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Joined:
March 2004
Posts: 32
| Hey folks,
Wondering if anyone here would care to comment on value and availability of this guitar. I got it from the factory. At the time, the tech that showed me around told me that it was a prototype. I don't think this is true, as I believe I remember hearing that this model was made first in 1983, and this one is apparently the first one made in model year 1984. Serial#302670. Anyone know?
I'm thinking of parting with it.
Thanks, Frank |
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Joined:
May 2002
Posts: 1026
Location: Back in the Valley of the Sun Mesa Az. | I can't answer your question Frank, but congrats on having a great guitar! Not only have I never heard a negative about ANY 1537... I've never even heard a neutral opinion of one. Seems everyone who has found one, struck gold, and is holding on to it.
Wish I could help you part with it...if you know what I mean!
Norse(curious to play one someday)man1 |
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March 2002
Posts: 15664
Location: SoCal | Deep bowl, non cutaway, select spruce top, wood binding, walnut fretboard, Adamas stereo electronics. Or as we refer to 'em, "two knobbers".
A great guitar. Production on them started in 1983 with number 301001 (or right around there. They sold originally for about $1100.
For whatever reason, they've been going cheaply on ebay for about $500. IMHO, they are worth more.
Goober, who frequents this board has been looking for one.
I own one and will never part with it. It's got a big solid sound and is just a wonderful guitar. |
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Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 56
Location: hatzic lake, bc, canada. | i agree whole heartedly with paul,i wont part with mine.great playing and sounding guitar.if u cant get $700 keep it and enjoy,no hell just keep it!!! |
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Joined:
March 2004
Posts: 32
| Thanks guys, yeah, I agree, this is one hell of a guitar.
I played this thing in the 80's in a bluegrass band down south. Even though I had a 1952 D-18 that was really sweet, I really liked the action of this guitar, and ended up playing this most often. And the sound when miked thru the board with an SM-58 was as good as any out there. I have to admit that I got a few sour looks from some bluegrass hardcores who didn't like the idea of a "roundback" guitar or non-martin entering the bluegrass stage. Screw 'em if they can't adjust to reality.
The bindings and attention to detail of this and many other Ovation and Adamas guitars deserve a special place in guitar history, IMHO.
The only reason I'm thinking about parting with this guitar is because I've been swept off my feet by my new Taylor 614ce. Yes, I have to admit, I didn't see it coming. I was running in slow motion down the beach, while this Taylor was scooching up the beach. We met in each others arms and haven't parted since.
Love at first strum. And remember, flatpickers strum with thicker picks!
Thanks for your help.
Frank |
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Joined:
February 2004
Posts: 116
Location: Freeport, IL | Frank,
I am interested in buying this - if you want to let go of it. Let me know.
Thanks,
Jon (waiting for one of Al's Redwoods!)
vangilders9@yahoo.com |
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Joined:
February 2002
Posts: 613
Location: Zion, Illinois | Hey, they have one on ebay right now, here is the link...
Nice looking Ovation 1537 on Ebay
I see the seller is only about a 20 minute drive from my house. If anyone is interested, I could swing by this weekend and take a look.
Bradley |
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August 2003
Posts: 2246
Location: Yucaipa, California | Frank,
Bravo to you for infiltrating the Bluegrass world! The Ovation grin can defeat the Martin scowl!
I saw Jeannie Kendall on PBS a few weeks ago and one of her guitarists was playing an Elite! You are not alone!
Jon,
I am very interested in your comments about your new Redwood from Al... mine is simply the most beautiful, both in appearance and tone, guitar I have ever played... post pics if you have the chance!
tim |
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Joined:
March 2004
Posts: 32
| Did it strike anyone else as odd that the seller of that 1537 on E-Bay thinks that it has the original strings on it? What's up with that? Aren't they getting to feel a little like old McDonalds fries by now?
I'll never forget something that happened years ago....I was teaching guitar at a small music store down south. An older guy came in with a Martin D-45, you know the one, the Abilone Queen.
He started complaining about the sound, "it just doesn't sound as good as it did 5 years ago when I first bought it."
I asked him when he had last changed the strings. A funny look came over his face. "Change the strings? You gotta do that?"
This guys volume knob didn't go up very high.
Frank |
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Joined:
February 2004
Posts: 116
Location: Freeport, IL | Tim,
Will post pics of the 2001 as soon as I get a chance. Al seems to think that the 2001 is a lot more guitar than the 1778T I've been playing and enjoying greatly. Hope he's right - traded a pretty nice playing and sounding Martin for this Redwood.
Later,
Jon Van Gilder |
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Question on 1984 Elite 1537
