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Joined:
July 2005
Posts: 3411
Location: GA USA | Gentlemen and ladies, a fellow poster at Ukulele Underground posted the following:
Okay, I have an old guitar I bought back in the late 80's. I never play it anymore. So, I'm thinking of selling it but...
I have no idea what it should bring.
The guitar is an Ovation model 1669, I think the last time I checked the manufacture date it was mid 80's somewhere. It's got the full on abalone inlay on face and neck. It's a sunburst. I believe it has two plugs for an amp, though admittedly I never used that feature. At the time they said something about stereo pick ups. Back then I paid around $800 for it and it was considered a pretty good deal.
So flash forward to today, I'm asking the kid at Guitar Center how would I go about finding a price for it and he says, "Used Ovations, especially that old, are pretty much worthless. You might get $100 for it."
Whereas I wasn't expecting to profit on this instrument, I know it's old tech and not all wood, I can't help but feel he may be low. I haven't found any similar ones on eBay or anywhere else for that matter. So I can't necessarily refute him.
So I ask, "How do you go about finding a proper price for something like this?"
and I replied:
The experts on Ovations are at The Ovation Fanclub. I have four Ovations. I have bought two this year (and sold one) all for well under their true value. It is true that you won't get what it's worth most likely, but $100 seems very low. USA made Custom Legends are very nice guitars.
It's quite possible you won't get over $500 for it. Guitars are just a bargain in today's economy, and selling one... it's a bad time.
Don't take "the kid at Guitar Center's" advice on Ovations. GC is notorious for knowing next to nothing about Ovations. They sell so many Celebrities that the don't recognize the value of the USA models. The statement "Used Ovations, especially that old, are pretty much worthless." just shows his extreme ignorance. Six of the seven Ovations I've had were used, and fantastic guitars.
Let me go and ask at the OFC. I've been a member for years, and will get a good answer, whereas somebody who registers and then posts about an item for sale might get hammered (as he might here as well).
Any other wisdom, or offers? Thanks.
Jas |
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Joined:
November 2006
Posts: 3969
| I don't think I've ever seen a 1669. That's a deep bowl cutaway Custom Legend, right? Your estimate's probably right in that case, but he might get lucky and get half that again if it's dead mint (which would still be only half of what it should be worth). |
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Joined:
May 2006
Posts: 4239
Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent | Ebay has been all over the place with CL's recently. They've been everywhere from $450 to $1500 in the last two months, but if it's in good shape, then $600 to $800 should be eminently doable in an auction. Heck, the case for it is worth $100 all by itself if it's in good shape! |
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Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 4619
Location: SoCal | I have one...mine is between 1985-1986 (#305412).
The CL 1669 is a great a/e guitar, cutaway, deep bowl, dark sunburst offset with beautiful inlaids, A braced. Full 'voice' as an acoutic even though it is an a/e and cutaway.
All depending on the condition, I agree with Patch. Maybe a little higher as the market starts to improve. |
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Joined:
September 2009
Posts: 144
Location: SW Washington | Jas, gimme the guys phone number and then go tell him the kid at GC was absolutely correct if not a little on the high side with the $100 estimate. I'll offer him $110 and see if he bites ;) Old tech? Um, I think Stradavarius is old tech is it not? He says old like it is a bad thing... It's not, is it? Okay, going to the store for Rogaine and Grecian Formula.... |
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Help Me Help A Brother - 1669 CL ???
