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Location: Frozen Tundra of Minnesota | More News from New Hartford!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1440002466252339/permalink/161451129... |
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Location: Hot Springs, S.D. | Those of us who don't do facebook can't see it. What does it say? |
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Location: Connecticut | Bah! Link says the attachment is unavailable. 
What's the news?? |
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Location: Frozen Tundra of Minnesota | Sorry! My iPad won't let me copy and paste anymore, so I had to bring up my laptop to grab it:
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GUITARS BEING MADE AGAIN IN NEW HARTFORD
BY KATHRYN BOUGHTON
REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN
NEW HARTFORD — New Hartford’s growing economic recovery hit a high note this week with news that Ovation has returned production of its high-end guitars to the community after an absence of more than a year.
Ovation closed its 37 Greenwoods Road operation in June 2014, ending a half-century of Connecticut manufacturing and putting nearly 50 employees out of work. Fender Musical Instruments Corp., which then owned Ovation, said the move came because of slow sales. It consolidated production in China, South Korea and Indonesia, where many models of the guitars had been made for more than a quarter century.
But although Ovation released virtually all of the 73,000 square feet of space leased from the Hurley Manufacturing site in New Hartford, it was never completely gone. A crew of three veteran workers were retained to repair and restore guitars sent in by customers. And over the last 15 months the efforts of “a lot of different people working together” have reversed the exodus, according to Dave Hurley, president of Hurley Manufacturing.
Today, a handful of veteran workers have again taken up production of elite Ovation guitars in the United States. “It is a much smaller operation than it was,” said Darren Wallace, the plant manager. “Initially we will produce six models based on the 50th anniversary limited edition. These will be special limited runs.”
He said the difference in price between Ovation models produced in Asia and in America will be “huge.”
“The cheapest models from Asia run from $300 or $400 up to $1,500. The U.S. models will range from $3,000 to $5,000,” Wallace noted.
He said Ovation, which was sold earlier this year, has a 10-year lease on the New Hartford site, which now totals just under 18,000 square feet of space, but that his goal is “to build it up much larger.”
“It’s one step at a time,” he cautioned, “but we’re serious about doing this.”
“It will take time, but it’s going to work out nice,” said Hurley, who has worked with Ovation to make its return to New Hartford possible. He offered the firm a beneficial lease and helped with the expense of lawyers and obtaining environmental clearances.
“I made it so they couldn’t say no,” he concluded.
At the same time, Wallace and other Ovation veterans were pushing the corporation to reconsider the New Hartford site.
“Initially, I, along with Kathy Johnson, our former service manager, and several other people fought to keep the service portion open,” Wallace said. “There were a handful of us really pushing for that. That kept our foot in the door once the place closed down. Then, in the fall last year we started to reorganize.”
Wallace, who had been the plant’s engineering manager in New Hartford, was made brand manager for Ovation, working in Bloomfield with a Fender subsidiary, KMC Musicorp. Earlier this year, Ovation was acquired from KMC by Drum Workshop.
Wallace and his colleagues continued to promote a return to New Hartford with the new ownership. “They had no intention of staying here. They had been told they needed to be out in 30 days and there was enough stuff for several boxcar loads that needed to be removed,” Wallace said. “But once they came out and saw the place, Chris Lombardi, the new owner, was very surprised and he started reconsidering.”
Wallace said there was “just a lot of talk on the West Coast with dealers and customers, a lot of investigation talking to people about whether they would be interested in U.S.-made Ovations. It took a while and had a lot to do with the facilities — Dave was very accommodating and gave us a great deal on the space — but Chris Lombardi made the final decision. We helped nudge him along, but he made it happen.”
Wallace has added two more employees, Mike Scherer and Joe Martocchio, to the three repairmen on site, John Budny, Mike DeNoi and Sherwood Carey. He looks forward to building his workforce further over the next decade.
“My preference is to try to rehire former employees that have the skill required,” Wallace said, “but many of them are already working (elsewhere). The two guys I hired back were group leaders and very skilled.”
The instruments have long been a favorite with top artists and have been played by the likes of Melissa Etheridge, Neil Diamond and Billy Joel.
Edited by Nancy 2015-09-02 8:08 PM
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Location: Frozen Tundra of Minnesota | "said Darren Wallace, the plant manager. “Initially we will produce six models based on the 50th anniversary limited edition. These will be special limited runs.”
I am really interested to see what the six models are - and especially what the 50th Anniversary LTD will be. If the other 6 Limited Runs will be based on it!  . Collectors nightmare....
Edited by Nancy 2015-09-02 8:37 PM
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Location: Connecticut | Terrific! Thanks for the copy Nancy! |
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| Indeed, this is good news and unexpected news. I was not expecting their initial efforts to be 6 limited run models in the 3-5K range. I would have thought success or failure would be based on the regular production run, and I would have expected a major marketing campaign for the regular production from the start. The way they are beginning looks like perhaps they have a long range plan of starting the buzz before the regular production models. I don't run a business, so what do I know? Ha. I'm very anxious to see what these first models consist of. The 3-5K range (I hope they are talking MSRP, not street value) is a bit steep for me, but as an American Ovation fan it is very exciting. Thanks Nancy, for keeping us informed. |
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Location: Frozen Tundra of Minnesota | All Thanks go to our Peggy Budny for posting these Articles and Pictures! She is Right on the Ball with getting them up!!!
It is so Great that they were able to get Original Employees with so much knowledge!! I am really curious about what Model will be the 50th, or if the 6 Limited Runs will be one of each of the main Models through the years? |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | Round hole, round back......round hole cutaway, contour back.....elite deep, round.....Adamas contour. A 12 string. A nylon
There are 6. Let's see how close the guess is |
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Location: Frozen Tundra of Minnesota | cwk2 - 2015-09-03 9:32 AM
Round hole, round back......round hole cutaway, contour back.....elite deep, round.....Adamas contour. A 12 string. A nylon
There are 6. Let's see how close the guess is
Ok! This will be fun!!!  What is your guess for the actual 50th Anniversary Model??
Edited by Nancy 2015-09-03 9:55 AM
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Location: 6 String Ranch | Don't know, I'd go round hole balladeer or maybe a Legend, but that's been done. Adamas but that's not the easiest place to start. We'll just have to wait and see |
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Location: Frozen Tundra of Minnesota | I am going to guess an Adamas - with allot of Golden flecks or border on it. You would want to do the Best of the Best for your 50th, that is a Huge Milestone for any Company! Then show all the Artists using it throughout the years as a backdrop for the Ad! |
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Location: Hot Springs, S.D. | And here's what is basically a rewrite of that article from the Associated Press: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_OVATION_GUITAR_FACTORY?SI... |
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Location: Frozen Tundra of Minnesota | YES!!!!!! Thank You for sharing!!! |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | I wouldn't make a 50th anniversary guitar ... I would make a 50th anniversary EVENT. Like this:
o sell 50 custom order vouchers at $10,000. each
o the lucky buyers get a chinese menu much like the 2006 "custom shop" catalog
o pick your top material, finish, sond hole config, bracing, bowl, neck, nutwidth, etc etc
o basically configure and bling it out anyway you want within the limits of the selections
o your voucher includes round trip travel and accomodations to "the event"
o the lucky owners all show up for the event to pick up their guitars along with company reps and the press
o you throw a nice gala party with dinner and drinks and the unvailing of the guitars
o everyone gets a video of their guitar being built, factory tour, photos with the luthiers, etc.
That's how I would make it special. The buzz from something like this would be amazing. Can you imagine the chatter here on this board alone? You're not going to satisfy everybody with one guitar so why not satisfy 50 people with 50 special guitars build just for them and an event they will never forget.
Edited by Standingovation 2015-09-03 4:54 PM
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Location: Flahdaw | What do you do if you only get 42 people? Or 38? Or 11? |
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Location: south east Michigan | Geez.... what a buzzkill. |
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Location: SoCal | Well he is darkbar and therefore has a certain reputation to live down...... |
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Location: Flahdaw | I'm just sayin'....
That plan seems like a "all in", or it doesn't fly. I'll be the 1st guy to wear a teakettle outfit if they were to get 50 people to lay out $10,000. (well...the 2nd) |
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Location: Tennessee | 6 limited edition models:
- Cat Stevens Folklore
- Brian May Pacemaker 1615
- John Lennon Legend Limited
- Richie Sambora Doubleneck
- Nancy Wilson Elite
- Bob Marley Adamas 1
Some sort of a 50th theme to tie them all together.
Nah, never happen.
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Location: Frozen Tundra of Minnesota | stonebobbo - 2015-09-03 7:44 PM
6 limited edition models:
- Cat Stevens Folklore
- Brian May Pacemaker 1615
- John Lennon Legend Limited
- Richie Sambora Doubleneck
- Nancy Wilson Elite
- Bob Marley Adamas 1
Some sort of a 50th theme to tie them all together.
Nah, never happen.
The Glen Campbell 12 String! |
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Location: SW Mintsoda | naellis58 - 2015-09-03 8:00 PM
stonebobbo - 2015-09-03 7:44 PM
6 limited edition models:
- Cat Stevens Folklore
- Brian May Pacemaker 1615
- John Lennon Legend Limited
- Richie Sambora Doubleneck
- Nancy Wilson Elite
- Bob Marley Adamas 1
Some sort of a 50th theme to tie them all together.
Nah, never happen.
The Glen Campbell 12 String!
Yeah, I'd sub in the GC 12-string for the RS double-neck (since that's not likely to happen), and you've got a pretty good list. Now offer the John Lennon and GC 12 in lefty versions, and you'll make us brain-damaged lefty players happy, too! |
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Location: Tennessee | They already reissued the Glen Campbell 1618 back at the 40th I think. The Brian May guitar is that same 12 with a little less bling.
That USA Doubleneck is iconic Ovation for a lot of players during that timeframe, especially those versions with the star inlays. They are still very sought after and elusive. There's a whole generation of guitars players out there who think it is the ultimate Ovation. If they're going to do limited run custom hand work, why not?
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Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | Well I may be in the minority, but if they are going to build guitars in a 50th anniversary theme, I would hope that it would include nods to all of the styles available 50 years ago. Just seems like the right thing to do.
Two words.... Storm and Breadwinner |
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Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | I'm with Bobbo re the double neck. Since Tim isn't likely to part with his, and it's one model I've thought about many times, a custom or very limited edition will be the only way I'll ever have one. Not exactly sure what I would do with it, and I sure don't have space to hang it, but wow. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Sorry folks, I don't follow your logic ...
All these "iconic" models that you list are easily available on the used market. So what is the sense of a reissue when you can just buy an original. Sure a reissue '57 Les Paul is desirable becuase nobody can afford an original. But we're talking about guitars available TODAY on ebay for $500 to $1000 dollars. Maybe double that for an adamas. Previous attempts at Ovation reissues didn't exactly fly off the shelf.
Miles may be on to something. To celebrate 50 years why not incorporate everything Ovation is known for ... build a Shiny bowl with Elite top, 5 piece skunk stripe neck with carved adamas headstock, Custom legend fretboard inlays, string through bridge, OP-24 preamp with stereo output and a Storm pickguard? And if you really want to cover everything Ovation is known for, build it in Korea. |
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Location: SoCal | Good points. Up to a point...... |
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Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | Standingovation - 2015-09-04 11:14 AM
And if you really want to cover everything Ovation is known for, build it in Korea.
Now that's just being mean. 
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Location: Flahdaw | But funny! |
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Location: Frozen Tundra of Minnesota | Or....
Have a Stencil of the New Hartford Factory (from the inside labels) in deep brown applied to the lower bout like they did the Patriot. It says Tradition, American Made, and Quality.
It is where Ovation was born, and now re-born. AND... It could be added to any of the Limited Editions, and the Anniversary Model!
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Location: Tennessee | Standingovation - 2015-09-04 11:14 AM To celebrate 50 years why not incorporate everything Ovation is known for ... build a Shiny bowl with Elite top, 5 piece skunk stripe neck with carved adamas headstock, Custom legend fretboard inlays, string through bridge, OP-24 preamp with stereo output and a Storm pickguard? And if you really want to cover everything Ovation is known for, build it in Korea. OK, but it must be in MOB Blue with the surfboard epaulets and funky bridge. If you're gonna make the world's ugliest guitar, might as well go all the way. |
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| Here's an article about the reopening posted on NBC Connecticut:
http://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/Previously-Closed-Connecti...
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Location: Hot Springs, S.D. | stonebobbo - 2015-09-05 3:17 PM
Standingovation - 2015-09-04 11:14 AM To celebrate 50 years why not incorporate everything Ovation is known for ... build a Shiny bowl with Elite top, 5 piece skunk stripe neck with carved adamas headstock, Custom legend fretboard inlays, string through bridge, OP-24 preamp with stereo output and a Storm pickguard? And if you really want to cover everything Ovation is known for, build it in Korea. OK, but it must be in MOB Blue with the surfboard epaulets and funky bridge. If you're gonna make the world's ugliest guitar, might as well go all the way.
Don't forget the nastiest looking peghead ever made! |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | Yes but do a reverse one, reverse is always cooler........ |
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Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | Standingovation - 2015-09-04 11:14 AM
Sorry folks, I don't follow your logic ...
All these "iconic" models that you list are easily available on the used market. So what is the sense of a reissue when you can just buy an original. Sure a reissue '57 Les Paul is desirable becuase nobody can afford an original. But we're talking about guitars available TODAY on ebay for $500 to $1000 dollars. Maybe double that for an adamas. Previous attempts at Ovation reissues didn't exactly fly off the shelf.
Miles may be on to something. To celebrate 50 years why not incorporate everything Ovation is known for ... build a Shiny bowl with Elite top, 5 piece skunk stripe neck with carved adamas headstock, Custom legend fretboard inlays, string through bridge, OP-24 preamp with stereo output and a Storm pickguard? And if you really want to cover everything Ovation is known for, build it in Korea.
I really don't think a FrankenVation is that great of an idea. My point was aimed at all the talk of great models as suggestions that weren't made 50-ish years ago.
As far as marketability of re-issues... I think the models they are talking about are just going to be special. I don't think the plan is to sell them as much as it is to Build them. Think how much meaning the old "wall of guitars" in Engineering had. I think DW should start a new wall showing off what they envision the standards to be going forward. If people would rather buy the import version of those because they can't afford'em, that's fine. THAT is the POINT !!!!
When Ovation was in it's heyday, you could aspire to an Adamas. The price of an Adamas back then was out of reach of most musicians. But the last Adamas' made were in the "average for a decent guitar" price range and proportionally bargains on the used market. Ovation needs some guitars in the "high end" price range again. Like it or not, most people associate price with quality. They just do, it's a fact, get over it.
FWIW, that's DW's model and they sell the crap out of their Drums. They are expensive, and they are high quality. You want that quality, you pay for it. That is what I would like to see Ovation hit NAMM with in January. Guitars that are so stunning and great sounding that they can't be ignored and if you have to ask how much they are, you can't afford them.
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Location: Frozen Tundra of Minnesota | cwk2 - 2015-09-04 5:49 PM
Yes but do a reverse one, reverse is always cooler........
Oooooh Yeah!!! Reverse would be cool!
I am sure that DW already has their plans for the Anniversary Set laid out, detailed, and determined. It is just kind of fun to speculate on some cool ideas for it. I actually liked the Event idea! I couldn't do it, but it was a really neat idea! And I do hope that when the first new American Made Ovation is completed, that they burst open a bottle of something bubbly, and take a picture for us all to see! It will be a Great Day!!! |
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Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | mileskb - 2015-09-04 4:39 PM
Like it or not, most people associate price with quality. They just do, it's a fact, get over it.
Yeah....
I am glad that I got some great USO's for cheap,
cuz I won't be buying any $3K-$5K Ovations.
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Location: Always beautiful canyon country of Utah | I like what Dave said. Why pay 3 to 5 thousand dollars when you can buy a fine used one of equal quality and already possessing the karma of being played and making music? Kinda like reinventing the wheel? But I know I am a minority opinion on this site cause I don't even have GAS. It is not possible to improve on the 3 guitars I already have. All that remains is to enjoy them!! |
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Location: Always beautiful canyon country of Utah | But I must confess I do have APSCS (Antique popsicle stick collectors syndrome) |
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Location: Hot Springs, S.D. | Look at the prices of crappy Taylors or Martins or Gibsons. We've been complaining for years that all we saw in stores were the foreign made O's. Now, with all the publicity DW has put out there, and with the high standards the company has, we WILL be seeing high end O's in the stores, right next to the Crappy Taylors etc. And you KNOW they will change people's minds who went in prepared to shell out big bucks for a "name". Instead they will be buying a GREAT GUITAR that will soon also have a "name". Only in the case of the O's, the quality and the sound will JUSTIFY the "name" and the price. |
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Location: Frozen Tundra of Minnesota | CanterburyStrings - 2015-09-05 9:49 AM
Look at the prices of crappy Taylors or Martins or Gibsons. We've been complaining for years that all we saw in stores were the foreign made O's. Now, with all the publicity DW has put out there, and with the high standards the company has, we WILL be seeing high end O's in the stores, right next to the Crappy Taylors etc. And you KNOW they will change people's minds who went in prepared to shell out big bucks for a "name". Instead they will be buying a GREAT GUITAR that will soon also have a "name". Only in the case of the O's, the quality and the sound will JUSTIFY the "name" and the price.
+1. I was watching Shark Tank the other night, and the Shark told his Clients that you should Never lower the price and quality to sell to more people, you always go for maintaining the Quality and Price. Fewer people may be able to afford them, but that creates a demand and solid reputation for them.
And once someone tests out a high end Ovation or Adamas at a store, they are going to WANT one!!! So maybe for now, they will get a less expensive O, for now... When they are able, they will go after the Higher End O/A!
DW has earned their reputation with High End, High Quality pieces, they have a Great Sales Strategy to follow for Ovation!
And once people hear them, and play those necks, side by side, there is no contest!
Edited by Nancy 2015-09-05 10:13 AM
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Location: Colorado | I'm in on Tupperware's idea....49 to go |
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Location: Frozen Tundra of Minnesota | nerdydave - 2015-09-04 11:58 PM
But I must confess I do have APSCS (Antique popsicle stick collectors syndrome)
Okay Dave, I need to know what Antique Popsicle Sticks are, and why you collect them! LOL!!! |
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Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | CanterburyStrings - 2015-09-05 7:49 AM
Instead they will be buying a GREAT GUITAR that will soon also have a "name".
Only in the case of the O's, the quality and the sound will JUSTIFY the "name" and the price.
Personally, one of the things that I liked about Ovations were that they were affordable.
Way back before I played, I saw many USA Balladeers and Pacemakers being carried by hitch-hikers because they were sturdy and affordable and Loud.
Many stuck-up people looked down upon Ovations because of the lower price-point.
That these same people didn't know the difference between a USO and an import also hurt.
But these people had already decided that they would never play a plastic guitar.
Raising the price won't make them any more visible in the stores.
That will just put them in the back room with the Collings, Santa Cruz and overpriced Gibsons.
The average buyer still won't see them or be able to afford them.
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Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | This thread got me thinking about the "why aren't Ovation's in the Acoustic rooms" in stores. Well of course at the moment it's because they aren't being made yet, but in years past, they used to be. In years past, there used to be Ovation specific listening rooms. But then Ovation stopped appearing with the others and I think I see a BIG reason why.
Yes Ovations do sound great. So why would any store owner in their right mind put a $2,000-$3,000 Adamas even in with guitars that cost over $5000 ? They'd sell a whole bunch LESS of those expensive guitars.
I just looked on Musicans Friend...
- Taylor has nearly 20 models in the $5,000+ range
- Gibson have about 10 models (Acoustics) over $5,000
- Martin has over 30 models in the over $5,000
I could go on but I think the point is clear. I don't know what the high end prices of those brands were 15-20 years ago, but I'm pretty sure Ovation was still "Affordable" and I'm guess that's EXACTLY why they weren't in the room with the other high-end acoustics.
Rest assured DW will be making some "affordable" (I use quotes because affordable is subjective) guitars, but I think it's high time Ovations were back in the Acoustic listening rooms.
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Location: Flahdaw | In my opinion, it won't work unless they get some HUGE endorsee before they start trying to get into acoustic rooms (yes, even BIGGER than Kaki).
DW is gonna need to find someone that the guitar playing world as a whole respects and would like to emulate. They need to see that person in concert, on video, on TV, using that Ovation (maybe the 50th anniversary model). |
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Location: Always beautiful canyon country of Utah | That would be Nancy!! |
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Location: Flahdaw | Maybe even bigger... |
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Location: Frozen Tundra of Minnesota | Didn't Taylor Swift start out on Ovations??? I am not a big fan, but she sure has a Huge following!
A *Taylor* playing an Ovation - good humor! And she could sing, "Baby got Back"!
Edited by Nancy 2015-09-06 10:43 AM
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Location: Hot Springs, S.D. | I agree with Miles. And I don't think we need a famous endorser playing them if they are in the room with the other "big boys". If they are there, people will try them. Then they will sell themselves.
I have to be honest here. Back in the day when everyone was playing an Ovation on stage, quite a few of these "stars" did interviews in various different magazines in which they said they used O's on stage because they plugged in and were indestructible but they RECORDED with Martins or Gibsons. Now it's time for Ovations to sell because of the sound and the great necks. And they WILL once we get them into the hands of prospective buyers.
There will still be "affordable" O's, both the new (and I'm SURE they will be better quality than in the past) overseas guitars, plus the used market. So the kids who are looking for a first guitar will find O's at the front of the store, the just plain regular folks who are looking for a better guitar will find O's in the middle of the store, and the folks who are looking for high end will find O's outshining the crappy Taylors et.al. in the back of the store. |
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Location: Colorado | 50th Super Bowl this year....Ovations 50th Anniversary....just sayin |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | I've posted this before, and I know its a strange logic. But the mind works in odd ways sometimes ... maybe even more strange if there is a fat wallet involved. Follow me here ...
Somebody who is set out to buy his/her wooden dream guitar with a $5000. budget in their pocket isn't likely to be swayed to Ovation because it's "equal or better quality for a lot less money". Mercedes Benz shoppers don't generally end up coming home in Cadillac's even though I hear the Caddy is a damn good car for the money. Any sentence that ends in "for the money" carries less and less meaning as you move up the price pole. Trust me, they guy out to spend $5000 a guitar is damn well gonna spend $5000. Anything less would be considered "settling". As odd as it sounds, in my opinion I think the best way for Ovation to compete against $5000 wooden guitars would be to price the Ovation in the same range. A ton of people simply believe you get what you pay for and in 9/10 cases that's probably true. I guarantee the buyer in this example is gonna spend every penny of $5000. So why give him the "out" to dismiss Ovation simply because it is a cheaper guitar. Let him compare all the $5000. guitars in the room including the Ovation and let the guitars speak for themselves. |
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September 2006
Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | Okay... and if you list them at $5K, that will get them put in the expensive humidity-controlled room.
For away from the greasy fingers of the shredder-punks. 
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Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 852
Location: Canada | Standingovation - 2015-09-06 1:00 PM Any sentence that ends in "for the money" carries less and less meaning as you move up the price pole. Trust me, they guy out to spend $5000 a guitar is damn well gonna spend $5000. Anything less would be considered "settling". I don't agree and would like to think that the value perception carries up all the way up the price ladder. As much as someone with a $2000 budget loves to get a guitar with a perceived $3500 value, I would think that someone who has $5000 to spend would like to get a guitar for that money that has perceived $7000 or higher value. |
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Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 4535
Location: Flahdaw | In fact, one reason manufacturers WENT to China and Korea was to get more bang for the buck. The customer wanted perceived value for a better price. Why would it be any different for a guitar.
The Lexus LS 400 was terrific competition for Mercedes, at a better price, and much more reliable. That resulted in great sales. |
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Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 6202
Location: Phoenix AZ | Well, let's cross fingers and see how it works out. It will be interesting to see what market Ovation really wants to sell into and exactly what will be their strategy. Fortunately that have good (70s-80s), mediocre (90s-00s) and bad (10s) lessons to learn from. |
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Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 5881
Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | merlin666 - 2015-09-06 2:35 PM I would think that someone who has $5000 to spend would like to get a guitar for that money that has perceived $7000 or higher value. We did. And they were called custom Adamas orders, and they came in for even less, too. |
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