The Future of the OFC
Darkbar
Posted 2014-04-24 9:11 AM (#485632)
Subject: The Future of the OFC



Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 4535

Location: Flahdaw
Seems to me, nothing much changes here on the forum, despite the changes at Ovation itself.

Newbies will still come here for all the answers to their "silly" questions that the veterans have answered 1000 times before.
The old guard will still dominate the conversation, talk in code, and insult each other.
Guitars will be sold, traded, repaired.
The new imports will be reviewed, evaluated, and probably trivialized.
Idiots like me will throw out pointless and stupid remarks.
OMA will continue to busk on the corner and be ignored by Yoko.
Damon will continue to take and share the finest porno pictures of his harem.
Moody will keep us posted on his steadily growing Glen Campbell blow up doll collection.



Edited by BobG 2014-04-24 9:13 AM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
PEZ
Posted 2014-04-24 9:22 AM (#485633 - in reply to #485632)
Subject: Re: The Future of the OFC



Joined:
July 2003
Posts: 3111

Location: Nashville TN.
That is about right...lol
Top of the page Bottom of the page
muzza
Posted 2014-04-24 6:31 PM (#485666 - in reply to #485632)
Subject: RE: The Future of the OFC



Joined:
August 2005
Posts: 3736

Location: Sunshine State, Australia

Personally, i think the OFC will dwindle, but how far it dwindles is the unknown.

Ironically, the factory closure is the best thing to happen to the OFC forum in a long time. Look at the traffic. Long lost people are coming out of the woodwork and I haven't seen so many posts since Trader Jim got banished.

Anyway, here's something from the good old days to lift your spirits - Ovations of all types All over the stage.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=kv_TA2S2z34

The song is kinda ironic as all the other big brands - Martin, Taylor, Gibson etc are 'makin it big' but Ovation...

And Ovation only appeals to "the same old sleazos that it used to"...



Edited by muzzlitebeer 2014-04-24 6:34 PM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Beal
Posted 2014-04-24 8:02 PM (#485673 - in reply to #485632)
Subject: Re: The Future of the OFC



Joined:
January 2002
Posts: 14127

Location: 6 String Ranch
As long as we have Bob G to dump on we have a reason for life. And Moody's blow up dolls.......
Brad, where in Michigan is the factory moving to?
Top of the page Bottom of the page
moody, p.i.
Posted 2014-04-24 11:14 PM (#485682 - in reply to #485632)
Subject: Re: The Future of the OFC


Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15664

Location: SoCal
DB never fails to provide a daily Whiskey Tango Foxtrot moment. Consistency is good.......
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Mr. Ovation
Posted 2014-04-25 12:21 AM (#485686 - in reply to #485632)
Subject: Re: The Future of the OFC


Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 7222

Location: The Great Pacific Northwest
I'm kinda thinking that while participation may not change, without the Factory this may be the goto source for support and info for the 1000's of USA Made Ovations out there as well as the imports and such. Additionally, those people who "called the mothership" before and were referred to us, will now likely just find us straight away. We'll see what happens after a bit. As for now, traffic (number of users, number of pages, all of it) has nearly doubled in the past 4 days and shows no sign of peaking yet.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
SillyLittleBoy
Posted 2014-04-25 12:30 AM (#485687 - in reply to #485632)
Subject: Re: The Future of the OFC



Joined:
July 2013
Posts: 98

Location: Des Moines, Iowa
Really.... you think the OFC will dwindle? I'm very new and don't yet know all the faces, well... actually I don't know any faces, well... that's not entirely true, because Old Man Arthur, I think I'd know that face anywhere. Did you know that when you do an image search for "Ovation Adamas II" a picture of Old Man Arthur comes up with one of his prize Adamas guitars in hand. Now that's some serious SEO (search engine optimization). Did you know that a lot of online businesses pay BIG bucks to get their website placed in the top ten and here they just needed a picture of OMA using their product or service and BAM! Front page on Google.

Nah... unless you guys start dying off or something, I don't see love or appreciation for Ovation guitars and all their unique-ness and style and sound... nope... I just checked and I still love 'em. In fact, I think I love them even more, because all of my O's are USA Made and somehow they just got a tiny bit more special, though I wish it wasn't all those amazing artists losing their jobs that made them so.

I've not yet made it to the pinnacle of Ovation with my very own Adamas. Heck, I've not even picked one up to play it, but I have moved up my schedule on getting one of my own. In anticipation or confusion about how or where any future Adamas guitars will hail from, I'm beginning my quest to find my first. I guess I never really did imagine that my first (or any) Adamas guitar would be a fresh one off the factory floor. I was looking into one that was a bit more seasoned and broke in properly by someone who knows how to treat a lady... er... I mean, guitar. Yea... a guitar that perhaps one of you once owned... or maybe you own it now and don't know that you're going to be selling it to me soon.

Or maybe I'll find one that's been just sitting in some humidified corner somewhere just waiting to be given the right home and played... played... till my fingers bleed. Okay, maybe just until they got a bit MORE calloused.

The OFC Fade Away? That's entirely up to you....if you GO AWAY, then for you... IT FADED AWAY. It's all about perspective and from where I sit, the view looks pretty good, in fact... I'm wearing shades.... cause the future is so bright, I gotta wear... shades!

But that's just me rambling away... and what do I know... I'm just a...
SillyLittleBoy
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Beach RPh
Posted 2014-04-25 7:18 AM (#485700 - in reply to #485632)
Subject: Re: The Future of the OFC


Joined:
October 2012
Posts: 41

Location: Vancouver, WA
I am not a frequent contributor, but I read the posts on all the forums at least 4-5 times weekly. All of you have become my extended "guitar family". Al was nice enough to help me decide that the deal I was getting on my UTE was a good one and I look forward to giving him some business on another used guitar when money allows. My wife and I may be moving to Portland in the near future, so I hope I get a chance to meet OMA when I get out there.

All of you have made my life a bit more fun, and I think you for that. My hope is that this group stays strong and that there comes a day when we can celebrate a new factory being opened. I know the factory thing is a pipe dream, but one can hope.

If any of the members finds themselves near Charleston, SC (and I have not moved away yet), please feel free to drop me a note.

Dave
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Standingovation
Posted 2014-04-25 7:31 AM (#485703 - in reply to #485632)
Subject: Re: The Future of the OFC



Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 6197

Location: Phoenix AZ
I think some of the most popular product-related internet forums are based around products that no longer exist. The Gerrard turntable forum has a huge following.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
alpep
Posted 2014-04-25 8:28 AM (#485710 - in reply to #485632)
Subject: Re: The Future of the OFC


Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10582

Location: NJ
with people needed parts and advice I see this only getting bigger
Top of the page Bottom of the page
FlySig
Posted 2014-04-25 9:32 AM (#485718 - in reply to #485632)
Subject: Re: The Future of the OFC



Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4039

Location: Utah
What's going to happen is a lot of new members will show up who bought an AX or TX, and they're going to find a bunch of us crusty old Made-In-USA snobs lamenting the low quality designs of their guitars. The entire line of roundback guitars from bottom to top used to be an excellent value, but the future new members of the OFC aren't going to want to hear they bought a lesser instrument. There will be some interesting conflicts on the OFC.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Slipkid
Posted 2014-04-25 9:50 AM (#485719 - in reply to #485718)
Subject: Re: The Future of the OFC



Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301

Location: south east Michigan
Nailed it.
.
It won't be about what the TX and AX models are... it will be more about what they are not.
.
FOR THE MONEY.... The off shore models will still offer a good value.
Until the prices creep back north of $800.00
Top of the page Bottom of the page
d'ovation
Posted 2014-04-25 9:53 AM (#485720 - in reply to #485632)
Subject: Re: The Future of the OFC


Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 848

Location: Canada
Lots of people coming here are asking about Celebrities and their S/Ns ... anway, future of the OFC rests with the owners who are paying for it to be there. So I guess as long as there is some buying and selling going on and they can justify the expense of OFC existence it will carry on in some way or other ...
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Slipkid
Posted 2014-04-25 10:19 AM (#485723 - in reply to #485720)
Subject: Re: The Future of the OFC



Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301

Location: south east Michigan

For what it is.... that elite-T style longneck is a nice guitar.

As long as you're not expecting...

warrenty

top grade materials

fit and finish

a neck that can be reset

and therefore

at some point

it's a throw-a-way guitar.

 

Top of the page Bottom of the page
Darkbar
Posted 2014-04-25 10:32 AM (#485725 - in reply to #485632)
Subject: Re: The Future of the OFC



Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 4535

Location: Flahdaw
This forum alone will maintain the desirability of the Ovation guitar, particularly the genuine USA made O's and A's. This will be the go to place to discuss them, as it is today. And 20 years from now, they will finally be recognized by the general public as the "finely crafted instruments" that they are. Mark my words.....
Top of the page Bottom of the page
alpep
Posted 2014-04-25 11:22 AM (#485736 - in reply to #485632)
Subject: Re: The Future of the OFC


Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10582

Location: NJ
no worries IMHO the imports will be gone in a year or so
Top of the page Bottom of the page
standing
Posted 2014-04-25 2:49 PM (#485751 - in reply to #485736)
Subject: Re: The Future of the OFC



Joined:
December 2008
Posts: 1453

Location: Texas

alpep - 2014-04-25 11:22 AM

no worries IMHO the imports will be gone in a year or so


I think the entire Ovation line will be discontinued shortly after they start making Guilds in China.

But, regardless, I don't see any reason why the OFC should change as long as we support it. I'll put my money where my mouth is right now and make a donation (thanks Al & Miles.) Anyone wanna join me?:

click here to donate

The older Ovations brought many of us here in the first place. There are still a ton of them out there, since they were built like tanks (or, perhaps, helicopters.) We'll still play 'em, still need to occasionally rescue an abused one, trade 'em, seek out more of 'em, argue about the merits of different models, bracings, nut-width's, etc. We'll still offer and/or ask for advice, criticism, ridicule and humor. String tube sales will increase. We'll have our annual "which strings sound best" discussion, and answer (or not) new member's "how much is my Ovation worth" questions, etc., etc. Hopefully, gatherings will still occur (and with a little luck, I'll finally be able to attend one.)

Now, if only we could just kill that ONE stupid thread once and for all.

 

Top of the page Bottom of the page
Old Man Arthur
Posted 2014-04-25 2:55 PM (#485752 - in reply to #485632)
Subject: Re: The Future of the OFC



Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777

Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR
As someone who has owned quite a few Celebrity guitars, and still has two, I think that people with TX and AX models will still find help here.
(I did buy a new TX once... and made a profit selling it. )
The OFC gave me good advice on my Celebrity's, and "Ovasians" are just expensive Celebrity's.
Celebrity guitars perform their desired function... They make people want REAL Ovations.
And the OFC contributes to GAS.

There will still be many used Ovations in the world.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
CanterburyStrings
Posted 2014-04-25 3:09 PM (#485753 - in reply to #485632)
Subject: Re: The Future of the OFC


Joined:
March 2008
Posts: 2683

Location: Hot Springs, S.D.
"Now, if only we could just kill that ONE stupid thread once and for all."

Silver Threads and Golden Needles

(Sorry! I couldn't resist!)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Mr. Ovation
Posted 2014-04-25 3:12 PM (#485755 - in reply to #485632)
Subject: Re: The Future of the OFC


Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 7222

Location: The Great Pacific Northwest
Thanks Standing.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Tony Calman
Posted 2014-04-25 4:13 PM (#485758 - in reply to #485632)
Subject: Re: The Future of the OFC



Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 4619

Location: SoCal
We have some members who know the off-shore Ovation products whether branded as Celeb or Ovation. I am not one of them. However, I would suggest that we have a forum on the index page which allows interaction similar to specific forums such as "The Adamas Guitar", "Bottom Feeding Luthiery Guild", and "Ovation Electric Guitars" that allow current and new members access to our knowledge base. After all, this is the Ovation Fan Club, not the U.S. only Ovation Fan Club. Owners or potential buyers have always needed help either for the off-shore or in future purchases. A couple of OFC advantages are (1) service to existing members, (2) new members, (3) some new members who will move to a U.S. made Ovation (albeit old stock or used). Rants as to how foolish they were in buying an off-shore Ovation/Celeb should instead be factual differences between the U.S. and offshore products. Remember, in most cases, all they could see in a music store was the off-shore.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
alpep
Posted 2014-04-25 4:56 PM (#485763 - in reply to #485751)
Subject: Re: The Future of the OFC


Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10582

Location: NJ
standing - 2014-04-25 2:49 PM

alpep - 2014-04-25 11:22 AM

no worries IMHO the imports will be gone in a year or so


I think the entire Ovation line will be discontinued shortly after they start making Guilds in China.

But, regardless, I don't see any reason why the OFC should change as long as we support it. I'll put my money where my mouth is right now and make a donation (thanks Al & Miles.) Anyone wanna join me?:

click here to donate

The older Ovations brought many of us here in the first place. There are still a ton of them out there, since they were built like tanks (or, perhaps, helicopters.) We'll still play 'em, still need to occasionally rescue an abused one, trade 'em, seek out more of 'em, argue about the merits of different models, bracings, nut-width's, etc. We'll still offer and/or ask for advice, criticism, ridicule and humor. String tube sales will increase. We'll have our annual "which strings sound best" discussion, and answer (or not) new member's "how much is my Ovation worth" questions, etc., etc. Hopefully, gatherings will still occur (and with a little luck, I'll finally be able to attend one.)

Now, if only we could just kill that ONE stupid thread once and for all.

 




ehhhh guilds have been made in china for the past 15 years or so
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Darkbar
Posted 2014-04-25 5:06 PM (#485766 - in reply to #485763)
Subject: Re: The Future of the OFC



Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 4535

Location: Flahdaw
alpep - 2014-04-25 5:56 PM


ehhhh guilds have been made in china for the past 15 years or so

Yeah, but not USA Guilds......
Top of the page Bottom of the page
standing
Posted 2014-04-25 5:28 PM (#485767 - in reply to #485632)
Subject: Re: The Future of the OFC



Joined:
December 2008
Posts: 1453

Location: Texas
I should have said: "…after they start making ALL Guilds in China."
Top of the page Bottom of the page
AstroDan
Posted 2014-04-26 4:12 PM (#485817 - in reply to #485687)
Subject: Re: The Future of the OFC


Joined:
March 2010
Posts: 486

Location: Suisun City, Ca

SillyLittleBoy - 2014-04-25 12:30 AM

Did you know that when you do an image search for "Ovation Adamas II" a picture of Old Man Arthur comes up with one of his prize Adamas guitars in hand.

 

Just don't search for "red-painted T"

Top of the page Bottom of the page
Darkbar
Posted 2014-04-26 7:32 PM (#485836 - in reply to #485632)
Subject: Re: The Future of the OFC



Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 4535

Location: Flahdaw
Or "topless Hotel California" video
Top of the page Bottom of the page
gulfcoast
Posted 2014-05-01 2:12 PM (#486077 - in reply to #485632)
Subject: Re: The Future of the OFC


Joined:
November 2004
Posts: 1330

Location: ms
How would you make a USA guild in china?
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Beal
Posted 2014-05-01 5:29 PM (#486079 - in reply to #485632)
Subject: Re: The Future of the OFC



Joined:
January 2002
Posts: 14127

Location: 6 String Ranch
They would just say USA Guild and lie just like our president and the BentoverGhastly Bitch
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Tony Calman
Posted 2014-05-01 7:15 PM (#486081 - in reply to #485632)
Subject: Re: The Future of the OFC



Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 4619

Location: SoCal
Each of us should consider how we would answer a question by an off-shore owner...Fortunately, we have some OFC'ers that have an applause or Celeb (maybe even a collection). I know I have an Applause baritone uke as well as the Celeb parlor and tenor uke with a Koa top and palm trees (well, I bought it for my wife). Let us be honest, lots of reasons they bought an off shore (branded as Ovation, sounded good plugged in, prety, only roundback in store, cost, former electric players who don't care about the acoustic sound, etc.) We, as owners of superior U.S. Ovations know that they got screwed. Yes, SCREWED as they could have gotten a used true Ovation.

They will be part of the future of the OFC as some of them will upgrade to a US Ovation, even Adamas. That is why I suggested a separate category for off shore. Any in support?
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Tony Calman
Posted 2014-05-01 7:22 PM (#486082 - in reply to #485632)
Subject: Re: The Future of the OFC



Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 4619

Location: SoCal
By the way, as of 5:17 om (PST), 678 visitors...so, either they didn't check in with their screen name and password, not yet committed to join, or they feel that the site can't help them as they don't have a US made Ovation/Adamas.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
johnk
Posted 2014-05-01 7:27 PM (#486083 - in reply to #485632)
Subject: Re: The Future of the OFC


Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 3

Location: luzerne, pa usa
Tony,

Count me in. I agree with you 100%.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Darkbar
Posted 2014-05-01 7:41 PM (#486085 - in reply to #486079)
Subject: Re: The Future of the OFC



Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 4535

Location: Flahdaw
agree

Edited by BobG 2014-05-01 7:42 PM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
gulfcoast
Posted 2014-05-01 8:27 PM (#486086 - in reply to #485632)
Subject: Re: The Future of the OFC


Joined:
November 2004
Posts: 1330

Location: ms
Beal, don't think we can blame Obummer for this.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
FlySig
Posted 2014-05-01 10:53 PM (#486089 - in reply to #485632)
Subject: Re: The Future of the OFC



Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4039

Location: Utah
The imports have been a good value. They don't have the refinement or all the design features, but they do have a lot of technology and value for the price point. So the buyers of an Asian O are getting a good guitar at a competitive price.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Old Man Arthur
Posted 2014-05-02 1:07 AM (#486092 - in reply to #485632)
Subject: Re: The Future of the OFC



Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777

Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR
I am sure that the OFC can give advice about Asian guitars.
There are probably many "lurkers" who could answer questions.
Those lurkers that we scared away by being told that their Asian O's were crap.

About Celebrity Guitars...
If you look back through the "Vaults", I have owned Many Celebrity guitars.
Right now I have a Cedar-topped, Contour bowl CC29S that is a nice guitar.
(so long as I put Silk-n-Steel light-tension strings on it, otherwise it is a cheese-slicer)
I also have a DCS-247 Long Neck.
(which will be for sale eventually, cuz I don't comprehend long-necks)

Anyone who has owned a CC047-FKOA will tell you that they are great.
A CS257 with a quilted top and an OP-30 is a great guitar.
Going back in time...
The CC57 Super-Shallow bowl with a passive two-knob pickup is great.
With NO Battery to change.
CC67 Deep bowls were a poor-man's Balladeer.

Remember when MF and GC were having a Sale on Ultras?
And a bunch of us bought 2171's and 2178's?

More recently, those DJ Ashba things are Celebrity's.
As are the Mick Thompson MT-37 guitars.
Those were Celebrity Elite T's before they started making TX's.
I know that no OFCrs bought them just cuz they are Fugly.
(so who secretly bought a Nikki Sixx Herion Diaries CC24?)

I am sure that there are people who can advise noobies on Celebrity's and Ultra's.
(But maybe not some many who can speak from experience about AX's and TX's. )
Top of the page Bottom of the page
jamesholl
Posted 2014-05-02 7:03 AM (#486098 - in reply to #485632)
Subject: Re: The Future of the OFC


Joined:
June 2012
Posts: 112

Location: Bristol England
Tony,

I certainly support a separate category for offshore.

Most ovation owners outside the US will have started playing offshore models because of the increased cost of import duties, freight etc., on US models. It is only after starting to play these models that they will want to upgrade. Let's face it no ones first car is a Rolls Royce.

Offshore owners should not be scorned but encouraged to join the OFC to learn more and seek and be given knowledge and enlightenment.

James.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Slipkid
Posted 2014-05-02 7:33 AM (#486099 - in reply to #485632)
Subject: Re: The Future of the OFC



Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301

Location: south east Michigan
Well... I'll disagree.
USA and offshore models may have their differences but the are of the same species.
Segregating them, IMHO, only promotes animosity (real or imagined).
Telling offshore owners that they were screwed is not helpful or even friendly.
If someone loves their offshore guitar, good for them.
.
Now I'll quote the old and wise Moody PI.
It is a lowest common denominator kernel of wisdom that should be kept at the ready during any discussion of guitars.
It's the proverbial trump card.
.
ready?
.
QUOTE:
"I hope you love your guitar as much as I love mine."

Edited by Slipkid 2014-05-02 7:56 AM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
john bange
Posted 2014-05-02 9:18 AM (#486104 - in reply to #486099)
Subject: Re: The Future of the OFC



Joined:
November 2011
Posts: 205

Location: seattle, wa
I think pac.rim guitars are just another choice...not my choice but, if it allows a new player to progress, I don't see why they shouldn't be just another Ovation, we discuss.
To separate them out would only limit the O.F.C. membership.

I think the Ovations and GAD Guilds are some of the best from over there.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
arumako
Posted 2014-05-02 9:21 AM (#486105 - in reply to #485632)
Subject: Re: The Future of the OFC



Joined:
October 2012
Posts: 1034

Location: Yokohama, Japan
Just knowing that you all won't consider discussions about Celebrities and Applauses an "unforgivable sin" is enough for me. Interestingly, my son and I both own Celebrities and while we both love our Chinese made CC54i iDeas, we cannot deny that they play and sound completely (and I do mean completely) different. We also both own 1861s and they both play and sound very similar... We love and play our Celebrities, but we're still dreaming of the Adamas...the GAS will not go away...
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Darkbar
Posted 2014-05-02 9:23 AM (#486106 - in reply to #485632)
Subject: Re: The Future of the OFC



Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 4535

Location: Flahdaw
In reality, I doubt Miles is even interested in making another category. He hasn't exactly weighed in on this topic, so talking about it is probably a waste of energy.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
nerdydave
Posted 2014-05-02 9:34 AM (#486107 - in reply to #485632)
Subject: Re: The Future of the OFC


Joined:
August 2011
Posts: 887

Location: Always beautiful canyon country of Utah
Well said Slip Kid and John. We are all in this together and everyone needs love and compassion!! FlySig's comments were also on the mark!
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Mark in Boise
Posted 2014-05-02 2:03 PM (#486117 - in reply to #485632)
Subject: Re: The Future of the OFC


Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12754

Location: Boise, Idaho
My second Ovation, 30 years after my Matrix, was a Celebrity Deluxe. It might have been a CS247. Anyway, mid bowl with a huge finish crack that I got in my first attempt at ebay. I had it a short time before I traded it and some cash for a 99 Collector. That was a gorgeous guitar, but I still remember that it didn't sound as good as the Celebrity. I figured it must be the strings, because it was USA made and a "Collector". It wasn't the strings. It sounded about the same as the CS247 that I bought my daughter. I finally figured out that even spruce plywood sounded better than the Bubinga or other hardwood plywood used in the 99 Collector or daughter's CS247. Some people think otherwise, like the guy who bought the 99 Collector from me. He's not wrong. There are plenty of good guitars made overseas and the fact that a guitar is made in the USA doesn't mean it will sound better, unless you think it sounds better because it was made in the USA.
By the way, my Matrix was made in the USA, but sounds exactly the same to me as the similar Applauses that were made overseas.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Darkbar
Posted 2014-05-02 2:41 PM (#486120 - in reply to #485632)
Subject: Re: The Future of the OFC



Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 4535

Location: Flahdaw
I would think a deep bowl import with a great set up and ideal strings is gonna sound pretty good, even if it ain't USA.
"As good?" Maybe not quite, but pretty dam good.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Tony Calman
Posted 2014-05-04 10:38 PM (#486244 - in reply to #485632)
Subject: Re: The Future of the OFC



Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 4619

Location: SoCal
For those of us on the Takamine Forum, remember they are all "off shore" yet admired and loved.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
alpep
Posted 2014-05-05 8:20 AM (#486252 - in reply to #485632)
Subject: Re: The Future of the OFC


Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10582

Location: NJ
yes but pro series takamines are made in japan
they are built to high quality standards and are priced accordingly

most of the import ovations are currently entry level instruments IMHO
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Slipkid
Posted 2014-05-05 9:13 AM (#486257 - in reply to #485632)
Subject: RE: The Future of the OFC



Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301

Location: south east Michigan

Someone here said it sometime in the last month or so.

They could build a quality Ovation offshore... but they won't.

Top of the page Bottom of the page
arumako
Posted 2014-05-05 10:07 AM (#486258 - in reply to #485632)
Subject: Re: The Future of the OFC



Joined:
October 2012
Posts: 1034

Location: Yokohama, Japan
I know nobody's asking me, but if I may...I tend to agree with Slipkid. The Pinnacle Series were entry level O's that were made in Japan. They were built quite well, and sound excellent for the price. But if they were to build Adamii in Japan, the labor would price the guitars right out of the market. I suspect the Celebrity production was transferred from Japan to Korea (then on to China) for the same reasons. In addition, to get the kind of quality that customers expect from high-end O's, the materials would have to be imported...you just don't find spruce, mahogany, redwood, ebony, walnut and the like (much less "lyrachord" out this way. Of course, I would suspect choosing the best material and constructing a high-end O sound board is more "art" than "science?" I suppose training and time could help develop the kind of experience and insight that New Hartford O builders have in their Asian counterparts; but if that is the case, I'll have to wait 30 years! Then again, since they're lettin' all the NH employees go, I guess that ain't gonna happen. As for me, I'm gonna keep saving up for my NH made Elite and Adamas.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
bvince
Posted 2014-05-05 7:24 PM (#486284 - in reply to #485632)
Subject: Re: The Future of the OFC



Joined:
September 2005
Posts: 3618

Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :)
The one thing I'll miss the most about the factory closure is that there won't be a place to send your treasured possession guitars for ovation- experienced repairs, tune ups, and transformations. I wonder if there would be enough of that type work to interest any of the factory crew to start their own " home" facilities? Not just anybody can do what those skilled artisans can do.

Edited by bvince 2014-05-05 7:26 PM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Timolin
Posted 2014-05-06 9:26 PM (#486344 - in reply to #486257)
Subject: RE: The Future of the OFC


Joined:
August 2009
Posts: 120

Location: Miami
Brad Durasa - 2014-05-05 9:13 AM

Someone here said it sometime in the last month or so.

They could build a quality Ovation offshore... but they won't.



Are the AX Custom Legends and Elites not quality Ovations?
Top of the page Bottom of the page
TAFKAR
Posted 2014-05-06 11:04 PM (#486348 - in reply to #485632)
Subject: Re: The Future of the OFC



Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 2985

Location: Sydney, Australia
They currently pay their staff something like 50c an hour. Maybe they could make higher quality Ovations using the NH tools (LX necks etc), pay some good staff $1/hour and make better ones than they currently do.

Edited by TAFKAR 2014-05-06 11:04 PM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Old Man Arthur
Posted 2014-05-07 1:05 AM (#486352 - in reply to #486344)
Subject: RE: The Future of the OFC



Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777

Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR
Timolin - 2014-05-06 7:26 PM

Are the AX Custom Legends and Elites not quality Ovations?

All that I know is that in 2007 or 8 (whenever they started) you could buy Factory 2nd TX and AX "USED" on eBay before first quality Korean Ovations were available at MF, GC, or anywhere else.

The reason being is TIME.
They want quantity, they don't want to take the Time to set-up an LX neck joint.
Which is why there are so many Asian O's with High Action.
They just put them together... They they inspect them.
If they fail, they will sell them as 2nds.
So there are a bunch of factory Reject Ovations running around.

With the Asian Ovations it is hit or miss.
Which is why some many people say that Ovations suck...
They got a crappy import, and told the world about it.
Look through the internet... Complaints always get more coverage than Praise.

But with USA Ovations, everything that left New Hartford was top quality.
If a guitar failed inspection, they sent it back through to be fixed...
After the defect was corrected, they sold it as an "FRG" with a 5 Year warranty.

One last thing... I bought a 1778TX because I couldn't find a USA T.
The TX was actually a Nice guitar... Until I found a Real 1778T and played them side-by-side.
That is when you can hear and feel the difference.
So I am not saying the Asian O's suck... I would just rather have a USO.

Top of the page Bottom of the page
Mr. Ovation
Posted 2014-05-07 1:46 AM (#486353 - in reply to #485632)
Subject: Re: The Future of the OFC


Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 7222

Location: The Great Pacific Northwest
Been reading this thread and wanted to address the idea of a separate category for non-USA Ovations. I see no reason for it. An Ovation is an Ovation. There are entry level models and there are higher end models. The Entry level models were mostly not made in Hartford, although some where. The high end models were mostly made in Hartford. The entry level guitars do not play and sound like the high-end models. If they did, well that would just be kinda silly. The non-USA models didn't have the same Warranty... if they did it would be silly. This forum has "made in usa" snobs just like anywhere else.

So here's my bottom line. Instead of another forum because some snobs feel they need to belittle someone else's guitar, lets just not belittle someone else's guitar. As far as folks who use this site, there will ALWAYS be 1000's more using this site than who post. If you are one who is reading this that doesn't post... THANK YOU FOR VISITING !!!! I hope you found the info you needed, I hope you tell your friends, and I hope you visit often. If there is anything we can help you with.... feel free to post.

Back to the mini-topic within a topic... We have several separate forum for legitimately different categories that already do not get used, I see no reason to dilute things further.



Top of the page Bottom of the page
Tony Calman
Posted 2014-05-07 2:37 AM (#486354 - in reply to #485632)
Subject: Re: The Future of the OFC



Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 4619

Location: SoCal
Al and Miles, thanks for the consideration.

There were two reasons I wrote to Al and Miles, as well as posting. [1] consider a separate category and/or [2] discuss that sometimes OFC'er were dismissive (couple of times, I cpuld even say rude) of non-US guitar owners.

As they had no where else to go for information on their guitar, I felt that have we discouraged potential Ovation owners that could be future members of the OFC (and buyers if someone wanted to sell a guitar.)

Imagine if there was a regional get-together and we encouraged them to attend...their paw prints would be all over any US Ovation or Adamas that was there.

We had some good postings from long term US Ovation/Adamas owners that have off shore gutiars/ukes and/or know something about them.

Note that either [1] or [2] can do the same thing...so, if we can help, great. If something that one of us doesn't know, we tried.



Edited by Tony Calman 2014-05-07 2:38 AM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Lonnie
Posted 2014-05-07 10:31 AM (#486370 - in reply to #485632)
Subject: Re: The Future of the OFC



Joined:
November 2013
Posts: 163

Location: Phoenix, AZ
This discussion reminds me a lot of the song "The Trees" by rush...
Top of the page Bottom of the page
dwg preacher
Posted 2014-05-07 11:20 AM (#486372 - in reply to #486370)
Subject: Re: The Future of the OFC



Joined:
October 2012
Posts: 349

Location: Denver, CO

Lonnie - 2014-05-07 9:31 AM This discussion reminds me a lot of the song "The Trees" by rush...

With Fender wielding the hatchet, axe, and saw?

Top of the page Bottom of the page