Fender to close New Hartford operations
Geostorm98
Posted 2014-04-22 9:26 AM (#485392)
Subject: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
September 2011
Posts: 402

Location: New Hartford CT
My family has been associated with the plant for 47 years and to hear this news is a real blow.

I just received a call from a a friend of an employee that Fender will cease all operations in New Hartford including Guild, Ovation and Hamer. This is the only info I have at the moment.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Weaser P
Posted 2014-04-22 9:54 AM (#485393 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 5327

Location: Cicero, NY
Very unfortunate. Can't help but feel for all the great people that work there.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Standingovation
Posted 2014-04-22 9:55 AM (#485394 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 6191

Location: Phoenix AZ
Just heard this elsewhere ... how sad. Lots of great people, great innovation, and a track record of success on many many levels. Very very sad.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Slipkid
Posted 2014-04-22 9:58 AM (#485395 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301

Location: south east Michigan
I was hoping it wasn't true.

Edited by Slipkid 2014-04-22 9:59 AM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Damon67
Posted 2014-04-22 10:21 AM (#485396 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6992

Location: Jet City
Speechless
Top of the page Bottom of the page
CanterburyStrings
Posted 2014-04-22 10:35 AM (#485397 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
March 2008
Posts: 2683

Location: Hot Springs, S.D.
It doesn't surprise me. Any bets on how long before they stop production overseas? Fender seems to want a monopoly on guitars. I don't think they'll quit buying up companies and shutting them down until all that's left are a few guys who build them in their garage.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Standingovation
Posted 2014-04-22 10:36 AM (#485398 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 6191

Location: Phoenix AZ
Confirmed by an employee. Ovation, Adamas and Guild all gone by May 30th. F***
Top of the page Bottom of the page
alpep
Posted 2014-04-22 11:14 AM (#485399 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10581

Location: NJ
wow

guess my prices are going up on usa build guitars
Top of the page Bottom of the page
KKeller
Posted 2014-04-22 11:25 AM (#485400 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 57

Location: Jersey near NYC
Get your LT-60 NOW!
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Jérôme
Posted 2014-04-22 11:27 AM (#485401 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: RE: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
March 2004
Posts: 1388

Location: Paris/France
Hi,

I trust in you guys but I can believe it...
The bricks walls of the Factory are a great part of my life and I'm shocked tonight to read your words.
I'm thinking of all the great guys from New Hartford that I was so lucky to meet during the 2007 OFC tour.
O's were made by people with lot of passion and talent, that's why they will stay for a long time among the best instruments ever built.
Today is a very sad day and surely the end of a fantastic story.

Jérôme
Top of the page Bottom of the page
KKeller
Posted 2014-04-22 11:28 AM (#485404 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: RE: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 57

Location: Jersey near NYC

FENDER MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION TO CLOSE NEW HARTFORD, CONN. FACILITY;
OVATION® TO CEASE U.S. PRODUCTION

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) is proud of the products that are built in our New Hartford, Conn. manufacturing facility and appreciates the talented group of people that hand craft them. However, due to current market conditions and insufficient volume levels, the company has made the decision to cease production there within June 2014.

This decision represents a consolidation of production capabilities for FMIC U.S.-made acoustic instruments. “We are committed to providing the same high quality musical instruments our artists, consumers and customers expect and demand, and will continue to support the brands that are currently being produced in New Hartford,” said Richard McDonald, senior vice president of Fender®.

U.S. production of Fender acoustic and Guild® instruments will transition to other facilities at a later date, while domestic production of U.S.-made Ovation musical instruments will cease.

Forty-six New Hartford-based FMIC employees will be affected by this decision over the next several months. These impacted employees served the company well and will be treated fairly and with respect; they will be provided comprehensive assistance, including severance packages, outplacement services and other related assistance.

Top of the page Bottom of the page
cliff
Posted 2014-04-22 11:44 AM (#485405 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 14842

Location: NJ
What would it cost t'rent SkiSundown for a final, "Act of Defiance"??? . . . Whitehead, . . . "Pack th'Trebuchet" . . . .
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Darkbar
Posted 2014-04-22 11:45 AM (#485406 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 4535

Location: Flahdaw
Sorry Kim.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Lonnie
Posted 2014-04-22 11:46 AM (#485407 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
November 2013
Posts: 163

Location: Phoenix, AZ
Very sad news indeed.... I wonder if they will still do repairs on older USA Ovations, or shut the factory down completely?
Top of the page Bottom of the page
marenostrum
Posted 2014-04-22 11:46 AM (#485408 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
August 2007
Posts: 1008

Location: Tuscany, Italy
Nooooo !! I cannot believe this gonna happen. I'm sad and sorry for the N.H. employees........
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Jérôme
Posted 2014-04-22 12:01 PM (#485409 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: RE: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
March 2004
Posts: 1388

Location: Paris/France
Sorry, I'm too angry tonight to try to give you my opinion with my poor English so I will use my own language, you can use a translator but I'm not sure that my words could count.

On vit vraiment dans un monde de merde ou le fric et la performance sont la seule loi. Ils sont en train de tuer une partie de votre patrimoine chers amis Américains et une fois de plus, des gens avec un savoir faire unique vont rester sur le carreau. Je suis désolé, je suis en colère car il faut savoir préserver sa culture et Ovation fait partie de votre culture et de la notre pour nous qui sommes du "reste du monde". Ce soir, cela semble être un échec. Tout ça me donne la nausée. Merci à tous ces gens qui nous ont apportés tant de bonheur et de plaisir depuis presque 50 ans en fabriquant des instruments avec amour et surtout avec une vraie vision. Bonne chance à tous les gars de New Hartford et même si cela ne peut nullement compenser, soyez assurés et surtout fiers d'avoir participé à une grande aventure et d'avoir accompli quelque chose de grand qui restera. Un dernier mot pour terminer car c'est le seul qui me vient, MERCI!!

Jérôme
Top of the page Bottom of the page
marenostrum
Posted 2014-04-22 12:09 PM (#485410 - in reply to #485409)
Subject: RE: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
August 2007
Posts: 1008

Location: Tuscany, Italy
paulmac - 2014-04-21 7:01 PM

Sorry, I'm too angry tonight to try to give you my opinion with my poor English so I will use my own language, you can use a translator but I'm not sure that my words could count.

On vit vraiment dans un monde de merde ou le fric et la performance sont la seule loi. Ils sont en train de tuer une partie de votre patrimoine chers amis Américains et une fois de plus, des gens avec un savoir faire unique vont rester sur le carreau. Je suis désolé, je suis en colère car il faut savoir préserver sa culture et Ovation fait partie de votre culture et de la notre pour nous qui sommes du "reste du monde". Ce soir, cela semble être un échec. Tout ça me donne la nausée. Merci à tous ces gens qui nous ont apportés tant de bonheur et de plaisir depuis presque 50 ans en fabriquant des instruments avec amour et surtout avec une vraie vision. Bonne chance à tous les gars de New Hartford et même si cela ne peut nullement compenser, soyez assurés et surtout fiers d'avoir participé à une grande aventure et d'avoir accompli quelque chose de grand qui restera. Un dernier mot pour terminer car c'est le seul qui me vient, MERCI!!

Jérôme



+1 well said Jerome !!
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Damon67
Posted 2014-04-22 12:12 PM (#485411 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6992

Location: Jet City
"Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) is proud of the products that are built in our New Hartford, Conn. manufacturing facility and appreciates the talented group of people that hand craft them. However, due to current market conditions and insufficient volume levels, the company has made the decision to cease production there within June 2014."

Talk about spew. Did FMIC develop their sense of pride in the past 7 years? Was this pride brimming as they systematically shut everything down, little by little? It's hard to expect any favorable market conditions without any marketing. Lack of product in stores is one thing, but when's the last time we've seen a concentrated marketing effort on USA builds?

FUKKING SPEW
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Damon67
Posted 2014-04-22 12:12 PM (#485412 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6992

Location: Jet City
oops, had a typo
Top of the page Bottom of the page
CanterburyStrings
Posted 2014-04-22 12:19 PM (#485414 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
March 2008
Posts: 2683

Location: Hot Springs, S.D.
I know so many people who have worked there since they were in their 20's, but who are just UNDER retirement age now. With jobs so hard to find now, especially for older workers, what are they going to do? Mortgages still need to be paid. People still need to eat. And even discounting the financial consequences, the emotional toll has got to be devastating.

I'm also so glad I had my baritone custom made while it was still possible. (Thanks Al!) I also would like to retract my offer in the for sale section from months ago, for my OFCI. I could still use the money, but I'll never part with it now, nor any of my other O's.



Top of the page Bottom of the page
alpep
Posted 2014-04-22 12:59 PM (#485419 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10581

Location: NJ
We really live in a world of **** or the money and performance are the only law. They are killing a part of your heritage dear American friends and once again, people with unique expertise will remain on the floor. I'm sorry, I'm angry because you have to know how to preserve its culture and Ovation is part of your culture and for us as our "rest of the world." Tonight seems to be a failure. All this makes me sick. Thank you to all those people who have brought us so much happiness and pleasure for nearly 50 years in manufacturing instruments with love and especially with true vision. Good luck to all the guys from New Hartford and even if it can in no way compensate, rest assured and especially proud to have participated in a great adventure and have accomplished something great that will remain. One last word to complete because it is the only one who comes to me, THANK YOU!

what jerome siad
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Koenig Kurt
Posted 2014-04-22 1:09 PM (#485422 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
April 2006
Posts: 846

Location: Munich, Germany
Well, I can not I say I did not see this coming.

All the best to all the guys that lived their work in NH. And their families. Thank you for all those great instruments.

Fender, geh scheißen! (I've noticed, this is a native speaker's thread, so... No need to translate.)

Kurt
Top of the page Bottom of the page
danomyte
Posted 2014-04-22 1:19 PM (#485423 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
January 2014
Posts: 402

Location: Taxed To Death State
I literally grew up a few hundred yards from the factory in New Hartford and live 5 miles away. Have many friends who still work there not to mention the sentimental aspect of it. I use to ride my mini-bike in that parking lot for gods sake. What a bummer. Snag up all the US Ovation guitars boys, the values gonna go up. It's the end of an era in music history not to mention my home town & friends. Wow.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Patch
Posted 2014-04-22 1:20 PM (#485424 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: RE: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
May 2006
Posts: 4221

Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent

My thoughts and prayers to all in New Hartford who just had the carpet pulled from under them.

My thoughts and prayers to all of those who have so much memory and emotion invested in these beautiful instuments.

I had hoped to visit there several more times over the next couple of years and realize just a few more design ideas I had, but I am truly grateful to John and Kim for guiding me through my projects so that I can enjoy some truly remarkable musical instruments.

Top of the page Bottom of the page
d'ovation
Posted 2014-04-22 1:27 PM (#485426 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 846

Location: Canada
Wow, I guess there's no point in saving for a new Adamas anymore. One thing's for sure though, I will never buy a Fender-related product from now on.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
danomyte
Posted 2014-04-22 1:38 PM (#485427 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
January 2014
Posts: 402

Location: Taxed To Death State
Don't blame Fender. The Kaman's are the ones who cashed out and ran. Blame them. Fender saw a business opportunity and they couldn't make it work. It was failing when they bought it, Fender finished it off.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
CanterburyStrings
Posted 2014-04-22 2:15 PM (#485429 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
March 2008
Posts: 2683

Location: Hot Springs, S.D.
OK. So I guess if I ever decide to retire and sell my music store, it'll be MY fault if whoever buys it decides to move it to Podunk, Kansas, stops carrying decent guitars, and stops advertising so the business fails completely. Uh-huh...
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Weaser P
Posted 2014-04-22 2:22 PM (#485431 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 5327

Location: Cicero, NY
Look into Fender's history of buying competitive brands and how & what they've done with them and you might reconsider that view, dan. Blaming the Kaman's is seriously misguided.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
stonebobbo
Posted 2014-04-22 2:24 PM (#485433 - in reply to #485427)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
August 2002
Posts: 8307

Location: Tennessee

danomyte - 2014-04-22 11:38 AM Don't blame Fender. The Kaman's are the ones who cashed out and ran. Blame them. Fender saw a business opportunity and they couldn't make it work. It was failing when they bought it, Fender finished it off.

 

Your ignorance is astounding.

 

 

Top of the page Bottom of the page
moody, p.i.
Posted 2014-04-22 2:25 PM (#485434 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15651

Location: SoCal
"The Kamans"? Uh, lets see, Bill left the company in 1996. Charlie died in, what, 2007? The board of directors unloaded the music division (KMC) quickly shortly after Charlie died.

I don't see where "the Kamans" had anything to do with it.

Please enlighten me Dan......
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Slipkid
Posted 2014-04-22 2:29 PM (#485435 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301

Location: south east Michigan
Let's leave that be.
This is feeling kinda like a funeral.
Now's not the time.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
danomyte
Posted 2014-04-22 2:33 PM (#485439 - in reply to #485429)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
January 2014
Posts: 402

Location: Taxed To Death State
Your comparing Apples to Oranges. Your analogy makes no sense. Fender is losing money on Ovation, why would they keep running a business in the red. I'm not thrilled about them closing the plant however it's previous owners weren't making money either.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Patch
Posted 2014-04-22 2:42 PM (#485441 - in reply to #485435)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
May 2006
Posts: 4221

Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent

Brad Durasa - 2014-04-22 3:29 PM Let's leave that be. This is feeling kinda like a funeral. Now's not the time.

 

Couldn't agree more.

 

Top of the page Bottom of the page
CanterburyStrings
Posted 2014-04-22 2:51 PM (#485444 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
March 2008
Posts: 2683

Location: Hot Springs, S.D.
No, my analogy makes perfect sense. When Fender bought Ovation they stopped almost all USA production (Podunk, Kansas), they completely stopped marketing (No advertising), and the quality of the overseas guitars was pretty bad (Stopped carrying quality guitars).

And if Fender bought a company where "the previous owners weren't making money", just why do you think they bought it? Was it because they thought they could "revive" the brand? If they did, why did they move manufacture offshore, stop caring about the quality of the brand, and stop marketing the brand?

Could it be that their whole objective was to get their hands on Hamer so they could shut them down, because face it, Hamer made Fender electrics look like junk and they wanted to kill the competition?

Could it also be because they wanted to learn how to make Guild guitars so they could copy them, slap a goofy looking Fender headstock on them and try to compete in the acoustic market?

Buying Ovation was the means to achieve their end. Kill the competition. Get a monopoly on guitars. Become the Walmart of the guitar world. "We ain't good but we sure are cheap!" should be their motto.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
danomyte
Posted 2014-04-22 2:53 PM (#485446 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
January 2014
Posts: 402

Location: Taxed To Death State
Sorry guys, not trying to inflame emotions here. Bottom line.. big corporate America is about the bottom dollar whether we like it or not. Fender, Kaman, or any other big company, it's about making money. I guess at the end of the day we all need to make money and survive.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
CanterburyStrings
Posted 2014-04-22 2:54 PM (#485447 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
March 2008
Posts: 2683

Location: Hot Springs, S.D.
Sorry Brad. Sorry Patch. But having worked there and loved it, it feels to me like someone just murdered a family member. And to hear someone like Danomyte not only dissing my family member but BLAMING this family member for their own murder really ticks me off.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Darkbar
Posted 2014-04-22 3:04 PM (#485450 - in reply to #485446)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 4535

Location: Flahdaw
danomyte - 2014-04-22 3:53 PM
not trying to inflame emotions here

...words fail me....
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Slipkid
Posted 2014-04-22 3:11 PM (#485451 - in reply to #485447)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301

Location: south east Michigan
CanterburyStrings - 2014-04-22 3:54 PM

Sorry Brad. Sorry Patch. But having worked there and loved it, it feels to me like someone just murdered a family member. And to hear someone like Danomyte not only dissing my family member but BLAMING this family member for their own murder really ticks me off.


I know.... I know
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Darkbar
Posted 2014-04-22 3:24 PM (#485452 - in reply to #485451)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 4535

Location: Flahdaw
Then again, the US government WAS responsible for 9/11....
Top of the page Bottom of the page
cholloway
Posted 2014-04-22 3:37 PM (#485453 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 2791

Location: Atlanta, GA.
Harley-Davidson employees did it in the '80s. Cub Cadet employees also did it in 1981.
Buy the Ovation company from FMIC and run it the way it was before they took over.
It could be done.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
CanterburyStrings
Posted 2014-04-22 3:53 PM (#485454 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
March 2008
Posts: 2683

Location: Hot Springs, S.D.
Nice idea, but I don't think 46 employees could come up with that kind of money.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
PEZ
Posted 2014-04-22 4:02 PM (#485456 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
July 2003
Posts: 3111

Location: Nashville TN.
Just feeling empty at the news.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
PEZ
Posted 2014-04-22 4:05 PM (#485457 - in reply to #485444)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
July 2003
Posts: 3111

Location: Nashville TN.
I do not think they wanted Ovation, they want KMC product distribution...
Top of the page Bottom of the page
moody, p.i.
Posted 2014-04-22 4:07 PM (#485458 - in reply to #485450)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15651

Location: SoCal
darkbarguitar - 2014-04-22 1:04 PM

danomyte - 2014-04-22 3:53 PM
not trying to inflame emotions here

...words fail me....


A first....
Top of the page Bottom of the page
ProfessorBB
Posted 2014-04-22 4:13 PM (#485459 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 5881

Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains
<p>This news really makes me sad. All my Ovations/Adamas guitars are USA models, and I'm so glad I was able to order all the customs through Al. Thanks, Al, for making it happen. I now wonder how this will impact our lifetime warranties on these wonderful guitars? Without a Mothership, who's going to take care of us? It makes those OFC factory gatherings all the more special. What a sad day.</p>

Edited by ProfessorBB 2014-04-22 4:15 PM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Darkbar
Posted 2014-04-22 4:29 PM (#485460 - in reply to #485459)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 4535

Location: Flahdaw
Someone should plan the "Gathering Of All Gatherings". We could rent out an entire resort.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
cliff
Posted 2014-04-22 4:31 PM (#485461 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 14842

Location: NJ
yeah, . . . until "the Excuses" started rolling-in . . . .
Top of the page Bottom of the page
CanterburyStrings
Posted 2014-04-22 4:33 PM (#485462 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
March 2008
Posts: 2683

Location: Hot Springs, S.D.
Well, I had a customer come in a couple of months ago who had bought an O back in (I think he said) '76. He sent in the warrantee card at the time, and he still had the reciept. When he contacted them about repair they said they couldn't honor the warrantee on something that old. Don't know if everything the guy said was true (for example, if he really did send in the card and have the reciept), but if it WAS...maybe Fender doesn't understand or care about the meaning of the word, "lifetime".
Top of the page Bottom of the page
CanterburyStrings
Posted 2014-04-22 4:38 PM (#485463 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
March 2008
Posts: 2683

Location: Hot Springs, S.D.
May I be the one to offer up the first excuse? If it ain't in the Black Hills, I ain't going! My excuse? The shop, my health, finances, and I am NOT getting on another damned airplane, ever again, unless they start making the seats more comfortable, serving real food, circulating they air more often, and STOP charging for baggage, blankets, pillows, etc. Oh, and if I have to take my shoes off for them one more time I promise I will wear plastic shoes for a week and not change my socks or bathe before getting in line.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Old Man Arthur
Posted 2014-04-22 4:45 PM (#485464 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777

Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR
Wow! This is sad.

I guess that I will be keeping all of my USO's.
(I just had a mental ouch about all of the cool Ovations that I have sold )

And yes, we all know the Fender is an Musical Investment Corporation.
They buy company Names. They don't care about the actual instruments.
Leo is dead. FMIC's only interest is the Dollar. It is just an investment.
That excuse about the current market blah blah is just spoo.
Martin, Washburn, Gibson, and others have all stayed in business through wars and depressions.
If you WANTED to make guitars you could.

Sorry, I'm just Babbling.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Damon67
Posted 2014-04-22 4:54 PM (#485466 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6992

Location: Jet City

i'll make the time.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
TAFKAR
Posted 2014-04-22 5:03 PM (#485467 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 2985

Location: Sydney, Australia
Sad. Just sad. Sorry for the craftsman. Guess I'll have to take good care of what I've got - insurance won't help.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Mr. Ovation
Posted 2014-04-22 5:54 PM (#485472 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 7209

Location: The Great Pacific Northwest
I have no words really. There are truly many reasons to be proud of our country, but the way we treat our history and our culture is unfortunately not one of them. We've only been around a few hundred years. By comparison, we don't really have that much history to where we should just be throwing it away at every chance. Oh sure, there are exceptions, but they are few and far between.

If you currently work at the factory and are reading this.... and maybe I didn't say it when we met... or even if I did.. or maybe we never met...

THANK YOU. Thanks to every single one of you.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
stonebobbo
Posted 2014-04-22 6:13 PM (#485473 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
August 2002
Posts: 8307

Location: Tennessee
No blame. No politics. No regrets. Nobody and nothing lasts forever. I'll just carry on with what I have and the memories I hold. And thank God I had the good fortune to be a tiny little part of this whole Ovation thing.

The bright side to this is that we'll still have each other. And that's something to be said. Seriously. We all know it. And I do mean that from the bottom of my heart.

Alison, you'll just have to take the train. You won't want to miss it. :-)

Top of the page Bottom of the page
Mark in Boise
Posted 2014-04-22 6:22 PM (#485474 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12750

Location: Boise, Idaho
Cliff, you mean I waited too long to sign up for the factory tour? I guess I'll have to find a bucket list item that's a bit more doable. I didn't think Ovation would kick the bucket before I did.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
gulfcoast
Posted 2014-04-22 6:30 PM (#485475 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
November 2004
Posts: 1330

Location: ms
I'm very sorry to see the plant close and I for one hope USA Ovation prices go through the roof but they won't any time soon. In the world of big finance,a world I know little about I and maybe I've seen too many movies but I have seen Peavy open plants just to close them in two years, a write off maybe. It might not be a stretch for Fender to buy Ovation with the intent of closing from the start.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
CanterburyStrings
Posted 2014-04-22 6:41 PM (#485477 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
March 2008
Posts: 2683

Location: Hot Springs, S.D.
Bobbo, if someone will buy me the winning lottery ticket so I can pay someone to run the shop and buy a new car ('cause mine is on it's last tires, I mean legs), I would be happy to drive there. I haven't seen my old friends in Connecticut in almost ten years.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Patch
Posted 2014-04-22 6:52 PM (#485480 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: RE: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
May 2006
Posts: 4221

Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent

My schedule the next several months makes insanity seem sane, but I would make a supreme effort to attend any gathering near here.

I'm still trying to absorb all of this. I was just there a couple of months ago. The were busy as heck!

Top of the page Bottom of the page
acoustic islander
Posted 2014-04-22 7:39 PM (#485482 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
June 2011
Posts: 3

Location: San Clemente, CA
I feel sorry for those that will loose their jobs and the community that surrounds their location. When I see this I also think we are all have a hand in this. As others have said it comes down to numbers. It we all bought more US Ovation guitars this would not have to be. Its a sad day for all of us and all of the US.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
DanSavage
Posted 2014-04-22 7:42 PM (#485483 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
June 2012
Posts: 2303

Location: Lake Forest, CA
I'm sorry to see another manufacturer of great American products go by the wayside.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
2wheeldrummer
Posted 2014-04-22 7:49 PM (#485484 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
February 2014
Posts: 699

Location: moline,illinois
This is a sad day for guitar players and musicians in general.Corporate america only cares about profits and not artistry so ship more jobs overseas and make your money by selling a busload of crappy items instead of a limited number of high quality ones.I feel the most sorry for the craftsmen that have dedicated there lives to the art only to be left high and dry.I know this is a dark day for all at the OFC so lets keep to the spirit of the club and embrace the joy that is ovation and not bicker over bad news.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Darkbar
Posted 2014-04-22 9:10 PM (#485487 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 4535

Location: Flahdaw
No reason to rush a "gathering" to try to get it in before the plant closes. No need to necessarily have it in N.H. either.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
G8r
Posted 2014-04-22 9:37 PM (#485488 - in reply to #485487)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
November 2006
Posts: 3969

Thanks to Charlie, for the vision and the drive to create an innovative and unique instrument that redefined and dominated a generation of live musical performance.

Thank you Beal for leading what your father started and continuing the tradition of innovation with so many outstanding limited and collector's models. And also thanks for being the driving force in growing the musical instrument business with your long leadership of NAMM. Sorry you became a victim of your success when the suits that swooped in on a highly successful company forced you out, the first step in the slow march to where we inevitably arrive with today's announcement. Keep rockin', my friend Hollis.

Thanks to Al, for putting your own stamp of design on many incredible models, both one-offs and limited editions. You're probably the most important person who never actually worked for Ovation.

Thanks to KK and JB for always being the best customer service of any company, anywhere.

And most of all, thanks to the artisans and craftsmen who put so much of themselves into their creations, many for a lifetime with no recognition other than the satisfaction of a job well done. You've made magic, and brought joy to so many. A better legacy one could not hope to ask.

And to the bean counters at FMIC - F*!#K you.

Over and out.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
jay
Posted 2014-04-22 10:21 PM (#485490 - in reply to #485488)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 1249

Location: Texas

The same time Glen enters a care center for ALZ patients, Ovation says farewell. Totally unrelated, but...

It was a tremendous company, that started out with the epitome of what Americanism is all about. A dream, a unique product that challenged the norm, and craftsmen that took pride in their work. What a success story.  Most of us knew this day was coming. Hamer getting axed...Ovation losing its crib and getting booted overseas...it was almost a death by a thousand cuts, considering the greatness Ovation once was in the guitar business. All that said...it is still tremendously sad.

 

Top of the page Bottom of the page
MWoody
Posted 2014-04-22 11:24 PM (#485494 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13983

Location: Upper Left USA
After the first three pages of reading about this I'm getting through the denial phase.
I think I'll step away from the keyboard cause the anger phase is kicking in.

My current guitar project is a Warmoth Telecaster. I'll have to make sure that I use all non-Fender parts...
Top of the page Bottom of the page
MWoody
Posted 2014-04-22 11:24 PM (#485495 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13983

Location: Upper Left USA

Tacoma...

Guild...

Ovation...

Adamas...

 

like tears in rain...



Edited by MWoody 2014-04-22 11:26 PM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
hwebster
Posted 2014-04-23 12:37 AM (#485500 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
June 2005
Posts: 488

Location: California
Thanks- JB and to all employees that have made my dream guitars.
Hector
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Jim E
Posted 2014-04-23 12:39 AM (#485501 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
December 2009
Posts: 79

Location: So Cal
This is very sad. I have seen this corporate bean counter action many times in the past. When there is nothing left to squeeze, move on to the next deal.
My sympathy to the workers and craftsmen. I hope someone is able to save the tooling, molds and design files. The future does not have to be cast.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Darkbar
Posted 2014-04-23 6:19 AM (#485502 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 4535

Location: Flahdaw
Strictly a guess on my part, but I doubt Fender will ever release the "tooling, molds, and design files" allowing someone to build Ovations in the future. I will also guarantee that part of the "severance package" will be a signed agreement on the part of the people let go to never engage in any efforts to resurrect the brand on their own, or in conjunction with any other party.
I happen to agree that Fender's goal was to buy and then shut down competing brands, and it'll be interesting to see what they do with Guild. Would they be so callous as to close an iconic part of guitar history? Uh....well, yeah, I suppose so......
Top of the page Bottom of the page
alpep
Posted 2014-04-23 7:07 AM (#485505 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10581

Location: NJ
shipping it all to china
Top of the page Bottom of the page
alpep
Posted 2014-04-23 7:08 AM (#485506 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10581

Location: NJ
guild will quietly become all imports just like gretsch with custom one off guitars at 20K each
Top of the page Bottom of the page
moody, p.i.
Posted 2014-04-23 9:49 AM (#485512 - in reply to #485473)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15651

Location: SoCal
stonebobbo - 2014-04-22 4:13 PM

No blame. No politics. No regrets. Nobody and nothing lasts forever. I'll just carry on with what I have and the memories I hold. And thank God I had the good fortune to be a tiny little part of this whole Ovation thing.

The bright side to this is that we'll still have each other. And that's something to be said. Seriously. We all know it. And I do mean that from the bottom of my heart.

Alison, you'll just have to take the train. You won't want to miss it. :-)


Amen. This sums it up. Remember, in a hundred years, all new people.

I'm very grateful for the times we had, the friends I made and the guitars I play.....
Top of the page Bottom of the page
DetlefMichel
Posted 2014-04-23 10:15 AM (#485514 - in reply to #485422)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
May 2011
Posts: 751

Location: Muenster/Germany
Koenig Kurt - 2014-04-22 1:09 PM


Fender, geh scheißen! (I've noticed, this is a native speaker's thread, so... No need to translate.)

Kurt


Bad news. Again gross profit is more important than people or heritage.
Thank you all of you Ovation folks for your great guitars. I am very proud to own a few of your best instruments and they are and will be in good hands, I promise.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Jimmer
Posted 2014-04-23 10:24 AM (#485515 - in reply to #485512)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
May 2013
Posts: 152

Remember, in a hundred years, all new people.
That thought always blows my mind and puts things in perspective.


Well this is very sad news indeed.

I gave my daughter my old Anniversary 1657-7 since she liked it so much. We brought it up to the Mothership to have some work done and they fixed a high spot on the fingerboard that caused a fret buzz that the guitar had since I bought it in 1983. They completed replaced the saddle and all electronics, brought it back to spec with very low action. And all they charged me was their standard service fee. She was thrilled and really enjoyed the short tour that John gave us.

I since bought a 1755 Custom Balladeer 12 String in perfect shape and a W597 Adamas. The Adamas needed just a bit of adjusting so I brought it up to the Mothership and again they did a fabulous job and the guitar is like new.

So I've been kind of spoiled living in CT and never having to think about finding an Ovation luthier. Maybe some folks from the factory will open a small service shop. They would certainly get my business.

I will miss you Mothership...
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Koenig Kurt
Posted 2014-04-23 11:27 AM (#485521 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
April 2006
Posts: 846

Location: Munich, Germany
In fact, in germany we had this situation (no "mothership" or service) since Fender bought KMC. Musik Meyer, the former distributor, got pushed out, and Fender Germany took it's place. Since that: Nothing that someone would call service for Ovations and Takamines. I called them several times for spare parts or stuff like that and never got, what I was asking for. Well, there was still the mother in the States, but it's not too comfortable for small deals and was only called for bigger deals. For example: I wanted kind of a certificate that my EF75 is made out of "legal" brazilian. I mailed to Takamine in Japan, they told me in an automatic answer, for "german questions" please call Fender in germany. And they told me to **** off.

I never really liked Fender as a firm, and experiences like that didn't make it better. But it was clear to see: Ovation? Takamine? Not interested. While Musik Meyer was not only a great distributor, but had a repair section as well and did everything to please their customers.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Patriot
Posted 2014-04-23 11:30 AM (#485522 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 21

Location: Austin, Tx
This totally blows.....what a crock
All of mine are USA. bought one celebrity years back because it had this whorled sunburst thing going on, kept it about 3 years. Never regretted selling it. This is death by capitalism. Same sentiment that ran Wall Street. Narcissistic MBA's only trained for profit at all costs even if it means shutting down and moving jobs. We have to start taxing oversees products like other countries do. Many countries put import duties so high that it steers consumers to home grown products and makes it harder for native companies to move production to other countries. And those profits are taxed at a higher rate. The playing field isn't level and big interest lobbyists are all bought and payed for. I can go on but I am sitting down and playing my 1869..........Damn I feel old

Edited by Patriot 2014-04-23 11:56 AM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Damon67
Posted 2014-04-23 11:52 AM (#485524 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6992

Location: Jet City

I have never liked Fender, not since day one. I remember seeing nd playing a Strat that was hanging on the same wall as my UKII back in '82, and I remember thinking how inferior it was to the Ovation solid bodies I was contemplating. 

To this day, I've never owned a Strat, and there have been nearly 100 guitars that have come through these doors. Never owned a Tele either. I've had versions of both (and still do) from other manufacturers, but never Fender. I have owned 2 Fender acoustics, both sub-par at best. 

I could never quite pinpoint what it was about the brand that rubbed me the wrong way... till now.



Edited by Damon67 2014-04-23 11:54 AM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
dweezil
Posted 2014-04-23 1:35 PM (#485530 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 2336

Location: Brighty in Blighty
Feel sorry for the people affected by this, never great, when one door closes hopefully another one opens. Thanks for the happy times.

Edited by dweezil 2014-04-23 1:36 PM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
LL-Ovation
Posted 2014-04-23 1:45 PM (#485531 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: RE: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
March 2013
Posts: 10

Sad news indeed! I'm gonna be holding on tight to my mini-fleet of vintage USA made Ovations!



(ovation-crop.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments ovation-crop.jpg (24KB - 0 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
LL-Ovation
Posted 2014-04-23 1:47 PM (#485532 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: RE: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
March 2013
Posts: 10

Very sad news indeed!



(ovation-crop.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments ovation-crop.jpg (24KB - 0 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
ProfessorBB
Posted 2014-04-23 2:59 PM (#485535 - in reply to #485473)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 5881

Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains

Well said, Bobbo.

Top of the page Bottom of the page
Old Man Arthur
Posted 2014-04-23 3:27 PM (#485536 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777

Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR

Fender sux... Still got the sticker.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Jimmer
Posted 2014-04-23 4:22 PM (#485545 - in reply to #485536)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
May 2013
Posts: 152

Lots of unhappy folks out there.

Check out the reaction of these two guys to the news and what they think of Fender guitars:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QXUEKbMlyE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHVGbE8aWsY

I never understood why they did that but I think I finally get it.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
d'ovation
Posted 2014-04-23 4:59 PM (#485551 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: RE: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 846

Location: Canada
On other forums it was stated that Fender closed the plant because they are deep in debt and this is a last resort cost cutting. So just maybe they will cut themselves out of business soon, too bad some of their good pieces will be gone for good by then. I for one will not shed a tear when they are gone ...
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Old Man Arthur
Posted 2014-04-23 5:55 PM (#485555 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777

Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR
Stuff Happens when your only motivation is Profit.
Once people have experienced the Good Stuff at a Good Price it is harder to screw them.
That goes for most of Fender's products.

The board-of-directors and the shareholders want a 1,000% return.
That is why the Kaman board sold KMC. (Kaman is an Aerospace Company, not a Music company)
That is why Fender moved manufacture to Asia.

Fender is trying to maintain a market by buying-out the competition.
But that won't support them. Even by making everything in Asia.
People buy a Fender until the can afford something better.
Because if you compare a Fender guitar against an Epiphone or a BC Rich, Fender loses.
That is not even putting Fender near PRS, Moser, or even Gibson.
Nobody is playing a NEW Fender on stage... They are playing a '59 Tele.
You could by a Fender Custom shop road-worn Gilmore Strat for $10,000, but WHY?
I can get a true custom guitar for that much.
Fender is on a Race to the Bottom which won't work.
There are too many Good Products to compete with.
And that isn't even talking about Acoustic guitars. There, Fender is dead.
Plus the good acoustic companies are not "Public" companies.
Gibson, Martin and Taylor are privately owned companies. So their priorities are different.

There is nothing wrong with the product that Ovation was producing. (except maybe the LT-60)
There is something wrong with Fender.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
CanterburyStrings
Posted 2014-04-23 6:03 PM (#485556 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
March 2008
Posts: 2683

Location: Hot Springs, S.D.
OMA, they wanted to learn how to make Guilds so they could come out with that new line of "high end" Fender acoustics, which are basically just Guilds with that hideous Fender headstock. Now that they've got what they wanted, they are throwing Guild and the people who built them under the bus.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Captain Lovehandles
Posted 2014-04-23 6:47 PM (#485562 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
July 2005
Posts: 3408

Location: GA USA
I'm so sad about all this. I was sad a few weeks ago when I went into the acoustic room at GC and they had a whopping two Celebs that were hung way out of reach. And every time I look at the Ovation offerings in Musicians Friend. I'm sad that a lot of folks won't get to appreciate a great Ovation guitar. I'm thankful for this club and you guys and gals.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
stonebobbo
Posted 2014-04-23 6:58 PM (#485564 - in reply to #485555)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
August 2002
Posts: 8307

Location: Tennessee

arthurseery - 2014-04-23 3:55 PM Stuff Happens when your only motivation is Profit. 

Plus the good acoustic companies are not "Public" companies. Gibson, Martin and Taylor are privately owned companies. So their priorities are different.

 

 

Just for the factual record, Fender is a privately owned company too.

And I believe that Fender's only motivation right now is staying in business.  They are in dire financial straits.  In order to refinance their debt and not default on it, they recently had to go back to their investors and raise another $40 million.  Their CEO has just announced his immediate "retirement".  And they have huge receivables from Guitar Centar, who are teeteing on the edge.  This is about a whole lot more than figuring out ways to screw over the little guy.  We may be on the verge of witnessing a spectacular crash and burn. 

 

That said, my statements above do not in any way lessen the pain I feel for the brand,and moreso, the incredible people who have been loyal and steadfast in their commitment to making better guitars for all of us. 

 

Top of the page Bottom of the page
standing
Posted 2014-04-23 7:42 PM (#485577 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
December 2008
Posts: 1453

Location: Texas
I felt that the writing had been on the wall for quite a while, (but I had hoped I was wrong.)

I just received the June issue of "Acoustic Guitar" and noticed "Ovation" on the cover, and found inside, not one, but TWO articles about Ovation. It was bad enough that they were both about Celebrity and Applause, but then I read about the "Celebrity Elite and Elite Plus" and the "Applause Balladeer and Elite" models, and an alarm went off in my head. So, I logged on here and discovered that it's even worse news than an "Applause Balladeer" model being prominently promoted. I don't think it's a coincidence that FMIC managed to get those two positive "editorials" in the current issue at the same time that they announced the closing of the U.S. plant.

Like most of you, I'm sad, disappointed, frustrated, etc. by this news. (I think G8r pretty-well summed up my feelings a little earlier in this thread.) I feel especially bad for the fine folks at the mothership. It's sad that the result of their un-compromised commitment to quality, craftsmanship and customer service didn't fit the Fender business model. I guess that, what's best for employees, the country they call home, or even their customers is not a priority for FMIC. It's easier to just buy-up as many brands as possible and cash-in before customers even realize that they're buying a cheap Fender mass-produced import and no longer getting the quality and reputation of the name that's on the headstock. Besides, the junk versions with the famous names only make Fender models compare more favorably, and when that trick dries up, just close 'em down, that's one less competitor to deal with.

Sadly, what our little group here thinks couldn't be less relevant to a giant multi-national corporation. I'll join you in boycotting all things FMIC, but I don't think it will make much of a dent in sales, nor have any impact on their business model. (But it might make us feel just a tiny bit better.)

EDIT: Bobbo, you and I must have cross-posted, but if what you say is accurate (and I'm sure it is,) it may be evidence that the FMIC business model doesn't work so well after all.



Edited by standing 2014-04-23 7:53 PM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Patch
Posted 2014-04-23 9:20 PM (#485592 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: RE: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
May 2006
Posts: 4221

Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent

Google is turning up articles all over the place.

Here's one written by Mike Snider, who started another thread asking for input from us.

Ovation Guitar Factory in CT to Close

Top of the page Bottom of the page
AussieJames
Posted 2014-04-23 9:54 PM (#485597 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
June 2007
Posts: 3084

Location: Brisbane Australia
A very sad time indeed!!

I have made numerous friends in the US and around the world because of my love for Ovation guitars.

It is all about people so we, as the owners, players and lovers of these great instruments it is up to us as a group and individuals to honour and further promote the wonderful legacy that Charlie and Bill and all the great people who have worked for and contributed to Ovation have created.

Let us all give thanks for the journey.

AJ

Top of the page Bottom of the page
Kansas Boy
Posted 2014-04-23 10:01 PM (#485598 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
November 2012
Posts: 23

Location: Flint Hills of Kansas, USA
Wow...hate to hear this news. Got my first Ovation in 1992. Got two USA Os the past couple of years. The USA Os are such a pleasure to play and are very difficult to put down.

Thank you so very much to those that built my guitars. I will treasure these guitars always. I wish I could have only obtained more to add to my herd.

All of us in "Podunk, KS" wish the best for those employees affected by the plant's closing. For some of us, you have produced the guitar of a lifetime. Thank you.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Tony Calman
Posted 2014-04-24 3:38 AM (#485617 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 4619

Location: SoCal
This is all based on the fact that Fender got what it wanted (distribution network) from the purchase of Ovation and they seem to indicate that they are just shutting everything down. Unless they transfer equipment off-shore, they really can't use anything at the factory except the wood. Also, this is written late at night.

It would be very unique for a company to buy another company without stipulation as to liabilities...the "limited lifetime warranty" is a liability. Another liability for Fender is the current retirement (pension) plan and plan payments to current retirees. Doubt if the Fender's CFO is excited about Ovation's warranty and retirement liabilities on their books.

The state of Connecticut may have some say as to the retirement plan - usually relief is only available if bankruptcy. Course, they may have created a separate corporation when they purchased Ovation but they may be on the hook if it is recognized as part of the larger entity.

Fender would probably not release the trademark and patents for 'Ovation', 'Adamas', or 'Hamer' but it is a possibility if they just want out. Think about it, they make wood box acoustic and electrics...doubt if they want to make guitars with bowls. In fact, I have always felt that they felt the electrics were their main line, disdain for Ovation and their non-wood bowl.

Fender may not be interested in off-shore production of these guitars. Doubt if their reps are trained or interested in representing Ovation. Fender wants to sell electric guitars and wood box acoustic guitars with a Fender headstock. And, what remains of the company and the dip in the market may not be of interest to other companies. It may be open to transfer the current and future liability of warranty and customer service.

Again, from the sound of it, Fender just wants to close up and walk away.

The factory may be too big (Fender would have difficulty to sell) but a separate facility could be found in the area, purchase of the current inventory of parts, new logo if retained by Fender, etc., that would utilize the employees in 'Ovation', 'Adamas', and 'Hamer' for customer service, warranty repair, and custom building on demand. In other words, a solution for the current employees. If sufficient demand, then it morphs into a larger entity.

Connecticut and/or local could be solicited for tax relief or other incentives to retain. In fact, Fender may want to get out of the warranty liability enough to transfer the inventory at a discount. Yes, I anticipate that they at least they would want the wood. Not sure how the current retirement plan or payments of benefits could be handled. However, it would need 'seed capital' and a private or public offering.

It is an "out of the box" thought...
Top of the page Bottom of the page
sycamore
Posted 2014-04-24 6:10 AM (#485620 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
March 2007
Posts: 698

Location: Cork, Ireland
I feel for you, neighbours across the pond. We have never been a great manufacturing nation here (though a major food producer), but they do say that for long-term economic success, countries need to be MAKING THINGS (e.g. cars, cheese, guitars, matches, ANYTHING) rather than 'providing services', 'adding value' or other such meaningless 'industries'.

Edited by sycamore 2014-04-24 6:10 AM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
MusicMishka
Posted 2014-04-24 7:07 AM (#485623 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 5563

Location: Blue Ridge Mountains
I just saw Jerome's Facebook posting...then read this...I feel gutted...
I think we all saw this coming back in '07 but to face reality now is really sad...
I am thankful for the countless hours of playing Ovations over the past 40 years...
I am also thankful for the factory friends like JB and KK who bent over backwards to provide the best Customer Service of any American Company: Thank You is simply not enough it seems...
I'm thankful to Beal and Al for fanning the Ovation entheusiasm and making it possible for this lifelong fan and player to attend the Factory Tour in '07 and Amelia in '08...you shoulda been there...
I am also thankful for all of the friends that this forum has brought into my life...and for the guitars that I know have a great home because of...
I am extreamly thankful to our and my friend Jerome for his love for all things Ovation...and for preserving the history for all...he gets my vote for OFC member of the decade...
Finally, I am both thankful and grateful for Charlie; both for his incredible knowledge and his incomprable vision to create an instrument line that has truly made us realize that the world is round...
RIP Ovation...and thanks!
Top of the page Bottom of the page
d'ovation
Posted 2014-04-24 10:05 AM (#485638 - in reply to #485564)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 846

Location: Canada
stonebobbo - 2014-04-23 6:58 PM
Just for the factual record, Fender is a privately owned company too


Wikipedia is a bit conflicting on ownership and the ultimate decision making:

"The company is a privately held corporation, with the controlling majority of its stock owned by a group of its own company officers and managers....
.... Fender is currently owned mainly by the private equity firm of Weston Presidio (43%), and the Japanese distributors Yamano Music (14%) and Kanda Shokai (13%)."

They also tried to go public, but the IPO was pulled. Some interesting info:
http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/767959/000119312512298421/d2...
http://finance.fortune.cnn.com/2012/07/20/why-fender-pulled-its-ipo...

Looks like they are not the first ones who could not digest the cost of all their aquisitions. It may only be a matter of time for the company to break up or spin off some components.

Edited by d'ovation 2014-04-24 10:06 AM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Tom_CA
Posted 2014-04-25 3:01 AM (#485690 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 212

Location: France
what jerome said
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Designzilla
Posted 2014-04-25 6:37 PM (#485771 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 2150

Location: Orlando, FL
Damn.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
SOBeach
Posted 2014-04-25 8:58 PM (#485780 - in reply to #485771)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
April 2010
Posts: 823

Location: sitting at my computer

Designzilla - Damn.

+1   :-(     

 

I hope all those folks make it through this okay. A tough situation, esp. nowadays.


Top of the page Bottom of the page
Slipkid
Posted 2014-04-25 9:31 PM (#485781 - in reply to #485780)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301

Location: south east Michigan
Just got back home after a nice 3 hour practice session.
Brian had his Adamas.
I played my AD-II
And the result is
I'm a little less sad.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
moody, p.i.
Posted 2014-04-25 10:55 PM (#485783 - in reply to #485781)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15651

Location: SoCal
Brad Durasa - 2014-04-25 7:31 PM

Just got back home after a nice 3 hour practice session.
Brian had his Adamas.
I played my AD-II
And the result is
I'm a little less sad.

I also just got done with a practice session, me and a good buddy who's a really good player. All we played were the 1537, the A braced Legend, and the 87C.

I'm with you Brad, I feel a little better.......
Top of the page Bottom of the page
MusicMishka
Posted 2014-04-26 12:03 AM (#485785 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 5563

Location: Blue Ridge Mountains
I also had a jam session today with the Twins...just the three of us: Me, Myself, and I...smiles all around!
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Darkbar
Posted 2014-04-26 6:27 AM (#485793 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 4535

Location: Flahdaw
THAT came out kinda weird.....
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Tony Calman
Posted 2014-04-26 3:23 PM (#485811 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 4619

Location: SoCal
Checked out the "Ovation Guitars" Facebook page last night, no "Official" statement concerning Fender's actions so I posted the press release and a "push" to the OFC: "Check out what is happening at OvationFanClub.com" There were a number of good individual comments, most by OFC'ers.

Per the Facebook page, there are 57,002 likes, 1,151 "talking about this" (whatever that means)

-------------------------------
From Fender Guitars page, no "Official statement, only posting/question from Bob Scully, response from Lori Davis Shield linking the 4/26 article from the Courant.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Damon67
Posted 2014-04-26 4:27 PM (#485821 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6992

Location: Jet City
We had a big jam at the house last night. Started out on the new wood box I just bought, but when it came time to noodle some solos, I just wasn't on. I put it away and played the Al DiMeola, Custom Elite LX, and R869 the rest of the eve.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
tpa
Posted 2014-04-26 5:06 PM (#485823 - in reply to #485620)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 552

Location: Denmark
sycamore - 2014-04-24 6:10 AM

I feel for you, neighbours across the pond. We have never been a great manufacturing nation here (though a major food producer), but they do say that for long-term economic success, countries need to be MAKING THINGS (e.g. cars, cheese, guitars, matches, ANYTHING) rather than 'providing services', 'adding value' or other such meaningless 'industries'.


I agree. Still somebody has to be (a) interested in buying these things at a (b) reasonable (c) returning a satisfactory profit to the owners for business to work.

Regarding Fenders I think many buy them because of their place in guitar history. At the Strat or Tele fora many if not most threads are about modifications so probably these people should have chosen guitars using their ears or hands rather than going for the brand.

Edited by tpa 2014-04-26 5:12 PM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Tony Calman
Posted 2014-04-26 10:33 PM (#485850 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 4619

Location: SoCal
Fenders, a continuation of an 'ancient' design easily copied by others. Course upgrades to electronics but way too many reissues totally dependent on what an artist played years ago. I am not an expert on electrics but I see very little change except for electronics and that is little, now dependent on pedals. No wonder they are in trouble. Heck they still have problems of quality from the CBS days. I had an individual who has a couple of older Strats play the sunburst Mexico Strat that I got from Serge Lara on my 260w Peavey...he liked it (even the neck)! Only then did I point out that it was from Mexico (less dollars than a U.S. model). As to modifications, maybe similar to modifying the Jaguar of the 80's to a Chev motor (course, a lot easier). Bet box and on-line stores sell more off-shore and Mexican Strats than U.S. made. I would rather play my Ovation GS than a Strat but again, I am not an expert in electrics.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Omaha
Posted 2014-04-27 11:43 AM (#485869 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 1126

Location: Omaha, NE
Haven't posted here in years...

Just wanted to drop in and share my sympathy with all the other Ovation fans who are heartbroken by this news. What a shame!
Top of the page Bottom of the page
paofab
Posted 2014-04-27 4:26 PM (#485877 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
November 2011
Posts: 35

Location: Italy
I'm really sad and sorry for all the people working in NH factory and for our guitars too.
"Dear" Fender I hope you blow away so this world will be a better place.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
d'ovation
Posted 2014-04-27 5:15 PM (#485878 - in reply to #485823)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 846

Location: Canada
tpa - 2014-04-26 5:06 PM

Regarding Fenders I think many buy them because of their place in guitar history.


I think that the same could be said about Gibson or Martin who have just made minor/cosmetic modifications to their decades old designs and really have not contributed anything noteworthy in 60+ years. Maybe Ovation should also have stuck to their early successes as bread & butter instead of continuing with innovation until the bitter end (of the LX line). The high esteem that many early (70s) adami and ovations receive here seems to be an indicator of that.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Chazmo
Posted 2014-04-27 5:23 PM (#485879 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
October 2012
Posts: 34

Some of you know me from the Guild side of the fence (not that there's really any fence).

I just wanted you O fans to know how painful this is for Guild fans too. New Hartford was the best (and longest) host of Guilds since Westerly was shuttered many years ago. Some of us had made 4 pilgrimages to New Hartford to visit with many of the same folks that Ovation and Hamer fans had come to know over the years. Folks like Kim, John, Darren, Mark, and others made us feel welcome and give our brand a home for over 5 years.

I couldn't read all of this thread, but I'm not sure if the point was made earlier that Fender has essentially been raided in acquisition. A lot of the vehemance toward Fender's management might be somewhat misdirected, though I'm not sure. It's possible they're not culpable for the current decisions, such as closing NH. There are other divestitures under this new owner that are raising eyebrows. Suffice it to say, we all have a lot to be frustrated with here.

I wish everyone the best. I've gotten to know a few of you because of our common passion for guitars and for the folks in New Hartford. I doubt I'll be around much in the future though... Until we meet again.... -- Charlie
Top of the page Bottom of the page
arumako
Posted 2014-04-27 11:13 PM (#485888 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
October 2012
Posts: 1018

Location: Yokohama, Japan
That's terrible news. My heart goes out to all of you at New Hartford... My son has been spending the last 8 months in Virginia Beach and one of his friends sold him a Legend that needs some work for 50 bucks! Used to belong to his grandfather. I was just having my son prepare it to ship to New Hartford for repairs and a new lease on life...oh well...best of luck to all of you. I still say USA Ovations are the best guitars that money can buy, and all the great guitars that came out of New Hartford will continue to inspire us for many many years to come! Thank you, thank you, thank you! with much love and appreciation from Japan...
Top of the page Bottom of the page
titti
Posted 2014-04-28 7:24 AM (#485891 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
January 2011
Posts: 340

Location: Italia, Zianigo di Mirano (Venezia)
Ovation, thanks for all the beautiful guitars. I'm sad,sorry, but....we're still there, right ?

Edited by titti 2014-04-28 7:28 AM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
nerdydave
Posted 2014-04-28 9:14 AM (#485897 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
August 2011
Posts: 887

Location: Always beautiful canyon country of Utah
The good news is that there are literally thousands of Ovation guitars in the world and these will keep popping up for sale from time to time. There should be a sufficient supply to last the lifetime of most of us here although the prices could well increase. The bad news is the loss of the mothership! I, however, am content with the knowledge that I will be able to play Ovation guitars for the remainder of my sojourn on this beautiful planet!
Top of the page Bottom of the page
xnoel
Posted 2014-04-28 2:39 PM (#485907 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 782

Location: Waurika OK
I am sorry to hear about the closing of the factory, impersonal sounding word. I have only a few USA ovations, acoustic only 1112-4, 1868-6p, and 2 1778t's one black and one pewter. Had actually been thinking about selling a couple of them, but now wii probably keep them all. I feel for the workers affected, been through a couple of layoffs myself, fortunately as a young man. It was still no fun, no severance, no benefits, just we don't need you anymore. Hopefully they will be able to continue their craft at someplace their skill will be appreciated.

Edited by xnoel 2014-04-28 2:41 PM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
danomyte
Posted 2014-04-28 4:00 PM (#485914 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
January 2014
Posts: 402

Location: Taxed To Death State
Weren't there over 500,000 produced over the course of the last 40+ years? That was a number I heard somewhere. If that's true, there should be enough to feed our souls for many years. I hope so at least. :-)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Tony PD
Posted 2014-04-28 11:23 PM (#485923 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
October 2002
Posts: 178

Location: New York, NY
Very sad indeed! My heart goes out to everyone in New Hartford. Being out-of-work sucks. Believe me, I know! I have fond memories of attending two factory tours in 2003 and 2007.

I agree with Chazmo that Fender may be a victim here as well. Fender has a lot of debt and is also being dragged down by Guitar Center, which is also deep in debt and apparently owes Fender millions. Call me naïve, but I think Fender was actually proud of the New Hartford factory and the guitars being built there (not only Ovations, but also Guilds and Fender Master Designed Series). Go to Ovation's website and click on USA Ovation. They may have had little choice. In this economy, very few people are going to spend over $3K for an Adamas.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
FlySig
Posted 2014-04-29 9:56 AM (#485939 - in reply to #485923)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4025

Location: Utah
Tony PD - 2014-04-28 10:23 PM

Very sad indeed! My heart goes out to everyone in New Hartford. Being out-of-work sucks. Believe me, I know!


BTDT three times now. Having a unique skillset is a blessing when jobs are available. I hope the great people at the factory can find a way to apply their skills even if it is not building guitars.

They may have had little choice. In this economy, very few people are going to spend over $3K for an Adamas.


It seems the corporate model is to go after the low end mass market rather than the upper mid to custom end of any market these days, not just in guitars either. We've all lamented the cost cutting features of the Asian designs, and the total lack of competent marketing for O/A. Perhaps the financial reality at FMIC is that no money was available for marketing. Perhaps too much debt killed any chance of success. The weak economy will break weaker competitors even if the product is superb.

Ironically I am just getting to the point of some economic freedom, no longer paying tuition for 2 of the kids, and only 1 year to go on the third. I was starting to seriously plot a custom Adamas order which has been brewing for a while. And I had a couple of refresh projects to send off to the Mothership this summer. A case of bad timing on my part.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Todd G.
Posted 2014-04-29 10:33 AM (#485943 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 815

Location: Colorado
This is sad news indeed with most of us, if not all of us, feeling bitterness and disappointment. My heart goes out to those who have invested their lives building these great instruments and breathing life back into so many more. The factory may close, but the brand will live on through the passion each of us has for the designs and philosophy that Charlie envisioned nearly 50 years ago.

Thanks.

Top of the page Bottom of the page
touchpoint
Posted 2014-04-29 10:43 AM (#485944 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: RE: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
September 2011
Posts: 51

Location: Appleton, WI
I have been a fan Of OvatiOns since the early 70s'. When Glen Campbell starred on the GOOd Time HOur. I fell in lOve with the lOOk and the sOund. Then my sisters bOy friend brOught his OvatiOn Over and let me play it. I was hOOked fOr life. I knOw nOt all On this site are fans Of the wOOd bOx guitars. But let us all take a min. tO pray Fender never gets its claws intO Martin or TaylOr. LOve tO all Our American made music bOxes!
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Steve
Posted 2014-05-01 9:16 AM (#486060 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
July 2002
Posts: 1900

Very sad for USA Ovation/Adamas. (but Fender can crash and burn...I'll never guy their products again)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
stellarjim
Posted 2014-05-02 9:56 PM (#486139 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 888

Location: Louisville, OH 44641
The executives @ Fender can just eat my shorts!
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Jimmer
Posted 2014-05-13 1:15 PM (#486629 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
May 2013
Posts: 152

Forgive me if this came up in this thread or another one, but does anyone know what they plan to do with the tooling machinery etc.?

Are they shipping things overseas or just selling off the tooling to liquidators? What about Guild, are they selling the tooling to Cordoba?

Will they make Adamas guitars somewhere?
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Darkbar
Posted 2014-05-13 4:03 PM (#486635 - in reply to #486139)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 4535

Location: Flahdaw
stellarjim - 2014-05-02 10:56 PM

The executives @ Fender can just eat my shorts!

Sorry, their mouths are full right now (but the creditors are smiling..)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
alpep
Posted 2014-05-14 6:33 AM (#486656 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10581

Location: NJ
Fender a victim??????

when greed and profit are your motivators you are not a victim
Top of the page Bottom of the page
BrickGlass
Posted 2014-05-14 7:01 AM (#486658 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: RE: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
June 2011
Posts: 50

Location: Utah
Well this news just sucks....ughhhh...soooooo depressing.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Slipkid
Posted 2014-05-14 7:55 AM (#486660 - in reply to #486656)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301

Location: south east Michigan
alpep - 2014-05-14 7:33 AM

when greed and profit are your motivators you are not a victim


One man's greed is another man's ambition... and profit is not a dirty word.

Disregard of employees, ignorance of brand value and history and gross financial mismanagement.
That's Fenders shame.
And they deserve all that's going to come to them.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
mbedard
Posted 2014-05-14 9:40 AM (#486672 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
December 2005
Posts: 247

Location: Seacoast NH

Late to the party here, just sent an inquiry to the support line looking for an EQ slider tip for my millennium and thought I'd head over here to catch up on some O news...

As a 20+ year Ovation fan this makes me very sad. To all those down in NH -- you gave the select few of us who embraced Ovation innovation, quality, performance, and beauty, and I thank you.

When I sit here and think about what Ovation has meant to me its not even the guitars/specs/sound that come to mind. Its the memories. Laying out a fortune (to an 18 year-old's mind at least) that was supposed to go to tuition for an Ovation I couldn't leave the store without; playing around a campfire in the Rockies on a cross-country trek with some great people; having one of the last jams with my beloved uncle and guitar teacher right before he passed away from pancreatic cancer; the laughs my brother and I get remembering when we swapped my guitar for his motorcycle for the summer and both were returned with a big scratch so we just called it even; my then 2-year old son and I posing for a photo on Christmas morning with our new guitars...the list goes on and on.

So to everyone who has been involved in the Ovation brand (minus Fender, screw them), and to those who support the brand such as those here at the OFC, I just want to say thanks for the memories.

Top of the page Bottom of the page
javaman
Posted 2014-05-20 8:28 PM (#486945 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
January 2007
Posts: 137

Location: Massachusetts
Sorry to here this news! I'm glad I have a USA Balladeer and a USA legend that I'll never part with.
In the past I worked at three companies that were bought out by the big corporations and destroyed.
Too bad the Ovation employees couldn't buy back the patents and start making USA Ovations on their own like Harley Davidson!!
Good luck and best wishes to the employees in New Hartford.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
DanSavage
Posted 2014-05-21 8:58 AM (#486965 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
June 2012
Posts: 2303

Location: Lake Forest, CA
According to all the news articles I've read Fender is not going to stop making/selling Ovation guitars. They are only going to stop making/selling American-made Ovation guitars.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Slipkid
Posted 2014-05-21 9:26 AM (#486967 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301

Location: south east Michigan
same difference.

The offshore product... even the best of it... holds no interest to me.
.
The tail now wags the dog.

Edited by Slipkid 2014-05-21 9:28 AM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Darkbar
Posted 2014-05-21 9:36 AM (#486968 - in reply to #486967)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 4535

Location: Flahdaw
Brad Durasa - 2014-05-21 10:26 AM
The tail now wags the dog.


The strings now strum the fingers

The shoe now wears the foot

The moobs now hold the coconuts
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Patch
Posted 2014-05-21 10:10 AM (#486970 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: RE: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
May 2006
Posts: 4221

Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent

The fan clubs become the experts...

Top of the page Bottom of the page
TAFKAR
Posted 2014-05-21 5:44 PM (#486979 - in reply to #486970)
Subject: RE: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 2985

Location: Sydney, Australia
patchmcg - 2014-05-22 3:10 AM

The fan clubs become the experts...



Hey, what's been more accurate - the opinions here or Ovation's website?
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Patch
Posted 2014-05-21 6:28 PM (#486983 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: RE: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
May 2006
Posts: 4221

Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent

Granted I was being sarcastic. But I was actually referring to the folks at the factory versus the website.

With them gone, the OFC is the next best place for advice, no doubt.

Top of the page Bottom of the page
Mr. Ovation
Posted 2014-05-22 2:18 AM (#486992 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: RE: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 7209

Location: The Great Pacific Northwest

THIS JUST IN !!!! GREAT NEWS !!!!

Ed Roman will now be building genuine Made In USA Ovation Guitars !!!!!


To those of you who get this type of sarcasm, I appologize... a little if I caused you to spit on your monitor or spill a beverage on your keyboard.... again...  

Top of the page Bottom of the page
Slipkid
Posted 2014-05-22 7:18 AM (#486994 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301

Location: south east Michigan
I like good laugh but I got no context.
Who is Ed Roman?
.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Darkbar
Posted 2014-05-22 8:21 AM (#486995 - in reply to #486994)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 4535

Location: Flahdaw
Just smile and nod your head. Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain
Top of the page Bottom of the page
jamesholl
Posted 2014-05-22 9:04 AM (#486996 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
June 2012
Posts: 112

Location: Bristol England
Slipkid,

Glad it's not just me.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Patch
Posted 2014-05-22 9:47 AM (#486997 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: RE: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
May 2006
Posts: 4221

Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent

Ed Roman is a loonnnggg story......

If Miles' tongue were planted any more firmly in his cheek, he would need stitches in his face.

Top of the page Bottom of the page
Slipkid
Posted 2014-05-22 10:04 AM (#486998 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301

Location: south east Michigan
I used the all knowing and all powerful GOOGLE machine.
Some context.. not enough to get the joke but that's okay... l'll just move along.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
ksdaddy
Posted 2014-05-22 10:24 AM (#486999 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
April 2003
Posts: 608

Location: Caribou, ME
I thought he was dead.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Darkbar
Posted 2014-05-22 10:37 AM (#487000 - in reply to #486999)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 4535

Location: Flahdaw
ksdaddy - 2014-05-22 11:24 AM

I thought he was dead.

No, Miles is still alive (but we tried...)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
javaman
Posted 2014-05-22 4:16 PM (#487005 - in reply to #487000)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
January 2007
Posts: 137

Location: Massachusetts
darkbarguitar - 2014-05-22 10:37 AM

ksdaddy - 2014-05-22 11:24 AM

I thought he was dead.

No, Miles is still alive (but we tried...)
jk
Ed roman died last fall.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Mr. Ovation
Posted 2014-05-22 5:19 PM (#487008 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 7209

Location: The Great Pacific Northwest
Well now I feel bad. Both for not knowing (or maybe not remembering) and for dissing a dead guy. Didn't like him, but that only matters when you can say it to their face. RIP big guy.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
DanSavage
Posted 2014-05-22 5:54 PM (#487013 - in reply to #487008)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
June 2012
Posts: 2303

Location: Lake Forest, CA
mileskb - 2014-05-22 3:19 PM

Well now I feel bad. Both for not knowing (or maybe not remembering) and for dissing a dead guy.


Tragedy + time = comedy.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Darkbar
Posted 2014-05-22 6:24 PM (#487015 - in reply to #487008)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 4535

Location: Flahdaw
mileskb - 2014-05-22 6:19 PM

Well now I feel bad. Both for not knowing (or maybe not remembering) and for dissing a dead guy. Didn't like him, but that only matters when you can say it to their face. RIP big guy.

It's too bad you missed the chance to tell him that you didn't like while he was still alive. Both of you would have enjoyed that so much....
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Patch
Posted 2014-05-22 9:38 PM (#487016 - in reply to #487008)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
May 2006
Posts: 4221

Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent

mileskb - 2014-05-22 6:19 PM Well now I feel bad. Both for not knowing (or maybe not remembering) and for dissing a dead guy. Didn't like him, but that only matters when you can say it to their face. RIP big guy.

I didn't know either. RIP

Top of the page Bottom of the page
Mr. Ovation
Posted 2014-05-23 12:25 PM (#487026 - in reply to #487015)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 7209

Location: The Great Pacific Northwest
darkbarguitar - 2014-05-22 4:24 PM
It's too bad you missed the chance to tell him that you didn't like while he was still alive. Both of you would have enjoyed that so much....


Oh trust me, we had that conversation... I would never talk about someone behind their back without letting them know (good or bad) face to face.

It's really why I haven't commented much on Fender. I have no clue who these people are, or why they would kill off brands. It's not like Ovation or Hamer was competition to Fender in any sense. I could see them selling off the brands.... that's different.. and I know it's all about money... or is it...

All Italians, please raise your hand. I don't know much about Italy, but I know, if you have an iconic brand that is part of History, you don't get to close your doors. Moto Guzzi has been going out of business since 1923. Why are they still around? Being great bikes is only PART of the reason. They are part of Italy history, and as such, will remain open, and as such, they might as well continue making bikes... and the do.

Hopefully what happened to Indian Motorcycles will happen to Ovation. A company that knows what it's doing finally bought the brand with intent of resurrecting the brand. They didn't do it for the money, they only justified the project with the hopes of money. Polaris is a US company, that had the money, the equipment, and they just did it.

I hope some company sees Ovation and to some extent Hamer that way. I don't mean to slight Hamer from this at all, but I'm not sure Hamer falls into the American History / iconic brand to the same degree as Ovation.

Anywho......

Top of the page Bottom of the page
hwebster
Posted 2014-05-23 7:42 PM (#487032 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
June 2005
Posts: 488

Location: California
Next, there will be a link at the ovation website that says:
For customer support, contact www.ovationfanclub.com
Top of the page Bottom of the page
EricGagne
Posted 2014-05-29 4:56 PM (#487242 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
October 2013
Posts: 57

The news came out today that Bono are now on Fender's board of directors................do these two like Ovation and Admas ?
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Old Man Arthur
Posted 2014-05-29 9:07 PM (#487246 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777

Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR
HERE

US Ovation and Adamas are gone.
The Edge and Bono have been added so Fender can boast that they are there...
while they continue to make crap in China... or the Better Crap in Indonesia.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
d'ovation
Posted 2014-05-29 9:49 PM (#487247 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 846

Location: Canada
U2 - another thing of the past, I liked them until about 30 years ago when they started to do pompous elevator music.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
mbedard
Posted 2014-05-30 11:07 AM (#487262 - in reply to #487247)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
December 2005
Posts: 247

Location: Seacoast NH

merlin666 - 2014-05-29 9:49 PM U2 - another thing of the past, I liked them until about 30 years ago when they started to do pompous elevator music.

I second that. Terrible electronic-based eleveator music at that...blah.

Top of the page Bottom of the page
ProfessorBB
Posted 2014-05-30 11:40 AM (#487266 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 5881

Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains
Please don't anybody toss tomatoes in my direction, but I just took a tour of the Fender assembly plant in Corona, CA, including a personally guided tour through their custom shop. Having been through the Ovation and Hamer factory tours on two different occasions, I really couldn't see much difference between the two factories, other than the Fender plant was only making solid bodied or chambered guitars, like Hamer or Ovation with its VXT, and was about 100 times larger. Two thoughts kept coming to me . . . first, surely they could find a spot on the floor or in the admin building for the displaced workers from New Hartford (if they wanted or could afford to relocate), and second, where are they finding the buyers for all these guitars, knowing that there are just as many or more lower end similar models also coming from overseas? At one point, my tour guide told me to look up where I discovered they hang freshly painted guitars to dry for about two weeks. A quick calculation told me there were over 5,000 guitars hanging up there at that very moment. Who is buying all these guitars? What I enjoyed most was the historic film footage of the factory in 1959 taken by George Fullerton himself. Watching 1959 factory methods and processes, and the total lack of quality control by today's standards (i.e., the shirtless and maskless guy spraying a guitar with lacquer on a workbench), was fascinating.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Damon67
Posted 2014-05-30 12:38 PM (#487269 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6992

Location: Jet City
Sorry Brad, bad day for your post...

*throws the first tomato*
Top of the page Bottom of the page
stonebobbo
Posted 2014-05-30 9:06 PM (#487294 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
August 2002
Posts: 8307

Location: Tennessee
Bono is a founder and the managing durector of a venture capital fund that has billions in funds. What this tells me is that his firm, Elevate, bought in with a large equity investment and took the board seats as a result so their money gets spent in a way that increases the value of the company. In other words, they now have an ownership stake. This might be a very good thing for a Fender, and especially since Elevate's investments and holdings drive socially responsible philosophies and operations.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
jay
Posted 2014-05-30 10:51 PM (#487299 - in reply to #487266)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 1249

Location: Texas

Prof...funny, I just toured Gibsons Memphis plant, where they make the hollow bodies...and I came away with the same thought...who the hell is buying all of these $2-3K+ guitars? It looked like most of them were 335's with quite a few BB King necks in the racks.... Said QC bandsawed about 6%. There were hundreds of 335 bodies in different states of production. 

Top of the page Bottom of the page
jay
Posted 2014-05-30 11:33 PM (#487300 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 1249

Location: Texas
BTW, the tour guy stated that daily production varied, but the average was 60 guitars a day.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Damon67
Posted 2014-05-31 12:25 AM (#487302 - in reply to #487294)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6992

Location: Jet City

stonebobbo - 2014-05-30 7:06 PM ...Elevate's investments and holdings drive socially responsible philosophies and operations.

I thought I heard a story not long ago about how U2 or Bono, or whoever had moved their corporations out of Ireland for tax relief. All of this while preaching to various governments around the world, including Ireland, how they need to take better care of their people.

Douchebag... makes a good Fender partner

Top of the page Bottom of the page
Slipkid
Posted 2014-05-31 7:40 AM (#487307 - in reply to #487266)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301

Location: south east Michigan
boltonb - 2014-05-30 12:40 PM

Please don't anybody toss tomatoes in my direction, but I just took a tour of the Fender assembly .
.
.
Who is buying all these guitars?


No tomatoes flying in from the mitten state. I'd take that tour in a heartbeat.

You have to wonder where all those guitars go. Not just the hundreds that you saw but think of all the other brands that have to be manufacturing to some kind of quantity. Then there's all those being pumped out of eastern Asia. Sorry.. but at 7, I've 'bout reached my personal limit.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Darkbar
Posted 2014-05-31 9:36 AM (#487308 - in reply to #487307)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 4535

Location: Flahdaw
Since guitars are rarely tossed out in the garbage, you really DO have to wonder where all these guitars are going. And I wonder what % of guitar owners can actually play them halfway decent?

I bet most guitars are the equivalent of living room sofas......paid a lot for them but rarely used.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Cavalier
Posted 2014-05-31 9:37 AM (#487309 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
March 2013
Posts: 359

Location: undisclosed
Many American made guitars go to the overseas market where they have high end appeal and some customers have deep pockets. A "real" USA from the land of Rock and Roll......works for Harley too.....

Edited by Cavalier 2014-05-31 9:38 AM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
d'ovation
Posted 2014-05-31 11:14 AM (#487311 - in reply to #487309)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 846

Location: Canada
Cavalier - 2014-05-31 9:37 AM

Many American made guitars go to the overseas market where they have high end appeal and some customers have deep pockets. A "real" USA from the land of Rock and Roll......works for Harley too.....


Yes many thousands of nouveau riche in China and India who made millions making cheap crap to sell Americans, they are all blowing their fortunes now on European and American luxury goods. Talk about global re-distribution of wealth.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Thunderbolt
Posted 2014-07-06 2:22 PM (#489392 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: RE: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
April 2014
Posts: 103

Location: Ontario Canada
i would buy a beat down, banged up, dragged through the mud, dropped from a building, run over by a truck (18 wheeler) kicked in the guts, dirty stinky old U.S.A. Ovation..... before i would ever buy a piece of crap fender!!!! FENDER SUCKS!!! R.I.P. my old friend.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
alpep
Posted 2014-07-07 4:37 PM (#489423 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations


Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10581

Location: NJ
this is still just sinking in for me
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Slipkid
Posted 2014-07-07 6:44 PM (#489428 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: Re: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301

Location: south east Michigan
As connected as you were Al, it has to be a big loss.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Patch
Posted 2014-07-08 2:09 PM (#489458 - in reply to #485392)
Subject: RE: Fender to close New Hartford operations



Joined:
May 2006
Posts: 4221

Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent

I started a new thread with an update from John Budny HERE. But here is the announcement for those following this thread:

When I was at the factory at the end of May, John Budny mentioned that he hoped to have at least a little good news for us eventually. He also asked that I wait until this month to pester him about it.

So pester I did....

For the first time in a while, we have some good news, not great, but definitely better than nothing. Their capabilities are much more limited than before as it is just John, Mike (repairs) and Sherwood (finishing), but the good news is that they are there right now setting up shop at the old factory and will be fully open for business hopefully by the end of July.

First, here is John's reply to my first email today:


"We should be good to go by the end of the month.  We are setting up the work shop now for repairs.  Mike has his area almost complete and is working on some repairs but limited.  Should be spraying in a couple weeks too.  It is a work in progress and we won’t be able to do everything as in the past.  Less top and neck replacements and more top and neck repairs."

Second, here are some quotes from a follow up email from John asking him to provide specifics:

  • "We are keeping a repair shop here for service and repairs on Ovation and other KMC fretted products." 
  • "We will be able to do most everything we did except replace necks or tops if they need to be built.  We relied on manufacturing for these new parts but don’t have that now."
  • "We have a spray booth and...a great finish guy."

 

NOW FOR THE CAVEAT!

John made it plain that there is no telling how long this resource will be available. So I think it would be a good idea to make sure they can show enough demand to the powers-that-be to justify keeping them on board into the future.

Top of the page Bottom of the page