When I heard that the factory would be closing, I thought my plans to own a custom Ovation parlor would never come to pass. So what were the odds that an OFC'er would actually put his custom Koa on the block. Even more out of the ordinary, what were the additional odds that he would be willing to trade, because Lord knows I'm short on cash right now!

So many thanks to Mitzdawg! I love this guitar. (And hopefully I'll manage to get another 1987-4 Collectors down the road.....)

So here it is! Mitz re-built a damaged 1997 Collectors and customized it with a Koa top, abalone purfling, tortoise binding, carved Adamas bridge, and Op-Pro Studio pre-amp. They all work perfectly to balance out the 12-frets to the body, slotted headstock, and ebony/maple inlays for the rosette and headstock logo. I finished the process with an Anniversary-stained/carved TRC (courtesy of John Budny), and some rosewood tuner buttons from Al.

The sound is chimey, delicate, and very suitable to fingerstyle. I did take it to church several times though and it can handle solid strumming with ease. I always like it when I obatin a guitar that has a sound all its own compared to my others. So this one stays, no doubt. It's comfortable to hold. Comfortable to play, And most importantly, comfortable to hear.

Who wouldn't be pleased?

and yes again!      'nother nice one Patch!