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Joined:
May 2020
Posts: 6
Location: Ontario, Canada | It's a ultra GP (my dream guitar), it's for sale online but here's the issue. The seller says it's just finish cracks with no structural damage which I wouldn't mind that much but this looks bad.
Does anyone have knowledge on these things happening on electrics? Is it truly just cosmetic or will I have to pass and hope another one comes up one day?
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June 2002
Posts: 6197
Location: Phoenix AZ | I'm not a luthier so I have no valid opinion on how "bad" it is, but for me personally unless the guitar was dirt cheap I'd pass on it and wait for another. You do see them come up for sale from time to time so I'd just wait it out. |
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December 2004
Posts: 566
Location: Denmark | I know virtually nothing of these models - just so you know - but it looks a cool model. The cracks seem to be at the edge of the neck joint so I would not be too worried if this is the only damage. If this was my dream guitar and the price is reasonable I would not write it off on the cracks alone. With my lack of experience with the specific model I would prefer a physical inspection before the deal.
Edited by tpa 2020-08-01 8:22 AM
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Joined:
October 2014
Posts: 270
| I'd have the owner demonstrate that they're finish cracks by slacking the strings and flexing the neck by hand. I'd expect a a reasonable price discount even if the cracks don't appear to move. I would expect surface cracks to be more irregular.
If they're not surface cracks, there are a couple options, a neck replacement (if you can find one) or repair, both of which would be facilitated if this is a bolt-on neck. In terms of repair, it may even be possible to stabilize the cracked area by drilling and gluing in a couple of suitably sized dowels but I'd defer to DanSavage on this issue. You might want to send him a message. |
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Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 566
Location: Denmark | This is a set neck construction. If you google "ultra gp ovation site:mylespaul.com" a build thread will appear which is educating in this context.
Edited by tpa 2020-08-01 2:09 PM
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December 2001
Posts: 10582
Location: NJ | looks like it was stressed at one point and at least cracked the finish.
depends on the price |
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Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3611
Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire | I don't like the looks of it (cracks). It has had its head bonked pretty good, at some point. Like the other advice, I would get a detailed physical exam & stress test done. At least, in the event of a purchase, some type of return option to the seller. |
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December 2015
Posts: 287
Location: Katmandu | Probably a hard pass. It's hard to tell from the photos alone how deep the crack runs. It looks like a finish crack but who knows whether there wasn't some trauma that caused this. The heel area of the neck is often a stress point for electric guitars—set neck or not. I do not know whether this model in particular suffers from cracks in that area but it could be worthwhile investigating.
Edited by leonardmccoy 2020-08-02 2:22 AM
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June 2012
Posts: 2316
Location: Pueblo West, CO | Yeah, I'd pass on this one unless it's got a good price in the neighborhood of $150 or so. |
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Joined:
October 2012
Posts: 1034
Location: Yokohama, Japan | Hi Brandon. I definitely agree with the advice from the veteran OFCers above. If it is priced right or negotiated to a "right" price, I might ask the seller to take pictures with the guitar strung-up. Maybe he has already, but the pictures above look like they were taken without the strings. When the guitar is tuned to concert pitch, I think you'll get a better idea as to the extent of the damage. Good luck! |
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October 2012
Posts: 1034
Location: Yokohama, Japan | Sorry! Double post! That was weird...
Edited by arumako 2020-08-03 1:48 AM
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Joined:
May 2020
Posts: 6
Location: Ontario, Canada | Ok thanks guys, it's not worth the risk for almost $2500 CAD + shipping. Here's the listing with more pics https://reverb.com/item/34981460-ovation-ultra-gp-1431-80s-sunburst
I'm kicking myself for not seeing a really cheap one on eBay back in march that was in great condition until after it sold. I'd MAYBE consider buying this one if it was local and much cheaper but I don't exactly make enough money to gamble on this. |
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Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10582
Location: NJ | I have a Hamer korina flying V with a similar headstock crack. never had one day of problem with it. apparently it took a good hit during a ups trip |
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How bad is this neck crack?
