With my Book Elite on its way to a new owneer, I'm afraid the purge must continue. Up for sale/trade next is a phenomenal 2007 Bear Claw! As is often stated on this forum, the pictures simply cannot do justice to how nice this instrument looks. Other than some pick scratching, some scuffing along the top edge of the headstock, an almost imperceptible ding on the lower bout, and some very faint buckle rash (Which would be easy to cover; I just never really felt the need.), this guitar looks incredibly clean for almost 12 years old. The blemishes I mentioned cannot be seen from three feet away and even then only when the light catches them right. Overall it's a 9.5 out of 10 appearance-wise.

But that's just its looks. The sound is awesome with plenty of acoustic volume from the deep contour bowl and just a little more bass than usual thanks to the single epaulette configuration. This guitar more than holds its own acoustically and the Op-Pro Studio pre-amp clears the road in any live setting. The action is low and absolutely effortless, even for an Ovation.

It comes with a 8158 case in excellent shape that came with it when I got it.

I'm asking what it's worth, but will entertain any offers within reason. So let's start at $1400 OBO shipped in the continental U. S. and work from there. If you want to pick it up, it will be a little less. I am happy to meet within a resonable driving distance of Poughkpeesie NY. (Like many of us, I worry the entire time a guitar is in transit. So if we can avoid turning this over to over-zealous cargo tossers, I'm all for it!)

I am also willing to ship overseas, but the logistics will need to be ironed out, and I'm sure the shipping will be more.

Alternatively, I am willing to do partial trades plus cash as well. The only caveat being that I don't want to trade damaged guitars (I can't afford repairs right now.); minor blemishes are OK, but nothing too obvious. Also, as I am hurting for cash at the moment, it is possible that what you trade me might go up for sale pretty quickly depending on circumstances, just so you know. Some possibilities in no particular order:

• An EA-68 Viper (not black)
• A 1997 Collector
• A 2002 Collector
• A 96 Collector
• Other ideas?

If we are trading, we each pay our respective shipping. As stated before, I am also willing to meet somewhere within a reasonable distance.

As you scroll through the pictures below, just remember, as hard as it is to believe, it looks even better in person!

Thanks for asking Mario. I sent you a PM.

So would dropping the price to $1250 drum up some more interest?

I agree with you Moody, about the price and the sound, but "needs must" as they say.