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Location: Valley of the sun | Hello folks.
This is a "cut and paste" of my first post in the welcome page. Thanks to Damon67 for getting me access to post in "for sale" so quickly.
I would like to take a minute to introduce myself. I signed up here a few years ago, and have been an occasional lurker, but never became active on the site. I bought my first (and only) guitar in 1977, I think it was a model 1575. I sold it a few years later, I haven't played again in over 35 years. I retired last year and decided I needed a new hobby.
Since retiring I have had a lot of time to research and acquire the object of my new hobby. I was lucky and patient enough to obtain a 1996 Book Elite 1768-7LTD. It appears to be in near mint condition. I am by no means a luthier, but the only "blemish" I can find is a very tiny "nick" below the bridge. It is about the size and thickness of an eyelash, and is limited to the varnish / finish. You need to look very closely to even see it, everything else seems perfect. It sure is a "looker".
Now..., my tale of woe. After bringing my new "starter guitar" home I am too intimidated to play it. Something this beautiful and rare should be in the hands of a collector, not a newbie old duffer. I will never be comfortable playing it for fear of dropping or scratching it. All that being said I am hoping someone may want to trade for it. Don't get me wrong, I am still looking for a very nice USA made guitar, just maybe something not this rare. If someone is interested in it and has something newer of equal value, I will listen to all offers.
I will add some pictures shortly. (As soon as I figure out how to) |
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Posts: 6995
Location: Jet City | lsamdal - 2015-05-05 6:07 PM I will listen to all offers. I will add some pictures shortly. (As soon as I figure out how to) How to ad pictures, video, links, etc. to posts And you're very welcome. Good luck on this and the new hobby. |
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Posts: 714
Location: moline,illinois | Hey Sam welcome aboard,the Book Elite is considered one of the best sounding and looking guitars Ovation made.Ovations are very durable if you take proper care of them so don't be afraid to play it most on this forum will never have the chance.As far as trades go anything worth the value of that guitar should also be very nice and there aren't many i would consider of equal value unless you get another collectible model or signature series so if its your dream guitar enjoy it,just my 2 cents
Edited by 2wheeldrummer 2015-05-05 10:17 PM
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Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | lsamdal - 2015-05-05 6:07 PM
I will never be comfortable playing it for fear of dropping or scratching it.
I have a few guitars like that.  
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Location: Ontario Canada | pm sent.... |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | And if you are unsure whether or not a trade may or may not be of equal value, don't be afraid to ask.
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Location: Munich, Germany | Hi Sam,
there's absolutely no problem in playing this guitar: That's what it was built for.
I understand your concerns according to this "collector's thinking", but that is neglectable. If you don't scratch the guitar and the collector you are looking for now, be assured your or his heirs will do. If you don't break it, your heirs will. So break it yourself while enjoying it, maybe your kids and grandkids don't even know what it would have meant to you.
Play it in good health, but play it,
Kurt |
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Location: Frozen Tundra of Minnesota | Hi Sam!
Welcome!!!
I know exactly how you feel - I came back into this after many, many years away too, and once I started learning from these fine folk about Ovations and Adamas, I wanted the really nice ones, but I too, am very intimidated by the nice ones, especially to start up again on them.
I just very recently got an Adamas 1687-2 from a Wonderful New Friend here, and I was actually afraid to have him ship it to me, I felt I did not deserve such a fine piece when I couldn't play like the people on here. So I read the History of Ovation Book, and got to meet and know some of these Members here. I will never be in their league as far as playing, and I still don't feel like I deserve it, but I know and appreciate the making, effort, and love that went into each and every one of these guitars, and I am playing that Adamas!!! (I do put a drool bib over the side...)
I figure that I will *grow* into it, like you do skiis, or 4 wheelers, or anything else you enjoy! We are just starting out with a bit better equipment than most! (We have good taste!  )
Keep your Beautiful Guitar, play it, and ENJOY it! You will grow into it, and then you will already have your Dream Guitar. And if you really feel intimidated, get a 2nd less expensive one to start out on, and when you have a little practice in under your belt, you can switch to the Beauty you have waiting for you!!
Someone here had a Great Signature line here, that really helped me... You don't have to know how to pet a puppy, you just have to want to, the rest will come!
Oh! And Sam.... be sure to put away any beverages before reading the posts from these guys, you will end up snorting it all over your screen!!! They are getting better about giving Snort Warnings, but it is better to be safe, and just not have any beverage within arms reach when reading them! |
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Location: Suisun City, Ca | I agree with Kurt. Scratches in the name of mojo is a good thing, IMO.
You're not going to drop it and anything you get of equal value will also be beautiful, so play it! |
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| Hi Sam,
What kind of "value" are you looking for? |
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Location: Valley of the sun | Thank you all For your good advice, You have given me a lot to consider. I am still working on posting pictures. It is kind of kicking my but. I will keep trying until I get it right. I will also be replying to PMs soon. |
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Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | Sam, if you cannot figure-out how to post pics here...
Post them to a hosting site like Photobucket, the post the link/address here.
Be sure that the photos are "public" on Photobucket or Picassa, or whichever.
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Location: Valley of the sun | Sorry I took so long, but I was finally able to attach some links to a few photos. I am a very poor photographer but if anyone would like some additional specific angles, please let me know. https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3BKHeM0p84lNjNId3BHWWt0aWs/view?usp=sharing https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3BKHeM0p84lZ0VEMXJRcG5TSDQ/view?usp=sharing https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aeZ-n9dn9WbqJE4uTTT6KeIt_FOaNukPQA/view?usp=sharing https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IgDjrDF310UoNvHxtsj3zflLQaZXaRHKwQ/view?usp=sharing https://drive.google.com/file/d/19MtJLIErYPnfNWBpZ4yWIlu4LvfuYh1IUA/view?usp=sharing https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qNkae_yxzx2UFIkbNoTJEjwt_WTHsfLVWw/view?usp=sharing https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lV0cNpBFZi6GrRNfqR4v8vYM99LJNxG6Cw/view?usp=sharing https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3BKHeM0p84lc1FLNHd1bVllc1E/view?usp=sharing https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3BKHeM0p84ldlNZR1lyX2YwX28/view?usp=sharing |
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Location: Canada | 2wheeldrummer - 2015-05-05 9:15 PM As far as trades go anything worth the value of that guitar should also be very nice and there aren't many i would consider of equal value unless you get another collectible model or signature series so if its your dream guitar enjoy it,just my 2 cents I think that's the most important point. Ovations are meant to be played and they suffer if they get stuck in a closet and collect dust. You put a big effort into finding it so it makes sense for you to enjoy it, and for a beginner I think it is a huge bonus to have a great instrument as a starter and not get held back by poor design, build quality, and sound which can wreak havoc with learning motivation. Trading makes no sense at all. Maybe buy a cheap beater guitar from CL to knock around and just take this one out every other day or on weekends as a treat until the time comes when you feel more comfortable ...
Edited by d'ovation 2015-05-06 5:49 PM
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Posts: 10
Location: Valley of the sun | I don't have a specifiic value in mind, Just something equally sweet. I would prefer an elite style. If I like your trade, but the value is not equivelant, we could discuss some cash to even it up. |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | Sam, just play the hell out of it. You worked all your life and now retired, live a little, no I take that back, live a lot. It's a 20 year old guitar. As a collector I would want something that was well played and broken in, it's worth more.
Side story, I once had two 57 strats, one was immaculate and the other very worn. Both cost the same back in 1979. The real pretty one sounded dead and I sold it in 86. The other I still have.
Keep the guitar, I bet you could even get "that guy" to sign a label for you, then it would be worth half as much. Keep the guitar.............. |
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Location: Colorado | What Beal said... play it...same with cars...drive them....heck most of us have been played and driven hard...and we are collectors items too!...well at least in our minds...seriously...play it - long hours....get the vibration going to open up the sound...I swear even sweat adds to the mojo....a well palyed - well cared for fine instrument is worth more (in every facet) than the one that sat in the case. |
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Location: Munich, Germany | Sam, you're not really thinking still about trading it? Okay, come to germany, I give you these two for it: 
18 strings for six - what do you think? I really would do that, so be assured you got one hell of a guitar there. And you've earned it! Now play it or give it to me! Best regards, Kurt |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | That's a great deal Kurt. Sam should really consider your offer. I would do it. |
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Location: Germany, where delicious wine is growing (Rheinh) | Hi Sam,
welcome here!!
I have one of these, mine was played very often, has two finish cracks and some frettwear, but it's one of the best sounding woodtop guitars I own and as you can see, I have a lot. Keep it and play it!!!!
Bernie |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | Germany in the summer is nice, hope you like beer.....
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Location: Valley of the sun | Summer in Germany will be wonderful; it is going to be really nasty here In Arizona. Huge thanks to Kurt for inviting me over I will PM you with my address to send the airline tickets. I am sure my wife will want to come too, so I hope you won't mind buying two sets of tickets. Thanks also to all of you for your much appreciated advice. I did get some great news about my Book Elite today. As I mentioned in my original post I am no luthier, but I did take it to a very well respected luthier here in Phoenix. He confirmed my guitar is structurally in perfect condition, and overall excellent for a 30 year old guitar. He was definitely not an Ovation fan but he said it was the nicest Ovation he has ever seen. He is keeping it until Saturday for a basic set-up, new strings, and an internal dusting and cleaning of the electronics. I have answered all emails and PMs (except for Kurt for the airline tickets). So far I have been offered some nice trades but the better ones were older collectables, which kind of defeats my initial reason for trading. If I am going to play a rare guitar, I think I like the one I have best. I have also been offered some really nice single sound hole guitars, but I am more interested in a multi sound hole. Ideally I would like a newer USA made custom elite LX or similar newer collectors series with more modern electronics, plus some cash. I am still listening to offers but it is starting to look like I may be keeping the Book Elite (Unless Kurt comes through with the airline tickets and 18 strings) Thank you all for your interest in the guitar, and your good advice |
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Posts: 50
| Keep it. I can't see how you'd come out ahead and meet your goal of less stressing about dinging it up... unless you accepted an offer for like three or four less nice instruments. But personally... I don't think I'd ever trade a guitar like yours without trying and loving what I'd be getting for trading my great instrument away. You should play it or sell it and start over. Of these two, I'm in the play it camp. If it intimidates you, then buy a much cheaper one to take around town for lessons or what not, and then come home and play your sweet guitar for practice.
I'm happy you own that instrument, and the fact that you don't want to damage it means that you'll be a great owner. But you have to remember to play it. It's important for the instrument, and for you. |
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Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | Okay Sam...
This conversation inspired me break-out my 1778T-Orange Flamer (see avatar).
This one is pristine.
I owned one before but sold it cuz I didn't play it cuz I didn't wanna scratch it.
Then I bought this one from Trader Jim (see archives).
I still don't play this one often, but I do play a Red Flamer that I bought for cheap.
The Red Flamer came with pick-tracks and a crack... it cost $340 with case and shipping.
Since it is already broken-in I don't worry much about hurting it.
Go find yourself a $200-$400 Elite to play now and save the "Book" for later.
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Location: Munich, Germany | Again: Why save it? For whom?
All our lifes are not endless, and being in retirement means, you have a long time, a whole life of working behind you. Now is the time to enjoy what you have been working for.
Sam, I'd love to buy you these tickets and give you my 12-string Custom Legend and my LX Custom Elite for your guitar, but I am still in this worktimelife and can't afford it. And again: It would not be what I would see you doing.
Guitars meant to be played, and especially the nice and good ones. There's this Martin add with Willie Nelson's Trigger on it, saying: "It left the factory perfect. Then it got better." That's the way you should see it.
Now, don't buy anything cheap to play it - play the best you can!
Best regards,
Kurt |
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Wanting to trade my 1996 Book Elite 1768-7LTD
