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Location: Fort Worth, TX | I found a 20 year old O of this model designation. I tried the search function but to no avail. I've had several emails with the owner and built a rapport with him. We have similar financial circumstances due to health
issues. Anyway, he is primarily a bass player and said this guitar has rarely even been out of the case. I've seen one pic of it and the top is a deep amber color. I'm assuming the C denotes cedar? He quoted me $450 with a blue plush lined case. Does this sound like an acceptable price or do I keep looking? It's clear across the country from me so playing it first isn't an option. The guy is currently out of work and needs money bad but said he wanted to pass this on to his son. I told him if I buy it I will let him have it back for same price within a year. He was very appreciative of that and I trust what he is telling me about its condition. |
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Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent | The C is definitely cedar topped. The 1768 C has an excellent reputation for tone, though I haven't heard one personally. I'm curious about the case though. You say it's blue plush inside? Is it an Ovation case? If so, those are usually for super-shallow bowls, and the 1768C is a deep bowl.
In good shape, it's worth well over $450. |
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Location: Fort Worth, TX | The case is extremely dark blue plush, bordering on black. I found the same one in For Sale section here that sold for $650 and someone said that was a good price. If anyone is interested, PM me and I'll give ya the link to it. Can't bring myself to buy something unplayed no matter how bad I want it. This guy is totally believable to me, he said all it needs is new strings. When we began emailing each other I thought he was in same town as me (Ft. Worth, TX), turns out he's in Valdosta, GA. |
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Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | One of our members here may be willing to check the guitar out for you. I'm pretty sure there are people here that live in Georgia. I had the same model before and I loved it. It had a very warm wood-guitar tone to it, but not in any negative sense of the word. The trebles were perfect and the bass nice and full. It was a cutaway version, which made it just that much better. If I recall correctly, it also had a bit of a V neck, with a flat finish on the neck. The top was also flat. It just sounded a lot different than any of my other acoustic Os. The only wood-topped Ovation I liked better (and I have owned quite a few) was the one I still own, the 1537. I still have a few pictures of it if you would like to take a gander, but i haven't figured out how to post pics into another person's post yet. So PM me with an email address and I'll send them. At $450, if it is in good shape, it is a VERY good deal. If you can't have a member check it out, you may request that he have a local guitar store do a written evaluation of it for you. That may seem like a pain to the owner, but if he is serious about selling it, I think he would go to the trouble. Good luck to ya'
...Oh... I guess I DID figure out the photo thing...
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Location: Fort Worth, TX | Thanks for the suggestion bvince. The pic you sent looks identical to the pic of the one I'm talking about with the deep amber color. Actually, unless I get an influx of motorcycle or car pinstriping jobs I'm going to just have to pass on this one anyhow, even at the apparently great price. It's unlikely pinstriping will pick back up again now til spring or early summer. Since trading my Balladeer for the luthier built dread I've mentioned in here, I tracked down the builder of it and have him currently building me an OM because he said it would only cost me a reimbursement of the materials and if I don't have that when he's done he said he's gonna ship it to me anyway!
I'll still pass on the link for this O to anyone who PM's me their email address. I hate to pass on it, but in addition to not being able to play it I just don't have the funds currently. If I did have the money on hand I might take a chance on it without playing it, but as it is I'd rather make it possible for someone here to obtain it at what is apparently a good price. |
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Location: Sunshine State, Australia | I had a 1768, but not cedar topped. It was the easiest guitar to play - GREAT neck. I only sold it because I needed the funds for an early '70's Folklore and I'm not a fan of elites. I prefer single holes. But that 1768 was a truly awesome guitar. ...and $450 is a STEAL!
Edited by muzza 2012-12-17 10:23 PM
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Location: Fort Worth, TX | muzza - 2012-12-17 10:22 PM
I had a 1768, but not cedar topped. It was the easiest guitar to play - GREAT neck. I only sold it because I needed the funds for an early '70's Folklore and I'm not a fan of elites. I prefer single holes. But that 1768 was a truly awesome guitar. ...and $450 is a STEAL!
I checked with him yesterday and it's still available. As I said, he's a bass player and apparently not very knowledgeable about O's or he would know he is offering this one way too cheap. Anyone who would like to snag it, PM me your email info and I'll send ya the link to the site where it's listed. |
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Location: Texas | I'll send ya the link to the site where it's listed. Hey Dave...the guy has it listed on Craigslist...does he not want you to share it publicly? |
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Location: Fort Worth, TX | amosmoses - 2012-12-18 8:33 AM
I'll send ya the link to the site where it's listed. Hey Dave...the guy has it listed on Craigslist...does he not want you to share it publicly?
Nothing of the sort. I just thought maybe this forum, having its own Classifieds, wouldn't want people posting links to other sites of guitars for sale. Just trying to be respectful. The link I have is to a "Yard Sale" website he sent me. I didn't know he had it on Craigslist as well. He had a surgery and has lots of medical bills and also lost his job at the same time. A friend took him in. He really needs the money but said he definitely won't take less than the 450. I'm still debating selling something to raise the money to buy it. I'm sure after all the emails we've had back and forth he'd hold it for me if I asked. As it stands right now though, I'll gladly give the link to anyone who asks, ot if it's okay you could post the Craigslist info here. Someone should snap this up! |
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Location: Wichita, KS | I bought one of these a few months ago for $650 plus shipping. Previous sales on this forum went for $600 and $650, so I thought I was in the ball park. What muzza said: "$450 is a steal" for this very nice model. The cedar top gives it a warm sound that I love. |
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Location: Fort Worth, TX | I'm in the process right now of arranging a way to buy this. The guy said it only has minor pick scratches on the top, no dings in the cedar top. I still have no problem directing anyone to it though who has the money before I do. |
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Location: Fort Worth, TX | Here's a pic.
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Location: Fort Worth, TX | bvince - 2012-12-17 3:41 PM
One of our members here may be willing to check the guitar out for you.
How about it? Anybody close to Valdosta" If it's a bit of a drive but you're willing to do it I will PayPal gas money! Can't let dwgpreacher be one upping me with his recent Elite purchase. I obviously created a monster with him! |
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Location: Denver, CO | I got some guitar guys in Chattanooga...no one even as far south as Atlanta, though. I'll see if I can round up someone in that vicinity. |
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Location: Denver, CO | Dave, I picked up a couple of leads in Valdosta. I'll see who is willing and pass on your phone number. It's a beautiful guitar. Hope this works out for you. Yes, I guess you created a monster. I'm already thinking how I can end up with an Elite Bass. Did Ovation ever make a resonator? |
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Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | dwg preacher - 2012-12-20 4:55 PM
Did Ovation ever make a resonator?
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Location: Denver, CO | That's the one! I was thinking I might have to build one...or did you build that one? Love the palm trees. I'm not in love with the 50th Anniversary Jazz bass that I have, and I was thinking of turning it into a B778, (or one of those! suwheet!) but all I can find for sale are black. Are there B778s out there that are different colors? Are there resonators out there for sale? |
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Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | There are resonators out there somewhere.
(That one is not mine, that photo came from the Ovation Gallery so it might be Dave's)
I did see one traveling with the Roundback Roadshow way-back-when...
It was orange with the palm trees, also. (I did not play it)
I have also seen a photo of one hanging-on-the-wall at the Mothership.
So, either there is one palm-tree resonator that gets-around... Or they made a few.
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Location: Denver, CO | That's good to hear. I went back and searched through my model-number list a couple of times and never saw one listed, so I was beginning to despair... Would anyone out there have an idea where one is, and if it may be available? If/when I turn the Jazz, I may post up a query in a separate thread. And how about the bass? Have you ever seen one that wasn't black? |
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Location: Fort Worth, TX | I've exhausted any avenue I might have had to acquire this guitar. He sent me photos of it and there are only two minute dings in the top. It has a rather large weird black looking stain on back of the neck he said was there when he got it that in no way affects playability. I'd be happy to forward the email of the photos to anyone who PM's me an email address. So far I've been told twice this price is a steal. Someone in here should give it a home where it will get to come out of its case. Sad to let this one go but I've done all I could. |
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Location: Fort Worth, TX | It's mine!!! Be here any day now. |
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Location: Fort Worth, TX | I just spoke with the guy I am getting this from by phone a little while ago. He is getting it all packed up to ship out to me tomorrow. I was only able to swing this deal by the skin of my teeth and a generous donation of a fourth of the selling price by an OFC'r I've never met and likely never will. His random act of kindness is making it possible for me to obtain the Ovation model I've always wanted. Some great people on this site (and "no", it wasn't my friend dwgpreacher). |
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Location: Denver, CO | Congrats, Dave! And that's a great story! It's really cool when you meet someone with that kind of kindness. Hope you enjoy your Elite. Next time I visit, we'll compare them. |
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Location: NW Montucky | That's great! Someone is "Paying it forward." Congratulations. Look forward to seeing photos of it. |
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Location: Fort Worth, TX | dwg preacher - 2013-01-16 3:54 PM
Next time I visit, we'll compare them.
Ever since I read this I've been expecting Bob to say "you mean you'll show me yours if I show you mine?" |
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Location: Fort Worth, TX | Is there an updated preamp that will retrofit into this guitar to update the electronics? Not interested in cutting any larger holes and can't afford to send it to the MS. I haven't even gotten it yet and heard the existing setup, which the current owner says he plays thru an amp all the time. But curious about bringing it a little farther up the chain when I get it early next week. |
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Location: Fort Worth, TX | I am anticipating this guitars arrival with more adrenalin than I've felt since my first live female sighting of ...well, let's just say I'm anxious for it to get here. If anybody has owned (or owns) a cedar topped O they play fingerstyle, could I ask what strings you've settled on that please you the most? I would like to have them on hand when this arrives to string it up before I play it. |
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Location: Fort Worth, TX | Seriously, I'd settle for advice on strings you like if you play an Ovation Elite fingerstyle. Doesn't have to specifically be cedar top model that I am getting. I'd like to avoid my usual string change every three days or so in search of the sound I like and start right off with a recommendation from a fingerstyle player who is happy with a particular brand on their Elite. |
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Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | You really do realize how subjective that string question is, Right?
D'Addario EJ16 or EXP16,
or maybe EJ11 or EXP11.
"11" is not the string gauge... Those a still 12's but they are 80/20.
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Location: Denver, CO | Dave, as you well know I don't play fingerstyle but I have a pretty good idea what sound you are looking for, and my suggestion would be the EXP16s. I think the 80/20 strings will be too bright for your taste, plus your Elite with the cedar top is going to have a lot subtler bass responses than what you are used to... |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | The second best answer to the great string debate a few years ago was "cheap ones." I think the best answer was free ones. At the time I was buying guitars and seemed to get an extra set with each one. I finally used up those and a bunch of Adamas strings. I think they're the same as the D'Addario Phosphor Bronze 12 pack I've got about half used. What dwg says makes sense, but if you change after a few days and can tell the difference, you have better ears than I have. |
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Location: Flahdaw | Cat gut....from a recently run over cat. Freshness matters. Grey tabby is better than calico, but a Maine Coon is particularly warm sounding. |
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Location: SoCal | dwg preacher - 2013-01-19 3:14 PM
Dave, as you well know I don't play fingerstyle but I have a pretty good idea what sound you are looking for, and my suggestion would be the EXP16s. I think the 80/20 strings will be too bright for your taste, plus your Elite with the cedar top is going to have a lot subtler bass responses than what you are used to...
I have found on my 1537 and 87C, that I need the brightness of 80/20's. Phospher bronze just sound too dull.
Different strokes for different folks. The only way to know what works for you is to try different strings and make your own decision...... |
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Location: Fort Worth, TX | immoody - 2013-01-19 7:17 PM
dwg preacher - 2013-01-19 3:14 PM
Dave, as you well know I don't play fingerstyle but I have a pretty good idea what sound you are looking for, and my suggestion would be the EXP16s. I think the 80/20 strings will be too bright for your taste, plus your Elite with the cedar top is going to have a lot subtler bass responses than what you are used to...
I have found on my 1537 and 87C, that I need the brightness of 80/20's. Phospher bronze just sound too dull.
Different strokes for different folks. The only way to know what works for you is to try different strings and make your own decision......
I pretty well knew I wanted 80/20's all along. I don't know why dwgpreacher is of the opinion my cedar topped O is going to have a subtler bass response than I am accustomed to. With the right string I am expecting it to have a bass response I'll need to adjust my fingerpicking style to control from booming too loud on the bass end of the sound. I too hate the string questions, but in my defense, I did begin by asking for replies from owners of cedar top O's they play fingerstyle. Since that didn't pan out, guess I'll just have a few sets on hand and go thru my usual quest for the optimum sound. |
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Location: Pueblo West, CO | immoody - 2013-01-19 5:17 PM
I have found on my 1537 and 87C, that I need the brightness of 80/20's. Phospher bronze just sound too dull.
Paul,
I've done some experimentation on my Ovations and on the SSB of my daughter's boyfriend and I came to the same conclusion as you. On deep-bowl models the PBs sound 'dull', or subdued. 80/20s give a better, more balanced response. On shallow- and medium-depth models PBs are more balanced because the 80/20s give too much bass. It didn't really matter whether these are Elite or center-hole models.
Edited by DanSavage 2013-01-20 7:59 AM
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Location: Fort Worth, TX | Now that the string issue is settled, I am still interested in knowing if there is an updated preamp that will retrofit into the existing hole? Even tho the seller said it plays just fine thru an amp now, it is 80's technology and I feel there might be some wisdom in updating it? One other question, what is the circular access plate on the back of the bowl for if the battery compartment is the square opening next to the preamp? God I am so glad to be finally an O model I've always wanted, with a cedar top to boot for fingerstyle! I believe firmly Ovations were a massive step in the evolution of acoustic guitar. I envy all you guys who personally knew the genius behind this incredible innovation. That's some participation in guitar history to justifiably be proud of.
BTW, I have a Crate CA125D Acoustic Amplifier lined up to purchase for $125 right after the guitar gets here. I'll get to try it out at the guy's house with the O first, but have seen pics of it already from every angle and it looks basically brand new. He said it was rarely used. I like the fact that it has a channel for a mic as well. My singing days are mostly over with all the damage done to my lungs from scarring after massive fluid buildups following 18 major surgeries, but hey, Louie Armstrong got his singing voice after having his throat slit on a Chicago street so I may still have something to offer in that regard. |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | Your disagreement with dwg's description of the difference between cedar and spruce just points out how hard it is to describe sound in words. Cedar sounds different from spruce, just like tonewoods all have differences and different varieties of spruce sound diffferent from each other. I know that cedar seems to be preferred for the Ovation Classics with nylon strings. Finding what sounds "best" is so subjective that you may as well search for the holy grail.
I have the Crate CA125D also. I thought I got a great price at $150, so you are doing well. They have an annoying hiss through the tweeter that could be bothersome. Mine also has a short in the guitar jack that is definitely an issue that I tried to fix once, unsuccessfully. The effects are interesting, but I haven't had any need to use them because it's never left my basement. Another minor annoyance is that it can be tilted back, but doesn't really tilt back enough to stay there. The slightest pull on the guitar chord will bring it back forward. Overall, it's a good amp and you're getting a good price. |
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Location: Flahdaw | Plus they are heavy. I love my Fishman Loudbox mini 'cos it sounds great, no hiss, and weighs nothing. |
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Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | DaveKell - 2013-01-20 8:29 AM
One other question, what is the circular access plate on the back of the bowl for if the battery compartment is the square opening next to the preamp?
That is for "access" to the innards.
If your Elite does not have a Truss-Rod-Cover, that is where the Truss Rod adjustment is... inside the bowl.
Also it is handy to check/fix loose braces and such.
And if you need access to work-on your wiring, or change your preamp like you mentioned.
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Location: Tennessee | DaveKell - 2013-01-20 8:29 AM Now that the string issue is settled, I am still interested in knowing if there is an updated preamp that will retrofit into the existing hole? Even tho the seller said it plays just fine thru an amp now, it is 80's technology and I feel there might be some wisdom in updating it? Which preamp is in there now? |
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Location: Fort Worth, TX | stonebobbo - 2013-01-20 4:30 PM
DaveKell - 2013-01-20 8:29 AM Now that the string issue is settled, I am still interested in knowing if there is an updated preamp that will retrofit into the existing hole? Even tho the seller said it plays just fine thru an amp now, it is 80's technology and I feel there might be some wisdom in updating it? Which preamp is in there now?
I couldn't see anything on it in the pic he sent me of it and won't have the guitar until early next week. If I take that access cover off the back will I be able to see a model number on it from inside? |
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Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | I will probably say what kind of preamp it is right on the front.
Or you can just find the photo that matches HERE
Oh... I just wanted to add that I have an Adamas 1685 that has an old OP-24 preamp on it...
I have also had Balladeers and Elites with the OP-24 in them.
This is a Very Old model preamp.
It only has volume and 3-band EQ. No tuna, pre-shape, notch or anything fancy.
It is a Great preamp and the battery will last for a year.
I have also had single knob and stacked-knob preamps that worked Fantastic.
Just cuz they preamp isn't "modern" doesn't mean that it needs to be replaced.
Edited by Old Man Arthur 2013-01-20 8:03 PM
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Location: Fort Worth, TX | arthurseery - 2013-01-20 7:51 PM
I will probably say what kind of preamp it is right on the front.
Or you can just find the photo that matches HERE
Oh... I just wanted to add that I have an Adamas 1685 that has an old OP-24 preamp on it...
I have also had Balladeers and Elites with the OP-24 in them.
This is a Very Old model preamp.
It only has volume and 3-band EQ. No tuna, pre-shape, notch or anything fancy.
It is a Great preamp and the battery will last for a year.
I have also had single knob and stacked-knob preamps that worked Fantastic.
Just cuz they preamp isn't "modern" doesn't mean that it needs to be replaced.
The OP24 pic matches. I greatly appreciate this response. Someone made a comment in a thread awhile back that "80's electronics are dicey at best". The only two previous O's I've had were acoustic only. Glad to know I won't need to upgrade this, and by the way, the last owner said the battery in it 2 years old and still works!
Edited by DaveKell 2013-01-20 8:46 PM
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Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | DaveKell - 2013-01-20 6:45 PM
Someone made a comment in a thread awhile back that "80's electronics are dicey at best".
Here is something to think about...
Often, Older is Simpler. Not as much crap to break.
Probably just a capacitor, a transistor and volume and tone pots.
Also, I have never had any problem with old electronics.... Anybody wanna comment?
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Location: Always beautiful canyon country of Utah | Glad you are so excited. Let us know when you get your new guitar. I enjoyed the discussion on the strings. Think I need to try some 80/20s on my newly acquired 1537. That's what nerds do. |
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Location: Fort Worth, TX | arthurseery - 2013-01-20 9:08 PM
DaveKell - 2013-01-20 6:45 PM
Someone made a comment in a thread awhile back that "80's electronics are dicey at best".
Here is something to think about...
Often, Older is Simpler. Not as much crap to break.
Probably just a capacitor, a transistor and volume and tone pots.
Also, I have never had any problem with old electronics.... Anybody wanna comment?
I have a 32gig iPod, but also a collection of about 30 transistor radios from the 60's. I like to lay in bed at night on nights with high cloud cover and listen thru my single ear phone to obscure am broadcasts instead of everything I could do with the iPod. I heard an old rockabilly program awhile back featuring acts from the 50's, especially a guy called Groovy Joe Poovy. Groovy has been around a lot longer than I would have thought. I like old things. I'm very certain that in the 80's the O electronics would have been American made? I can't see China in the picture yet. The amp I'm getting will provide all the extra effects I could want, and I long ago learned to tune by ear. I'm certain this O is going to be all I'm expecting and more. I feel lucky to have found it and in the process helped out a fellow musician who is down on his luck. Plus, I had the added benefit of being involved with someone paying it forward who supplied me a fourth of the purchase price from this forum. I can't wait til my wife and I live in a class A motor home after selling our house and I get to go meet the guy in person. Count me as very fond of old electronics. |
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Location: Fort Worth, TX | Okay, one last question and I'll shut my mouth! According to UPS tracking, the guitar arrived this morning in a Texas town 20 miles from here. I doubt they'll get it here today though unless my driver returns for a reload later in the day. So no later than tomorrow for sure.
The question: My Balladeer 40th annive reissue had bass guitar style tuners. By that I mean they were slotted instead of a string pass thru hole. You stuck the string down into a hole at the top of it and and bent it out the side thru the slot. Made for super fast string changes. I'm curious as to whether these tuners exist somewhere I can buy them and replace the stock ones on my soon to be home with daddy Elite? Are you beginning to perceive my OCD that requires me to be always changing something up?
Edited by DaveKell 2013-01-21 8:08 AM
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Location: Texas | Dave, The reason your 40th had those, is because those Kluson's existed on the 67's. It didn't take Ovation long to kick those to the curb. Your RI also had RI Klusons... At one time, you could get them from the MS...but I am not for sure if your guitar has inline or individual, and fit may be a problem. Kluson is still in business, but there are also knock offs that offer the same style. Retro and Ruh Roh sometimes go hand in hand. As far as "always changing something up", the only guitar(s) I have owned that used that method are the 67's and the RI. Your Elite is going to have, what I would consider, a normal type tuner. Congrats on your "new" guitar. |
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Location: Tennessee | The OP-24 is a great preamp. There is nothing better that would be a direct swap. Perhaps you could Jerry-rig an Optima if you can find a way to make it work with the existing battery configuration. But I don't think Optimas can be found anymore unless its been cannabalized. See if your guitar has genuine Schallers on it. Many guitars of that vintage came with them. Personally, I like those.
Edited by stonebobbo 2013-01-21 11:22 PM
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Location: Fort Worth, TX | Well, none of my questions mattered as it turns out. I opened the box to find the top split from the end bout to the bridge, something that wasn't in date stamped pics I received of it. UPS said an adjuster will be out to my house within 3-5 days to try and deny the claim (the words of my UPS store I use to ship stuff). Since the seller packed it himself they said the best the adjuster will do is offer me a partial reimbursement based on his opinion of the packing job. I have received three guitars shipped now and this one was packed the best. Too bad too because otherwise this thing is beautiful. I'm sick. I wouldn't even keep it if the top could be repaired, which I'm sure it can be, except that it runs under the bridge. It is what it is. At least I can still play it until this is resolved. |
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Posts: 53
Location: NW Montucky | That sux a lot! Hold on to those date stamped photos and all the packing materials. See about getting an affidavit from the seller as to the condition prior to shipping. Photos speak volumes when it comes to insurance claims. Alternatively, make a video and put it on Youtube...."UPS destroys guitars!" Good luck. |
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Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | If you file a claim, the truck will be coming to your house to pick-up the guitar and it's packaging.
(that is how FedEx does it) So all that should be packed and ready to go...
Meaning you won't have much time to be playing the guitar.
If UPS sends an actual person to inspect the guitar, they might be there promptly.
If you are claiming damage you probably shouldn't be playing the guitar when they come for it.
I don't know how UPS works... But FedEx just sends a truck to pick-up the box.
They do the evaluation at their facility.
Also, FedEx pays the original shipper... You have to get your money from him.
I believe that both Miles and Al have used UPS a lot and filed a claim or two.
Hopefully one of them will chime-in or you could contact them.
Sorry to hear that this happened.
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Posts: 402
Location: New Hartford CT | A picture can obscure a cracked top with ease.
Are you absolutley certain the crack wasn't there before shipment?
Seems highly coincidental that simply shipping the guitar caused this issue...just askin' |
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November 2011
Posts: 741
Location: Fort Worth, TX | UPS called me back awhile ago and said the adjuster would be here tomorrow and for me to have the packaging ready as it was when I opened it. They also said the adjuster will most likely take it with him. Don't see how he could do that unless he settled up with me first? IN THE MEANTIME, I have located a 1778 Elite on Craigslist in a little town up the road from me. Just got done talking with the owner after looking at the pics. He said he never learned to play it, wanted to for his church, and that there are no dings or scratches on it. He also said he bought it brand new at GC in 2009 and the pic of the label is plainly a US made guitar. I said it had to be used and he insists it was brand new according to the store. How could this be? Even though it isn't the cedar top I've wanted all along, after playing this damaged one I'll "settle" for it. |
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Location: Fort Worth, TX | George Frey - 2013-01-22 1:57 PM
A picture can obscure a cracked top with ease.
Are you absolutley certain the crack wasn't there before shipment?
Seems highly coincidental that simply shipping the guitar caused this issue...just askin'
There's another semi circular crack around a ding on the top that wasn't in the pics either. Of course, I don't see how this could have happened with it in the case, which isn't damaged. I asked the owner a lot of questions in phone calls and in emails and based my decision to buy it on the gut feeling of the impression I formed of him. He was genuinely shocked when I called to tell him it arrived cracked, he never protested it wasn't that way when he shipped it which is what a liar would do. |
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Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | IN THE MEANTIME, I have located a 1778 Elite on Craigslist in a little town up the road from me.
This one? (Waxahachie?)
It doesn't matter if it was new when he bought it, cuz it is used now.
You will see any wear-n-tear when you go get it.
They were still making Standard Elites in CT back in '08...
It took a while to migrate all of the manufacture to Korea.
So it may have been listed as new in "09... If it sits in the store for a year, it is still new.
(and rumor has it that some GC's would sell the cases and guitars separately which would explain the RR case) |
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Posts: 741
Location: Fort Worth, TX | arthurseery - 2013-01-22 2:24 PM
IN THE MEANTIME, I have located a 1778 Elite on Craigslist in a little town up the road from me.
This one? (Waxahachie? )
It doesn't matter if it was new when he bought it, cuz it is used now.
You will see any wear-n-tear when you go get it.
They were still making Standard Elites in CT back in '08...
It took a while to migrate all of the manufacture to Korea.
So it may have been listed as new in "09... If it sits in the store for a year, it is still new.
(and rumor has it that some GC's would sell the cases and guitars separately which would explain the RR case )
Man you're fast! And yes, same exact one in the pic. I just thought all gits were made in Korea after '06 or '07 except for the Adami and customs. |
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Location: Flahdaw | Well THAT sucks. |
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Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | When I originally bought my Sweet T (2078T), it was in May of 2008.
I had to wait for them to make me one.
(Sweetwater sold more that they originally had made)
That was the end of the USA Production of Elite T's.
Elite T's and Standard Balladeers were the first to go overseas,
but they were still making them here in "08.
Then went the other models later in '08 and '09.
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Posts: 741
Location: Fort Worth, TX | Man I love the mellow sound of this cedar top sooo much I've actually thought about keeping it. I researched top crack repair and know I could pull it off. There's just one problem with that idea. I held it up sideways to a light and there are four other cracks radiating up from the bottom, the longest one is only a couple inches long. Still though, this thing took a HARD hit on the bottom. Last thing I need is for braces to start dropping off next. Makes me sick to see this thing headed for a UPS damaged goods auction. Wish there was a way I could take a partial reimbursement and keep it. |
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November 2011
Posts: 741
Location: Fort Worth, TX | I was advised to open a claim with PayPal for recovery of my money ASAP that I paid for this guitar. I did that yesterday. I got up this morning to find a frantic email to me from the seller that PayPal had withdrawn all his available funds from his bank account while they investigate this claim. Had I known they would do that to this guy I never would have opened the claim. He's extremely down on his luck and I feel terrible now, The guy is hovering around homelessness. I have decided to cancel the claim immediately and keep the guitar. In addition, I will offer to reimburse him for any overdraft charges he might have levied against him. I just can't do this to someone. I was advised not to even wait for the UPS adjuster as I have been told their primary purpose is to find a way to deny the claim anyhow, even though it's obvious this guitar took a hard hit in transit. We have a young friend who works at a UPS distribution center who laughed to us about how they treat packages at work.
I'm going to do my best to stabilize the crack. Even if UPS doesn't deny the claim, as I said I don't want this guitar to end up at one of their damaged goods auctions. Even though I live on a disability income, there is always the chance I will have a financial windfall someday and be able to return this to the MS for a top replacement. Until then, I will consider myself fortunate to have acquired an old cedar top O, love it,and hope the other smaller cracks don't spread. In a way, I see the guitar as a metaphor for my life. After 18 major surgeries to my abdomen, if I was a blues player I would adopt the stage name of Scar Belly Dave since me and this guitar are in the same shape. I've read on AGF that playing a vintage guitar with a cracked top is no big deal and I believe with an article I found on DIY crack repair I can remedy the situation for now.
This is the only way I can see to best handle the circumstances of this unfortunate situation. I can piece a thin slice of wood into the missing piece of the epaulet and stain it to match easy enough. It's weird, but after over 20 years I can still smell the cedar top thru the biggest soundhole! I'll adjust my attitude about having a less than perfect guitar and just get on with my life and play the living daylights out of this thing. It's all I can see to do to make this the best outcome for all involved. Can anybody give me an idea of what a top replacement is going to approximately run me? |
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November 2011
Posts: 741
Location: Fort Worth, TX | Wow!!! I just heard from the same forum member who kicked in a fourth of the cost of this Elite to help me buy it. He said if I ever send it back to the MS for a top replacement a very generous dollar amount will be forthcoming to help with that expense as well. So nice to know there are still such people in the world! |
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November 2011
Posts: 741
Location: Fort Worth, TX | This will end this saga altogether. A UPS driver arrived today saying he was here to pick up the guitar. I said I was told an adjuster was supposed to come today. He told me they pick up damaged items and take them to a place where they evaluate them. I said no thanks, if I can't discuss it with an adjuster and point out the damage I'm keeping it. I got an email from the seller today telling me he was running all over Valdosta to pawn shops trying to pawn his tools and a shotgun he has had for forty years that has been in his family forever. I told him I stabilized the crack and that we're good, and to put this all out of his mind. He said he has a line on a job at a bag making factory and after he is on his feet will help me with the cost of sending it in to have a new top on it. Hopefully I can do this shortly after my new OM is completed by a luthier this spring. So now I'll have two people contributing to the cost which I gather is in the vicinity of $500? I'm concerned a new cedar top won't have the tone this 20+ year old one has. I'll also have them refret it while it's there because there's a lot of divots all the way up to the fifth fret. For a bass player primarily, he obviously wasn't limited to cowboy chords. |
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