Well, we have decided to give the great American homeowner route a try in the Patch household. Overall, I'm excited, but I am also aware that I probably have to condense the size of my collection due to space constraints. I'm not going "all-in" yet, but I am going to start with these three for one simple reason: Of all my guitars, these will be the easiest to replace someday. (How's that for wishful thinking...I mean....planning ahead.) In the meantime, I have pernission to replace what I sell with "upgrades." I don't know what yet, but looking should be kind of fun. (UM...Stephen28, got any plans for that OM-42 or EF-75? Only half kidding.)

First let me say that these are all excellent instruments, and I would much rather keep them. I will just have to content myself with the idea that future GAS-fueled hunts will certainly be in my future. I play the mandolin almost every week. The 97C is just a fantastic pick-it-up-whenever-you-feel-like-playing instrument and arguably the most comfortable guitar I own. And the Viper is tough-to-find and nothing but fun to play! Also, be aware that I do not have quality pics of the 97C or the Viper yet because of the recent weather. I took the mando photos a long time ago, but it still looks the same. I will add better photos as soon as I get a break in the weather.

But as I said, these are all in EXCELLENT condition.

First up, my Tamo Ash EA-68 Viper. It looks and plays nearly new and comes with its hard shell case also in great condition. the only minore blemish is some very light scratching on the heel of the neck. (The picture makes it look worse than it is since the flash caught it juussstt right.) Also, the battery holder came loose, but after consulting with John Budny, I'm going to re-afix it with velcro so it will be even easier to replace in the future. Asking $1200 shipped.

Next, I meant to keep the 97C for my kids to use if they decided to learn. No sign of that yet, so I have to risk letting it go for now. The guitar is almost perfect! It even has an OP-Pro pre-amp upgrade from the original. The only odd note is that the hole for the battery screw is still there. Think of it as a teeny-tiny sound port. It has its original case which shows some wear but is still the most rugged case to ever come with a Collectors guitar. (Seriously, I wish all Ovation cases were like this one.) The guitar sounds great and is one of my favorites to plug in with at church. Asking $825 shipped.



And finally, my nifty little mando. It is one of the tough-to-find USA's with a black finish. I bought it as insurance for my Book Mandolin, and use it at church most of the time. I have upgraded the pre-amp to an OP-24 + C with the built-in tuner. The only minor issue is that waviness in the top near the bridge. I have it on good authority (Mauvais Beal) that this is not an issue. One of my favorite features is the COOL graining in the walnut headstock overlay. It also has its original hardshell case in very good condition. You can find plenty of pictures AT THIS LINK. Asking $800 shipped.

Now for potentially improtant news:

This may be just the beginning. If I have to unload more, I will follow the same personal guideline; what can I replace easiest in the future? My customs are staying. My wife says the Patriot will go to our kids. My Balladeer is my sentimental favorite. But if things get too tight, the others are all fair game for the right price. (Admit it, they're too nice to just give away right?)

Thanks for looking everyone. I'll get more pictures up ASAP. (It's still raining outside.)

I caught a quick hole in the clouds and managed to get some pics of the 97C before it grayed up again. I'll keep looking to get more of the Viper.

In the meantime you can find all of the 97C pictures AT THIS LINK.

LOL Patch. The EF-75 is still available. It's it my trying to sell it (but not really trying too hard) pile and still amazes me everytime I play it......but for some reason it always returns to the case in favor of my Borges or Collings.

The OM-42....mmmmmmmmmmmmm.....probably not at this time but again, doesn't get the attention of the above two and might be available for the right price.

heh, Damon, the one you want would cost a LOT more than this one.

Stephen, Yer killin' me!

Everyone else, I managed to snag some decent pictures of the Viper right at sunset. Here are a few, but more can be seen AT THIS LINK.

One other thing, I might be interested in high-end trades, but I also might be pretty particular. Still, for the right guitar, who knows what I might do. FWIW, I like guitars other than Ovations as well.

Enough of that....Isn't this a beauty of a guitar!

Ohmagosh! Patch that Viper is definitely a beauty. But then I am partial to blue gits.

Come on LOTTO!

That 97C is very tempting. Already this week I got my first Ovation, a '74 1614 and was allowed to Post on the OFC site just yesterday. Now I see this little 12-Fret Slothead.......Oh MY! Excuse me please, I think that I am coming down with a case of GAS!

I know how you feel Aaron. But in an economy like this, not only do things sometimes not sell, but unexpected things happen and they need to be paid for NOW.

I had actually kind of resigned myself in an "Gosh, Darn It!" kind of way to having to hang on to all of these. (There are worse fates, right?) But things just happen sometimes, and when you get right down to it, they're just guitars...or, uh......mandolins.

Hopefully Mike can work it out. Right Mike?