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Joined:
December 2009
Posts: 14
Location: Seattle | Hello,
I replied to a post a few days ago extolling the sound of an Ovation GC178LX, which was fantastic. But yesterday I was picking up one of my guitars from another shop and had the opportunity to sit down for a long time and play an older Ovation 1612 (ser. 259XXX), with the sunburst finish. This older guitar was even better than the guitar center issue Ovation. The sound was very, very nice, and the playability was wonderful. I just couldn't put it down. I don't know if we're allowed to discuss pricing on this site so I won't go into that, but the guitar did have it's share of dings for an older guitar. It also has a crack in the finish running from just below the bridge to the bottom of the lower bout. The shop owner looked inside the body with a light and mirror and said the crack doesn't go through the wood, only the finish.
Other than that the guitar is in decent shape. And it sure is a pleasure to play. The store's markup is pretty high (I think) and I'm thinking about making an offer. The crack in the finish worries me, though. Does anyone have any advice for me in regard to this guitar, or do you think I should pass on it.....
Thanks,
Cliff |
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Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 2985
Location: Sydney, Australia | If the crack doesn't go through the wood (take your own mirror in, or use his to look yourself) then it's not a problem. The old Ovations used a fairly thick lacquer and were prone to finish cracks when subjected to sudden humidity/temperature swings and/or constant low humidity. A fair price would be around $500, maybe lower with the US economy in the toilet.
Things to look for: Is the neck straight? If it is and the playability is good, then price is the only stumbling block. |
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Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3615
Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire | Slap down 3 Benjamins, say "take it or leave it", and maintain eye contact.
I could speculate on the location, but probably better not. Though, if it's in the U District, they're notorious for inflated expectancies.
"Money talks, bulls**t walks." |
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Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4049
Location: Utah | I'm seeing more and more used O's for sale locally, and not moving. I think seesquare is in the right ballpark for this model given the current market. I would expect some kind of case for the guitar, too, though it might be pretty beat up or a soft gig bag. In the end the market varies day to day and place to place. |
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Joined:
September 2005
Posts: 3618
Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | I'd have to agree with seesquare ... $300 (with the case)... IF the top is not warped and the action too high. CHECK THE ACTION at the 12th fret and make sure it's not too high. These are in no way hard to come by, although they are a great guitar. There's no reason for them to have a big price tag on it, unless someone has put it on consignment and thinks it is rare. |
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Joined:
December 2009
Posts: 14
Location: Seattle | Hey guys, thanks SO much for your help. From what I gather the asking price may be a little high, but not by much. I'm going to sleep on it a while and see how I feel about it. Even if I miss out on it they seem to be fairly prevalent.
Seesquare, no, it's not the place you're thinking of, but I'm familiar with them and agree with you. |
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Ovation 1612 Advice
