Posted 2015-11-02 7:58 PM (#518091) Subject: Shine on you Crazy Diamond in the Rough...GASed Again
Joined: May 2015 Posts: 186
Location: Glendora, CA
Well it happened. I bought a guitar that is as old as I am. I was born in 1968 and so was this guy. Like me he is a little hard around the edges, has some cracks and dings on the face, a shiny butt, and a poorly fixed headstock… HA!
I essentially traded an amp for it (sold the amp for GAF) and could not be happier. Its a three planker (I believe it looks like three planks), has great action down to the body, some dip at the hole but hey so do I…HA! All and all just a great player. Yes it is a 2nd - has the 2 burned into the back of the headstock, at this age it seems impossible to know why. I did notice that the sound hole ring inlay the placement looks different than others I have seen - its at about 5:00 o’clock where most I have seen are at around 3:00 ish. But no idea if that’s a thing, or just my ignorance.
There also is a weird 1/4 jack that has been put into the spot where a strap button should go… but no strap button on top.
Getting ready to restring so I will get the old dental mirror and flashlight out and see what the hibbie it is. I like a strap so my guess is changing this as well as adding a top button will be my first project after new strings. Perhaps at some point I will try to do a better job fixing the headstock... someday...
Is it me or is the shiny bowl lighter than the Lynachords? All I know is I love the way it feels and plays. Anyone know if even though this is a second someday I might be able to send it to the Mothership for service?
Posted 2015-11-02 8:14 PM (#518094 - in reply to #518091) Subject: RE: Shine on you Crazy Diamond in the Rough...GASed Again
Joined: January 2009 Posts: 1249
Location: Texas
I think the rosette placement is just fine...I think anywhere from 3:30 to 5:30 (CST) was possible. Yep...a super fun guitar to play and acoustically, it should be equal or superior to most to the wannabe's that followed. Congrats on a super find. I think the more you play her, the fonder you will become. She is a survivor. Help her out, if you can.
Posted 2015-11-03 5:51 AM (#518107 - in reply to #518091) Subject: Re: Shine on you Crazy Diamond in the Rough...GASed Again
Joined: September 2011 Posts: 402
Location: New Hartford CT
Nice score Ten...I love these old shiny bowls. I have S/N #698 Deluxe Balladeer, it also has the '2' burned into the back of the headstock but who knows why it was made a factory second after nearly 50 years? In my case my Dad bought it right at the factory back in'67 when our shop was next door to Ovation. Knowing him he worked out a deal and traded some machine shop work for the guitar.
Ovation can give it a once over if needed. But that's a lot of travel for an old guitar so make sure it's carefully packed and shipped. I'd just give it a little tune up, a good cleaning, new strings and see where you're at.
Posted 2015-11-03 11:14 AM (#518118 - in reply to #518091) Subject: Re: Shine on you Crazy Diamond in the Rough...GASed Again
Joined: March 2005 Posts: 12759
Location: Boise, Idaho
I didn't think the 3 plankers were made for that long and I can't tell from the picture. Regardless, that's a great find and you are a young kid if you were born in 1968, or 1958 for that matter. My first car was made the same year as you were and it was almost new when I got it.
Posted 2015-11-03 11:50 AM (#518120 - in reply to #518091) Subject: RE: Shine on you Crazy Diamond in the Rough...GASed Again
Joined: May 2015 Posts: 186
Location: Glendora, CA
Thanks everyone!! Yes even with old cruddy strings it sounds fantastic. My Mothership question was really long term. This guitar photographs well meaning it hides its flaws well. Here tare some more detail shots of the two largest areas of damage. Lower bout has a impact crack that has been amaturely “stabilized” (I am being kind) There are also two through the wood cracks that run from bridge to bowl. These look like they will be an issue in several years…which would be how long I would need to save up to send in…HA!
Tuning pegs are definitely worn - but as long as they keep tune I am fine.
These photos are why I think its a three plank it looks like three panels not the traditional bookend…but what do I know…
At any rate I love it, and I think its blemishes add to its character. At least that’s what my wife says about me...
Posted 2015-11-03 12:57 PM (#518125 - in reply to #518091) Subject: Re: Shine on you Crazy Diamond in the Rough...GASed Again
Joined: March 2005 Posts: 12759
Location: Boise, Idaho
That sure looks like a 3 plank top. I also has the old style bridge. I didn't know they made them that way until 1968. That is a fantastic find. Nice pictures, too. I'm ashamed I haven't taken more pictures of my K1111 RI so we could compare.
Shine on you Crazy Diamond in the Rough...GASed Again
