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Joined:
March 2007
Posts: 841
Location: CA | An Ovation "Elite Custom Sam Ash 1992" has been making the rounds of Ebay, Reverb, etc for almost a year. I cant' find much on it except for a 'CE' designation that I think means its a Celebrity of some sort. Kind of an odd look bearclaw top and black 'outies' but sorta kinda weirdly attractive. Does anyone know anything about these things? Are they real 'made in USA' Os with solid tops - or something I should steer away from? |
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Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | 
Made in New Hartford.
"CE" would be Custom Elite.... Fender changed that to Celebrity Elite around 2008.
These are photos from Ovation Tribute and may not reflect condition of the actual guitar for sale. 
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Joined:
March 2007
Posts: 841
Location: CA | Wow thanks for the quick reply. And duh - I should have known to look for the 'New Hartford' on the sticker. Definitely not as nice as that one, but as mentioned, doesn't look half bad and now I'm reasonably assured it's the real deal as far as solid top and USA build quality. Thx again. |
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Joined:
January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | Sammy likes bear claw. And he’s a good friend. And that is ANYTHING BUT a celebrity |
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Joined:
March 2007
Posts: 841
Location: CA | Going back to an earlier comment, I can find exactly NOTHING on this line of guitars (or any others of that era) made expressly for Sam Ash, or anybody else for that matter. Pretty sure that GC had some made, too. A million years ago, I got one 10 that were made for somebody - maybe it was GC - that were basically black 1778Ts with a single spaulted epaulet and the contour back. Nice guitar but didn't care for the contour and let it go. Do you guys know of any source where all the custom "made for..." Ovation guitars are discussed. Also, if anyone knows, would this Sam Ash guit basically be equivalent to a 'regular' elite of the time as far as bracing - and of course sound? |
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Joined:
June 2012
Posts: 2316
Location: Pueblo West, CO | Needs a black nut and saddle. White looks out of place. |
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Joined:
May 2006
Posts: 4226
Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent | Oddball - 2021-04-10 12:29 PM Do you guys know of any source where all the custom "made for..." Ovation guitars are discussed. Also, if anyone knows, would this Sam Ash guit basically be equivalent to a 'regular' elite of the time as far as bracing - and of course sound? I have a feeling there were quite a few "Made For" instruments. I stumbled across this Bubinga deep-bowl years ago online and had a heck of a time getting info on it. That particular location of those stores was closed and the people who ordered it were gone. The folks at the factory "thought" maybe 10 were made. Whatever the case, it's one of my favorites for looks and sound. I further tweaked it by having the neck glossed. (See before/after photos of the headstock below.) If that Sam Ash is anywhere near the quality of this one, it's worth a lot more than they are asking for it. 
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Sam Ash Elite