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Posts: 4227
Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent | Somehow I wound up with two of these! So this one gets to go. It’s an Ovation 1997 Collector’s Series in nearly perfect shape! The obvious feature of this one is the unique, parlor body. Ovation pulled out the design stops with this one. It has a VERY impressive acoustic tone despite its size. The 12-fret to the body neck lends itself to finger-picking, but this one strums just fine as well. A very impressive acoustic instrument that is remarkably comfortable to play.
The niftiest feature though is the pre-amp. This is the stealthiest acoustic/electric ever built. Along the upside of the bowl, you’ll find parallel lines that are actually a touch-sensitive volume control for the pre-amp. Just slide your finger along the ridges to raise and lower the volume. VERY cool!
And don’t be fooled by its small size and the slotted headstock, this guitar has steel strings and sings like nobody’s business. It has a very well-balanced tone and surprising volume for its size. Between its looks and its sound, this instrument draws a great deal of attention to itself.
The top is solid spruce. The scale is 25 1/4" and the nut is 1 11/16". The neck is topped with an ebony fretboard that matches the ebony bridge. The rosette is pure elegance with maple oakleaves inlaid into ebony. The stain is a beautiful antique, slightly amber natural that is perfectly set off by the walnut binding. Ovation really outdid themselves with this guitar, and this one is in exceptional shape. It’s also a very low serial number; 67 out of 935 instruments made.
If you look closely, you can see some minute scratches on the headstock, probably where someone got careless restringing it in the past. You will also have to look very hard to see some extremely slight dings along the binding. That’s it. I don’t even see any pick scratches!
It comes with its original hardshell case. Though it shows some obvious scrapes and the handle has been replaced (the new one is quite comfortable and seems very sturdy), this case is commonly acknowledged to be the best one ever put out with an Ovation. It was custom-made for this series by TKL and is built like a green, plush-lined tank. The case has never even had its combination lock set.
Folks, I’ve seen brand new guitars that were in worse shape than this beauty. It is truly like-new, even if it is eleven years old. In fact, I just re-strung it today with D’Addario lights. MAN it’s a nice sounding guitar!
So, nitty-gritty time, I’m asking $799 OBO shipped in the continental U. S. If you are overseas, contact me about shipping. I’ve sent several instruments to other countries without incident. (Knock on wood.)
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April 2008
Posts: 498
| If you haven't played one of these... don't let the size fool you... awesome sounding guitar.
when Howie had one of these, he didn't even know about the preamp touch sensitive controls... he just loved it because it was so loud for it's size unplugged...
when I showed him how the preamp worked, and how good it sounded plugged in... his jaw dropped to the floor, and on Howie getting over his very round front, believe me that's a loooooong way :p (love ya buddy) guitarhaven.com...
you won't be disappointed in one of these in good condition... wish it was one of the Wide neck versions, and I had anything resembling cash at this point...
what'm I gonna get......
Rubberrrrr Biscuit...
ba bow bow bow!!!! |
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Posts: 2336
Location: Brighty in Blighty | Gorgeous, though funds are lacking at present. |
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Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | They are very comfortable to play |
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Location: Brisbane Australia | Now that's a nice one.
Shipping might not be too bad either
Hmmmmm |
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January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | narrow neck isn't it? |
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December 2004
Posts: 4394
Location: East Tennessee | The 97 Collectors is a great little guitar. I use Silk & Steel strings on mine. Huge sound unplugged and plugged in. |
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Posts: 2336
Location: Brighty in Blighty | Steady Jim!
I was very tempted I must say but this time I'm going to have to pass, a 97C is on "the list" but it's a close 3rd after a 06C and 87C for me.
I think the population of Ovations in Oz is probably similar to the UK, i.e. small compared with the US but the shipping / TAX is one bad-arse deal killer (despite the great exchange rate) so I'm going to hold out for some UK (or at least European) bargains to come my way and whilst I impatiently wait I can get some much needed practice done.
But go for it ;) |
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December 2006
Posts: 6268
Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Originally posted by Mauvais Beal:
They are very comfortable to play I've had mine next to the 'puter ever since TJ let me adopt his back in May. It's my 'let's try this' go to git.
I've been told that only 935 were made. It's a great instrument! |
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May 2006
Posts: 4227
Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent | Originally posted by Mauvais Beal:
narrow neck isn't it? Yep. I'd like to try a wide-neck sometime. Maybe have the set. (Yet another guitar pipe dream of mine. :rolleyes: ) |
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June 2006
Posts: 7307
Location: South of most, North of few | Originally posted by Mauvais Beal:
narrow neck isn't it? Go ahead Beal, say it...
(not that there's anything wrong with that) :D |
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August 2008
Posts: 16
Location: lancashire, England. | That's a gorgeous guitar Patch, at a great price.
I'd have to go for the wider neck version though. I've sold all my 1 11/16 nut width guitars.
Good luck with the sale. |
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April 2008
Posts: 2336
Location: Brighty in Blighty | Me, I like 1 11/16 width guitars and have big fingers. Yeah you need to be more precise and more control but that's a good thing IMHO.
Good luck with the sale Patch (in actual fact I hope at that price no-one snatches it cos I would love it). Its a killer. |
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June 2006
Posts: 7307
Location: South of most, North of few | Those are great guitars. I have owned two (bought them both from the same person, Stuart) Probably shouldn't have sold the last one to Iffy, but, they come....they go. :rolleyes: |
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May 2006
Posts: 4227
Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent | Originally posted by Trader Jim:
they come....they go. :rolleyes: Another one can come again if you like. ;) :cool: |
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December 2004
Posts: 4394
Location: East Tennessee | Originally posted by Patch:
Originally posted by Trader Jim:
they come....they go. :rolleyes: Another one can come again if you like. ;) :cool: |
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April 2008
Posts: 2336
Location: Brighty in Blighty | You guys have it soooo lucky!
For that guitar we would have to add about $100+ for shipping and around 22% for TAX etc.
So $800 really ends up being $1060 :(
Come on Europeans! Sell those Os!
Good luck with the sale! |
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May 2006
Posts: 4227
Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent | I need to move this one quickly. Please don't make me use eBay. I've really come to hate it there, but it's the only game in town.
Any offers? :confused: |
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May 2006
Posts: 4227
Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent | Still for sale. |
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April 2004
Posts: 245
Location: France | Great guitar, I like parlors, but not enough money...even if I'm french ! ;) ;) ;) |
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May 2006
Posts: 4227
Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent | SOLD! In a very roundabout way involving a fair slice of road trip. Thanks John! It was a pleasure meeting you. :D The VFW probably thought a guitar case full of drugs just got sold in their parking lot. :p
Now will someone please make a decent offer on my Custom Legend? :cool: |
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April 2007
Posts: 234
Location: Archbald, PA | Wow, when Patch says he delivers he really does!!!!
Can't get much more of a personal touch when the seller actually drives to your area to show you his guitar. Great little guitar that does have a big sound. I will be using it on my solo gigs. The guitar is in near mint condition and the case is a tank. Thank you for the great deal.
Oh, by the way, what was that green leafy stuff in the case compartment???????
Also, Pat showed me his Custom Legend and the abalone was glowing in the parking lot light. Great looking guitar! |
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December 2006
Posts: 6268
Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Originally posted by John Quinn:
when the seller actually drives to your area to show you his guitar I'm waiting for him to pull a van into the abandoned service station on US64 and set up his 'collection for sale' on a faux Persian rug...  |
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December 2004
Posts: 4394
Location: East Tennessee | Originally posted by John Quinn:
Great little guitar that does have a big sound.....
......and the case is a tank. John you are right on both counts. :cool: |
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December 2006
Posts: 6268
Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Originally posted by John Quinn:
Oh, by the way, what was that green leafy stuff in the case compartment??????? Posh plush! Finest anywhere... |
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1997 Ovation Collector’s Parlor Guitar. Like New!
