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Joined:
September 2005
Posts: 98
Location: SF Bay area, California | I'm the kind of guy who would go to a dealer for a car repair only if it was the last place on earth. I do things myself (with great procrastination) or seek independant mechanics who I can communicate with. I fear that dealers charge triple what jobs are worth and don't trust them to do good work.
As for the Ovation factory service, I'm confident that it is good from reading all the testimonials here. However, my imagination is running wild for what things might cost.
Please tell me stories and impressions that will either allay my fears or reinforce my cautions.
I read today in an older thread about a 1619 Custom Legend with a 'wavy' top (my words, not his). Mine has been like that for the 22 years I've owned it, I think it is an '82 model. I'd be happy to get confirmation that it is OK. It has great sentimental value to me so if it needs work I want it done well.
Thanks,
Mark |
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Joined:
August 2006
Posts: 2804
Location: ranson,wva | most of my wood toped ovations have waves in the tops..i personaly think that if you can live with the looks then so be it....it adds to the sound..lol jason |
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Joined:
June 2006
Posts: 7307
Location: South of most, North of few | I'm with Jason on this one. If it plays fine, don't mess with it. If you want it perfect, send it back, and thats what you will get. You can always send it in for an estimate, but you risk damage in shipping and you will have to pay to ship it both ways. I have sent two back so far, because I wanted them to be "new", and they didn't dissapoint. Plus, on both, the cost was less than I thought it would be. |
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Joined:
August 2006
Posts: 2804
Location: ranson,wva | take my folklore for instance..the top is cracked,sunken in,wavy..sounds like a million bucks and i wouldnt trade it for anything in the world....jason |
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Joined:
February 2002
Posts: 1817
Location: Minden, Nebraska | Even just refinishing the top will cost hundreds, and the guitar won't sound the same even if it looks better, cosmetically. |
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Joined:
April 2006
Posts: 1138
Location: CT | All the older guitars had 'wavy' tops. They arched them a little to prevent warping. My 1619 and 1983-B have been that way since new. If its not slight, but a little more extreme, then maybe worry about it. Read this page.
http://www.ovationtribute.com/Catalogues/1976%20awards/1976%20award... |
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Joined:
July 2004
Posts: 812
Location: Hicksville, NY | Originally posted by MarkM:
As for the Ovation factory service, I'm confident that it is good from reading all the testimonials here. However, my imagination is running wild for what things might cost. Please tell me stories and impressions that will either allay my fears or reinforce my cautions.
Wish you're in town to check out Mitchrx's 1619, which was completely restored [and some] at the factory. It'll make a believer out of you. |
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Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 1071
Location: Carle Place, NY | Here's the story: My '81 Custom Legend had a big crack , thru the wood, from the bridge to the bottom along the grain. It also had numerous finish cracks and some minor wavyness. While it was at the factory I went whole hog and had the electronics upgraded to OP-Pro. The top was refinished, the color was changed from tobacco burst to new england burst, the bridge and rosette were replaced. The factory also added some bracing to the top. I can't say if it sounds exactly the same acoustically as before, but it sure sounds great to my ear.
$650 and I think that it was worth it. |
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Joined:
May 2006
Posts: 4226
Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent | Has anyone ever had to have the top completely replaced? What was the cost for that? :confused: |
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Joined:
November 2004
Posts: 1374
| Al Segen aka Slydog just had a top replacement done on a 1617 Legend, it just came back from mother last week and is absolutely beautiful... had a reset, plane and refret done as well, the job was over $600 if I remember correctly will let you know for sure tomorrow.
it was strange seeing a spruce top that bone white on a vintage legend...
with the new "light" finish it should age beautifully. it sure played really nice,
but the smell of the acrylic was still very very strong on the guitar.. reminded me of my old model building days in an unventilated basement.
hopefully it will fade away.
Glenn |
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Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 713
Location: Alberta, Canada | Just got my 1112-4 back from the 'ship in early December. I'll try to do a pic or two, a bit later, if I get the chance. Very nice...
Dave |
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Joined:
April 2006
Posts: 1138
Location: CT | When you get your car fixed at the dealer, it's usually way more expensive than the small shop. I don't know why. With Ovations, I think the factory is probably the same as most, and cheaper than the rest of the small guys. And it's The Factory , so you know it's done right. |
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Price of 'Mothership' repair - I'm curious