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July 2024
Posts: 22
| I’m looking for information on the number of LT-60 guitars built. I was able to pick up a used one about 10 years ago and it’s actually one of the nicest Ovations that I’ve owned. It has a 6 digit serial number and a 2013 build date.
I’ve seen references on the Internet to “prototype LT-60” guitars as #20 of 25 and #2 of 60 so it’s seems a bit confusing as to how many were actually built. My guitar just has the serial number on the label with no other indication of build sequence. Was there a run of 25 guitars followed by a run of 60? Was there a run of 85 guitars? Was there a production run after the prototype builds? Is there a definitive list of LT-60 serial numbers?
I reached out to GEWA over a week ago but they have gone silent on me. I’m not sure they even know of the LT-60. Fender was able to provide some info in that they shipped 4 units between 2014-2015. So that may mean the total number is <90.
So does anyone have any further knowledge on this? I’m actually interested in any tribal knowledge involving the LT-60 as well.
Thanks.
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December 2001
Posts: 7218
Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | Welcome,
Excellent question. I've upgraded you to full membership and moved this to the General forum area so others may answer. |
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Posts: 22
| Thanks!
I started pulling photos from the web and I may be having a duh moment! Maybe the LT-60 was actually LimiTed to 60 units.
I’m still digging up information but I’ve found this so far
FSR-LT-60 622526 proto unknown
FSR-LT-60 ?????? proto 2 (over at Lightning Joes)
FSR-LT-60 622532 Proto 5 (sold by Sweetwater)
FSR-LT-60 622531 proto 6
FSR-LT-60 622534 proto 7 (in hand)
FSR-LT-60 622555 proto 20 (advertised as 20 of 25 in Taiwan but is likely 20 of 60 based on serial number)
FSR-LT-60 622559 proto 24
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Posts: 4034
Location: Utah | Those were DW Drums era. I remember the controversy about the new shapes Ovation was trying out at that time. The headstock was particularly controversial! DW seemed very determined to elevate the brand back from what Fender had done to it (typical hollowing out of the company and cheapening the production as much as possible).
In that same timeframe I purchased a custom shop solid body Adamas with that same headstock. I think it looks great, but in the end I think they only made perhaps 3 of those guitars (mine, and 2 for NAMM).
I expect your guitar was built with a lot of care, and must sound really nice!
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Posts: 1796
Location: When?? | I was one of those people who went "eeewww" when it was introduced.. mostly because of the headstock shock and sound hole shape.. but have since come to realize how much I would like to own one since, like yourself, they were ultimately reported to be a very nice guitar to play and have wonderful response with a nicely balanced tone. I believe they have a modified "X" bracing?? And definitely a one-off in terms of Ovationlore with the pinned bridge. Like you, I'm just going to spin a random guess on the 60-count of production run. Please keep us updated on your future findings. |
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Posts: 22
| I’m still trying to dig up info. So far I’ve only found photos with serial numbers and prototype numbers of less than 25 so maybe that Taiwan listing is more correct than I gave it credit for.
I sort of liked the headstock design from the start but I’ve had 3 separate people over the years ask me if that was an Olson guitar.
I’m not sure what ever possessed them to use a pinned bridge though. |
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Posts: 22
| I think I’ve hit a stopping point. Barring anyone finding Kaman build sheets/notes/records squirreled away in a New Hartford garage, this is what I’ve found.
Fender is believed to have lost/destroyed LT-60 and other records on or about the sale of Ovation
Fender only has records showing 4 LT-60 guitars shipped in 2014-2015
Current Ovation CEO (former KMC Director of Operations) recalls at least 50 LT-60 produced
LT-60 name and advertising indicates 60 units produced
FSR-LT-60 622526 proto 2 (over at Lightning Joes. New old stock)
FSR-LT-60 622532 proto 5 (sold by Sweetwater)
FSR-LT-60 622531 proto 6
FSR-LT-60 622534 proto 7 (in hand)
FSR-LT-60 622555 proto 20 (advertised as 20 of 25 in Taiwan)
FSR-LT-60 62255? proto ? (HD Custom Guitar Supply)
FSR-LT-60 622559 proto 24
Proto 1 reportedly sold on reverb for $5000 a few years ago but I can’t locate serial number or any photos of it.
As incomplete as it is, this post is likely the current source of truth for the LT-60 serial numbers and build sequence.
Given that proto 20 is listed as 20 of 25 it would be nice to find a record of proto >25 to lend more support to the belief that 60 were actually built.
Should I find any more serial numbers I’ll put a spreadsheet together and update it. |
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July 2024
Posts: 22
| I thought I was done but I just found a 2014 NAMM video where Jason Barnes talks about the LT-60. It starts at about 3:33 and he says they made 25 of them
https://youtu.be/gII5SfDoPGA
…and I just noticed an elongated label and the ovation string through bridge on these so the mystery deepens.
Edited by George6 2024-07-03 9:59 PM
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Location: When?? | I notice the New Hartford Artists shown in the 2014 NAMM video had the string-through bridge, so that seems to be the quick identifier on first sight between it and the LT-60.
I also noticed that Jason said there "is" only "about" twenty-five made when referring to the LT-60.. which would/could tend to infer that there were more to come.. but his interview comments were just a matter of random, conversational verbiage, and I wouldn't figure they would go back into a proto build after the final product that the LT-60 was prototyped for (New Hartford Artist) went into a full-on sales line model. But, then again, you have Ovation management recalling at least 50. So as for a detective's work in digging into deep corners to solve the question, this is a really good one.. and one of the fun parts of being an aficionado of a particular brand and model. Love it.
The LT-60 at Lightning Joe's doesn't show a listing date on Reverb, but I assume it's still at the store. Not all that far from me, so I will have to swing by there next time I am in the zone if it's still listed. Probably the last of the "new" ones anyone will ever see. And curious.. what is the finish/color on your LT-60? Were all the ones you have seen photos of the same finish?
Edited by Love O Fair 2024-07-04 12:22 AM
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Posts: 22
| Yes, Ashley at Lightning Joe’s has it at the store. I’ve been sharing my findings with her directly since she was good enough to get Ovation’s CEO involved and get my stalled request for info moving again. I’ve given her some grief telling her she’s got to move that guitar because it’s too nice to be sitting in their inventory for 10 years!
So it looks to me like there were 3 New Hartford Artists in the NAMM booth in that video. Jason did tell me that he found that Fender shipped 4 LT-60s in the 2014-2015 timeframe so I’m wondering if the last 4 of the proto line were built for the 2014 NAMM show. I’ll check back and see if has serial numbers on those 4. Since we know the serial number of proto 20 we should be able to make some useful assumptions. No one has indicated yet that the New Hartford Artist model ever went to production (but it would be cool if there were some number of them out there)
All of the LT-60 photos I’ve seen as well as my guitar have the natural gloss Adirondack spruce finish. |
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| Also as far as the general timeline NAMM was in February 2014 and by May 2014 it was already public that Fender was shutting down New Hartford. The New Hartford Artist product would have been killed off shortly after NAMM.
Just found a reference to an alleged 2014 LT-60 serial number 622569 last known location Isesaki, Japan. No photos available, no build sequence number info available but it might be outside the range of those initial 25 units.
Edited by George6 2024-07-04 8:59 AM
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| If anyone recalls seeing one in their local music store 11 years ago post up the name and location of the store. (Yeah, I’ve run out of on-line leads:-) It’s highly likely that there were 50 of them built. I’ve identified maybe 10 by serial number with a range that would be consistent with at least a minimum of 50. I doubt I’ll ever identify the remaining 40 serial numbers but I’m not giving up just yet. I may be good for a few more.
I’m also trying to find out what happened to those 3 LT-60 New Hartford Artist guitars from the 2014 NAMM video. They had to have gone somewhere. I’d also like to find out if any more were built in the short time left before the FMIC ax fell. |
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July 2024
Posts: 22
| I think I've found enough data while wading through all the conflicting information to accept Rick Hall's recollection of 50 guitars as correct. Finding proto 31 showed that there were more than 25 and even if the LT-60 designation showed an intent to produce 60 units, FMIC was busy with the New Hartford shutdown which could have had an early impact on production. i'd still like to find those 3 New Hartford Artists and see if any more were produced but I need to call it done at this point. 
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| Looks like problems with the attachment…
 (IMG_2767.jpg)
Attachments
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 IMG_2767.jpg (66KB - 1 downloads)
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Location: Yokohama, Japan | George6 - 2024-07-07 9:50 AM
i'd still like to find those 3 New Hartford Artists and see if any more were produced but I need to call it done at this point. Thanks for posting your research conclusions George6. A pursuit of passion for sure! Never was a fan of the LT-60, but information like this helps to keep Ovation lore interesting and accurate. Well done! |
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July 2024
Posts: 22
| Thanks. They are definitely an unusual guitar with what appears to be fender trying to put their stink on ovation but on the other hand it looks like people were trying some new things for all the right reasons so this could have been a little ray of light in those dark fender years. It would be nice to get the whole story behind them. |
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Posts: 22
| Just found a note from the blue book of guitar values that references the 2014 price list. “Although the New Hartford Artist Model RT521 (MSR $4,299) was listed in the 2014 Ovation price list, it appears it was never actually produced” |
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Ovation LT-60 Questions
