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March 2011
Posts: 15
Location: Canada | Hello all fellow Ovation fans..so I just recieved my very rare # 21 1992 (solid top custom shop Richie Sambora doubleneck). The guitar is awesome except there is a problem. The top (on the 12 string side) between the bridge and neck has "sunk". I am guessing tuned to high and maybe not enough humidity control on the guitar. My question to anyone out there that might have had this happen..maybe on a 12 string...can this be fixed?...its kinda heartbreaking...please if anyone has had a similar experience please reply,Tanks...Greg |
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January 2011
Posts: 355
Location: Italia, Zianigo di Mirano (Venezia) | photo's please..... :confused: |
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September 2005
Posts: 3619
Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | Wow! Bummer! ... The only for sure fix is to send it to the factory for a new top.
Now with that said ... I have thought about the idea of saturating the interior of a guitar with that problem with steam or a damp wrag, and then when/if the top becomes flexible by hand inside (strings off of course)inflating a flattened football inside it, until it begins to bring it level. Then let it dry like that.(deflating the ball and removing when done) DO NOT TRY THAT THOUGH! ... Just a thought of mine(: ... I know it sounds crazy, but I've often wondered if it would work. |
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November 2002
Posts: 3664
Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire | Might work for the sunken top, but hopefully the neck is still straight, with the original set-angle. |
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November 2006
Posts: 3969
| There's Bridge Doctor as an option, but I'm not sure how it would work with a bowl back. Perhaps by fabricating a wood block for it to rest on, with the block having a convex curve to match the bowl.
That said, most luthiers tell people not to worry too much about slightly sunken tops, unless there's a problem with loose braces, in which case re-gluing the braces in place will straighten the top. As long as the neck set is OK, a slightly sunken or bellied top has no effect on playability. |
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December 2005
Posts: 1234
Location: Tidal Mudflats of Virginia | These are so rare and unique that mother is the only one I would trust to take any kind of action.
If your not satisfied with it, send it back to the seller. I wouldn't, but what the hell do I know, I payed more for mine :D
T'n'T
Also, here's a picture of the sinkage:
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Joined:
March 2011
Posts: 15
Location: Canada | I spoke with Kim Keller at Ovation and he thinks its easily fixed...massive humidity,soften the wood and then re-glue and clamp to the fingerboard(he says the fingerboard is kind of an external brace and is extremely important and part of the support integrity).... |
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Joined:
May 2010
Posts: 95
Location: Vancouver Island, BC | I have had good success doing this "in reverse", flattening a full 1/4" belly on my LX. A hardwood plank across the lower bout, tied down with bungycord behind the bowl so you put firm pressure on, without forcing the wood.
A wet pack towel inside, a heat lamp under the bowl at respectful distance, closing the soundhole with clear plastic, so you can watch the humidity. I stuck a Starbucks coffee thermometer thru the plastic, and kept it a 100F.
After 4 hrs, the top had come down gently.
Remove the moisture and let it sit for a couple of days for the wood to get it's new memory, then remove the pressure and let the whole thing dry for a week or two. Mine has stayed put 100% for almost a year, and no damage to braces or finish.
The key seems to be to apply firm pressure without forcing the wood till it is ready (moist and warm enough) to give. A soft inflatable ball sounds like a nice idea. You would have to make sure it can not turn into an "outie", by giving it a firm, flat surface to push against.
Pretty scary on a priceless guitar like that...
Whatever you do, best of luck with it.
Hovard |
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December 2005
Posts: 1234
Location: Tidal Mudflats of Virginia | Mother knows best :) |
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December 2006
Posts: 6996
Location: Jet City | Be sure it's done right. Send it to New Hartford. |
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July 2003
Posts: 3111
Location: Nashville TN. | I secound Damon comment |
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Joined:
March 2011
Posts: 15
Location: Canada | Thanks Damon,Pez and Tim...Kim Keller spoke with my tech who is a master luthier (he literally has restored destroyed vintage Gibsons,Ovations,Martins and priceless violins)...Kim ran him through everthing that has to be done...lets hope she can recover from surgery!!! |
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DN #21