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Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | Well, those of you that followed the thread about my 1758-6p 1758-6 Fresh from the Bay Coming Home! will remember that I owned a similar guitar and finally found one like it and got a great deal to boot...well, what I had not shared is that I was looking for all these years for a matching 6 string to make a set...I owned a SSB 1868-5 that I dearly loved but I really wanted a matched set...I have only come across three in nearly 19 years: the first on eBay nearly 3 years ago (couldn't afford it then); the second about a month ago also on the bay from Texas: it was in pretty poor condition and no case/frets worn out, damage on the headstock; etc. Still I came close to getting it but decided on the final day of the auction it would just cost too much in both time and money to get it back to nice from the Mothership Spa...I decided to wait for a really nice one, not knowing how long I'd have to wait again and knowing that it would probably not be cheap...Well, patience is a virtue I suppose and last week I found this for sale: 1868-6p on the Bay
I watched the auction patiently, called the seller who informed me that it was a consignment and was in flawless mint condition and would be re-listed at the same price if it did not sell: I decided that while it was a little more money than I thought it should be (I was thinking $550 tops) I decided what-the-hey and bid the minimum: and I won the auction! It should be here by the first of next week so I'll post a review complete with pictures! I know a lot of folks put the SSB's down, but let me tell you: that OP-24 single knobber can Honk, Wail, and Finesse...and do it acoustically as well as plugged in: just with not as much volume as a full body. They do it for me and I am so happy to have had the chance to get now both of the guitars I had my heart set on 19 years ago...what a blessing...
A set of rare finished Elites for under a Grand...I think that’s pretty cool!
Blessings... |
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Location: big island | honk, wail and finesse away, mike! congratulations. |
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Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | Thanks Bro. Randy!
Blessings... |
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Location: Midland, MI | Originally posted by MusicMishka:
...I know a lot of folks put the SSB's down, but let me tell you: that OP-24 single knobber can Honk, Wail, and Finesse...and do it acoustically as well as plugged in: just with not as much volume as a full body... While I really (really, really) like the sound of the deep bowl Adamas, I can't (and don't) complain about the sound of my 1868. I think acoustically it's fine for what I use it for. The OP-24 does sound good plugged in (or it did both times I've actually amped it...heh).
Just imagine how good yours would sound if it were a -4! :p :D Congrats on the new acquisitions. |
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Location: ms | The only Ovation i own right now is a 1868 and its a work horse live and fun on the porch. |
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Location: Simpsonville, SC | Great git Music, look forward to hearin ya play it! |
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Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | Just imagine how good yours would sound if it were a -4! :D :D :D |
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Location: Minden, Nebraska | That IS a relatively rare color, and having a pair for under $1k is sweet.
Erniewan is fond of that color, too.
I think the color may be more photosensitive than others, as they fade and get creamier with use and exposure. I can't think of other colors that change as much. |
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Location: Up North | I love my 1868!
less than half the weight of my 1537, probably less than half the volume too, but still holds her own unplugged. |
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Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | Paul wrote: I think the color may be more photosensitive than others, as they fade and get creamier with use and exposure. I can't think of other colors that change as much.
Paul, you are correct, they do change. In the thread on my 1758-6p that was discussed...seems Ovation realized that and changed the formulation of the PPG paint around 1990 or so: my original 1768-6p was a 1988; my current one is a 1991 and this 1868-6p is probably an early one...but I won't actually know until I get it here to check the numbers...BTW, I just added up the total cost for both guitars: $929.02...It was shipped today...should have it by Monday. :cool:
Blessings... |
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Location: Orlando, FL | Congrats Mike! It's great when your patience is rewarded and you finally find just what you're looking for. |
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Location: France | Congratulations Mike. Those are very nice guitars.
Tom |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Hey Mike - NICE PAIR OF GUITARS.
Don't worry about peoples opinions of SSB or anything else. Life is too short to be concerned what others think of your guitars. You obviously already know this, since you own a Taylor :D
I always did like to OP24.
Dave |
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Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | Dave wrote: You obviously already know this, since you own a Taylor
Thanks Dave, I appreciate ya. One small correction: not a Taylor; 4 of 'em! :D :D :D :D
Blessings my friend and let us know when the O site opens again so I can register my new find! |
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Location: Minden, Nebraska | I love super shallow bowls! They serve my purpose as well as any guitars I have tried, including numerous expensive Taylors. To have Mike's pair for the cost of a less expensive Taylor just makes my point (and makes my day).
:D |
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| Hey Mike,
Give me a yell sometime at (ovationrestoration at overacker.com). I am in SW Va. as well.
Mike |
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Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | Paul: point well taken; thats why I love them...I may own and play others from time to time...but I have been owning and playing Ovations since 1976! They do it for me!
Blessings... |
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Location: Chehalis, Washington | Nice grab! I haven't had an 1868, but have owned three 1869 CL's, and loved every one of them. I'll grab an Adamas or Taylor when I want massive unplugged tone and projection, but on stage...my first choice was always the 1869 or 1881 ADII. Never had a matched set though...
Enjoy! |
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Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | Blessings back at ya Andrew... ;) |
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Location: Nîmes, south of France | Congratulations MusicMishka !
1868's are fine guitars, i wish you all the best.
SSB's for ever :D :D |
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Location: Paris/France | Congrats Mike, it's a nice guitar and white is beautiful!!
J :) |
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Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | Hello to my brothers in France: thank you both for your best wishes and thoughts...I am excited to have this instrument; in fact I am on my way to the Post Office right now as I believe it is waiting there for me...I'll post pictures as soon as I have it here and will follow with a full report! Merci, my friends!
Blessings... |
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Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | At long last the set is complete: my 1991 1868-6p arrived today and joined my 1991 1758-6p to complete the set I envisioned back in 1989 when I bought my first 1758-6p as a new Ovation Key Man Endorsee...I could not find a 1868 in the white pearl finish so I settled for one in black...it was a great guitar and it went to live in England in 2003...part of the cost of having a Baby on only one income...Despite the rumor, most Ministers don't have large incomes (at least in the United Methodist Church). So the search continued as I began to miss the 1868-5. Of course the problem was I had also sold my original 1758-6p as well. Well, you know the rest of the story...and it arrived today: it needed a good cleaning (esp. the frets...a little light oil and a Scotch Bright pad took care of that-they shine like new now...A little light waxing and a new set of Elixirs and I found that I had a mint condition 1868-6p...and I mean mint! No pick marks at all on the top, or wear on the frets: just a teeny tiny bit of wear on the tuners but I've seen worse hanging on a shop wall advertised as new w/warranty...Even the case is in Bristol condition.
Well, here; you can judge for yourselves: 
It is a really fine guitar: it has the coolest v-neck - I don't remember my -5 as having that pronounced V shape...Intonation is perfect and sound is wonderful...clear and brilliant or soft and subtle depending on how it is played...I had to replace the 9 volt but the op-24 is in as new condition as well and is ready and willing...I will wait for some nice weather and take some really nice outside shots but I wanted to get these posted so you could all share with me. Others are in my gallery, so enjoy. Thanks for sharing the completion of this journey with me and have a great evening and tomorrow!
Blessings... |
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| They both look great MM.... makes me want my old '91 1718-6 back... it now lives in France with guigite(Thierry).. it was one of the most articulate and defined and clear sounding O's that I have owned..
His children like it for its great and powerful voice.
I did keep it in the family tho.. and it is loved and admired by many there.
Glenn |
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| another beauty in white...
Glenn |
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Location: Paris/France | Very nice "white sisters" Mike !!! 
J :) |
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Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | Glen, Thanks my friend...what a beauty that 1718-6p is...makes a great set of triplets!
Jerome, Merci, Merci my friend...sisters, yes!
Nlessings... |
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Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | Well, here is an update to the "rest of the story": I had thought the guitar was being shipped via USPS; instead the shipper used UPS and I had no tracking number; however I was able to contact him about noon yesterday to find that info out; he's on vacation but was very nice...He advised that UPS would be delivering the guitar yesterday so I waited all day as patiently as possible. About 2:45 pm, the wife and kids were on the front porch and about 30 minutes later decided to go around back to the kiddy pool we have set up on our back deck. I was in my office when my daughter came in and said the guitar was here. I went out back where I discovered that UPS had left the guitar in (in its Gibson Shipping carton) lying face up in the sun on the sidewalk. I couldn't believe it. I immediately took the guitar inside and carefully opened the side of the carton (big staples...) and lifted the case out; it was quite warm and I immediately was fearful of the guitar inside...I had no idea of how long it had been there. I waited for several minutes (probably 15) to let it cool and carefully opened the case clasps; put my hand inside to feel how hot the guitar was (it was just warm) and then proceeded to go open the case and check for damage...there was none to the guitar and at quick glance, none to the case either. I went through the procedure I outlined in my earlier post and left the guitar on the stand for the night...This morning as I was putting the guitar in the case I noticed the case was a bit difficult to close and upon examination I discovered that the top of the case had been affected by the heat from the sun through the box while lying on the ground. I found the top to have an area about 1 ft. X 8 inches to be puffed up and some smaller heat bubbles which were there as well. The case top is warped just enough to not close easily and yet it is still functional. So, I called UPS (I had tried to call yester day but could not get through immediately). To get to the point, UPS had a substitute driver (my regular driver/deliveryman knows me and my guitars...he is very careful and has been a real help in the past) who simply dropped of the guitar, signed my signature for delivery confirmation, and left without letting anyone know...that happened at 2:15 pm: 30 minutes before the family went outside and 45 minutes before I found the package. I have filed a claim for the case and the driver is getting a verbal reprimand and a letter in his employment record...the company has called three times this afternoon and is coming to take pictures of the case (as well as one of mine that is not damaged) sometime in the next week. I am so disappointed with UPS...I have calmed down somewhat from yesterday (actually a lot) but this is just so un-necessary. This guitar and case sat for nearly 16+ years unmolested and it took UPS and a thoughtless driver just 45 minutes to do serious damage. I use most of the carriers available...each have had some faults (as do we all) but for the most part, nothing happens...I do feel blessed that the guitar is fine and it is a beauty...My daughter has certainly earned the 82C I gave her by finding this lying there and coming to get me...I would hate to think if it had lain there for another 20 minutes in the sun and 90 degree heat.
Count your blessings folks, I am mine...
Blessings...
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Location: Midland, MI | Glad the guitar purchase worked out OK. Seems like you've been having a run of bad luck with incoming guitars. Just have them shipped to me first from now on. :) |
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Location: Minden, Nebraska | Ouch... sorry to read that chapter.
I don't know what to do about heat bubbles in the plastic, but a few well placed taps with a rubber mallet often enables the case to close properly. |
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Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | Just a quick update: UPS has fired the driver (I had asked them to give him a second chance but they obviously thought differently)...I sent photos of the case to the regional office in Roanoke and it is my understanding they will reimburse me the cost of a new case...we'll see...The guitar however is just fantastic!
Blessings... |
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1868-6p