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Joined:
October 2002
Posts: 16
Location: Canada | Hi:
I asked a convoluted version of this question a couple days ago but haven't received many responses, so I'll try again and then I'll quit bugging everybody. :-)
Anyway, I just purchased a USA-made Custom Balladeer 1612 (circa 1984?) with a single rotary volume knob. The instrument itself is absolutely great, and I thank those who recommended it over a new Korean unit. BUT, I'd like to do something with the electronics. First of all, it doesn't have any on-board EQ'ing. Secondly, the original pickup tends to send a mid-level hum through my amp (it's definitely the guitar electronics and not my amp). Thirdly, I find it troublesome to release strings and fiddle around inside the soundhole just to change batteries. My questions:
1) If I decide not to cut into the guitar body to install a new EQ system, etc., and instead simply replace the current pickup with one that doesn't hum (and do my EQ'ing with an external unit), can anyone recommend a good NON-HUMMING pickup to replace the one that's currently in there?
2) If I do decide that I somehow can't live without an on-board EQ, what would be the best way to do it? If I go this route, I'd also want something that would allow me to change batteries from the outside of the instrument. I love the range of control (and the built-in tuner and cool little LEDs) offered on current Ovations, even the low-end Celebrity models.
Thanks so much in advance!! Perhaps next time I post, I won't have a bunch of pesky questions.
gordo |
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Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10582
Location: NJ | the only way to retro fit the guitar with modern electronics is to send it to the factory. that way they do it right but it is expensive.
I think the ovation saddle pickup is stellar and would not try to find a replacement for that.
from your description I think you have a problem with the preamp. I am not certain but am pretty sure the service department has none for spares. You may want to take it to an electronics repair guy and see if he can open it up and replace a cap or something.
last is make sure you have a fresh battery in the guitar. |
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Joined:
February 2002
Posts: 5750
Location: Scotland | If it is a preamp fault most good techs should be able to repair it, the circuitry is pretty basic. It's more likely to be something simple. As I've pointed out on a number of occasions, most faults with the electronics in Ovations occur at the jack connections, this seems unlikely here but it's worth checking. The pickups themselves are well shielded against hum and are usually very reliable. Have you tried a different guitar cord? I'd recommend getting the original electronics fixed & using outboard EQ rather than the expense & hassle of a preamp upgrade.
[ October 24, 2002: Message edited by: Paul Templeman ] |
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Joined:
October 2002
Posts: 16
Location: Canada | Thanks for the help, guys. I do have a fresh battery in there, and I've tried several cords, all of which work fine with my electric guitar. I suspect I shouldn't hear any hum whatsoever, so I'll look into repairing/replacing the preamp. |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15664
Location: SoCal | This is going to sound simplistic, but are there any dimmer switches near where your amp is? They can cause a hum unless all the way off. |
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Changing the pickup & EQ in an older Balladeer
