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Joined:
November 2004
Posts: 3
Location: St Helens, OR | Hello everyone. Old newbie here. I'm curious about something. As a result of some health issues, I had to forego my previous work and as a result of needing income, I began buying/selling
guitars/amps/basses online. So, one of the "lists" I sometimes use has an ad, "Ovation Viper For Sale". I'm a Viper fan, so I read the ad and contact the guy to find out if he has any
pics, and if he still has the axe. He writes back that he's had "so many offers" he's RAISING the price to $750.
I replied that $750 seemed a bit steep and he
wrote back,
"Sorry, but I did some research and found out that the guitar is a 1979 Model 1271 solid body with all functioning original parts, so it is really a steal at $1000."
Is there something REALLY special about '79 Vipers? :confused:
I have a '74 Viper (E8772) and, aside from what
looks for all the world like someone took a Skil
saw to the back of the upper shoulder, it's in great shape - but $750?????
As you know, Ovation solids are as universally
undervalued as any guitar in history. So, what's
the story? None of the books (yeah, I know - "How
do you keep a music store owner uninformed? Take away his Blue Book. How do you keep him misinformed? Give it back.) :) - none of the books indicate that sort of value.
What do you guys think? THANKS VERY MUCH for reading this L-o-n-g post.
jc in St Helens, OR | |
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Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13997
Location: Upper Left USA | Welcome to the board! A fellow Viper fixer and seller, eh? Ok, I've only done one, for now! Just now as a matter of fact.
I have seen high bids and "closet" stories all over the ebay but what matters is what really gets bought.
The integrity of the Seller is what leads to return sales as well.
Rare Vipers may jump up around $700 but only with something special or stand out about them. 79 isn't that different. There are Viper III's with a little more magic to them but they still don't get the press they deserve.
Again, welcome and hang around. | |
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Joined:
May 2004
Posts: 2850
Location: Midland, MI | Welcome to the board, JC. Unlike MWoody, I've never seen a Viper (solid body) go for $700, but I haven't paid much attention to them...either before or after I bought mine. That doesn't mean they haven't, and I'd be inclined to believe MWoody on (just about) any topic. Now, if it was an EA68 Viper....
FWIW, I'm with you on the solidbody's, or the 1271 at least, being undervalued. Very nice guitars...all we need is some pop-rock act to come out using one and we'll all be in the money, regardless of condition. :) | |
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Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 6202
Location: Phoenix AZ | I'm no expert on 1st generation Vipers (have owned two of them and those were sold some time ago), but I see them pop up like everyone else does on ebay. They seem to be listed quite frequently so I would assume it's a "buyers" market. I don't think I've ever seen one go for anywhere near $1000.
Note: The opinions expressed here are mine and mine only and do not represent the offical position of the Price Police. | |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15682
Location: SoCal | Not wanting to sound like the price police, Vipers, on ebay, tend to sell in the $300-$450 range pretty consistantly. | |
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Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13997
Location: Upper Left USA | OK, $700 was one that stood out some time back. Above $500 is excellent shape and $250-$320 more common. Maybe if W2 would have signed some of the labels (?) they would be worth $1 more!
But that would be Fleabay pricing. As we all know, it's what it is worth to you that counts.
JC - Good to see another Norwesterner! | |
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Joined:
August 2002
Posts: 8307
Location: Tennessee | Unless I am totally misinformed (and I don't even own a Blue Book), the Vipers were produced from 1978 through 1983.
I have no idea what makes a 1979 so special. I have one from the end of the run (I believe it is an '83) with a solid mahogany body and mahogany neck. I saw a similar model with a late s/n go for $600 on eBay a few months ago, but that's the highest I've ever seen for a Viper in about 4 years of tracking these.
I think Vipers are terrfic guitars and I wouldn't sell mine unless it was to feed my children. But if I had to sell, I wouldn't expect to get more than $400-500 and mine is in mint condition and somewhat unique. (Note this is an expectation and not an official position of any badge carrying Price Policeman.) | |
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Joined:
November 2004
Posts: 3
Location: St Helens, OR | Thanks to all for your greetings and replies.
(MWoody, maybe this is the beginning of that "long, long time" we were speaking of earlier?)
For better or worse, the "Book" is a necessary tool that is, as all tools, imperfect. I know in my own case, I've paid TOO MUCH for some things, (Peavey tube amps spring to mind - GOOD amps, no resale) and I've gotten a few "deals" along the way, too (How about a MINT candy apple red Fender MexiStrat, AND a Fender FrontMan amp, AND a 30 mm foam gig bag, AND a Seiko electronic tuner, AND a Monster cable for $100?)
Ultimately, of course, you guys are dead on; it's what an item is worth to YOU - or what you can delude yourself into believing it's worth because your ego is caught up in the "hunt" and you won't allow yourself to be beat!
I'm afraid I'll never know what that guy sells his Viper for, because I was SO INCENSED at the idea of someone advertising a guitar FOR SALE at one price, and then due to response, RAISING the price, that I commented on such a practice and he cordially invited me to the theological locus of eternal torment. :)
As to production years for Vipers? I'm dating mine (Mine? Hmm. It's mine on consignment) at '74 based on the Serial # (E8772) and the info on this site which indicated an Ovation with THAT # was produced between 1973 - 1975; so I took a middle position. Anyone have any other info on dating Vipers? Mine (see above) is an opaque Red, no wood visible.
You know, that REALLY is a remarkable guitar. I have a Hamer Prototype, too, (also consigned, and not technically "mine") & even with that Tricoil pup (which was pretty inovative) the Viper is a MUCH more sophisticated machine.
INCIDENTALLY, as I said earlier, my BUSINESS is buying/selling, so - if you're interested in the Viper, or the Hamer, or maybe a nice synth-ready Godin? Please see my site:
www.anothergo.org
Again, thanks for the warm welcome. I feel SO comfortable I'll confess that, when it comes to acoustics, I much prefer the traditional shapes over the O bowl (that MAY have to do with the fact that my midsection is also somewhat rounded, and the two round shapes just don't work so well together) but I am DEFINITELY a solid body Ovation fan! They are just SO :cool:
Merry Christmas all, jc in OR | |
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Joined:
May 2004
Posts: 2850
Location: Midland, MI | JC-
I will give you $200 for the MINT candy apple red Fender MexiStrat, AND a Fender FrontMan amp, AND a 30 mm foam gig bag, AND a Seiko electronic tuner, AND a Monster cable, thereby doubling your money! What a deal! You won't find $100 just laying in the street you know! :)
Looking at your site right now, and I have to tell you, the bright red header on the main page is hilarious. Actually, that whole page is a riot. | |
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Joined:
November 2004
Posts: 3
Location: St Helens, OR | Cruster,
Gee, thanks for the offer, but I just turned down $250 for the Strat from a great guy in AZ. As I told him, I REALLY like that guitar, so it's probably not going anywhere anytime soon.
THAT is the problem with this business I'm in, I find it very difficult to let go of some of the best things I offer!
I'm REALLY glad you 'get' the humor. I'm afraid some people don't appreciate it. Their problem, not mine. I intend to ENJOY this life and I enjoy laughter and jokes and wit. And compared to, oh I don't know, let's say, mowing the lawn? I REALLY enjoy that stuff compared to yard work!!! :)
But it's HARD to let go of good stuff. The Viper is a good example. When it was consigned to me, I had no opinion about it. I played it for 3 minutes, made some notes, and put it in my car. But I have this habit (gimmick) of taking a different guitar to church (where I play lead electric in the Worship Team) every Sunday. The other guitarists enjoy having the opportunity to see different instruments in a comfort zone and everyone is subjected to my subtle selling tactic of displaying my wares in action. But when I took the Viper, I was SHOCKED :eek: What a GREAT guitar! Why didn't I know about this? Well, I have a pledge to the actual owner to do my best to sell that axe, and I am doing that, but I find myself wanting to buy it - which, my wife assures me - is NOT going to happen :D
I got a WONDERFUL deal from a guy on a 60's Alamo amp. Are you familiar with them? Small Texas company, built great tube amps. Mine is a 2x10" configuration with about 20 Watts. Wonderful Old School tone! I had to drive 300 miles each way to pick it up in order to keep it safe from the shipping gorillas, but it was worth it. Now, I find that I'm hesitant to offer it to customers. It's on the site, but I don't promote it like I should. Same thing with the A.R.T. amp. OK, OK! I hate it when that happens! I just convicted myself into doing more to make these items move.
:o Gee, am I a nag! ;)
jc | |
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Viper Value Vindication