Posted 2015-05-12 12:05 AM (#510217 - in reply to #510207) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: April 2008 Posts: 2985
Location: Sydney, Australia
That's the puppy! It's a faithful recreation of one of the original slot head adamii. #47 of the originals was Charlie Kaman's favourite, so that's the one they recreated.
Posted 2015-05-12 12:14 AM (#510219 - in reply to #510207) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: April 2014 Posts: 103
Location: Ontario Canada
it,s not a reissue....but i would sure like to see a 50th Anniversary model, ....i think it should be on the headstock, like the 25th.
or what would really be awesome...get some ideas from John and the boys and even some original employees on what they think the 50th Anniversary
should be. that would mean something!!!!
but you better hurry!
Posted 2015-05-12 12:47 AM (#510224 - in reply to #510218) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: April 2008 Posts: 2985
Location: Sydney, Australia
xraiderman - 2015-05-12 5:11 PM
Right Now Ovation is 99% cutaways, do you think there will be demand for non cutaways?
x
I think most guitars they sell will continue to be cutaways, but certain non-cutaways will sell. 47RIs sell for $5k and sell quickly (one the other day sold within two days on Facebook).
Apparently some of the members here never venture past the 4th fret. Those of us with more than one six stringer can afford the luxury of a full bodied guitar. The deep bowls that people rave about here are almost exclusively non-cutaways.
Posted 2015-05-12 1:16 AM (#510228 - in reply to #510207) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: August 2003 Posts: 4619
Location: SoCal
First of all, I would expect that a reissue would be traditional, reflecting on previous designs.
Adamas:
Not always the best to reissue the reissue...in addition the OFC guitar is a slothead reissue of a 1687-8. From the pre-production slotheads, #47 (1187-2) was listed as the Engineer Department while #35 1689-2 wide neck was listed as Charles Kaman's and his favorite.
I already have three of the Adamas slotheads - original #50 (-7, a/e), 47RI (-2, acoustic), and the OFC (-8, a/e). Hard to produce at a price point that many can afford. The OFC guitar cost $5,000. If you substituted the graphite case for a 9158-0 case, you would still have to pay about $4,300. I probably would not buy one.
Wood Top: As an aside, per OvationGuitars.com, the recent Custom Legend is a cutaway. We already had the cutaway ADI and ADII (Al DiMeola 1769, now listed as 1716-ADII4 or ADii5) which is basically a cutaway Custom Legend.
I don't know the sales numbers that the reissue of the shiny bowl Balladeer and Legend had.
The last reissue of the Custom Legend was in 2004 - non-cutaway and bearclaw spruce. If there is not going to be a production line of this popular model, a reissue of the CL non-cutaway with a different wood or finish, brown bowl and case, would be a very good reissue.
Based on the 1619, non-cutaway, AAA or higher grade top, 'A' braced, ebony bound fretboard, carved bridge and truss rod, gold or pearloid button tuning pegs, abalone binding and inlaids, dark sunburst finish contrasting with the abalone, strong pre-amp - WOW...I WOULD BUY IT!
Unlike another reissue of an original pre-production slothead, it would be able to be sold at a reasonable price point. When Al commissioned the OFC guitar, the run was for only twelve. I believe this was based on the fact that few in the OFC could afford it.
You want a guitar that will stand out on the store wall - dark sunburst and abalone. If the buyer wants a cut-away, show him the Al DiMeola in black or natural.
Posted 2015-05-12 1:16 AM (#510229 - in reply to #510225) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: February 2014 Posts: 704
Location: moline,illinois
I think the 1537 was the first Elite and called by some the first wood topped adamas,that could make for an excellent reissue with an old school brown bowl and case to give it the retro appeal.
Not sure if its really a reissue but the standard custom legend 1769 was dropped around 2000 in lieu of the Al Dimeola signature models,i heard al is no longer an ovation endorsee so so a next generation CL 1769 would be awesome.
Posted 2015-05-12 1:32 AM (#510231 - in reply to #510207) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: August 2003 Posts: 4619
Location: SoCal
Bill, as to "Right Now Ovation is 99% cutaways, do you think there will be demand for non cutaways?". I believe that was a mistake as I believe there is (and continue to be) a good market for non-cutaways. Personally, I like the Custom Legend from early times to the 2004. However, I have both cutaway and non-cutaway. A few years back, I had three ADII's' (not all at once). As an acoustic, I felt (although subjective) that the Custom Legend was a better design. All three of the ADII's were sold.
Posted 2015-05-12 1:35 AM (#510232 - in reply to #510207) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: August 2003 Posts: 4619
Location: SoCal
Granted, this should probably be listed in the Q&A. However, at one time, I heard that Fender took all of the historical guitars, some prototypes, when they closed the factory down.
Was DW able to hold on to them? So much a part of the history of Ovation.
Posted 2015-05-12 5:52 AM (#510241 - in reply to #510207) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: January 2014 Posts: 402
Location: Taxed To Death State
The 1537 is one of the best sounding wood tops and most sought after guitars Ovation ever made. When I meet a non Ovation player or believer, I let them play my 1537 and every time they are blown away from the sound of a 1537. A 1537 reissue that sounded as good as the original would be a home run in my opinion. A slothead reissue is right up there as well.
Posted 2015-05-12 6:48 AM (#510242 - in reply to #510207) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: December 2004 Posts: 2150
Location: Orlando, FL
The 1537 has to get my vote as well. These are just great guitars. Or maybe even better, the 12 string version, the 1538. I would love to replace mine! And if you really feel the need to make a cutaway, reissue the 1547 too!
Posted 2015-05-12 8:31 AM (#510248 - in reply to #510207) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: April 2006 Posts: 848
Location: Munich, Germany
A reissue of an existing reissue would be a kick in the *** of any former reissue buyer. Wouldn't do that, even if we were the only to know. Or feel.
What would I like to see? Get on with the Collector's series in the way it used to be: the first to sport innovations, great woods and or features. Other than that a 50th anniversary guitar would be fine, but to sell this one in great numbers it doesn't have to be too special, so 12-frets, slotheads, all the stuff we like to see should be avoided. Or do a 50th anni series, one or two for the masses and one or two specials.
All in all I think the most important thing would be to get Ovation back on the cool line. Which will be the most difficult part of it.
Best regards,
Kurt
But if I have to pick anything to reissue: any A-braced Legend or Custom legend would do the trick. But remember the Traditional series, they were reissues in a way - I don't believe they sold them in big numbers.
Posted 2015-05-12 8:31 AM (#510249 - in reply to #510207) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: October 2005 Posts: 4042
Location: Utah
On the other dream thread, A-braced deep bowls got a lot of votes. I suggest a Glen Campbell reissue. It is one great sounding guitar, with the tie in to the first star performer to bring the brand to public attention. It would provide a marketing angle as a tribute to one of the very great performers of the last 50 years as well as a tribute to the early history of Ovation and the innovations which launched Ovation into nearly instant adoption by so many top performers.
Perhaps the question is: What is the purpose of the reissue? Is it a vehicle for promoting the brand in advertisement to new customers? Is it to bring customers already familiar with the brand back to buy something they are comfortable with?
I've already got a nice small collection that covers the bases. Old A-braced, new Adamas, 1537, mid bowl LX. What would I buy? A 47RI or an A-braced deep bowl.
Posted 2015-05-12 8:55 AM (#510254 - in reply to #510220) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: December 2014 Posts: 1713
Location: Frozen Tundra of Minnesota
xraiderman - 2015-05-12 12:20 AM
I believe the crew in New Hartford should pick the 50th!
That is a GREAT Idea!!!! They are the ones who have made them for us for 50 years, let them design us something will mean something special to them (and us). GREAT Idea Bill!
Posted 2015-05-12 9:09 AM (#510258 - in reply to #510207) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: January 2002 Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch
everyone thinks #47 was Charlie's favorite. wrong. it was just the one that was at the factory so that was the one they copied, saying it was his favorite was marketing rhetoric, other wise known as spoo. If it was his favorite why was it at the factory and #35 was at his house? In the music room? But hey what do I know, i just used to run a gas station for airplanes.
Posted 2015-05-12 9:15 AM (#510260 - in reply to #510249) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: December 2014 Posts: 1713
Location: Frozen Tundra of Minnesota
FlySig - 2015-05-12 8:31 AM
... I suggest a Glen Campbell reissue. It is one great sounding guitar, with the tie in to the first star performer to bring the brand to public attention. It would provide a marketing angle as a tribute to one of the very great performers of the last 50 years as well as a tribute to the early history of Ovation and the innovations which launched Ovation into nearly instant adoption by so many top performers...
I was thinking the same thing FlySig (yes, be afraid, very afraid...) That a Glen Campbell Tribute would be a nice guitar to issue/re-issue. Glen's wife was up here last week for an Alzheimer's Benefit, (she is a Lovely Lady), and was talking about Glen and the disease. Since Glen did SO much to make Ovation a household name, perhaps a really nice Glen Campbell Tribute guitar could be made (maybe Beal could have input on what Glen liked best, I believe they were friends), and DW could contribute a small percentage of the sales, or make a donation to the Alzheimer's Foundation to help towards finding a cure.
Posted 2015-05-12 9:29 AM (#510263 - in reply to #510207) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: June 2012 Posts: 2315
Location: Pueblo West, CO
Personally, for a 50th, I would reissue the original shiny bowl Balladeer with the original X brace, but use gold hardware and special top wood and binding/purfling.
Something like what was done on the 87C, Book Elite and/or Nagao CL with abalone purfling around the body and up the sides of the fretboard. Then, use gold MOP inlay for the Ovation and Balladeer logo.
If you want to do something really cool, use torrefied top wood so the guitar looks and sounds like it's 50 years old.
Posted 2015-05-12 9:42 AM (#510265 - in reply to #510207) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: December 2006 Posts: 6994
Location: Jet City
Personally, I'd like to see an original slotted reissue WITH electronics... wide and skinny nuts. You can't find one of these anywhere, or for that matter an OFC 1 or the Adamas 08c... I've been lookin.
And just to be different... How about a reissue solid body? The return of the Deacon/Breadwinner (do a Breadwinner in blue!)
Whatever you do for a 50th, give'r a shiny bowl as a nod to 50 years ago. Maybe a shiny contour bowl... 50 years ago meets today.
I don't see any reason for another Campbell reissue (unless it's a Bluebird). Let's move forward. I'm sure I'm in the minority on this site with that thought though.
Posted 2015-05-12 9:45 AM (#510266 - in reply to #510207) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: January 2006 Posts: 5881
Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains
Reopen the custom shop and everybody can have just about whatever one-off model they want. I like Bill's idea to let our friends in the repair shop come up with an idea. I also like the idea of a 1537 reissue. I have prototypes for both the 1537 and 1547, and both are in SSB configuration. The 1537 prototype actually has an Adamas logo headstock and is rare as a non-cutaway SSB. I like to think of them as non-identical twins.
Posted 2015-05-12 2:27 PM (#510299 - in reply to #510207) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: August 2003 Posts: 4619
Location: SoCal
Staffing of the new production line will be determined by DW. However, some of the old staff have probably already moved to new jobs. Having been burned by the sale to Fender, they may feel it is better not to chance another change.
As to "xraiderman - 2015-05-12 12:20 AM
I believe the crew in New Hartford should pick the 50th!"
Those with historical knowledge may not be on the payroll.
As to inlaid, the 2006C (Koa) had a inlaid flame maple epaulet and did not have the sales that it might have had with non-inlaid. Cutaway Elite, beautiful AAA Koa, VIP pre-amp, contour bowl, tortoise shell-like binding, etc. Good industry reviews but to some, the inlaid gave the top a 'flat' look. On that, I would agree with it side by side with my other Ovation Koa guitars. It looks more like a laminate top with the inlaid.
Posted 2015-05-12 2:57 PM (#510305 - in reply to #510207) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: September 2006 Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR
Last night I was playing my K-1111 RI. Just now I was playing my 1114 Folklore. There is something nice about a Deep Bowl with round shoulders and no cutaway. Yeah, a cutaway is nice for playing high on the neck... which I rarely do. And electronics are nice for annoying the neighbors. But the first Ovations that I saw were totally acoustic Balladeers that did well in the park.
You can still put electronics in a fat deep bowl. I put a Shadow nanoflex under the saddle with preamp in the soundhole. Outta sight outta mind... until I need it. (in the Folklore, not the K-1111)
Posted 2015-05-12 3:05 PM (#510307 - in reply to #510207) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: September 2003 Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan
Woodbox dreads that are cut-away look... well... awful.
Somehow Ovation pulls off the cut-away dreadnought..
I think my DiMeola looks great. But I'd never want every guitar I own to be a cut-away.
.
If at the time Fender shut it down 99% of models were cut-aways we better not get our hopes up to high for any of the older style bowls. At least anytime soon.
Posted 2015-05-12 3:37 PM (#510311 - in reply to #510207) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: August 2003 Posts: 396
I was just watching the McCartney "Wings Over America" concert on Bluray. How about a reissue that sweet looking custom legend he was playing? I don't know the model number. Anyone own one of those? Whatever would be selected would have to be built with a marketing plan in mind, not just something a few people on this site might want to see.
Posted 2015-05-12 3:46 PM (#510315 - in reply to #510312) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: August 2003 Posts: 396
Thanks for the info! You don't want to reissue a previously reissued model. It still looks sweet! I've never seen it, but a few folks told me that the model with the top is a waving American flag looked incredible seen in person. It looked fantastic in the pictures I've seen. Perhaps, you reissue that to broadcast the return of American Ovation. Now that sounds like part of a marketing plan! Anyone own that one?? I'm not sure how many they made.
Posted 2015-05-12 4:39 PM (#510323 - in reply to #510207) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: September 2011 Posts: 402
Location: New Hartford CT
Great video link OMA. Glenn's guitar sounds magnificent. I love how he is challenging the tempo. That's how it's done. What is Glenn playing there? is it a Glenn Campbell Artist 1127-4 or a Glenn Campbell Deluxe Balladeer? Whatever it is, I want one!
Posted 2015-05-12 4:41 PM (#510324 - in reply to #510207) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: August 2003 Posts: 4619
Location: SoCal
Damon's comment: "Personally, I'd like to see an original slotted reissue WITH electronics... wide and skinny nuts. You can't find one of these anywhere, or for that matter an OFC 1 or the Adamas 08c... I've been lookin. "
Problem is that I don't think the prospective buyer wants to pay the $'s that the seller paid for the a/e 1687-8 OFC.
I am using the OFC guitar as an example but it does reflect to me as an indication of how a store and/or prospective buyer would react to a high end reissue.
How many prospective buyers will pay at least $5,000 (probably more) for a reissued slothead 1687 reissue?
The OFC guitar was originally to be a mid-level cost that many OFC'ers would be able to get...we even debated whether the truss rod cover would have the OFC logo.
Only twelve OFC guitars were produced and, even though the 47RI was available, the OFC guitar was an Adamas 1687 slothead (-8 v. -2 with pre-amp v. acoustic). Other than the internal label, no indication that the individual was affiliated and/or celebrated the OFC (hard to do on a 1687 headstock).
I commend Al for all of his work to produce the OFC guitar. I was one that bought one with no regrets.
However, it was not a guitar that most OFC'ers could afford. If 50-100 OFC members couldn't afford the OFC, doubt if the general public would be able to...lots of competition in the $5,000 price range.
In 2004, the 30th Anniv CL sold for $1,700-2,400; probably the mean MAP for most of the top of the line Ovation guitars are in the similar minimum advertised price (MAP). When I saw the 2009C (Koa) at NAMM, the list price was close to $5,000 (not sure of the MAP).
Bottom line: My suggestion is to make an Ovation wood top deep bowl (center hole or Elite) that can be produced at a mid-level price that stores will stock and prospective buyers will take home.
Posted 2015-05-12 5:07 PM (#510326 - in reply to #510323) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: March 2002 Posts: 15664
Location: SoCal
George Frey - 2015-05-12 2:39 PM
Great video link OMA. Glenn's guitar sounds magnificent. I love how he is challenging the tempo. That's how it's done. What is Glenn playing there? is it a Glenn Campbell Artist 1127-4 or a Glenn Campbell Deluxe Balladeer? Whatever it is, I want one!
It's not a GCDB. I think it's a GC Artist. It has his initials at the 12th fret. But while the bridge looks like it's an a/c, I didn't see a jack in the rear. All of which goes to say, I can't see it clearly enough to really know.
What is interesting tho', is that around that time, he was given an A braced acoustic only Legend from Ovation, and played that for several years. He also had an acoustic only Custom Legend that he played until he got an Adamas.
For all the pushing for an acoustic electric, when he got a guitar he really liked, he'd play w/o a pickup in it and just make it work.
Posted 2015-05-12 6:11 PM (#510333 - in reply to #510207) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: December 2006 Posts: 6994
Location: Jet City
Everyone's entitled to their opinion. My opinion is there's a billion Custom Legends on the used market, I don't necessarily need to buy a reissue. There are zero slot heads out there... time to build more.
AJ's 47ri was on the market for minutes before Mike snagged it. There's a beautiful Custom Legend that was redone in every way by the mothership on our for sale board... still there after several weeks.
Posted 2015-05-12 6:48 PM (#510339 - in reply to #510334) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: December 2006 Posts: 6994
Location: Jet City
xraiderman - 2015-05-12 4:34 PM the street price of the used market is a challenge when it comes to the idea of reissues.
Agreed. You gotta make what isn't out there. Very few Campbell Artists, so there's a good option, folklores and artists are pretty rare too, another return of those isn't bad. Even the LX ones of those were hard to come by.
And not to beat a dead horse on the slothead thing, but the asking or 'street' price of that USED Adamas 47ri was $5k, and being that it sold so quick, it probably should have been priced higher. I'd love to find one like that with electronics (or cutaway like the 08c) for the same.
Posted 2015-05-12 7:00 PM (#510340 - in reply to #510207) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: April 2015 Posts: 81
I don't want a committee to design a guitar, that never works, however when you ask allot of questions it helps formulate opinions. I like Damon67's comment because there is allot of used gear out there. I'm looking for comments about parlor sized guitars, gypsy jazz, maybe a graphite Adamas guitars.
Maybe all ADAMAS bowls should be hand made or graphite as part of the brand promise. I'm not sure why I have a spruce top Adamas in my office. It doesn't make sense to me.
Posted 2015-05-12 7:29 PM (#510343 - in reply to #510276) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: February 2014 Posts: 704
Location: moline,illinois
damon67 - 2015-05-12 10:22 AM
The WTA has a suspension ring doesn't it?
All the wood Top Adamii i've seen online have suspension rings,otherwise it would just be an elite right?
To me to be an Adamas it has to have a carbom fiber top.
Posted 2015-05-12 7:37 PM (#510345 - in reply to #510340) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: February 2014 Posts: 704
Location: moline,illinois
xraiderman - 2015-05-12 7:00 PM
Maybe all ADAMAS bowls should be hand made or graphite as part of the brand promise. I'm not sure why I have a spruce top Adamas in my office. It doesn't make sense to me.
Posted 2015-05-12 7:55 PM (#510348 - in reply to #510207) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: August 2002 Posts: 8307
Location: Tennessee
Do a recreation of the Q then (which wasn't really ever issued). A contour bowl on that guitar would be amazing (to me anyway). Imagine that sweep up the back right into the neck. Wowser. That would put Adamas back in the limelight for a bit if you can get the sound right. The couple of original Qs I've seen and played were very good guitars and uber cool.
Posted 2015-05-12 8:14 PM (#510354 - in reply to #510207) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: August 2002 Posts: 8307
Location: Tennessee
Lexus couldn't live on just the LS400. Lots of Toyotas now get dolled up and become Lexii. Adamas ought to represent the hand crafted top end of the Kaman's original innovations. The Ovation name got diluted over time as the import segment took over so why not have an Adamas wood top. The current WTA is a helluva lot more Adamas than Ovation these days. Including the $5,299 list price. Every Adamas is part wood top anyway, except the Q.
Posted 2015-05-12 8:37 PM (#510358 - in reply to #510207) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: August 2003 Posts: 4619
Location: SoCal
Damon67, in reference to a Custom Legend: "There's a beautiful Custom Legend that was redone in every way by the mothership on our for sale board... still there after several weeks.
If referring to a listing by quietmouse, it is a white super shallow bowl w/OP-20. Rare but you either like the white and SSB or not. I have bought the deep bowl and either natural or dark sunburst in 6 and 12 strings.
I tried a couple of SSB (6 and 12-string). Not counting the parlor, only Ovations/Adamas that I have that aren't deep/contour bowls are a couple of the Country Artists and a 1984C.
Posted 2015-05-13 1:03 AM (#510374 - in reply to #510207) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: December 2006 Posts: 6994
Location: Jet City
There's a 30th Anniversary, exactly like the one pictured above that's been sitting in Maryland at Guitar Center for a month for $1099 I've really wanted to pull the trigger, but adding it to my wall would be pretty redundant. I have a cutaway deep (Al DiMeola), non cutaway deep , an SSB (with roland pu), and even a mid bowl (special GC edition). They're everywhere, or if they aren't right now, wait a week.
Posted 2015-05-13 3:13 AM (#510376 - in reply to #510207) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: April 2006 Posts: 848
Location: Munich, Germany
I am no longer in the market for an Ovation or an Adamas since I have all I ever wanted and more - but a Q-Reissue would make me overthink it.
And Bill's right: Let's talk about smaller guitars! On other guitar boards more and more naturally born dreadnought guys tend to smaller guitars like OMs or 00s with 12-frests because of shoulder problems, arthritis, comfort while sitting seated - and although I always loved the Ovation Shape, a new Parlor sized guitar would get my interest. And Ovation always did great inlay work (with not even using Abalam but the real stuff in pieces), a thing a Parlor could definitely need and wear, but the only Parlor we got did not have.
All in all: Like the Prof said, lend your main attraction to the custom shop and let there be only four models hit the market: Legend and Elite, Custom Legend and Custom Elite. Bring these with COATED STRINGS to the shops, like Taylor and Santa Cruz does for years and now Martin does with their treated strings as well. Make four attractive, not to overpriced, american made guitars that stand out and sound good still after three months hanging in the shop, with all extras (12-string, slotheads, Cutaway or not etc.) being available through the custom shop.
Posted 2015-05-13 8:34 AM (#510382 - in reply to #510340) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: October 2005 Posts: 4042
Location: Utah
xraiderman - 2015-05-12 6:00 PM
I'm looking for comments about parlor sized guitars, gypsy jazz, maybe a graphite Adamas guitars.
Maybe all ADAMAS bowls should be hand made or graphite as part of the brand promise. I'm not sure why I have a spruce top Adamas in my office. It doesn't make sense to me.
Parlor: Yes. The '97 Collector's edition is still on my wish list. It has a surprisingly big sound. I think variety is important in marketing the product line. We all know the differences between a Legend, Balladeer, Custom Legend, Glen Campbell, etc, but the non-fanatic does not. We get caught up in slot heads vs broccoli vs paddle, but again the average non-fanatic doesn't see the difference as interesting.
So, yes, I like the idea of a parlor size, plus some other interesting different models such as gypsy jazz (thought I would not buy one of those myself). Jumbo perhaps. Resonator maybe.
All graphite Adamas? Only if it is sonically excellent. My brief limited exposure to other brands such as Rainsong left me unimpressed.
No Adamas should ever have a wood top. The WTA at the Road Show was an incredible sounding guitar, but I feel it dilutes what Adamas stands for.
Posted 2015-05-13 4:41 PM (#510405 - in reply to #510207) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: June 2002 Posts: 6197
Location: Phoenix AZ
Not really different. A few custom touches here and there but basically a 2774 with CL trim = a CL with 2774 neck.
The route I got to the end was an expensive one. I bought a new 2005 Collector and loved the bowl but wanted more bling. So I sold it for a loss and bought a new CL Contour. Loved it but wanted a wider neck and slotted headstock so I sold it for a loss and ordered the Custom that you see in the photos.
As nice as the final guitar was, it still wasn't quite lighting my fire so I ended up selling it and moving on to something non-Ovation.
Posted 2015-05-13 5:01 PM (#510407 - in reply to #510405) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: December 2003 Posts: 848
Location: Canada
Standingovation - 2015-05-13 3 As nice as the final guitar was, it still wasn't quite lighting my fire so I ended up selling it and moving on to something non-Ovation.
So what could be even more exciting? I am currently enjoying a Guild Orpheum Jumbo.
Posted 2015-05-13 6:30 PM (#510409 - in reply to #510207) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: September 2003 Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan
Very nice.
I guess the thing that I'm most happy & relieved about is that we have someone at the wheel who we do not have to teach, train and bring up to speed.
Posted 2015-05-14 1:35 AM (#510418 - in reply to #510417) Subject: RE: Reissues
Joined: August 2002 Posts: 8307
Location: Tennessee
Tony Calman - 2015-05-13 11:03 PM How about this for a "reissue" - The 1987C. It would sure stand out from the crowd. From what I understand, only about 5 had bear claw.
Posted 2015-05-14 2:01 AM (#510420 - in reply to #510207) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: August 2003 Posts: 4619
Location: SoCal
Bob, I know but I had to repeat it...gave it a restring tonight and got inspired...
I had the unique opportunity with my first 1537 where an individual clamped it down with a screw, not good.
Then my pre-production showed me how great the 1537 WITH THE FLOATING FRETBOARD actually is. Can't be that difficult to have the floating fretboard on every of top of the line Ovations.
Bill Xavier wants a guitar that will scream Ovation...not sure if this would scream but it would attract attention, stand out amongst the plain over priced wood boxes, and more than satisfy anyone who played it. It would have to have well defined bear claw and abalone. Maybe even an aging process.
Posted 2015-05-14 10:44 AM (#510429 - in reply to #510207) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: December 2008 Posts: 1453
Location: Texas
My 2¢:
I own and play a variety of Ovation acoustic models, mostly deep-bowl and contour bowls.
I have always felt that the contour bowl was a reaction to a non-problem, and basically was a response to criticism made by people who would never buy a "plastic-back" guitar anyway.
(If deep bowls slip and are so difficult to play, why/how did so many major acts play them night-after-night on stage in the 1970's?)
I guess some folks love the contour bowl, but, IMO, in the process of answering the Ovation-haters and providing a marketing story about the "improvement" in playing comfort, they sacrificed the volume and tone that previously compared so favorably to many guitars in (and above) the (USA) Ovation price-range.
Acoustically, I think the contour bowls sound is (just) good-enough, but they are not comparable to the old deep bowl sound. (Plugged-in they're closer, but still not as good to me.) To my ears, none of the contour bowl models provide the full rich sound of a comparable (top/neck) deep bowl Ovation. I agree with many other posters that the 1537 was one of the best-sounding (wood-top) acoustics that Ovation ever produced. However, I don't believe that a 1537 with a contour bowl would sound anywhere near as sweet.
I've held my tongue on this subject for years, since buyers of many new USA Ovation core models had no choice once the contour-backs were phased-in, but this seems like a good time to bring it up.
So… IMO, any new model, or continuation of the Balladeer/Legend/Elite or reissue of 1537/1538/1547 or similar "back to our roots" model(s) should be offered in a deep-bowl (instead of a contour bowl.)
Posted 2015-05-14 1:03 PM (#510435 - in reply to #510207) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: December 2006 Posts: 6994
Location: Jet City
I agree with everything said except for the non-issue part. If you have a big 'ol belly, the contour does serve a purpose. 'O)' fits together than 'OO'. That said, all my contours except for one are history.
Posted 2015-05-14 1:39 PM (#510440 - in reply to #510207) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: August 2002 Posts: 8307
Location: Tennessee
While I appreciate everyone wanting to go back and have your favorite old school Ovations reissued, it's a non-starter. No one really wants to buy their father's Oldsmobile anymore. If they do, they buy a restored original. I watched a 1537 in near perfect condition not even get a single bid at $999 on eBay this week (Same thing with Custom Legends) ... how is DW going to sell any new ones at $3000+??? Ovation has tried in the past. There is no market. Their "traditional" series push? FAILED. The reissues? FAILED. The original Lyrachord bowl guitars in c. 2010? FAILED. The last gasp resurgence Ovation experienced in the mid-oughts was only the result of the new innovations, i.e. microsphere bowl formulation, LX neck system, contour bowl, T guitars, and improved preamps with tuners.
Ovation has always been about looking forward and innovating, not looking back. The brand will only flourish by bringing out something new and exciting. DW needs a game changer, just like new Ovation models have always been. I thought the LT-60 was a pretty nice attempt at that, but never really had a chance.
Want an old school Ovation? The used market is a virtual candy store for you.
Posted 2015-05-14 2:18 PM (#510443 - in reply to #510207) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: September 2006 Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR
As I have said a dozen times, the Contour bowl was created because Americans are Fat.
...and basically was a response to criticism made by people who would never buy a "plastic-back" guitar anyway is so true. There are two types of people on this planet, those who like Ovations and those who don't. And ne'er the twain shall meet. Much like people who hate Taylor guitars without playing them.
Now... People who hate Fender guitars... that is a whole 'nother story.
Posted 2015-05-14 2:19 PM (#510444 - in reply to #510207) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: December 2004 Posts: 2150
Location: Orlando, FL
Well this thread was about reissues...
But Bobbo, you nailed it. to succeed Ovation will need to continue innovating!
Since "Ovations don't get the respect they deserve", the general guitar buying populace won't event notice a reissue. And while a lot of us old farts drool over vintage guitars, the cool factor for the next generation is innovation, whether it's in their phones, cars or guitars. They don't just want things to be new and better they expect it.
Posted 2015-05-14 3:19 PM (#510449 - in reply to #510446) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: May 2008 Posts: 1555
Location: Indiana
Well I'll take another swing at that dead horse and say... AFAIK none of those reissues were ever available to sample and buy at any music store in Nashville. Lots of guitar players in this town. And impulse purchases are a regular occurrence.
I still believe, getting quality USA Ovations back in the stores is essential.
Posted 2015-05-14 6:06 PM (#510455 - in reply to #510449) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: March 2008 Posts: 2683
Location: Hot Springs, S.D.
Jonmark Stone - 2015-05-15 2:19 PM
Well I'll take another swing at that dead horse and say... AFAIK none of those reissues were ever available to sample and buy at any music store in Nashville. Lots of guitar players in this town. And impulse purchases are a regular occurrence.
I still believe, getting quality USA Ovations back in the stores is essential.
Posted 2015-05-14 9:20 PM (#510470 - in reply to #510207) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: April 2015 Posts: 81
My crystal ball says make guitars in USA, as Chris Lombardi would say that is the tree that provides the shade for everything else........ Improve , improve and despite the country of origin make the best Ovation you can....
Posted 2015-05-14 9:27 PM (#510471 - in reply to #510207) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: April 2008 Posts: 2985
Location: Sydney, Australia
Yeah. Apple are famous for designing something that no one asked for. No one asked for a plastic guitar or a carbon fibre top - but guess what? We love them. Alongside the standard models Ovation should continue to experiment and sell those experiments.
Posted 2015-05-15 7:14 PM (#510532 - in reply to #510470) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: June 2012 Posts: 2315
Location: Pueblo West, CO
xraiderman - 2015-05-14 7:20 PM
My crystal ball says make guitars in USA, as Chris Lombardi would say that is the tree that provides the shade for everything else........ Improve , improve and despite the country of origin make the best Ovation you can....
Posted 2015-05-16 5:00 AM (#510547 - in reply to #510470) Subject: Re: Reissues
Joined: October 2012 Posts: 1034
Location: Yokohama, Japan
xraiderman - 2015-05-14 11:20 AM
My crystal ball says make guitars in USA, as Chris Lombardi would say that is the tree that provides the shade for everything else........ Improve , improve and despite the country of origin make the best Ovation you can....
...that kind of vision will certainly get Ovation back up front in the market again. Dr. Deming would be proud! Ovations look and feel unique, but I was in the music stores again this weekend, and even without the USA Ovations, the Os are the nicest looking guitars on the walls (from a distance...the more experienced shopper will see the tell tale signs of non-USA manufactured inconsistencies), but not one kid (in Japan at least) looks at a Celebrity Elite or Balladeer and thinks, "What an ugly guitar." IMHO, get the U.S. made models back on the walls, and many guitarist will dream of owning their own US made Os again! With Kaizen manufacturing at the Asian mfg. plants the Celebrity can still enjoy significant growth potential...
Reissues
