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Location: Brighty in Blighty | ARGHH! The 1537 has finally arrived but there is a problem!!!!
Please see here...
Piece is NO-WHERE to be seen! I am certain Fugot wouldn't have sent the guitar like this especially as it had been back to the Mothership a while back but I am really quite upset about this. Was really looking forward to it but sadly this damage has taken the wind out me sails :-( |
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Location: Central Massachusetts | That bit is missing from the pics in his auction if you look carefully. How's it sound? |
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Location: CA | This will most certainly sound like blasphemy on this forum. But there's a little trick that boaters use on old boats that works really well on interior varnish. Sure as shootin, some previous owner will have drilled holes or mounted stuff on an otherwise nice mahogany bulkhead. So even after you take the thing off or fill the hole(s), you still have visible flaws. So here's the trick: Go to the hobby story, buy model paint and a fine brush, and Lets Go Camoflauge! First is the brown base, mixed to match the mahogany. After that dries, streak the patches with a tiny brush with black or gold or tan to simulate grain — and varnish as usual. I swear to you that, done right, these things are indistinguishable by anybody except the guy who did it.
So I'm thinkin' a piece of popsickle stick on that 1537, a bit of stain, a bit of paint, a bit of clear and . . . .
Well, it's an idea anyway. Seriously, I can understand your upset if the missing chip was not specified on the auction. |
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Location: SoCal | dweezil, Take a breath... relax.
Surprises like this do take the wind out if our sails. I would be livid at first, but eventually, I'd calm down and work on a solution.
Talk, or write, to Mike.
He will not leave you hanging. Many of us have traded with Mike and there has yet to be a problem.
It appears from the photos, that the missing piece broke off along the grain on the lighter side and at a seam at the darker wood. I have repaired a few. A good luthier can make a repair that is unnoticeable. The Mothership might be able to provide a scrap from an old epalette to be used.
Until Mike gets back to you, play the 1537 and see why we all say that it is one of the best sounding wood topped Ovations. |
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Location: SoCal | Dweez, what everybody has said is exactly right. That spot can be repaired.
I don't know why, but that little piece has a tendency to loosen up and catch on things, breaking off. Somebody who knows what they are doing can fabricate a new piece and you'll never know the original was missing.
In the end, it's a small piece and you're probably the only one who will notice it.
Like Bruce said, play the guitar and enjoy the sound. 1537's are great instruments. I've seen some in much worse shape and they still sounded great..... |
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Location: SoCal | Originally posted by dvd:
That bit is missing from the pics in his auction if you look carefully. I found the auction... sorry to say, I might have missed it in the auction pictures. It is obvious, now that it has been pointed out.
Mike probably forgot to mention it in the description. Just talk to Mike, he will make it right. |
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Location: Central Massachusetts | Oh yeah, sorry, didn't mean to come across as "you shoulda known better" .. just wanted to point out it didn't happen in transit.
This is why I prefer the inlaid epaulets. ;)
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Location: Brighty in Blighty | Hey everyone - thanks!
Been waiting for some weeks for it to arrive and so was buzzing with excitement. I had 3 minutes to check it out before having to dash out again. So my initial thoughts were WOW nice but wait whats this?
Having had some more time to play it - albeit only for 20 minutes (plenty of time tomorrow as I have the day off!) and YES it's a tone monster, lovely woodyness and a balanced range, feels great to play too. I can see that I will really grow to love this baby.
I have emailed Fugot and yes looking at the auction pics can see it was missing before.
I shall ask the Mothership whether they might have a tiny piece knocking around but I suspect as they don't know me like they know a lot of you they might not be as forthcoming. We shall see.
I'm noticing it less and less already but would like to get it fixed - yes it's a piece of the light wood.
Thanks for all your helpful words!
Will call Mothership tomorrow - should I ask for anyone in particular? |
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Location: south east Michigan | "but I suspect as they don't know me like they know a lot of you"
Maybe.... but I won't bet on it.
Ask for John Budney. |
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Location: Cincinnati | dvd,
I would appreciate it if you would not post photos of your '01 since it makes me drool and drives me mad for days on end. ;) |
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Location: Central Massachusetts | Oops..
sorry. slipped again! ;)
One of these days I'm gonna get this thing in the same room as Damon and his red blanket. :eek:
Dweez, Budney and the gang don't play favorites. They'll treat you right every time! |
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Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent | DVD,
How did you manage inlaid eppis on your 01? |
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Location: Jet City | Originally posted by Oddball:
So I'm thinkin' a piece of popsickle stick on that 1537, a bit of stain, a bit of paint, a bit of clear and . . . . Now that's classic OB, a popsicle stick on a 1537. :D
Be sure to attach it with Duct Tape!
It's not structural, so I call it character. If it was a crack in the top, now that's a different story.
Should have been disclosed though. |
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Location: Jet City | Originally posted by dvd:
One of these days I'm gonna get this thing in the same room as Damon and his red blanket. :eek:
Sounds a bit freaky David. I think we should at least meet for coffee first ;) |
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Location: SoCal | dweezil, email J Budny: [email]xxxxx@xxxx.com[/email]
Send him your photos and see what he can find for you.
edited for content |
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Location: Central Massachusetts | Originally posted by Patch:
DVD,
How did you manage inlaid eppis on your 01? Dweez, sorry to hijaak your thread.
Patch, it's a long and drawn-out story with a happy ending . |
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Location: CA | DVD, Oh My God. That guitar is freakin beautiful! Is that a solid wood top? Spectacular. Better than Heidi Klum in a bikini . . . well, actually, nothing's better than that. Butit's a close second. Amazing. |
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Location: Cincinnati | thanks a lot. want it. got to have it.
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Location: big island | the epi on my 30 year old 1687 is lifting a bit also. i think i can inject a bit of polyacrylate (super glue) under it and press it back down. the top underneath the crack is sound.
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Location: Indiana | I had a similar (although narrower) spot lifting on my Adamas I, lanaki . The factory took care of the problem when I was having the electronics redone 10 years ago. |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | Don't think that we get special treatment because of our OFC status, dweezil. I've received special treatment from John Budny on two occasions and I doubt he had any clue of who I was, other than an Ovation owner. I suspect that they give all Ovation owners special treatment. |
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Location: big island | Originally posted by Jonmark Stone:
I had a similar (although narrower) spot lifting on my Adamas I, lanaki . The factory took care of the problem when I was having the electronics redone 10 years ago. this guitar was at the factory in 2005. this lifting most likely occurred afterwards. this is the lower epi and the same thing is happening on the upper epi although not as noticeable yet. |
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Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | dweez ,
At the risk of going against some of the OFC 'grain' thus far, I would also be upset with your situation.
But as in any situation of this nature, especially concerning OFC members, always contact the seller prior to PPP (Public Panic Postings).
Pics can be truthful, unintentionally misleading or outright manipulated.
"Does it affect the sound" is a straw man argument. I have purchased gits that have had issues that anyone would be clueless as to adverse sound quality due to having no other comparison opportunities. If I pay for a 'near mint' or whatever described condition, then that's what I expect to receive.
I have purchased gits based upon their less than desirable condition and discovered a jewel in the rough. BUT I KNEW the condition going in...
Contact Mike first! Then go from there.'
As to lifted epis, the super glue routine works great.
OBTW, here again I may step on some toes... being a n00b going to the MotherShip, I've been treated beyond my expectations. In fact I made a post here and JB contacted me first. That's impressive! 
BUT, there are some here that have experienced 'above and beyond' service which is only natural when a regular customer keeps hounding ya! ;)
NEVER under estimate the MS!
Take a deep breath, several shots of Colonial Jack Daniels and after rising in the morn, grin in that you're not in the obits! And then formulate a game plan.
Good luck and 'cheers'!  |
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Location: Brighty in Blighty | I emailed Mike first thing then posted here. My initial post did say that I didn't think Mike would have sent this out knowingly and in no way was slurring his good character - let's just make that clear from the off. I was just posting here to get some feedback/ideas from all you experienced O nuts.
And thanks for your thoughts. :D
Mike has replied and has been very apologetic about it! He offered to contact JB at the MS and to sort out a piece for me. From there I will get a local luthier to fix. As for cost and refunds well let's cross that bridge when we come to it.
So no worries, all will be sorted :)
And no it doesn't affect the sound :)
And what a sound! :eek:
The action was OK but I removed a shim and the thing flies, I think there are Elixars on there (not a fan - let's save discussing the merits of Elixars for a different thread!)
Apart from the missing piece the guitar is a EXCELLENT condition and sounds every bit as good.
Will post some pics when the epaulet is fixed, until then it's back to the wood shed.
Now just need a W597 :cool: |
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Location: Carle Place, NY | I went back to the original post and the missing piece is clearly visible in the photos. That appears to be the only flaw in this 25 year old guitar. That is a very minor imperfection and I would not even bother the have it fixed. On a vintage and valuable guitar like this 1537, I think that you'd be better off leaving it alone. First of all it is unnoticeable from just a few feet away. Secondly, it in no way interferes with the function of the instrument. Thirdly, unless you send it to the factory the repair will be visible. Not as visible as the missing section, but visible nonetheless.
That's one mighty fine guitar. Leave it alone.
Edit: I just noticed that you have a Custom Shop "relic" Strat. So you paid good money for a new guitar that's made to look totally beat up, and yet you're upset about one small common flaw on a vintage guitar? :confused:
Shut up and play yer guitar! :D ;) |
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Location: SoCal | You know, Mitch has a pretty good sense of humor for an attorney!
Dweez, glad you're overall happy with the guitar. In the great picture of things, this is a very small problem that is easily addressed.
You want a real thrill with your 1537? Have another play whom you respect play it and sit about 5 feet in front of him. You will be astounded at the sound coming from your guitar. One of the great oddities of the Elite series is that they sound so much better to the listener than to the person playing it.
You're gonna love owning this guitar..... |
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Location: Carle Place, NY | I find that putting air locks on the lower epaulets increases the sound projection to the player, as well as increasing the bass response.
Has anyone tried this on a 1537? I have them on mine, but the top was replaced. I'm curious about how an original 1537 would sound with the air locks. |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | Originally posted by moody, p.i.:
You know, Mitch has a pretty good sense of humor for an attorney!
It must be a carryover from his previous life. I'd take his advice seriously. Don't sweat the small stuff. |
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Location: Brighty in Blighty | the Mothership will supply me with some matching wood and my local luthier is a genius, usually works on violins etc worth 20* what the 1537 is worth so trust him to make an invisible repair |
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Location: SoCal | Originally posted by Mitchrx:
I find that putting air locks on the lower epaulets increases the sound projection to the player, as well as increasing the bass response.
Has anyone tried this on a 1537? I have them on mine, but the top was replaced. I'm curious about how an original 1537 would sound with the air locks. It gives the bass a pretty good thump. I had them on for a while, but eventually pulled them, prefering the balanced original sound.... |
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Location: Brighty in Blighty | Removed another shim! Now running with none!
Really warming to it - I kinda like the missing piece now - makes it uniquely mine :)
And it is in tip top condition - pics to follow... |
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HELP! 1537 problem!