|
|
Joined:
May 2012
Posts: 55
| I really need some Ovation advice. I’ve offered to try to sell an old Ovation Folklore for a friend. The only Ovation I am familiar with is my 1778 LX Elite. This one is a Folklore 1114 (circa late 1970’s) acoustic in what looks like unplayed condition. I know I can sell it on this site or on Craig’s list, but that requires knowing a value to put on it. And I have no idea what it might be worth in its near new condition. eBay seems to be a reasonable way to go, setting a low starting price and letting the market determine its worth. The case, which is also like new has an Ovation vinyl case cover, something I have never seen for any Ovation. The guitar seems to have spent the last 35+ years in its covered case in a closet. Any advice as to the best way to proceed ?
I have a vague idea of the typical selling price for a well used one but no idea for one this nice. Thanks for any advice.
http://www.winkflash.com/photo/public.aspx?u=laocmo&ic=11826808
|
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12759
Location: Boise, Idaho | The two negatives that I see are the finish crack (they didn't use lacquer) and the lack of electronics. Most people who buy Ovations seem to want to plug in, so the 1114 will not bring as many prospective buyers as a 1614. That might be a concern for an ebay sale. You could start at $400 to be safe and see what happens. If it doesn't sell, drop your minimum bid down. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
August 2002
Posts: 8307
Location: Tennessee | That case in that condition is probably worth $250 or more just by itself. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 4619
Location: SoCal | First of all, it looks like a great guitar. Further close-up picture of the finish crack may show that it can be easily fixed by the seller or buyer. My opinion is the preamp and battery box degrades an a/e unless it is plugged in. Small difference, but may be important to the buyer if they are not looking for a stage guitar. Number of pre-amps (portable or fixed) are available if the buyer wants to plug in. Most Martins (all three of mine and others that I have had) have been sold as acoustic not a/e. This guitar in the case may not have been played enough to 'open up' since it is at least 34 yrs old. Bobbo is correct that this brown case itself is worth good money as it is rare to find one in this condition.
My suggestions are to [1] determine what the owner wants from the sale, [2] place this in the OFC FOR SALE thread with a price (you can always indicate that you will negotiate) and close-up of any problems (i.e., finish crack), [3] give it a week or two, and [4] sell on eBay or Craig List as a last resort. Lots of guitars on eBay and Craig List but I see a lot of individuals who do not understand the value of the guitar or are "bottom feeders".
Good luck on the sale. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2011
Posts: 402
Location: New Hartford CT | The crack doesn't look bad at all, easy fix at the mothership.
Those style case covers were included with Adamas guitars back in the day (I have a 79 Adamas I that does) but I guess they were an option at some point in the distant past. They certainly keep a case in pristine condition.
I actually prefer no electronics. The guitar is lighter and more resonant to me. One can always add a minimally invasive, modern p/up system if they are so inclined.
Now what's it worth? If I were in the market I'd have no problem at all throwing $600 at that one, provided there are not any unknown issues. It's unplayed and Folklores are really nice. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4049
Location: Utah | Just my opinion, but a guitar of that age is expected to have an imperfection or two. Thus the finish crack which won't even photograph is a non-issue. Yes it needs to be disclosed in the advertisement but no I don't think it detracts from the value. The unplayed condition, plus the perfect case and the case cover, make this a collector interest item for someone who likes vintage Ovations. Normally a guitar of this age with some normal wear and tear would be in the $350-ish range, + - depending on the phase of the moon. Obviously this guitar would be worth quite a bit more.
Personally I would not gamble on the whims of eBay. Plus their fees are horrible. I agree with Tony, put it up here for a good price. There are some Ovation fans over on Hamerfanclub also, so you could try there too. Craigslist might find you some locals who appreciate the instrument.
Geo's suggestion of $600 sounds reasonable to me as a ballpark guess. |
|
| |
I need some advice
