|
|
Joined:
May 2003
Posts: 45
Location: Oakton, VA | I purchased an Ovation guitar back in the early seventies. (Model 1111-4, s/n 006144, according to the chart manufactured in 1972).
About thirteen years ago, the guitar was involved in a child tampering incident which resulted in its bridge becoming detached from its body. Ouch. There was also some finish damage between the bridge and the soundhole.
It hasn't been played since.
The child involved in this incident is now safely off to college -- a music major -- and the subject guitar resurfaced from its "under a bed" storage space.
My question to you guys is how much would you spend to fix this. I probably wouldn't play this guitar much at all, just to have it available when people come over to play. I plan to take it in for an estimate in the next few weeks. The bridge must be reglued; refinishing top may be suggested.
Thanks in advance.
-Tom |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10583
Location: NJ | call John Budny at the Ovation service center and ask him for an estimate. He can also tell you where the closest factory authorized service center is. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2002
Posts: 5750
Location: Scotland | If a repair on that guitar costs 2-3 hundred it's worth doing, it'll probably be a lot less. Forget about a re-finish, way too expensive |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15686
Location: SoCal | Paul T's right about the cost. Probably less than $200. The guitar in good condition is probably worth about $350-$400. But if it only takes $150 or so to make it a good instrument again, then you should do it. Then put it on a stand and let people play it. It's got a lot of enjoyment still in it. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2003
Posts: 63
Location: Dallas, GA, USA | Agreed. The older Balladeers are damn good-sounding guitars. Personally, I would sooner spend $300 to fix that one than I would spend $500 on a new Celebrity, it is much "more" guitar. (I realize that you didn't ask about replacing it... that was just to make a point). Fixed, it's a good instrument, and unfixed it is "under bed decor". |
|
| |
|
Joined:
May 2003
Posts: 45
Location: Oakton, VA | Thanks a lot for all responses... you guys are no only helpful, but quick too!
There's a authorized Ovation site within twenty miles; their repair man guessed $50 - $60 for the bridge; $35-$40 setup. Large shards of lacquer were lifted from the top between the bridge and soundhole. He said he may be able to smooth these things out but would need to see it.
I really liked this guitar. Tone and volume were well balanced across the strings and the neck was comfortable. Since the accident, I've spent my available music time with a mandolin; hence, the Ovation languished for a long time.
I'm anxious to hear this guy again.
Thanks. I'll repost when it returns from the shop.
-Tom |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15686
Location: SoCal | Tom:
I don't know if this makes sense, but saving a guitar like this is good for one's karma. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2003
Posts: 398
Location: Gig Harbor, Washington | Amen, Brother Paul! I've rescued a few homeless Ovations down on their luck over the years...there are few things in life as sweet as the voice of a vintage roundback restored to their former glory...Go for it, man, it's money very well spent (invested!), and while you're digging into it - I'd seriously consider droppin' in a piezo...I've got a pair of early 70's A/E artists - and they really sing plugged in & cranked up! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | Definately worth repairing. Might cost more than the estimates if the top has moved or gotten weird since the bridge has been off it for so long. I'd probably say forget the refin too.
In any case call Budney at the factory and take it from there. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3666
Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire | My current "saves" are an 1111 (peghead), CS255 (peghead), & a CC267 (bridge). The Seattle Mariners should be so lucky! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
May 2002
Posts: 3005
Location: Las Cruces, NM | caitly
By fixing it you will have a good guitar for a lot less than buying a replacement. Playing mandolin? I have been a mandolin picker for some years so feel free to make some mando comments here also. I spent close to 3 years at Ft Eustis at Newport News, so have some feeling for VA, which I enjoyed greatly.
Bailey |
|
| |
Need repair advice
