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My Ovation Balladeer needs some work

Posted 2020-02-06 7:21 AM (#551151)
Subject: My Ovation Balladeer needs some work

Joined:
May 2019
Posts: 3

I bought this new and have played it for a long time.

This is a MIK Balladeer 4861 and the serial is 397xxx.

The main issue is the electronics, it has the FET3 preamp and has developed a slightly distorted sound. I'd like to upgrade the electronics to a modern onboard preamp, like fishman, but I'm not sure if there's a replacement option with the same size/screwholes a the FET3.

The second issue is the bridge/pickup is chewed up and should be replaced.

The nut seems fine.

I don't see any cracks in the top where the bridge is pulling it up, but there's a slight bulge.

Would anyone know of a preamp to fit this guitar?

Is there an option for a bridge/pickup other than the $100+ replacement from ovation.com?

Thanks for any insights/advice

recoveryroom42

Posted 2020-02-06 7:31 AM (#551152 - in reply to #551151)
Subject: RE: My Ovation Balladeer needs some work

Joined:
May 2019
Posts: 3

Here's a pic of the top.

DanSavage

Posted 2020-02-13 8:58 AM (#551217 - in reply to #551151)
Subject: RE: My Ovation Balladeer needs some work

Joined:
June 2012
Posts: 2315

Location: Pueblo West, CO

Hi Ed,

WRT to the chewed up bridge saddle, you can swap out the saddle with a new one. This can be either the standard Ovation saddle or you could also replace it with the compensated saddle I sell on Shapeways.

See: Ovation OCP-1K Fully Compensated Saddle.