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Location: New York, NY | Any idea when we might see an updated Ovation Guitars website?
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Location: Phoenix AZ | I'm not sure the website is a high priority for them. First priority is of course building the darn guitars. As far as web presence I think by far most traffic gravitates to Facebook and I think they have done a pretty good job with that. The webpage probably will get a major make over and mimic the DW page in due time. Just my guess. |
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Location: Canada | Standingovation - 2016-01-25 6:24 AM As far as web presence I think by far most traffic gravitates to Facebook and I think they have done a pretty good job with that. I would be interested about the statistics of how many people try to look up specs and prices of guitars, or find out about support options and other key information needs on facebook and fail. I don't use facebook so I'm not sure if that information would be even there. Maybe I'm just an old fart but hedging all bets on facebook and neglecting the real website is a bad move. They would have much better control over content if they had setup a little sub-page on their web server labelled NEWS and kept that up-to-date instead of relying on third-party scoial media that few people bother with.
Edited by d'ovation 2016-01-25 9:30 AM
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| Standingovation - 2016-01-25 5:24 AM
I'm not sure the website is a high priority for them. First priority is of course building the darn guitars.
It doesn't seem like it's been that long since DW agreed to buy Ovation, and that domestic production was restarted.
Having seen companies which embraced hype over product, I much prefer actual production over promotion in the beginning stages.
Unless those who are waiting on their 50th Anniversary guitars have already received them, it seems like the priority is in the right place. Serve those who are ready to buy before pursuing those who aren't.
Maybe I don't understand why a business would want to avoid the low hanging fruit, especially in the beginning stages.
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Location: Phoenix AZ | A question that nobody seems to be asking ...
They are building these 40th and 50th anniversary guitars in limited numbers. Granted it may take them quite some time to build them all. BUT THEN WHAT? What will be the offering of "regular" USA produced Ovations ??? Or will they (my prediction) just offer the next round of Limited Edition boutique guitars and serve as a development arm that feeds the next volume product to the offshore plants? |
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Location: Frozen Tundra of Minnesota | d'ovation - 2016-01-25 9:28 AM
Standingovation - 2016-01-25 6:24 AM As far as web presence I think by far most traffic gravitates to Facebook and I think they have done a pretty good job with that. I would be interested about the statistics of how many people try to look up specs and prices of guitars, or find out about support options and other key information needs on facebook and fail. I don't use facebook so I'm not sure if that information would be even there. Maybe I'm just an old fart but hedging all bets on facebook and neglecting the real website is a bad move. They would have much better control over content if they had setup a little sub-page on their web server labelled NEWS and kept that up-to-date instead of relying on third-party scoial media that few people bother with.
I agree, people will go to the Website to get actual Specs and Pricing Information. Facebook is more like a Fan Page.
I am sure DW has a WebDesigner Team, that has nothing to do with the Boys in Ct, or the Mfg'ing overseas, that is an entirely different "Spoke in the Wheel". Now that they have announced them, and the Excitement is palpable, they need to get the website updated, so that people can see individual pics of what they want, the prices, and Dealers to go to, to order them from. They have the Product, Bill-X said that everything on the Floor was in stock, except for the 50th's, so get the ability to pick, choose and order up and running, or you have stock in the warehouse that nobody knows how to get their hands on. JMHO 
Edited by Nancy 2016-01-25 12:06 PM
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Location: Canada | Standingovation - 2016-01-25 10:24 AM A question that nobody seems to be asking ... They are building these 40th and 50th anniversary guitars in limited numbers. Granted it may take them quite some time to build them all. BUT THEN WHAT? What will be the offering of "regular" USA produced Ovations ??? Or will they (my prediction) just offer the next round of Limited Edition boutique guitars and serve as a development arm that feeds the next volume product to the offshore plants? I am getting the impression that DW is taking it one step at a time. They will probably see how the special models are received and then consider what's next depending on their demand forecasts. Maybe they will stay with the boutique/custom shop size for a while and serve the high end only, or maybe they have capacity to expand and roll out one or two regular U.S production models ... |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | I just noticed that d'ovation has been a member since 2003, longer than me, so we've seen a lot of ups and downs and should have the patience to wait and hope for this to be another upswing. |
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Location: Frozen Tundra of Minnesota | Mark in Boise - 2016-01-25 12:35 PM
I just noticed that d'ovation has been a member since 2003, longer than me, so we've seen a lot of ups and downs and should have the patience to wait and hope for this to be another upswing.
+1 -
I have No Doubt whatsoever that DW is going to do a Fantastic Job with all of this, they know their stuff, and have proven that with their Drum Division. I am hoping that they were well pleased with this last weekend, and the response, but I have absolutely Faith in their ability to Bring 'er Back to Life, a GOOD Life, that lasts a very long time!
Congratulations Mark and d'Ovation, that is a loooong time to Ride for a Brand, and it shows the level of commitment of the Fans. And on a personal note, Thank You all for always being so willing to share your knowledge and expertise, it really is unusual now-days, and very much appreciated!! 
Edited by Nancy 2016-01-25 1:02 PM
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Location: Boise, Idaho | From my standpoint, it might just be that I don't like change. I still have my first Ovation from 1977, first wife from the same time and first job since 1978. I wish I'd have kept some of the first cars I had or that Apple stock I sold when they fired Steve Jobs. |
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Location: Frozen Tundra of Minnesota | I am with you Mark, I don't like change, to my routines, or the ways I do things, and I absolutely DETEST New & Improved (because it usually isn't either).
But when it is thrust upon you, and you don't have a choice, I usually embrace it, find a way to make it suit my style, and go about my merry way.
With all the changes happening with Ovation, we had no say, we watched our beloved Brand go downhill and die a slow and painful death. We were frustrated, angry and sad. But DW is a Family Company just like Bill & Charlie, with good old fashioned values, and the insight to change things, not drastically, but enough to incite new interest.
I do love the computers we have now, but you will never catch me using one of those new fangled phones, and I still miss the character of the old cars, and the Wing Windows, Oh God! I Loved Wing Windows!! LOL!!! I guess as long as the Craftsmanship is there, I will try to be flexible. I'll complain about it, but I will try it! LOL!!! |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | I just bought an external hard drive for $60. In 1980, a functional equivalent would have cost something like $80 million and would have been too big to move. Although I don't make good use of all the technology available and much of it frustrates me, the change has been good for the most part.
Ovation's preamps have improved greatly. When I got back into guitars they were making on board tuners, but the print was so small that my old eyes couldn't read it. The new tuners are easy to read and use, although I still can't read the print on them.
The technology that went into the iDea was fascinating and would have been functional if I'd have used it. On the other hand, there's a Legend with a stacked tuner for sale locally that I am drooling over more than I drooled over the 50th Anniversary editions. I have no doubt they are better, but sometimes I just like the old stuff.
I was recently asked what car I would want if I could have anything and I named a new one, but then remembered that I had always wanted a 1959 Convertible D from the first time I saw one, no matter how low tech, underpowered and impractical it was. I hope I am getting better with age, too. Otherwise, what's the point? |
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Location: Utah | There have been some improvements to the website since the darker F days. However they really need to get up to date if they want to compete in the marketplace.
Absolutely people will be going to the website to get an idea of what their options are. They will want to learn what the different bowl options are, what the differences are in the electronics. And they don't want marketing spoo, they want real answers. What's the difference between an Op Pro and an Op Pro Studio preamp? Why would I want one or the other? What is the difference between the sound, feel, and price of different woods? What if I want to upgrade or personalize the guitar, what are the options and what will they cost me? How do I order one? Can I get it delivered via my local music store? Will my local store service the guitar for me? Which stores near me have similar guitars in stock I can go play?
People shop online today rather than going to real brick and mortar stores. At the least they do basic research before driving to a store.
The website should be a fairly high priority in the marketing and distribution side of the business. |
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Location: Flahdaw | Personally, I use the computer for everything....especially product information and shopping, and I never go to Facebook for that.
First I google.
Then based on results, I either go to the webpage, or look at reviews
Sometimes I will first look at any Youtube clips that might be on the 1st page of Google, if they look interesting.
But I NEVER go to Facebook (and I am on Facebook everyday for other things)
Maybe I'm the weirdo..... |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | Well that's true but I think you are on to something there...... |
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Location: Flahdaw | Wait...let me take that back. There's NO WAY I'm a weirdo.
Hey Beal, we're going to see Paul Thorne in a couple of weeks up in Tampa....Michele, myself, and Scott....just like last time in Sarasota. Too bad you're not around. |
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Location: Frozen Tundra of Minnesota | Darkbar - 2016-01-25 5:52 PM
Wait...let me take that back. There's NO WAY I'm a weirdo.
Nooooooo, you had it right the first time, but you are a Weirdo in the Best Way! |
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Location: Cicero, NY | Darkbar - 2016-01-25 5:52 PM Wait...let me take that back. There's NO WAY I'm a weirdo.
Um...way. |
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| Standingovation - 2016-01-25 11:24 AM
A question that nobody seems to be asking ...
They are building these 40th and 50th anniversary guitars in limited numbers. Granted it may take them quite some time to build them all. BUT THEN WHAT? What will be the offering of "regular" USA produced Ovations ??? Or will they (my prediction) just offer the next round of Limited Edition boutique guitars and serve as a development arm that feeds the next volume product to the offshore plants?
I agree. The Limited editions are great, but I would be interested in the regular, made in AMERICA, production line because those would be the models I'd consider buying.
This new Ovation phase, so far, is a wonderful comeback story that all of his here celebrate. I am very curious about the plan for post limited editions.
As far as the website goes, it only helps the company when there is an attractive, up to date website. When I go to a website for any product and I see it's far out of date, it does not leave me with a good impression of that company. For those who have heard about the Ovation comeback, but do not know much about the exact information, what do they think when they look up the Ovation guitars website? Don't get me wrong, I have a very positive feeling about the way the new Ovation folks are moving things. For me, I think getting the website a little more up to date helps get the marketing machine in gear. |
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| the website will be new hopefully this week... |
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Location: Frozen Tundra of Minnesota | xraiderman - 2016-01-26 9:49 AM
the website will be new hopefully this week...
YES!!!!!!!!!! Thank You!! Kind of figured you guys were on top of it, you have been on everything else so far!
I need to check further into a few of these new beauties!!
(On second thought, is there anyway you can block me from that site???? )
Edited by Nancy 2016-01-26 10:37 AM
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Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | xraiderman - 2016-01-26 7:49 AM
the website will be new hopefully this week...
That is good!
Cuz if you search for Ovation Guitars you get http://www.ovationguitars.com/
And I don't go shopping on FaceBook either. (does any adult?)
When I am looking for something to buy I ain't trying to make "friends"... I am shopping.
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Location: Yokohama, Japan | xraiderman - 2016-01-25 11:49 PM
the website will be new hopefully this week...
So, I'm reading this thread thinking, "Man, NAMM finished...like...just yesterday. Give the guys a break!" Only to read this response...see, and that's exciting and inspiring. You gotta like the direction things are headed right now.
By the way, it may be too early to say, but I hope DW documents this turn around in detail. Marketing, production, quality and sales strategy shifts...there have got to be a slough of international trade and labor laws and distribution rights that need to be maneuvered through or around, especially in the Asian manufacturing countries, not to even mention recapturing the imagination of the "hard as nails" competitive US Guitar market (which they seem to have done at NAMM this past week). Oh to have been a fly on the walls of the DW offices over the past 6 to 8 months...man, I'd be one heck of a smart fly!
Behind each successful stage in the come back story, there are people carrying burdens and sacrificing with unbelievable determination. Now, I know why all my drummer buddies swear by DW. Man, these guys are business savvy to the max, and they look like they're having fun doing it! This is all graduate school or doctorate business school case study stuff here...
...but when all is said and done, I want to buy my guitar from a company that cares about their customers and the products that they make. Right now, I really, really, really want to buy a new guitar - a new Ovation guitar!
Edited by arumako 2016-01-27 1:50 AM
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Location: undisclosed | This was fun... Nancy, my cars have wing windows and I agree, but my daily driver is from 1965. I actually like the old preamps with the simple, low power consumption circuits using military grade components. They sound great and you can repair the things. I still use the one from the 1970 Country Artist that went under water in Hurricane Sandy. . Maybe cell phones will get preamp apps so the guitars just need a docking holder. It might even work as a wireless. |
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Location: Adairsville, GA | I am looking for a new guitar. Well, new to me any way. It could be a new, new guitar or one someone else has tried out before me. Either way, what I would really like is a new, new USA made Ovation. As much as I might dream about it, I can't afford a special run guitar. I save quarters and have a "$1.00 savings account" that will pay for what ever I buy so as not to cut into the family budget. I don't make money with my instrument, but do play at church and want the best sound I can afford. Having said all of that, I agree with others here. I first go to a products web-site to see what is available at what cost and then often to review sites before I actually start shopping either on-line or in a brick and mortar. When it comes to instruments, I have never purchased one without putting hands on it first. Since my funds are limited I rarely ever impulse buy. I look, and think, and ponder, and test, and pray, and research, and dream a lot before finally turning loose of any money. In this economy I don't think I am that much of an exception so I do hope they get the web-site updated and that new, new "ordinary" USA Ovations are available soon. |
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Location: Frozen Tundra of Minnesota | Cavalier - 2016-01-27 2:43 AM
This was fun... Nancy, my cars have wing windows and I agree, but my daily driver is from 1965. I actually like the old preamps with the simple, low power consumption circuits using military grade components. They sound great and you can repair the things. I still use the one from the 1970 Country Artist that went under water in Hurricane Sandy. . Maybe cell phones will get preamp apps so the guitars just need a docking holder. It might even work as a wireless.
That is what I am talking about!!! Things that were made to LAST! Quality and Craftsmanship!
(And metal dashboards that you could put magnets on, steel bodies that kept you safe, engine compartments that you could sit in to fix, and actually find the part, and fix it yourself!)
I have quite a few 1974-1977 Ovations that look and play as well today as the day they were hand tested at the Factory! THAT is Quality and Craftsmanship! 50 years of Integrity and Quality! And with DW at the Helm now, I don't see why it can't go another 50 or so years! |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | Nancy, our memories are better than reality. A couple of my friends spent thousands restoring and maintaining old cars. Most weren't built to last. My first one was a 68 American made that I got for $750 when it was 3 years old. I had to overhaul the engine after about 50,000 miles and it was shot again after 100,000. The roll up window kept coming out of its track and finally broke. No air and black vinyl seats that cracked. Lots of other issues, but I loved it and want it back, but know that I'd hate it if I still had it.
Old guitars are different, but a lot of them have collapsed and aren't playable without a neck reset, if at all. I could do without the electronic gizmos, though. I like the FET preamp on my 77 Folklore and the 2 knobber on the OFC 1. |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | I spent about 3 hours copying music from one hard drive to a portable hard drive. Around 250 artists. Technology is great when I can figure out how to work it. I didn't have time to get on Facebook, though.
I think DW is getting Ovation back to where it should be--as the guitar manufacturer that leads the industry in technology. Getting the website updated is just a step in that direction. It will take time and hours of effort, but the steps they have taken in the last 6 months give me more hope than I've had in the last 5 years. |
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Location: Frozen Tundra of Minnesota | You are right Mark, the Old Days seem to take on a golden glow, and I forget the bad parts too!
I would still take a 1969 Mach I Mustang over anything they have out now-days though! Although, I can't see it making it up my hill in the winter, or hauling 400 lbs of feed in that little trunk... LOL!!! Maybe just to drive out and about on Friday and Saturday night Oldies Car Shows that they have downtown each weekend during the summer!
I am fascinated by all the new technology, I will probably never get to use even 1% of it, but I am fascinated by how much simpler it makes things, and the thought process involved in creating it. (I still will never own or use a smart phone!, and I still hate plastic dash boards) And it keeps moving forward so FAST and Constant!
And the electronics on a guitar are pretty much lost on me, but I have to admit, when I plugged in that UK II, I had a Blast!!!
And the web, OMG the Internet!!! It opened up the World to us all! Still blows my mind, you can look up ANYthing in the World!! You meet people half way across the Globe that until then, there wasn't a chance in heck to do! You can learn guitar by watching videos of people on Youtube, or how to fix a hole in your wall, learn how to start your push mower! The information is limitless! (including the mis-information), I am really proud of what our Generation has accomplished, and constantly surprised by what the younger people are coming up with! |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | This OFC site was really ahead of its time. Ovation tried to do a forum/chat room thing when those were popular, but it didn't go far. My daughter is a website designer and it takes a lot of time to keep them up. DW will get it there and I hope they have enough success that they can afford the time to keep it there. |
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Location: undisclosed | Mark in Boise - 2016-01-27 8:20 AM
Nancy, our memories are better than reality. A couple of my friends spent thousands restoring and maintaining old cars. Most weren't built to last. My first one was a 68 American made that I got for $750 when it was 3 years old. I had to overhaul the engine after about 50,000 miles and it was shot again after 100,000. The roll up window kept coming out of its track and finally broke. No air and black vinyl seats that cracked. Lots of other issues, but I loved it and want it back, but know that I'd hate it if I still had it.
Old guitars are different, but a lot of them have collapsed and aren't playable without a neck reset, if at all. I could do without the electronic gizmos, though. I like the FET preamp on my 77 Folklore and the 2 knobber on the OFC 1.
I shouldn't have mentioned the car..... you see, to get that quality I went foriegn and have yet to buy an American car. I drive Volvos....but my favorite electrics are Gibsons I rebuilt from scraps and my favorite Acoustics are Ovations because they have the quality I want in the vintages I can afford. I think I should start a Bad GAS thread for those who see the wounded and weary and try to rescue them... |
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Location: undisclosed | Right we have that niche, the Bottom Feeding Luthery section, one of my faves.... |
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Location: Frozen Tundra of Minnesota | Cavalier - 2016-01-27 2:46 PM
Right we have that niche, the Bottom Feeding Luthery section, one of my faves....
Mine too! |
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Location: Canada | Site not loading at all for me right now ... maybe something will be up soon ... |
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Location: Jet City | If you're going off that video, Darren incorrectly said ovation.com it's ovationguitars.com |
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Location: Canada | Reality is slipping away from the site at increasing pace, given the recent thread on overseas KK and ME sig models ... pretty disappointing marketing performance. |
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| No change yet. I'm curious to see what the new American Ovation wants to be. Hopefully, this site will bring something new soon. |
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Location: Sydney, Australia | Maybe they could just redirect all traffic to this site? It would say "Hey, we're a crazy out-there company. But we make some stonking good guitars". |
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Location: Jet City | I've been pretty impressed with what I've seen DW do with the brand so far. I expect the website they put out will be just as impressive.
Good things take time. The Raiderman said hopefully a week... but that was a few weeks ago. I'll bet we see something very soon. |
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Location: Colorado | For the record, Mark and Nancy and Cavalier - sounds like each of you were built to last! |
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Location: undisclosed | Good to know, I think my file actually said hard to kill..... |
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Location: undisclosed | Speaking of out of date, I noticed the catalog was short of a nylon string, not even a celebrity. |
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Location: Canada | What brought me to Ovation was their 12 strings. It's a shame they disappeared from the line up and I hope their will be some awesome models again soon. |
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Location: Jet City | As to 12 strings, they haven't disappeared, they have several. Look at the catalogue. If you're talking USA models, I'm sure they'd be happy to build you one.
Edited by Damon67 2016-02-24 7:29 PM
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Location: Canada | Damon67 - 2016-02-24 7:28 PM As to 12 strings, they haven't disappeared, they have several. Look at the catalogue. If you're talking USA models, I'm sure they'd be happy to build you one. Must have missed the link or posting of the catalogue. |
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Location: Jet City | actually, I don't see one shown, but they do have at least the TX. I saw it |
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Location: Frozen Tundra of Minnesota | elginacres - 2016-02-24 1:24 AM
For the record, Mark and Nancy and Cavalier - sounds like each of you were built to last!
I don't know about long lasting elginacres, but I sure won't tip over in a strong wind! I think they call it *Sturdy* LOL!!!!!
Edited by Nancy 2016-02-25 1:21 PM
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Location: Frozen Tundra of Minnesota | d'ovation - 2016-02-24 9:04 PM
Damon67 - 2016-02-24 7:28 PM As to 12 strings, they haven't disappeared, they have several. Look at the catalogue. If you're talking USA models, I'm sure they'd be happy to build you one. Must have missed the link or posting of the catalogue.
http://www.ovationfanclub.com/megabbs/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=46...
Page 3 down towards the bottom |
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Location: Canada | Oh I have the NAMM brochure (thanks Dave) but did not spot a 12 string in there, maybe my eyesight is worse than I thought. |
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| The website is still in a woeful condition. |
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| The state of woe for the website continues. |
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Location: New York, NY | FINALLY!!! New Ovation website is up with the latest models! Looks great! Although a slight bone to pick, it doesn't have links for cases, electronics, and accessories. But all in all, a nice job!
http://www.ovationguitars.com/
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Ovation Guitars website is woefully out-of-date.