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Location: Norway | I'm offered to buy a 1987 collectors edition at about $1600. There where only made a 1000 of these, it's in good condition, great to play, nice 70's sound, but I can't seem to find much information about it. Can anybody inform me how it compares to other ovation guitars of this era, quality and pricewise?
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Location: 6 String Ranch | There were less than 1000 made and very few of the black ones if this happens to be black. Great guitar. |
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Location: Minden, Nebraska | What CWK said.... The black '87 Collectors' is one of the rarest Ovations and commands a comparatively higher price.
But, imho, $1600 is a high price based on my experience of buying and selling Ovation Collectors' guitars for several years. First, I think it is too high for one of the nutmegs relative to what these have brought on the open market over the last several years. However, it isn't unreasonable for a dead mint black one in the original case with all original paperwork and the Certificate of Authenticity.
Before I get flamed here, let me add the caveat that my opinion is based upon my observation of market values and not upon what I think these guitars are worth. It is a fact that Ovations are undervalued in the market, and that makes them comparative bargains most of the time.
I just think $1600 is a collector's price, not a player's. |
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Location: Norway | Thanks for the feedback!!!
It's not the black one.
I had never tried an ovation guitar before this one, and it seemed to me it would be hard to find a better sounding guitar for that price.
I'll have to think about this one. |
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Location: Upper Left USA | Welcome Henry! You found a good place to ask these kinds of questions.
Just a thought; You are in Norway, was that $1600 USD or was there a conversion involved?
Play a few more O's when you get a chance! |
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Location: SoCal | The price conversion is definitly something to consider. In the US, an 87 Collectors will go for under $1000 on ebay. In fact, a couple of months ago, one played exclusively by Glen Campbell for a number of years in performances, brought in less than $900 (I've also seen them go for as much as $1200). I'm still kicking myself for not buying it.
Having said that, the 87 Collectors was the most beautiful Ovation ever built (in my never humble opinion) and a wonderful sounding guitar.
I think our European expert is going to have to weigh in on the price factor. Temp??? |
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Location: Upper Left USA | If you really want it and you CAN afford - get it.
Problem is that most of us are too broke to pay attention and justify it by saying it is the thrill of the hunt!
Actually, since coming to this board in December 03 I have managed to pick up three very nice O's at reasonable prices. I just need to lay low until next Christmas (LX 12, OFC Special and who knows)! |
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Location: Norway | I have converted the price into US dollars, based on pretty average exchange rate.
The problem is that I can afford the guitar if I want to. It seems $300-400 above average price for these guitars in the US, however, I do believe guitars are a bit more expencive in Europe.
The advantage is that I've tried this guitar and checked it out myself, so I know it's in good condition and that I'm comfortable playing it.
It seems like these guitars are of very high quality. After all, it's 17 years, and my hope is that if I buy it and take well care of it, it'll last another 10-15 years. |
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Location: So. Cal. | Henry, I have two of these '87's. One I bought new originally in 1987, another one I bought a few years ago with some minor scratches but otherwise fine. Price is a relative and subjective matter, especially considering the supply of such guitars in Europe. I personally will buy a guitar if I like it enough for what "I" consider a fair price, considering "availability". Back to the guitar, I will recommend it wholeheartedly. It's simply one of the best Collector's ever made. |
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Location: Atlanta,Ga. | The 1987 is my favorite collectors and the only collectors model i own at this time.I too think its one of Ovations best efforts.I own a sunburst model.I have posted a pic.
820- nutmeg
108- black
1- sunburst
http://www.ovationfanclub.com/photos/samova_41436_collectors1.jpg
http://www.ovationfanclub.com/photos/samova_42055_collectors2.jpg |
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Location: Norway | I guess the key is finding a guitar you're comfortable with and deciding how much you're willing to pay for it. The price level is a bit higher in Norway as we have a 23% sales tax on anything you purchase. If I were to import a guitar from the US I would have to add tax and transportion, which would easily amount to $300 on top of a selling price at $1000.
I guess I'll have to go with my gut feeling on this one, which right now says yes, but I'll spend the weekend pondering.
Thanks again to everybody for sharing your thoughts. |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | There were also about 25 bearclaw models made. (I've got #22) These are even more rare than the black ones. They did have the nutmeg stain and were killer and special hand signed certificates, but we know about those too.
If you can afford it, go for it. This one will be one of the more appreciating models in the future. But that is the opinion of a retired gas station owner so take it with a gallon if jet fuel. |
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Location: Denton, Texas | I have an '87 collectors, natural finish and paid $1,200 USD off eBay about a year ago. It is an excellent sounding and playing guitar and the best-looking, (down right beautiful in fact), Ovation I own. I would pay that price again, no problem. Picture in Members album area. Paul Moody has played the guitar and I believe will back up my statement.
George |
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Location: SoCal | George is right in everything he's said about his 87. He tells me that he's willed it to me, but with his health, I'm gonna have to wait about 40 years. |
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| If anything happens to the guitar after you buy it. Dont worry we will take care of it.
87s are great guitars.!!!!!!! |
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Location: Norway | Thanks to everybody for your opinions and advice. I've decided to make the guitar mine over the weekend. Got the price down to $1500.
I've been pondering a bit about this, tried out other guitars in the same price range, and the conclusion is that none of the ones I tried matched the Ovation in sound quality and playability.
The funny thing is that I have an Ibanez I bought for $700 a year or two back, and didn't really consider buying a second guitar. After trying out the Ovation I can't go back to playing the Ibanez, which now sounds like crap in my ears.
Another question: The strings presently on the guitar are .11 D'addario. I believe they might be the right strings for this guitar, but I'd be curious to know if anybody have other preferences.
Henry Lee |
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Posts: 51
| How much are they selling brand new Ovation Elite LX in Norway? $1500 is pretty high for US market. I bought my '87 (mint condition) for $850. Samova bought one for around $500 from eBay last year.
The guitar you are talking about is only in good condition (not mint). There are some blemishes, I suppose.
You may want to try out different guitars at your local dealers. The LX's sound really good.
You shoud compare Ovation with Martin & Collings, not Ibanez. The '87 should use light gauge (0.012- 0.053). How do you know it's .011, not .012? |
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Location: Norway | There seems to be some disagreement on what these guitars are worth. People have paid anything from $500 to $1200.
The Ibanez is my own shitty guitar. I've been to the store and tried a couple of Martin's in this price range. In my opinion the Ovation sounds better.
As far as the condition is concerned, I'd say the woodwork is in mint condition, but by looking at the fretboard you can tell it's been used.
As I mentioned earlier the prices for guitars are a bit higher in Norway. For starters we have a 23% sales tax. It seems you can find guitars on e-bay at a fairly reasonable price, but shipping and customs would add a quite substansial amount on the sales price.
Finally, there are no Ovation dealers in Norway, so the supply of these guitars are quite limited.
Regarding the strings, the seller told me what he had put on it. I think it sounds good now, but I guess it won't hurt to try the 0.012. |
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Location: Warrenton, Virginia | Henry
Can't you order a new LX from the states...? With shipping and import tax....I think it would still be cheaper that $1500....and you'd have a new guitar. |
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Location: south east Michigan | Yeh...but not an '87 collectors. This one sounds special.
Brad |
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Location: Warrenton, Virginia | still sounds like a lot of $......but I understand it's personal taste |
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Location: Fayetteville, NC | Henry,
Be Sure when your aquisition reaches your doorstep to let us know how you like it and by all means send Pics!! My Keyboard is getting Damp from the Drool already! :D |
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1987 Ovation Collectors Edition
