|
|
Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 4619
Location: SoCal | Has anyone seen an early recessed rosette on very early Ovation? I have a Balladeer small soundhole, A-347, shiny bowl 12-str. Before I bought it, the seller had the factory not refinish but apply finish over old finish as a sealer. No problem except that the area over the rosette bubbled, cracked, and became very 'cloudy'. So cracked, it has sharp edges. Cut out the finish - no other choice due to 'bubbling' and cracking.
The rosette appears to be similar to a decal...maybe ruberized paper. That's it.
Solution to the problem, will attach a newer Legend rosette...not totally original but saving a great vintage guitar. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2009
Posts: 686
Location: Route 66, just east of the Cadillac Ranch | That's a shame. Even with it's flaws, that rosette really distinguishes the guitar. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 4619
Location: SoCal | What is unfortunate was that the repairs back then were done and how they were done.
As it was easy to trim at the edge of inset and the finish did not adhere to the rosette, it is intact, no damage and will either be lifted out and saved or merely covered over be a stick-on rosette.
At this time, I know of no other way to cover the inset/cut area for rosette short of MS completely refinishing the top. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
August 2002
Posts: 8307
Location: Tennessee | I had a guitar just like yours Tony that I sold to another OFC member. The recessed rosette on mine was still perfect and looked great. The original Josh White I used to have also had the recessed rosette and it started "clouding over" in places ... I heard someone call it "delaminating". There is no real cure for it so I left it as is.
I was really happy when Ovation returned to the inlaid rosette (in the late 90's?) at least on the Custom Legends. My 6759 is inlaid and really appeals to me. I know some of the recent LX models went to the inlaid rosettes too. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2011
Posts: 402
Location: New Hartford CT | Tony - I think you're on the right track and a new rosette, while not inlaid, will make that guitar shine once again.
Will there be an issue regarding the inner diameter of your new rosette and the existing small sound hole in your A-347? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 4535
Location: Flahdaw | Is there a reasonable process for inlaying abalone on a finished (old) guitar, or is it cost prohibitive? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 4619
Location: SoCal | The 6" diameter Legend rosette will sit on the wood and cover the old rosette and raw wood without making contact with the rosette (which is in very good shape,). Or, I may just lift it off and store it...no damage either way. IMFO, the bubbling and cracking was caused by the finish not adhering to the rosette allowing air to attack the bottom of the finish. All I did was to trim the finish that was over the rosette. Couldn't affix the new rosette without removing the finish as it wouldn't have been a flat surface.
The Legend rosette could be taken off easily with no damage to the finish.
Bottom line, it was not in a condition that I felt comfortable selling or playing. For me, if I keep it, I don't care if it is a newer rosette. Visually, you would still see the small soundhole, etc. Most people wouldn't even notice.
If, when I get the rosette, someone wanted to buy the guitar, as least full disclosure that what he/she saw wasn't completely original. Some want everything original - look at the old Martins where there are splits, cracks, etc. You could seriously reduce the value to a buyer by refinishing it...some want it with warts and all. If so, then pop the new rosette off and have the MS seal the old rosette.
So, no harm or foul. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 4619
Location: SoCal | As to "inlaying abalone on a finished (old) guitar, or is it cost prohibitive?"
For a centerhole, it would be relatively easy by using the abalone strips from someplace like StewMac and would probably create a stunning guitar. However, some would want it original. Option is the Custon Legend rosette which, when I had a top refinished at the MS, was at least $350 just for the rosette and that was about seven years ago.
I would project that binding would be difficult. Inlaids such as used for the Custom Legend, IMHO require artists at the MS and would be expensive. |
|
| |
EARLY RECESSED ROSETTES
