|
|
Joined:
May 2006
Posts: 4221
Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent | 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. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
July 2014
Posts: 28
| Fantastic news!  |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | I have an LX that needs a neck re-set.
.
And ... we really need to come up with our own nick name for this new service center. (like "mothership" )
Preferably something with "Budney" in it.
Budney Guitar Hospital
Budney's Roundback Restoration Facility (Ooooo ... I like that one!)
Something like that.
Edited by Slipkid 2014-07-08 3:25 PM
|
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6992
Location: Jet City | great news. I was wondering where I was going to get some warranty work done on the adamas 2
|
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12750
Location: Boise, Idaho | I think we all need to learn to spell Budny if we're going to name something after him. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | details, details.... I'm a Big Picture kinda guy. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 4535
Location: Flahdaw | It should provide an acronym, such as...
Budny's
Restoration
Extravaganza
And
Support
Team |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | closed circuit to John...
sorry about the name thing. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6992
Location: Jet City | darkbarguitar - 2014-07-08 3:00 PM It should provide an acronym, such as... Budny's Restoration Extravaganza And Support Team Budny's Obsolete Ovation Body Shop With an additional space for the... Adamas Service Shop To any ladies that might be viewing, I apologize in advance for my adolescent behavior
Edited by Damon67 2014-07-08 5:54 PM
|
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13984
Location: Upper Left USA | You guys are like sooo immature!
How about the "D" Fenders? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 4535
Location: Flahdaw | My point, immature as it was, is that acronyms are always better it seems. Surely someone can come up with an appropriate one |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 2791
Location: Atlanta, GA. | If I could pry the Custom Legend from the Ex, I'd send it in to have the "Typical Ovation Crack" in the top repaired.
I never wanted the top and bowl replaced. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2010
Posts: 823
Location: sitting at my computer | darkbarguitar - Surely someone can come up with an appropriate one aw gee, I kinda like those inappropriate ones! I bet they'd get lots more recognition. And they're soooo easy to remember!! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
October 2012
Posts: 1018
Location: Yokohama, Japan | Now that is some great news! To send the 1117-4 or not...that is the question! Now that she's in Japan...gosh, if I could have, I would have kept her in the States! By the way, it's interesting that responses to news of this nature is expressed in acronyms limited to body parts? Is that an American thing or what? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
August 2007
Posts: 1008
Location: Tuscany, Italy | This is really good news in all respects..... |
|
| |
|
Joined:
August 2002
Posts: 8307
Location: Tennessee | Excellent. I have a job for them.
I think I'll call them Legendary Repairs and Service. Kinda says it all for me.
|
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15654
Location: SoCal | I vote to keep it short and simple ----- T.F.B.
The F*ckin' Best |
|
| |
|
Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 4619
Location: SoCal | Appears that this a repair service by Fender and unknown how long it may be available. That is a positive for the customers and the guys continuing on the payroll. However, based on Fender's past actions, this may not be a long-term solution. Hope that if Fender shuts it down, John and the guys can continue on their own... |
|
| |
|
Joined:
August 2002
Posts: 8307
Location: Tennessee | Buzz kill.  |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2014
Posts: 402
Location: Taxed To Death State | I'm sure they will have warranty work to do as well. I know I'm gonna get my neck reset job down there ASAP. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2012
Posts: 23
Location: Flint Hills of Kansas, USA | Great to hear this news!! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
May 2002
Posts: 1445
Location: Nova Scotia, Canada | This is awesome news given what has happened to the company.
Wayne |
|
| |
|
Joined:
July 2013
Posts: 98
Location: Des Moines, Iowa | And here I was just about to post my own string about Mr. John Budny, because of his incredible awesome-ness, but saw his name in this message strings subject line and figured I'd just add my praise and appreciation for John to this one.
I do recall reading a message from someone here who had mentioned the AWESOME-NESS of Ovation's customer service AND I believe they had a similar need as mine. One of my older Ovation's (actually my very first Ovation, okay... I guess technically my old Matrix guitar was actually my first, but I'm not counting that) is missing and has always been missing the inside the hole oval factory label. Since everything else on the guitar is original and complete, I had made a mental note at that time to contact Ovation customer service sometime to see about getting me a replacement label.
So, when I learned a few months ago, just like all of us did, that Fender was closing the last and only Ovation/Adamas USA Factory, I figured I'd better act quickly, which I didn't do. It wasn't until about three weeks ago that I was on the Official Ovation website browsing and came across the contact info for customer service and figured I'd better act now or it'll be too late. Well, knowing that any USA customer service MIGHT be gone or might be gone soon, I wrote to them and explained that I had an old 1979 Ovation Legend LTD Model 1651 that was missing that inside label. Of course I opened my email with my condolences on the closing of the Harford factory and also just expressed my love of Ovation, before I inquired about getting the label for my VERY old Ovation guitar.
I offered up a credit card to pay whatever was needed (the label, manpower, shipping costs, etc.), but Mr. John Budny was the one who wrote me back and told me that all he needed was just my address and he'd send me a blank label right away. Now tell me what other company on this planet would pick, pack, and ship ANYTHING to ANYONE for FREE? It's not like this guitar was still under warranty OR even one I'd bought from the factory, since I'd picked it up used in a pawn shop, but John didn't hesitate and was true to his word cause I got my replacement label quite quickly. So now with just a little positioning of that label on a piece of printer paper and I'll be able to print the model number info on this label in the same font and style as the factory once did. It'll help provide that finishing touch to one of my oldest Ovations to help make it completely complete.
Hats off to John and his crew and I do hope they find a way to keep going as long as they can. As far as a name, sorry MWoody but any name with "Fender" in the title would be a name I'd prefer not using OR mentioning. Ovation was much more personal, intimate, and unique in their care, diligence, workmanship, quality, craftsmanship, and experience. I could be wrong, but I'm betting that Fender doesn't have artists who've worked for them for 20, 30, or 40 years or more. I've watched several of the factory tour videos and comparing that to a Fender or Gibson factory tour, well... I just can't compare them because there IS no comparison.
Hey Patch, if you talk to John again soon you might mention to him that I said THANKS (and mention me and the label). I replied to his email and thanked him already, but I figure it doesn't hurt to thank these friendly and dedicated special artisans of Ovation/Adamas guitars just one more time again, and again, and again.
I'll never see them as Fender and I was happy to see that John's signature doesn't mention Fender either, just "Customer Service Manager; Ovation, Guild, Hamer, Guitars, USA."
What I want to know is what happens to all those aerospace industry specialized tools and devices that Mr. Kaman personally designed and created exclusively for building/repairing Ovation/Adamas guitars? What happens to all of those specialty items that are still located in Hartford? I say let John and his crew take a few sets of these tools/devices with them, should their days with Ovation finally end. They could even consider it as a very small part of their severance, which I'm hoping Fender took care of these people quite generously who had given so much for so long quite generously, too.
But what do I know, I'm just a...
SillyLittleBoy |
|
| |
|
Joined:
July 2003
Posts: 3111
Location: Nashville TN. | News I been hoping for!!! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | Maybe this thread, or at least the new service center contact info could be pinned up at the top.
Kinda good info to ... 1) promote and 2) have within a quick reach.
Edited by Slipkid 2014-07-28 10:06 AM
|
|
| |
|
Joined:
August 2002
Posts: 8307
Location: Tennessee | Is there any contact information yet? If so, please share. I have a job that needs doing! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2004
Posts: 67
Location: Los Angeles, CA | Next in line :-) |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | Who's in charge of checking to see if we have anything to check on yet?
|
|
| |
|
Joined:
May 2006
Posts: 4221
Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent | John asked me to wait until August so they could get settled in a bit. So I'm waitin'........ |
|
| |
|
Joined:
May 2006
Posts: 4221
Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent | Since Danomyte just posted John's email on another thread, it may as well go up here as well. Let's give them enough business to get people's attention! john.budny@kmcmusic.com |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 5563
Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | This thread about this news has energized the group again...at least for the time being...I for one am really glad to see it...and I've missed it...well, most of it...lol
BTW, I like the name Mini Mothers Restorations and Repairs...MMR&R....
Edited by MusicMishka 2014-08-27 8:29 AM
|
|
| |
|
Joined:
October 2013
Posts: 57
| patchmcg - 2014-07-29 2:12 PM
John asked me to wait until August so they could get settled in a bit. So I'm waitin'........
So is there any news on this ? How do I contact them about doing some work on my 1597 SMT ? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | EricGagne - 2015-01-17 7:17 PM
How do I contact them about doing some work on my 1597 SMT ?
Send him an email at the KMC address above.
|
|
| |
|
Joined:
October 2013
Posts: 57
| Thx, somehow I missed that post. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 846
Location: Canada | patchmcg - 2014-07-29 2:08 PM Since Danomyte just posted John's email on another thread, it may as well go up here as well. Let's give them enough business to get people's attention! john.budny@kmcmusic.com Is this e-mail still valid now that they are not with KMC any longer?
Edited by d'ovation 2015-02-08 6:11 PM
|
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15654
Location: SoCal | This was good before the sale to DW....jbudny@fender.com
I'll give it a try in the morning and ask what they are using (of course, if it's not good, I won't get an answer)..... |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2014
Posts: 1713
Location: Frozen Tundra of Minnesota | I am hoping that the "O'Boys" can, and will, still be doing repairs, I would LOVE to get the surface cracks in my 1112-2 Red Custom Balladeer fixed. It just broke my heart that it arrived with 5 long cracks in it. I just Love that Beautiful Guitar.... 
Please keep us posted on any news????
Edited by naellis58 2015-02-08 8:29 PM
|
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2013
Posts: 34
| naellis58 - 2015-02-08 8:27 PM I am hoping that the "O'Boys" can, and will, still be doing repairs, I would LOVE to get the surface cracks in my 1112-2 Red Custom Balladeer fixed. It just broke my heart that it arrived with 5 long cracks in it. I just Love that Beautiful Guitar.... Please keep us posted on any news???? This is indeed the correct address: john.budny@kmcmusic.com To save you (and John) some e-mailing time, here is a recent response from him to me about a finish crack and the cost to repair it: My question to him: I have a 1995 Country Artist, 6773, serial number 501099, that was absolutely flawless. I picked it up to play it last night and it has developed a small, straight finish crack from the bridge all the way to the bottom of the guitar -- probably 8-10 long.
Questions:
1. What would it cost to repair it?
2. I thought that the "top finish cracking problem" had been corrected by 1995 with a change in coatings. If not, what year was this change? His reply: "We did change our finishes around 1995 to help with this condition but it can still happen depending on conditions. It might cost between 150.00 to glue it up and do some finish touch ups to 450.00 to refinish the top." Another FYI for those interested in adding electronics: They have a 1114 (Folklore wide-neck) at their shop right now of mine installing an OP Pro Studio for $350, parts and labor, which means routing the bridge for the wider saddle and routing the body for the electronics -- an incredible price. Also, replace soundhole trim is just $50 or $150 for abalone, $25 for bone nut. Another FYI: they recently completely refretted a 1614 (Folklore wide-neck) for $200. My guitar tech in Waco said he couldn't touch a partial re-fret for that price. Finally, don't use UPS to ship it! It cost me $52 last fall and $83 first week of January. USPS will ship it for $38, with same delivery time. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2014
Posts: 1713
Location: Frozen Tundra of Minnesota | Thank You so much!!! It would be SO worth it, to get that guitar fixed, it just broke my heart that it cracked, and I have never seen another one like it! Thank You!!!  |
|
| |
|
Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4028
Location: Utah | Those prices will put the BFLG out of business! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2014
Posts: 1713
Location: Frozen Tundra of Minnesota | YES!!!!! Thank You all SO MUCH!!!! I wrote to John, and he said that they could take off the clear coat, and re-apply to get rid of all of the finish cracks for me, they can make it whole again for me!!!!
You Guys are THE BEST!!! I have learned So Much from you, you are all wonderful about sharing your time and knowledge, and for not making me feel stupid for asking questions, I really appreciate it! I can't believe I can get this older Beauty restored by the guys who made her!!! Thank You ALL!!!
Edited by naellis58 2015-02-09 10:29 AM
|
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 846
Location: Canada | Reasley - 2015-02-08 9:57 PM To save you (and John) some e-mailing time, here is a recent response from him to me about a finish crack and the cost to repair it: I sent hime an email with some pictures and questions. How many days would it take on average to get a response? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
May 2006
Posts: 4221
Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent | I live about 90 minutes from New Hartford. If he's been getting the snow we've been getting, you may have to be a little more patient than usual. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 846
Location: Canada | Nevermind, already have an answer ... ultrafast. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2014
Posts: 1713
Location: Frozen Tundra of Minnesota | He got back to me in about 2 hours. And has already sent me the return number! SUPER Fast!!! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2013
Posts: 34
| naellis58 - 2015-02-09 2:43 PM He got back to me in about 2 hours. And has already sent me the return number! SUPER Fast!!! Nancy, I wouldn't generalize quick repair times from quick e-mail response times. :-). Note that I am in no hurry whatsoever to get the 1114 back, but he e-mailed for repair estimate approval on 1/27 and it's now 2/9 and I haven't heard anything yet. Note that I am not complaining AT ALL; indeed, I am super excited that we are extremely fortunate to be able to get these guys to do our repair work! I am just saying be patient and excited that they are taking care of these instruments. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4028
Location: Utah | naellis58 - 2015-02-09 9:28 AM
YES!!!!! Thank You all SO MUCH!!!! I wrote to John, and he said that they could take off the clear coat, and re-apply to get rid of all of the finish cracks for me, they can make it whole again for me!!!!
My 1537 got the same treatment. It looks like a brand new guitar, except it kept the aged color of the wood. You won't be disappointed. Turn around time is not fast, but it is worth the wait. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2014
Posts: 1713
Location: Frozen Tundra of Minnesota | Thank you Reasley and FlySig!!! That is good to know, and actually works out well, I would hate to get her all fixed, only to have the cold weather do new damage (although waiting the 24 hours you guys suggested has been wonderful advice!!!)
I am afraid that John is going to die laughing when he sees how I packed her... It may take him a wee bit to get her out to work on...
And Thank you FlySig for letting me know how this procedure worked on your guitar. I was concerned that they might change the red color, and I just love it!!!! Thank you for the reassurance!! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12750
Location: Boise, Idaho | He's probably unpacked a box from Al with pizza cartons and New Jersey newspapers, so your packing shouldn't surprise him. Those Styrofoam peanuts are the worst. I had to take a guitar out of a box packed with those at an airline counter once. I warned them, but they said it was OK and there were peanuts all over the airport. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2014
Posts: 1713
Location: Frozen Tundra of Minnesota | LOL!!!!!!!!!!!
John had put in his email, No Peanuts, so I bubble-wrapped the guitar, and packed the head like you guys told me, then covered the entire hard case in BIG bubble-wrap, 4 levels of bubble-wrap on the bottom of the box, the entire box lined with bubble-wrap, then paper packed up the sides with crumpled paper, and air packs and bubble wrap on top! 30 FRAGILE stickers and TOP (with arrows) on all 4 sides. I had an INCREDIBLE box from my Anniversary 1157 that is one step down from wood, so I am hoping I did good, and that I never have to do that again...
|
|
| |
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: USA Ovation Services as of July 2014; as per John Budny.