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March 2007
Posts: 841
Location: CA | http://cgi.ebay.com/Ovation-model-1617_W0QQitemZ300112469845QQihZ02... |
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September 2006
Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | If it had a BIN, I'd give him $40 & $40 for it.
That's about all!
I am watching it, just to see what happens. |
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April 2006
Posts: 1138
Location: CT | Those cases go for 75 bucks. Plus some shipping. I'm thinkin' about it myself. Hey, buy yourself a case, and get a free guitar, if not to play, you got some tuners, a neck, a bowl, whatever. A good deal if just for som parts, or decoration, whatever. |
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Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3611
Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire | Another project. I need more meds! I'll keep you posted on "Pandora's Box". |
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June 2006
Posts: 7307
Location: South of most, North of few | Oh, that was you. I almost had my hand on the bid bar at the last second, but then I thought,...Another project? I need more meds. :D |
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September 2006
Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | Yeah Brainslag... I got a case that way, and sent the bowl to Jason.
I really thought about bidding on that last night,
but I got GOOD guitars that I don't have time to play.
Gotta speed-up my Guitar Rotation Program. |
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Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3611
Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire | The seller says he played the critter in coffeehouses, in lieu of his Tak. High praise, indeed......or an easy-to-please audience.
May need to consult with Brother Jason on electronics replacements.
They're probably about "full sail" in New Hartford, about now! |
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Joined:
June 2006
Posts: 7307
Location: South of most, North of few | Originally posted by Old Man Arthur:
Gotta speed-up my Guitar Rotation Program. I need new brakes installed on mine....I can't stop! :rolleyes: |
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Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3611
Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire | OK, "Pandora" has arrived already. The images are in a new gallery folder- "BFLG Laboratory". Appears this is a 1979 1617. It does have some rough spots to contend with. There appears to be a repair to the top, though appears fairly minor. The rosette is long-gone. The binding on the bass-side waist area is pulling loose. A small separation in the neck binding on the treble-side fretboard extension. Generally grungy, and spent too many nights in smoky bars.
The preamp is a stacked-type, inoperable, so I'm told. Probably need to ship it off to Brother Jason for rehab.
The case is in fair condition. At least this one closes OK, and doesn't need Bondo!
Now, here's where I need some advice. I tuned the critter up to pitch, and it definitely is a vintage Ovation. There's no substitute for a 28 year-old soundboard. It still sounds pretty sweet. I really hate to tear into the poor ol' thing, and lose that mellow tone.
I really have nothing to lose by cleaning it up, affecting some cosmetic repairs, redo the electronics, and tweaking the action a bit.
Believe it or not, there's not much "bridge dive" on the critter- even after someone rounded the corners on it! I may have to pull the bridge, and refinish the top, eventually.
Those low-profile necks are real nice, and has no finish fissures on the base of the peghead.
So, I have a nice instrument, and a great project- splendid outcome! |
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Joined:
August 2006
Posts: 2804
Location: ranson,wva | christopher, fet-3 tone/vol preamp freshly rebuilt today with new pot(thanks kim) and knobs is boxed up and ready to make its way to yakima. i drew you a diagram to do the wiring to the 1/4 output.....if you got a single knob vol only ill give you a even trade on it..lol jason |
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Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3611
Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire | Hi Jason, Thanks! I'm awaiting the volume-only preamp on the 1615, due to arrive soon. I think I'll just send both your way- one for swap, the other for repair. Save a bit on collective shipping that way.
So, expect the shipment within the next few weeks.
Pandora progress report: Got that nasty sticker off it already. No additional damages concealed, therein. Whew! |
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March 2007
Posts: 841
Location: CA | We're not worthy! I applaud your mercy and determination. Perhaps after this you can get Whitney Houston clean and sober. Keep us updated for sure. |
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Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3611
Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire | Whitney's problem is beyond my capabilities.....& patience. I deal with people's neurosis, on a daily basis, to pay the mortgage. I wouldn't take on a "celebrity", other than by Kaman.
Thanks for the approbation, though! |
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Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3611
Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire | Pandora update: "pulling the neck" was somewhat moot. It has a bolt-on neck. More lke, "Pull your head out....".
I'm preparing to take power tools to the top of this thing. Made a couple of cauls to pinch the binding back into the waist (wish I could do that to my emergent rotundity!).
Neck removal did lift the top a tad, resulting in a break under the fretboard extension. Reglued, and won't be seen, anyway.
The bridge will be removed & replaced. Y'know, if I'm careful, this critter will actually improve in tone & resonance, with a thinner top!
So, once more into the breach..... |
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December 2003
Posts: 13987
Location: Upper Left USA | You go girl... er, Seese!
Sorry I didn't end up with your BFLG Special off of Ebay. At least I flushed out a higher bidder.
Should be a great project you have there. |
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Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3611
Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire | Thanks for the help there, Brother Michael!Actually, the guy in 2nd place said he'd give me more than the winning bid, if the first deal fell through. I'm in negotiations for a commisioned, future project. |
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Joined:
March 2007
Posts: 841
Location: CA | I hope you're chronicling this in photos. Be careful with the power tools. Good quality orbital sander is about the only machine I would let within 10 feet, and no rougher than 220 paper for the first test passes. My 2 cents. |
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Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3611
Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire | Palmer sander, 220 grit, Shop-Vac, and a good Merlot. Orbital, even random-orbit, won't take it down evenly.
Thanks for the reminder, OB; I need to shoot some photos. |
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Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3611
Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire | Actually, OB, I did use my random-orbital, followed by the palm sander. Worked fine. I've posted a couple more image to reflect my progress. That bridge REALLY put up a good fight! Es muerte, Loco! No significant damage contained under all that lacquer, fortunately. I have to give somebody credit. They primed it before shooting the color coat. Made a pretty good mess in the shop, vacuuming up all that crap. Scraping & sanding the binding was a bit tedious, but essential.
So, on to the replacement of the clear coat. The label says 1617, not 1617-1, and I'm not equipped to do sunburst finishes yet. Haven't decided what the rosette treatment will be yet. I suppose I could get a replacement from The Wizards, but I enjoy making them, too. |
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Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3611
Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire | OK, Pandora has been substantially rehabbed (not like other females, recently!), and is awaiting the electronics transplant from our Brother Jason, who is a transitional character, at the moment.
I have posted some new pictures.
Cheers, and once more into the breach! |
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Why there should be a guitar-abuser's prison
