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May 2009
Posts: 131
Location: Yalova/Turkey | Well, everybody is shocked about the price of the book "History of Ovation" - and rightfully so.
Just had the idea: Why don´t we all contribute to another "History of Ovation Guitars" book? As far as I understood so far, there must be some people in here from the Mothership, and I guess for some members it would not be very hard to do interviews, let´s say with Charlie Kaman (is he still alive?) and/or his son and others who took part at the very beginning. Maybe some of you might be willing and able to do interviews with Glen Campbell, Kaki King, Al Di Meola and all the other well known musicians using Ovation. On the other hand a book about the Ovation Guitar could and maybe should also include all the big and small stories most of you could provide.
So the proposal is: Everybody willing should commit to hand in papers, interviews (or the will to do interviews), photographs, stories, reminiscences, memories - you name it.
I would be willing to collect the material, try to categorize it and propose a rough draft of the "book". We could open this rough draft to a discussion in order to make as many members happy with it as possible. Since my native language is German somebody or some people should offer their help for a final editing.
Please don´t take this idea too lightly - I wrote and published some books (though mainly travel guides on Turkey (google will show you some) - thus I am confident to be able to really do this in professionally enough.
If we or I should not be able to find a publishing company for this "book" we might produce it as a PDF document which can be send to all who care to have it - and this would be free of any fees and charges. On the other hand maybe the mothership might be willing to provide print costs... someone should/might ask them.
On the other hand this is just an idea and proposal, and I don´t want to impose myself as the editor. Everybody who would like to do this himself should feel free to claim this "job". We might also create an editor´s board/group or so and split topics according to likes and knowledge with certain fields of the overall topic.
After all one of the common ideals in this beautiful place is to give Ovation guitars the recognition they deserve - wouldn´t this be a very good way to do it?
I am looking forward to your comments and ideas. Maybe we might get something started...
See you soon...
Chris. |
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October 2005
Posts: 4081
Location: Utah | The previous book is a good history, and it wouldn't be easy to replicate or outdo it from that perspective. I think the project would have to have a different main topic than simple history.
I would be willing to interview Kaki, though I live across the country and have no way to get access. :)
Perhaps a more technically and artistically oriented theme? Some discussion of different bracing, the benefits of different electronics, a comparison of Adamas tops (textured vs non). Lots of great photos, including from members here with interesting or unique guitars and collections.
Most interviews I've seen with artists seem to be thin on detail and heavy on praise for the brand. Hearing them say that Ovation is durable on the road or that they "love the sound" gets boring pretty fast. It would be much more fun to hear/read about funny stories on the road or challenges in the studio. |
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May 2009
Posts: 131
Location: Yalova/Turkey | Maybe I didn´t put it very right: I am thinking about a compilation of very different topics... Technical discussions might as well be included... |
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September 2005
Posts: 3619
Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | I think if you take a look at the OvationTribute and OvationGallery websites, you'll find there is enough information on either of those sites to make for a good book. As a matter-of-fact, put the two together and start publishing ... I'd definitely buy one!
I already have a good name for it:
G-A-S and The AMAZING OVATION GUITAR |
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September 2002
Posts: 806
Location: Seymour, Tennessee | I wold readily contribute and would snap up such a book.
I coould interview anybody but getting to where they might be would be an issue.
I think it would be neat to have a cllection of personal stories involving first purchases or gifts of Ovations, picutes like those on the nin pages, interviews of the people who've worked on them, etc. |
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Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | Originally posted by bvince:
I think if you take a look at the OvationTribute... To point-out the obvious, Jerome created a definitive DVD on the subject.
And was kind enough to send me one! :D |
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June 2006
Posts: 7307
Location: South of most, North of few | Right Arthur, Jerome has more information on these guitars than one book could contain. His dvd is a great effort. THANK YOU JEROME!! |
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May 2009
Posts: 131
Location: Yalova/Turkey | Jerome was nice enough to send one to me as well, thanks a lot Jerome! Without wanting to belittle his wonderful and meticulous work which I absolutely apreciate I still think a book (either printed or in form of a PDF document) would add another flavour... not to take the place of contributions like Jerome´s, but as an addition. Maybe Jerome should be the one to start the "book" :) As I indicated, I don´t want to impose myself. |
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May 2008
Posts: 4996
Location: Phoenix AZ | The BOOK should pick up where Walter left off and chronicle the following:
1. Collectors Series 1997 to 2009
2. CNC into manufacturing
3. The birth of the LX designs
4. Electronics revolution - the OP series
5. Special editions - Millenium, John Lennon, Ozaki, etc.
6. The rebirth of the Adamas - 30th Anniversary Editions
7. Solid Bodies Part V - The VXT
8. The traditional series and 40th anniversary models
9. Formation of the Ovation Fan Club
10. Artist endorsees - DJ Ashba, Kaki King, Bernie Williams
11. Elites T's and Flames, Oh My
12. The Adamas Custom Shop
13. Aquisition by Fender Musical Instruments
14. The move of Balladeer, Elite and Legend to Asia
15. Reintroduction of the Adamas Slothead
16. Gearing up for Guild |
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January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | agreed |
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August 2009
Posts: 381
Location: Miami | "History of the Ovation Guitar Pt. II"
Simple. |
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December 2003
Posts: 13996
Location: Upper Left USA | So all we need is a Publisher and a Ghost writer...
Got any room for "Global Warming" in there? |
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December 2006
Posts: 6268
Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Great list, Dave!
I'd also like to read about their customer service history and current philosophy. |
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May 2008
Posts: 4996
Location: Phoenix AZ | Ok, Table Of Contents is done.
Now you all go work on the rest of it. Don't forget to have the Fender lawyers check it over. |
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History of the Ovation Guitar - A Proposal