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Joined:
June 2004
Posts: 4
Location: New Hampshire | I just purchased A Glenn Campbell model 1618-4 12 string ( 1975). and love it. However the battery holder leaves a lot to be desired, it causes static and i have to put tape to hold the battery in. Does anyone know if replacement holders are available and if so where i could purchase one.
If anyone has any comments about this model id love to hear it, I cant find too much info about it. I just love the slot head and 12 fret to body style.
Thanks |
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Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 6202
Location: Phoenix AZ | The GC12 is a great guitar, but yes the battery holder is a POS. The best advice I would give would be to install one of the newer battery holders that opens to the outside of the guitar. You could install it yourself, although it involves cutting an opening in the bowl. A qualified Ovation repair shop, or the factory service department, could do the job for you. I had this done on several guitars and have been 100% satisfied with the improvement. |
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Joined:
June 2004
Posts: 4
Location: New Hampshire | Thanks for the tip, ill look into it. I called Ovation customer service and got a real person!
very unusualin this day and age. This being my first Ovation, im not sure what strings they like, any ideas? My martin sounds best with SP, and my Tacoma with Elixers.
I dread stringing up a 12 string slothead, so if you have any sugestions on strings.. im all ears.
Thanks again , this is an awesome forum with very freindly members. |
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Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13997
Location: Upper Left USA | Stringing up a Slothead 12 is a piece of cake.
Grab an ironing board, bunch of towels, bandaids and make a fresh batch of Margaritas.
Make sure you align all of the little round ends of the strings just so, too.
Really its not bad. Someone had posted a website that showed how many turns an what side of the hole to put them on. |
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Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 6202
Location: Phoenix AZ | I've restrung way plenty of 12 string slotheads and also non-slots. I don't see any difference. Why is one more difficult than the other? Am I missing something. |
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Joined:
July 2003
Posts: 1922
Location: Canton (Detroit), MI | I have a 1118-4 (no-pickup Glen Campbell 12-string)...I've only restrung mine once, but I think Mike's suggestion for mind-altering substances isn't a bad idea! :) It took me 4 hours, about twice what it takes me to restring my Adamas ME 12-string.
I think the difference for a slothead is that it is fussier to work the extra string length through the slots as you tension the strings up, plus making sure the string rolls up correctly. If you are an experienced person at this, it probably doesn't make any difference in time or effort.
I use D'Addaro .010s on mine. I'd suggest the EXP version to minimize string changes, I am planning on doing that at my next change. I use extra lights to put as little stress as possible on that aged top, 12-strings really do need a little care that way IMHO.
Also, if you plan to not play your 1618 for a week or so, I'd reduce the tension on the 7th through 12th strings (EAD) to prevent causing a twist in the neck(mine has it).
Roger |
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Joined:
January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | Get a pair of right angle needle nose pliers. I use those on restringing my Nationals which are all slot heads. Makes it so much easier to pull out the end of the string that's bent around the shaft.
I'd suggest the Adamas 1616 set which is 10-47, but I don't like the coated strings except for special applications. |
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Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13997
Location: Upper Left USA | A while back I was amidst trying various string gages and tunings. Made 4 changes in 3 weeks.
Thanks for the Right angle needle nose idea Bill. that should minimize any nicks and the need for bandaids.
I tended to string the bass side quickly and had it looking just swell. when I flipped it around I would catch myself loading the string on the wrong side of the hole a few times. It is important to look good too!
Remember to clean and lube the fretboard and bridge as well as polishing the top. Tighten the tuner knobs with the strings off and install Straplocs!
Honestly - no margaritas. This is a ritual to be savored. Get to know your instrument. |
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Glenn Campbell 1618-4
