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Location: Baton Rouge, LA | I love this group...it's been fun learning about Ovation and vintage guitars in general. A few questions:
1. I note that Glen Campbell, who in the late 1960s sparked my interest in guitars Ovation, now plays the long-neck Viper on his road show. Does he play the nylon or steel-string model?
2. I'm interested in purchasing a near-mint or very good condition Glen Campbell 6-string acoustic with the deep shiny bowl or the Legend 1117-4 full-body, deep bowl, with the same diamond fret inlays featured on the G.C. model. The Glen Campbell 6-string with the mid-deep bowl and acoustic-electric components is also acceptable.
Any help, ideas, suggestions, etc., y'all can offer will be truly appreciated. |
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Location: SoCal | 1. Steel string Viper.
2. Don't be in a real big hurry to buy a real old Ovation. I've got a 1117-4 Legend, from the late 70's. Nice guitar but doesn't sound that good (absolutely no bass). Buy a mid 80's Legend deep bowl, with the OP 24 electronics. Then you'll have yourself a great guitar. To know for certain that you find the right guitar, look for any guitar without a peg head cover, which means it has the Kaman bar in it, which also means that it has the A bracing pattern. Which is the best. IMHO, not to be confused with the opinion of this station.
The only reason I keep my Legend (along with the fact that I'm about to string it Nashville), is that my wife is sentimental about it. The moral of that story is never bring a crap sounding guitar on your honeymoon to seranade your wife.... you'll be stuck with that guitar forever). |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | The difference between a deep 1117 and a Glen Campbell(1127/1627) is that the GC is mid and the 17 is deep. Also the signature on the peghead or rod cover as the case might be. I would think the 17's are more available, I've been looking for a 1127/1627 for someone for about two years and only come across two. |
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Location: SoCal | Bill I'm surprised. I see them on ebay all the time. |
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Location: Baton Rouge, LA | Thanks for your replies. Wow...that was quick...which tells me that some people spend all their time in this group, huh!?!
I used to own the A/E Artist six-string mid-deep bowl and wish to God that I'd gotten the Glen Campbell model instead when I had the opportunity. But at that time (the 70s) as a young man, I was in school and had no job and money was hard to come by. I have good parents, who bought me the Artist, and I really enjoyed it. I no longer have it, having sold it years ago to a nice gentleman (a lawyer!) since I was in college and working and had to abandon my music-playing!
Yes, I know the differences between the GC and 1117-4 models. I'd be happy with either but think the Legends that have come out without the truss rod cover could be my best option.
What do you think about Ovation's 1777-4? That's the "current" Legend. If you look at Ovation's website and pull up that pop-up pic of this model, it's a full-body model. That is what I want. But the descriptive language for that model indicates that it is a cutaway, which is what I'm trying to avoid. I've nothing against cutaways, but I just think the full-body model is the next best thing to orgasm. (Oops! Did I really write that? I hope I haven't offended anyone. Please don't kick me outta this group!)
I'll keep looking for the GC 6-string. In this group there was a gallery photo of the GC with the shiny bowl. I can't remember who it belonged to and was wondering if it was still available?!?
(www.ovationfanclub.com/gallery/GC68.jpg)Now, that's a guitar I'd be proud to own, play, and cherish. The ultimate orgasm! There I go again...
Love this group.
Tommy Darensbourg
Baton Rouge, LA
tombearr@cox.net |
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Location: SoCal | Tommy: You make me feel like I should go out and get a life... "Some people spend all their time on this board".
You can buy a new Legend, but keep your eyes open on ebay. You can buy a mid 80's Legend with electronics for about $4-500. I prefer them. They still had the gloss on the back of the neck that I liked. |
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Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana | Paul...I like your advice. There's one or two Legends now on ebay that look promising. Do you think I should hold out for the Glen Campbell balladeer (acoustic or acoustic-electric, I don't care)? You guys know more about this site and the possibilities than I do! Maybe it is a good idea to be in this group all of the time! |
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Location: SoCal | Tommy, if you're going to hold out for a GC Artist, then get one from the last years of production, say, mid 80's. This would ensure the A bracing as opposed to the VT 10 (?) that was in the originals. This is just my opinion, but I think that the A bracing gave the legends and GC models much better sound.
Personally, I'd look for about an '82-'85 Legend. I'd get a cutaway and I'd get it with electronics. My thinking is that a cutaway won't hurt the sound. And someday, you may want to move up the neck, and you may want to plug in. Be ready for both. The Legend is going to give you a little more bass than the GC.
[ June 24, 2002: Message edited by: moodypi ] |
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Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana | Thanks to all you GREAT guys for the advice and information. I just wish I'd known about this board much earlier and been with it from its humble inception. It is such a wonderful service for us Ovationeers. I dare say we have quite a "fetish" for things Ovation, but that should be the source of our pride! (Hey, is there a Fan of the Month award program associated with this "fan"tastic bulletin board?)
Don't forget to watch the Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour show on CMT -- at midnight Baton Rouge (Central) time Tuesday night. It's been fun to try to remember the songs and skitches.
And yes, I'm still searching for that elusive GC 6-string balladeer/artist! Failing that, I may aim for higher things and go for one of Alpep's Adamas models. |
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Location: Back in the Valley of the Sun Mesa Az. | Hey tdarensbourg,
I have recently purchased an 81 1117 Legend, and absolutley LOVE the way it sounds! It does have the Kaman neck bar, and A brace as moodypi pointed out. I bought it for about 250.00 and it's been worth every penny!
Good luck!
Norse(great guitar!)man1 |
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Location: Baton Rouge, LA | Hey, norse(guitar)man...
Yeah, I'm bidding on one on ebay and know of another source where I can get one if the auction doesn't work out for me. How did you obtain your 1117? |
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Location: Back in the Valley of the Sun Mesa Az. | I bought mine at a local pawnshop! A stroke of luck. I was looking for a lawnmower, when I heard something calling my name. I turned around and saw this glossy spruce beauty sparkling in the flourecents. I tripped over a woman and small child in my trancelike state walking over for a better look. I pulled it off the wall, strummed a G chord, and I fell bigtime!
The rest is history, and has been repeated on this board more times than the regulars care to recall! Good luck bidding! I bid on another one myself a while back (shallow body elec/acous.), because I liked my acoustical Legend so well. I went 265.00, it sold for 316.00.
Norse(I'd sell you mine, but then I would have to spend more time with the wife and kids! [j/k])man1 |
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Location: NJ | was it voltaire who said "those who do not acknowledge their past are doomed to repeat it" or something like that by someone like that.
machievelli? alexis de toucqueville? help me out here guys |
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Location: SoCal | Marquis de Sade? |
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Location: NJ | Vinnie Barbarino? |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | Marquis de Sade was a Mercury and Voltaire was a Plymouth
Weren't they???? |
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Location: NJ | CWK yes but maybe I am getting my quotes mixed up perhaps I am thinking of
"absolute power corrupts absolutely"
damn poli sci classes I just could never forget that stuff.
I can also recall a bunch of supreme court decisions .....
some days I don;t know if I am rainman or gump |
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Location: NJ | "..an Absolut martini also corrupts...absolutely!!..) |
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Location: Baton Rouge, LA | Cliff, I want to try one of those Absolut martinis. I need to be corrupted every once in a while. You know, make my life more interesting (than it already is!). |
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Location: Back in the Valley of the Sun Mesa Az. | Hey Tommy, How's the bidding going on the e-bay Legend? Is it an acoustic only, or is it a combo?
Good luck!
Norse(just curious)man1 |
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Location: east coast | Bo Derek |
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Location: Baton Rouge, LA | Ringo -- what does Bo Derek have to do with this conversation?
Norseyman -- I was bidding on a really nice looking 1117-4 (Legend) and was IN THE LEAD when I got a notice from Ebay that the auction was called off for some reason. The seller probably had a problem or committed some lapse. I don't know. But never fear, there's always Alpep! I just purchased the 1617-4 (acoustic-electric) Legend he had in his inventory and my $$$ is on its way to him. Thanks, Al!! |
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Location: Shelton, Washington, USA | Al, the "doomed to repeat history" quote is generally attributed to Generalissimo Jorge Santayana. (pardon the pun) |
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Location: Back in the Valley of the Sun Mesa Az. | Congrats Tommy! Looks a lot like my Legend (but better yet with electronics), if it sounds like mine, you are in for a treat!
Norse(hey Al, how 'bout an acoustical 2 channel amp for Norseman1?)man1
edit: Now before you go off on me Al, I have visited your site myself! Does the Acoustic 150 PA head your selling have two seperate lines (for inst/mic?) and does it have reverb?
[ June 28, 2002: Message edited by: Norseman1 ] |
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Location: NJ | the acoustic 150 is a guitar amp head it has two channels it is from the seventies and does not have xlr inputs. it does have reverb Probably not what you want unless you want to join a doors cover band. |
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Location: NJ | I got it now you are confusing the brand name "acoustic" with an amp designed for acoustic guitars. |
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Location: Dallas | Hey Tommy, I just join'd this Club today 7/5/02. I sent in a question and I got this site as a ref. and guess what? I think I have one of those '68 GC Ovations. I'm taking a picture of it and will put it on here within the next week.
I bought it some 15 years ago from a fellow musician out on his luck and thought he'd come back for it but I have not seen hide or hair of him since. So it's mine. It has the diamonds on the frets and the signature on the neck and inside also with 1127-4 the signature and M-293 below his name which is in red ink, on a 3x4 piece of paper glued at the bottom of the inside bowl. It has the original case it came with. One thing is that how do I get the back to shine like that one? I didn't know it could take a shine like that, or I'd of done it long time ago. That guy was right, it is a feeling , but not an orgasim, but very close to a woman, all depends how you strum her. I have used a Lawrence pickup on it and put it threw the paces and she responds like a BMW doing all you it to do. Also have an old Fender acoustic that is one of my other favs but can only play one at a time. It's smaller than the GC but has as nice a sound. |
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Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana | Gizz, I've sent you a private email. Thanks for posting in the Fan Club, man! |
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Location: Dallas | Tommy, Now if I can find it I can read it. I'm new at this. By the way I'm getting the prints and a CD with the pics by Tuesday. |
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Location: Dallas | Yeah Tommy, sorry about your E-mail getting bounced back. Seems like every time I open it I get jumped on by every girl out there wanting me to see them on their brand new camcorder. Gzzzzz if it was free, like it usually is for us musicians, I would. Any messages would have to be on here please. They're waiting like flies out there. Britney CALL ME !! I'll let YU in :cool:
[ July 08, 2002: Message edited by: Gizz ] |
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Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana | Hi, Gizz and Norseman:
The blessed event finally occurred Tuesday, July 9th. My vintage Legend 1617-4 finally arrived, and am I quite pleased with it. In mint condition, just as Alpep promised. All I need to do is adjust the action (the two "E" strings are too low) and fix the volume knob and put in a new battery for the pickup. I'll also put in a metal "thingie" for where I want my guitar strap to go at the bottom of the neck where it joins the deep bowl. Alpep, the seller, is great to work with, a conscientious businessman with good attitude and obvious stewardship and care for the guitars in his impressive inventory. He threw in a set of strings and was kind enough to call Ovation for a few parts I needed to bring this guitar to my just-about-complete satisfaction! He is great to talk (and email) with. I'm sure this won't be my last purchase from him.
Thanks, Alpep. (You may take your bow now!)
Now there's a nylon-string Country Artist on e-bay I'm seriously considering bidding on.
:cool: |
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Location: Dallas | Hey Tommy, I don't know what it is, but I have never been a fan of nylon strings. I just can't feel nor hear the sound I want from them. Maybe you can but I like the real thing. Must be the Rock&Roll in me. :cool: |
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Location: NJ | Tommy
it is always a pleasure when the right guitar gets in the hands of the right person.
enjoy |
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Location: Back in the Valley of the Sun Mesa Az. | Congrats Tommy, I wish you years of happiness with your Ovation. Actually, making the minor repairs, helps develop that relationship with your new friend doesn't it!
Norse(kinda like when you were a kid, and took care of that robins broken wing)man1 |
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Location: Baton Rouge, LA | Gizz Man:
Actually, I like steel-strings for strumming and some light fingerpicking. The nylon-strings I prefer for more fingerpicking than strumming. And I like Rock n' Roll almost as much as you do, though I'm really into love songs and ballads. I hate Rap, too. |
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Location: Dallas | Hey Tommy - Don't think I have EVER seen a Wapper Wrapper whatsoever play an Ovation yet - just yell crap I can't understand. Any way, I must confess that my older brother does have nylon bass strings on his Gibson EB2 hollow body bass. It's exactly like the one Bill Wyman used in the early Rolling Stones days. I use that little Steinburg on my home page still. I call it the "little Red Corvet" no relations to Prince - or whatever the Hoto calls itself now. It's your toy brother, Do it any way you want to. You want to pour liter fluid on it and torch it on stage, it's yours not mine. Just don't put no barb wire strings on it. They hurt a bit. :D
[ July 10, 2002: Message edited by: Gizz ] |
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Location: Los Angeles | I was an asst. engineer at the popular independent
hollywood recording studio Paramount Recording in
about 1970-1 or so.
Precisely because the 1117-4 legend had both a
rather attractive acoustic sound and lacked a booming bass it became one of the most popular recording acoustic guitars of that era and was seen on session after session all over the music industry. The instrument recorded superbly and
this certainly must have contributed to the huge reputation Ovation gathered during that time.
So.. to say that the 1117-4 early model is not
desireable is to turn ones back on one of the acknowleged great recording acoustics of the
golden age of music in the modern era. Its a very
valuable contributor to the music scene precisely
because of its unique timbre and sonority.
I won't deny the appeal of later models but that
early Ovation was like honey to the engineer. It recorded so well! It has always been difficult to
record something like a big Taylor or Martin when in a pop ensemble because it is difficult to control the booming bass. In bluegrass it is the rhythm instrument and thats fine. Other qualities are needed to record an acoustic guitar appropriately in a pop ensemble environment and Ive seen the struggle to achieve success with that task often. The early Ovations were a great contributor to the solution.
Michael G. Kramer |
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Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana | Mr. Kramer,
Great to have you onboard this club -- and thanks for validating the legitimacy and obvious sound/tone qualities of the early-model 1117 Legend. As a Legend owner, I have to agree with you! |
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A question or two for the Fan Club!