Posted 2015-10-31 2:33 PM (#517989) Subject: A few notes on the Grand Re-Opening
Joined: December 2001 Posts: 7222
Location: The Great Pacific Northwest
With 9 hours of flying time to get home I had some time to think. So... in no particular order..
Well Done to the Staff of DW. Everything went off smoothly and we all know planning events is NOT an easy task even if you have months to prepare. They had weeks, and it just went off without a hitch.
Thanks to the staff of Ovation !!!! I don't think I have seen smiles that big on you guys EVER. You'd think these guys were all just becoming dads for the first time or something. Honestly, the flowers sent by Ken from Japan to John said what we were all thinking. I think I can speak for everyone when I say we all felt pride in what our friends were doing, congratulations that they were doing it, and sheer joy to watch them, and honored to be a part of it.
Back to the DW Staff, thanks for including the Ovation FanClub !!! and
To my fellow Ovation FancClub members and friends who attended.. THANK YOU !!!! This was a big deal and you did us all proud.
About REO... I don't think there could have been a better spokesman than Kevin for this event. Kevin is one of those few genuine guys in the industry. As I understand it, he OFFERED to do this gig, he wanted to do it. He makes his living with these guitars and his confidence in them was pretty obvious. There was no opening chords hoolpla lets-see-what-it-sounds like... He said a few words, and started playing. He knew it would be great and it was.
But the best part was hanging out before and after. I have been to a few tours and gatherings at the Factory over the years. This was by far the most relaxed and non-dog'n-pony show ever (the factory tour part). There were things laying about (tools and guitars) in various stages that exuded a level of "we aren't there yet" but at the same time "we will be." Groups of folks circled around each station with people like Darren, Sherwood, John etc. describing what they were doing, or trying to do, or intending to do. Everyone was just so damned proud and excited to be doing what they were doing. It was inspriring to say the least.
In hindsight, the closeure of the plant may have been the best thing to happen to Ovation since the days when Bill Kaman was around running the show. It gave the engineers and luthiers a chance to re-assemble gear in a way that couldn't be done before. Make those little "enhancements" that they always wanted to but couldn't because it was a working factory. And most importantly, it is obvious that the goal is to build great sounding, quality, guitars again.
Darren mentioned that maybe it was time for another "Book"... I think that might be a few years off. We certainly have the first chapter. It will be fun to watch the future of Ovation as it unfolds.
Miles
This is the entire, essentially unedited video of the event. Please excuse the sound, the crowd noise was hard to overcome with the the computer I'm currently using. Near the end is an exchange that is hard to hear where Bill Xavier gets the guitar back from Kevin and hands it off to Darren.... who in turn, hands it back to a very surpised and grateful Kevin "this is yours."
Posted 2015-11-01 7:20 PM (#518025 - in reply to #517989) Subject: Re: A few notes on the Grand Re-Opening
Joined: October 2012 Posts: 1034
Location: Yokohama, Japan
Thanks for posting the video Mr. Ovation! That is just so great! I feel like I've had the privilege of attending the Re-Birth Celebration! Now, if I could just get one of those T-shirts! Thanks again for "letting us in" on this most memorable occasion!
Posted 2015-11-21 10:56 AM (#518730 - in reply to #517989) Subject: Re: A few notes on the Grand Re-Opening
Joined: August 2002 Posts: 8307
Location: Tennessee
Hey all. I made some notes about the re-opening event in my iPhone over the following few days while I was on extended travel ... and came across them this morning and realized ("realised" for my English speaking friends) that I hadn't shared them. Even though some things became more clear over the following couple of weeks, I thought I'd share my initial observations here. Take it for what it's worth.
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Random ramblings regarding the rising
The most striking things about the guitars are wood and gold. And gloss. All of the guitars we saw, the various incarnations of the 50th guitars, had wood binding. Cocobolo I think? Some Koa too. On the body and on the neck. They told me it's different and harder working with wood for that stuff, but apparently the crew were fast learners. The work was beautiful. I'm a sucker for wood binding, and they really caught my attention.
I'm also a sucker for abalone, and Ovation always did beautiful abalone and never skimped on product quality. There's some really nice abalone purfling and inlays on some of the 50th guitars there. The wood purfling and the abalone together just knock me out. And this was beautiful. Especially powerful was the abalone on the gloss black REO Viper.
But the gold ... a subtle nod at the traditional 50th metal and the way they used it is quite elegant. All the fret wires are gold. As are the tuners, and the decorative art pieces like the 2080 swoosh-hole surround, and the Bearclaw pieces on the round holes Adamas, and of course the 12th fret inlay bits.
What I don't recall seeing is whether they used any of the gold fleck glitter spray on the bowls of the guitars, like they did on the original Slotheads and carried over to the Adamas I and the reissues and such. I would be so stoked if that was on the bowl of the one I already have reserved through AlPep. I sure hope that's the case.
DW are so SoCal. In the best of ways. Which feels right to me since I'm SoCal born and raised. These folks that all came out seemed to be serious business people, but still had a hipness and flair about them. They weren't corporate pukes by any stretch if you know what I mean. I think they are gonna good people to have operating the place.
I'm going to have to keep reminding myself that this is still a small business. The factory is small and only 7 people. I heard murmurs that they'd like to add another seven people, but it's not as easy as it sounds for a bunch of different reasons. But they'll get to the size they need to be when they can. And DW themselves are not a huge company either ... certainly not more than a few hundred people for their entire business ... so there's a limit to how much they can do how fast.
DW marketing did a fine job at getting the most out of the event. They had it dialed in for maximum bang for the circumstances. Elizabeth was the young woman who had all the balls in the air and she was good at her job. That ought to indicate good things in future.
Models
Round hole wood top. Knockout Ovation. The best of everything I've ever liked about Ovation crafted in a fit and finish that is a whole level beyond what they've done in the past. It's either a custom legend on steroids or a completely blinged out folklore deluxe, depending on which configuration you choose. I have already reserved one of these. I hope I can get it in a 1 3/4" nut in the 14-fret cutaway contour bowl configuration. No doubt this is the best looking Ovation I have ever laid eyes on. And it sounded really good when Kevin Cronin played it in the Tavern.
2080 style. It's a colorful version of my OFC2 guitar. Especially if they put that maple neck on there. The flame maple necks they had there was a good influence from the more rocker side that DW brings. They were sweet. (Aside: I heard an OFC2 wide neck being played on stage by some really fine guitartists at a friend's last weekend and it really shined plugged in). This Anniversary model has a red wine carbon fiber top with a gloss finish, and the swoosh-hole surround is the same design as the standard 2080 but is finished in gold (instead of aluminum) and walnut (in place of ebony).
Gold leaf dual epaulets Elite. The gold epaulets need some more R&D before they're ready for prime time. The guys are just learning how to work with the stuff. I have a feeling that one they get it figured out, it'll be totally bitchin'. -5 with gold accents, fret wire, and epaulets is pretty amazing.
Bearclaw Adamas. I don't know why I call it that but I thought I heard someone who had one like it call it that. I think it's because the metal strips over the sound hole look like a bear took a swipe. Anyway, this wine red carbon fiber top is sick. Lusciously beautiful with the gold accent trim. And the gloss finish gave it a depth and clarity that was stunning. I can't recall if this was to be 12-fret or 14-fret, but they were slothead style. I think they were still deciding on final details.
REO Viper. I don't know if this is a 50th model or not, but it ought to be. I'm a Viper fan and have one that has gotten plenty of play. The REO Viper would help bridge the gap to the more rocker side of DW and their base. And it was a killer Viper. All gloss back. Even the back. Stunning abalone purfling around the top. The epaulets are inlaid faux tortoise shiell. Really nice. I don't remember if it was bound in tortoise shell or not. The shape and feel of the Viper with its fast 16-fret neck, and thin chambered body. In a hip tuxedo ... who could ask for anything more?
Not all the guitars were finished ... in fact, most were unfinished. So I can't be sure about neck woods (some will be walnut in a nod to the traditional Adamas neck, in addition to the 5-piece and the flamed maple ones). The neck and headstocks are pure Ovation. Sweet. And they get some of the upper end touches we've seen on some of the special O's we've seen over the years.
Suspension rings. I didn't see any. That doesn't mean anything about anything. But I didn't see any. So I'm not sure any of the 50th guitars will have one. It might be a case of not having the resources to pull off an Adamas I style guitar yet.
There's an enhanced way they're making the bowls. Or some of them anyway ... not sure of all the specifics about those things. But the bowl I saw and was explained to me was super thin and nearly transparent - you could see the two small pieces of tape through the bowl that are there to hold the electronics wiring. It's a lyracord formulation of some sort, but instead of the bowls being pressed in molds, they are made in an autoclave (I think) where they use a vacuum to get all of the air out in the molds. Apparently this results in a much more consistent piece, that takes a lot less handwork to finish, and makes them stronger and lighter. I imagine they're going to be really resonant and loud. And they looked uber cool. A lot different than some of the production bowls I held back in the day. I'll bet they ring like an old Josh White.
I haven't heard anyone mention it, but I think the Ovation logo is new. When I look at the pictures of the sign on the stage (that I signed!), and the logo on the headstock of the new guitar, it struck me as an updated lettering. It is very reminiscent of some vintage Ovation typography, but I think it's different and been refreshed with a modern feel. Experts here would know. But haven't seen it mentioned anywhere so I thought I'd note it. That alone ought to make a lot of people happy.
It was cool to see some of the ghosts of the past floating around the building. Guys like Rick Hall, David Bergstrom, Mike Markure. There were others too who were an important part of Ovation but I didn't know them. There were a few folks who were missing, and they were truly missed.
But it was great to see JohnB, Darren, Sherwood, and Mike doing their thing. Along with the other three who I don't want to misname ... sorry about that guys. Faces are easier for me to remember these days than names.
I am humbled to be able to hang with some of the great friends I have in the OFC. It was great to see Mr. Big, Mr. Ovation, Cliff, Damon, MarkL, PEZ, the Stongii, and Patch. I also got my first taste of PeanutButter ... nice to meet you. The famous Dan Gallo was in the house, but I didn't get a chance to meet him. I know I probably missed some others, but needless to say the OFC was well represented. I'm especially happy for AlPep, and figure he will once again be the largest Adamas dealer in the world, even though Mr. Big is not nearly any more. He's got a preorder with my name on it.
I'll be patient. It's not like I can really play a guitar in anger quite yet. It's just a matter of time for me so I can wait. I figure the factory seven are going to be heads down just getting the guitars right and enough of them to show at NAMM and into the hands of the promotion artists, movers and shakers.
Posted 2015-11-21 4:46 PM (#518739 - in reply to #518737) Subject: Re: A few notes on the Grand Re-Opening
Joined: December 2014 Posts: 1713
Location: Frozen Tundra of Minnesota
Thank You Bobbo!!
They all sound Wonderful!!! I am still wondering if I can sell more horses to get the FD14, I agree with you, it is one of the most Beautiful Ovations that I have ever seen!
And Thank You for the explanation on the Bowls, it will be really interesting to hear the difference between the old and the new!! I am looking forward to it too!!
Thank you for sharing your observations and experiences!
Posted 2015-11-22 8:55 PM (#518775 - in reply to #517989) Subject: Re: A few notes on the Grand Re-Opening
Joined: October 2012 Posts: 1034
Location: Yokohama, Japan
Thanks for sharing your perspective stonebobo! Being so far away from the States, it is so cool to read your thoughts on the Re-birth of Ovation. The guitar specs details are very helpful. I just my get a shot at a Black & Gold 50th!
Posted 2015-11-23 2:26 PM (#518789 - in reply to #517989) Subject: Re: A few notes on the Grand Re-Opening
Joined: March 2005 Posts: 12758
Location: Boise, Idaho
I'm in the same boat, Stephen, but I thought that if I spent all that money and time flying to the East Coast, there would be no way I could afford a new guitar. There's still no way I can afford a new guitar and I didn't spend the time and money on the trip, but I'm still thinking about it.
A few notes on the Grand Re-Opening
