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Joined:
December 2010
Posts: 1
Location: N Florida | It's been many years since I've posted here, but I still have the same problem. I need the top replaced on my 1967 Standard Balladeer. As of 2026 does anyone know of a proficient luthier that can do this? I'm the original owner. The top is warped and neck adjustment does not begin to solve the problem. I was told many years back that the first Ovation guitars by Kaman were not properly braced. This seems to be the issue here. Any assistance will be greatly appreciated. Pete |
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Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 7248
Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | I moved this thread here to General Posting so more folks can respond and upgraded you to full member.
Welcome,
There is a group on Facebook called Ren-Ovation Nation. https://www.facebook.com/groups/430219338904914
They have some excellent luthier folks in it that focus on Ovation repair. |
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Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4088
Location: Utah | Yes, Ren-Ovation Nation is the place to start. The originator has done several complete top replacements that owners have praised. Jmho, the key is to match the original bracing for the voicing. Attaching the new top doesn't appear to be tricky, but many luthiers are too worried about not being able to do it successfully. Ren-Ovation Nation can steer you towards someone near you, or you can ask Steve McCormick if he'd take on the job.
It may be possible to rescue your original top if bracing has come loose. |
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Joined:
December 2015
Posts: 293
Location: Katmandu | Yes, you'll need a specialist in Ovation guitar-repair here with intricate knowledge of how Ovation guitars are built and glued. It's a costly and difficult operation. Even the wood tops of Ovation guitars are somewhat suspended and married to backs and sides (lyrachord bowl) of a complete different material. If there are stark changes in humidity, which you don't adress in time, it's only a matter of time until the wood top self-destructs since the bowl doesn't move with seasonal changes unlike the wood top.
Edited by leonardmccoy 2026-06-14 7:27 AM
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Guitar top replacement