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Joined:
August 2002
Posts: 8307
Location: Tennessee | GAF = Guitar Acquisition Fund
I found something I want, and with the new business, I've put myself on a strict cash neutral basis in the guitar arena. So I'm offering up a few select pieces that I don't play as much as others and/or I think some other folks here would cherish.
This one is a true treasure. It is a 1968 Balldeer 12 ... as far as I can tell one of the very earliest. 12 fret, slothead 12 string. Hand laid fiberglass shiny bowl. Inlaid rosette. Small soundhole. Brazilian rosewood "winged" bridge. Mother of pearl (the real abalone stuff) dots and diamonds inlays on the ebony fretboard and dots on the bridge. This is the 12 string that started it all.
It is in remarkably great shape ... no cracks or damage to speak of anywhere. One small, barely noticable ding on the lower bout. A dozen or so marks scattered around the shiny back from play .. most in the buckle area but a few around the sides. Nothing serious. And no lacquer cracks, cracks in the binding, or headstock damage. Original six-on-a-plate open gear tuners with the white buttons.
There is a small amount of fretboard dive starting where it meets the body, and a bit of sinking around the soundhole ... I understand this is fairly normal for these guitars. The action is set to the high side for more aggressive playing, but there is a TON of room on the saddle to bring it down if you prefer it lower. I'll even do it for you if you want it. The neck is straight and the frets show only minor wear in the first couple of frets ... nothing that requires any work right now.
The sound is what you would expect. Rings beautifully and sounds like these guitars should. This is quite the find. Comes in a period correct case that looks to be Lifton clone, but I don't think it is actually a Lifton. But it is a nice wooden case with velour interior just the same. There is some wear and a bit of the tolex (?) covering is loose, but in pretty good shape for 40+ years old.
There are a couple of these that are on eBay fairly regularly in the $4K range. I admit that is high, but then again this is a vintage guitar and rare to boot. This is the guitar that started Ovation's reputation for the best 12 strings available. And this particular guitar is in far better condition than either of those other two. This guitar is definitely collector quality if you are into that sort of thing. Remember, this is a piece of history ... one of the very first 12 strings to come out of the factory.
Email or PM for pictures if you are interested. I will answer any and all questions. Price is $1250 shipped CONUS. |
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Joined:
June 2007
Posts: 3084
Location: Brisbane Australia | Email sent
AJ |
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Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 2985
Location: Sydney, Australia | Boy, that was fast. I was just reading this and thought Bobbo should have posted Australian shipping prices. |
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Joined:
June 2007
Posts: 3084
Location: Brisbane Australia | :p
AJ |
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Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4042
Location: Utah | Originally posted by stonebobbo:
GAF = Guitar Acquisition Fund I was hoping "GAF" meant "Going Almost Free". Still a heck of a deal but way out of my financial ability right now. |
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Joined:
August 2002
Posts: 8307
Location: Tennessee | SOLD |
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Joined:
August 2009
Posts: 333
Location: east coast usa | AJ just wanted the the sister to the balladeer he bought from me... you go AJ. |
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GAF#2 - 1968 Shiny Bowl Balladeer 12