'n I'll fit right in! ;) |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 208
Location: Illinois | Originally posted by MWoody:
...For the most part Ovation used epoxy in lieu of hide glues or "undoable" adhesives. A repair in place or destructive removal technique are the options... :eek: I'm guess'n the Ovations are the Timex Throw'aways of the guitar world, if you can't open her lid. I guess one could always use the bowl for a reeeeely big watter dipper!
As far as the Feabay suggestions, this is a 'Fleabay' type item, only at a brick and mortar antique / junque shop. The new price quoted was the $400.00. If I had that kind of scratch I'd definitely be buying new. I'm suspecting that new price quoted included the HSC. He had it tagged for under two C notes for the whole lot, but I don't think he knows from guitars much. I'll show him the structural deficiencies :( and 'splain the work to get it workable, then negotiate, maybe a C note or a half that.
:) |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 1071
Location: Carle Place, NY | TommyK:
What's the model number? I wouldn't spend time fixing any that wasn't USA made.
Here's a nice USA Custom Balladeer on on the Bay that will go for cheap.
1612 Custom Balladeer |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13996
Location: Upper Left USA | For $400 you can get a very nice USA Ovation. Possibly from this board.
Ovations are solidly engineered and built. They are not the "disposable" instrument that you talk about.
The amount of abuse they'll sustain before becoming unplayable would turn a "repairable" box guitar into a pile of splinters and pickguards!
My take on that is like the Owner that keeps buying Ford/Chevy/Dodge because they are easy to work on. I'd prefer the one that doesn't need constant neck resets or re-glueing!
I suggest you get out and play some of the various levels and flavors of Applause, Celebrity Ovation and Adamas before you become a disappointed consumer.
Get a feel that you can't get from talking on the internet. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 1071
Location: Carle Place, NY | TommyK:
I just saw your other post. DON'T buy an Applause! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 208
Location: Illinois | Why Not? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 208
Location: Illinois | Originally posted by Mitchrx:
TommyK:
What's the model number? I wouldn't spend time fixing any that wasn't USA made. Didn't see a model number. Just 'Classic' or Classical' on the inside-the-bowl label. Either I missed it or id didn't have one SN was, I think 199217. Round hole, electrics, slotted head with a traditional type of classic guitar headstock, not the shovel shaped one like today's models. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 208
Location: Illinois | Originally posted by MWoody:
For $400 you can get a very nice USA Ovation. Possibly from this board.
Ovations are solidly engineered and built. They are not the "disposable" instrument that you talk about.
The amount of abuse they'll sustain before becoming unplayable would turn a "repairable" box guitar into a pile of splinters and pickguards!
My take on that is like the Owner that keeps buying Ford/Chevy/Dodge because they are easy to work on. I'd prefer the one that doesn't need constant neck resets or re-glueing!
I suggest you get out and play some of the various levels and flavors of Applause, Celebrity Ovation and Adamas before you become a disappointed consumer.
Get a feel that you can't get from talking on the internet. That's all well and good if you have the income to support a GAS habit. Some of us can neither afford, nor justify the added expense of buying a Cadillac or a Gibson. Some of us are content with buying the Chevies or occaisional Buick or other fixer upper so we can afford to buy a used guit tar once in a while. Truth be told if I were given the choice of a free guit tar, I'd choose a Gibson. But since I foot all my own bills, I wouldn't buy a Gibson a.) because I can't afford it and b). I wouldn't buy it if I had the money. I just don't think I get an addtional $2000+ worth of guitar for the extra $2000 I'd have to spend. Yep, the Gibby is better than an Epiphone, but it ain't $2000 better to me.. IMnsHO
Sooo. persue this abused Applause I must, until an equally abused Ovation or Gibby comes along. (Glue is cheap and so am I) :D
Oh and BTW, I'm not intending to purchase for $400. I don't have that kind of scratch It's tagged at less than $200 and I think I can negotiate $50 or so, once I show him the deficiencies and how unhappy an uninformed customer, guitar player wannabe, would be after trying to play the darn thing. I don't think he knows much about guit tars. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2002
Posts: 5750
Location: Scotland | Here's why not. USA made Applause from the early 70's are OK sounding guitars, but have several quirks, including an neck made from high density foam and an aluminium fingerboard which cannot be refretted. Most from this era are pretty much unplayable now because of this. Even in good shape they aren't worth more than a hundred bucks or so. If it's a USA applause with a foam neck, stay well clear. Applause guitars have been made offshore since the early 80's and have always been at the bottom of the Ovation food chain. They're OK for what they are and better than most in their price range, but they are an entry-level, beginners instrument. $400 for any Applause, used or not, is ludicrous. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | Something is not adding up here. Wouldn't any Applause have the traditional headstock?
Pictures would be great. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2002
Posts: 5750
Location: Scotland | Early Applause guitars had a plastic headstock facing over the alumimim frame which was completely different to the regular Ovation headstock shape. The early offshore guitars had a tapered shape with a little "U" shaped cutout in the top. Now they have a vaguely Ovation like headstock profile, as long as you don't look too closely. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
May 2004
Posts: 383
Location: Indiana | I agree with Mitchrx. A used Custom Balladeer,or even just a Balladeer, can be had at a real resonable price and you will have a much much better guitar. I've seen them go under $300 several times on fleabay. Even a Celeb would be a vast improvement over an Applause (IMHO). I have a Celeb Del. that I am very fond of. Be patient. Deals can be had. I bought a Legend w/hsc for $150,and a Korean Balladeer w/hsc for $85. Both are very playable.
Bill |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 208
Location: Illinois | web page
If you look at the Arbor Classical Guitar AC-45 on this page notice the headstock. It isn't a good pic, but it kinda sorta looks like the headstock on this Applause. Mind you, it isn't just a flat head stock it's contoured. I'll check to see if it is plastic, but I thought it was wood.
The story I got lead me to believe it hadn't been played much. This leads me to believe it is the original neck.
AND NO! IT AIN'T FOR SALE AT $400.00. I DON'T INTEND TO PAY $400.00 That was new price, lo these many years ago... or so he says. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 208
Location: Illinois | Originally posted by Slipkid:
Something is not adding up here. Wouldn't any Applause have the traditional headstock?
Pictures would be great. The Applauses I can find on line all have the Ovationesque sturgeon nosed headstock. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 6202
Location: Phoenix AZ | Older applause had headstocks like this ...
 |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 208
Location: Illinois | Originally posted by Standingovation:
Older applause had headstocks like this ...
|
|
| |
|
Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 6202
Location: Phoenix AZ | I found this photo on an ebay auction. Just do an ebay search and you'll find it. Dave |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12759
Location: Boise, Idaho | I think those are from the mid 70s. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 6202
Location: Phoenix AZ | Who would have guessed that Adamas I headstock is just a bad copy of an Applause ... |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 1071
Location: Carle Place, NY | TommyK:
There are loads of new guitars out there for $200 that sound and play exceptionally well for the price. Here's two examples:
Durango B46 Takamine
I think that you're wasting your time buying a used, damaged, bottom-of-the-line guitar for $50 and then attempting to fix it yourself, assuming you can even get the guitar for $50. Nobody says you need to spend a bundle to get a decent guitar. IMHO spending $200 for a nice new guitar with a warranty and the right to return it if you're not happy with it is the wiser choice. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 208
Location: Illinois | I haven't got the $200.00 the new ones command. Looks like you've been able to purchase a new ax every couple of years. I can't. Sorry to disappoint you. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13996
Location: Upper Left USA | I have made some observations about what it takes to afford the instruments that we cherish here:
* Have no more than one ex-spouse.
* Have the bulk of your children declare that they know it all and need to be on their own! Bless their hearts.
* Hold down a steady job that requires you to seek a relaxing hobby.
*Focus your attention on the instruments, i.e., not on a Fishing Boat, automotive money bucket or other fund-sucker besides your guitar collection.
Although some are more able these may serve as a good base line. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12759
Location: Boise, Idaho | Or one that only applies to those a generation behind me:
Don't buy an Xbox 360 for the same money as you could spend on a 1537.
Tommy, there's a Montana on ebay with about 5 hours left for $25. With shipping you'd still probably beat your best deal you could get on an Applause. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 208
Location: Illinois | I find all this condescension rude and wholly unecessary. I find no reason to 'splain to you my money situation.
1981 Epiphone FT145SB
2000 Yamaha FG-310
1970ish Harmony Est. Stella
??? S.Armenteras (age unknown, currently a basket case, but it will play again.)
It ain't the fanciest stable in the western world, but it's mine. I'd like to refer you snooty ones (not everyone who responded here, just the ones who think I oughta afford better equipment) to the newspaper ad taken out by Johnny Cash and American Recordings in a Nashville Newspaper after winning a Grammy for his album "Unchained". The ad thanked the Nashville establishment for their support.
You can yahoo it... if you dare.
For those who offered genuine information and help, Like Jim.. I genuinely thank you for your support. You're all right! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | Easy Tommy...easy.
I re-read the thread and feel like we are just trying to give you the benefit of our experience. Hang around a while more and I think you will see we are not snooty. Crude, abrasive, and off color yes...but not snooty.
I give you credit for trying to make something good out of something less than good. More power to ya. We just wanted you to know just what it is you are working with. We love stories of successful refurbish projects. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13996
Location: Upper Left USA | Tommy,
Hope I didn't come out as too insensitive. My ventures into Ovation solidbodies started at the entry level with the broken and parted out.
Still can't decide if I'm a frustrated woodworker that plays guitar or a frustrated guitar player that does woodwork!
It will be difficult to taste that many flavors of Ovation Ice Cream with a $200 budget. I think I have tried and sold more ovations in the last year or two than I have and I still intend on having some form of rotation in the future.
Keep looking and enjoy! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 4394
Location: East Tennessee | Welcome TommyK,
What ever Guitar you buy if you are happy with it, thats all that counts.
A nice sounding and playing guitar doesnot always mean an upper level brand or model within that brand. A couple of weeks ago I was in a local guitar store and played an Alvarez RD10 RETAILING at $149.00. The store had a shipment of them. I played three a would not have minded taking any of them home. They had a nice full sound and the action was above average. I have played Taylors and Martins at 10 times the price that were not a good.
What some of the other member were saying is that for the money a used Balladeer or Elite is a good investment for the $$$.
I have 2-Martins, 3- Ovations, and 1- Celebrity.
Each sounds great and I enjoy playing them all.
The Martins and the Ovations are worth more than I paid for them. The Celebrity even though it is a fine instrument, it will never be worth more than I payed for it.
The guys,(and Gals), here love Ovation guitars and the USA built models have a proven track record as great guitars for the $$.
The service dept for Ovation will also help with any problems you may have.
The bottom line.... Get what you want or can afford. If you are happy, don't worry about anything any one else says.
P. S. Hang around and read. Some of these folks are really good. |
|
| |
New Here