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Joined:
June 2011
Posts: 29
Location: North Carolina | Hi everyone,
Long time lurker, first time poster.
I have been an Ovation fan ever since the early 80’s when I used to see artists playing these cool looking roundback guitars on TV. Over the years I’ve collected 6 Ovations including a few Koreans, and a USA made Ultra and Elite and I hope to add more USAs soon. I also have a Taylor and a Martin, but Ovations will always be my favorite.
I recently bought a project Ovation 1115-4, serial number 4795 and I’m asking for opinions on if it’s worth restoring.
Photos can be seen at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/fitchr/sets/72157627165509387/with/597...
Negatives are:
Tuning machines do not appear to be original. What should the originals be?
Stress cracks on back of headstock, do not appear to be very deep.
2 Stress cracks below bridge
2 cracks lifting up on top of bridge around the pearloid screw covers
The guitar seems to be extremely dry, so I am currently humidifying it.
Positives are:
Bowl and binding is in great shape.
Neck appears to be straight.
The guitar cleaned up very well and the top has aged beautifully. Just thought I’d ask for opinions on whether or not it’s worth a lot a trouble restoring. I’ve even thought about sending it to New Hartford for restoration, but I’d hate to put $1000 in a $300 guitar.
Any help is appreciated!
Fitch |
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Joined:
August 2007
Posts: 1008
Location: Tuscany, Italy | Very nice guitar ... congrats !
I guess the tuners are original. Look here http://www.ovationtribute.com/Catalogues/60s%20Catalog/60s%20catalo... scroll to page 9 (1118) |
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Joined:
June 2011
Posts: 29
Location: North Carolina | Anyone have any idea what this guitar would be worth if it was refurbished by the Mothership? I'm guessing no more than $450. I'm torn on whether to refurb or play as-is.
Any help is appreciated.
Fitch |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15654
Location: SoCal | Tuners don't look original. The originals at that time were Klusons. These look similar but not quite right.
Putting money into an Ovation is always a tricky proposition. I had work done on an old Legend, spending about 2 times what the guitar is worth. It's now worth about the same. Good/bad investment? It was good because I got the guitar I wanted and am not thinking about selling it.
Your call..... |
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Joined:
June 2011
Posts: 29
Location: North Carolina | Yea, I figure I'm going to have twice what it's worth in it. It's just such a beautiful guitar, I would love to see Ovation work some magic on this one.
Thanks for the advice. |
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Joined:
June 2011
Posts: 29
Location: North Carolina | I can't figure out what the original tuners are supposed to be.
According to page 9 from a 1970 brochure from OvationTribute.com, they were "Ovation Standard Chrome".
These look Original. Are they Kluson or "Ovation"?
http://www.ovationtribute.com/Acoustic%20Series/Balladeer/1115-4%20...
Thanks again! |
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Ovation 1115-4 Restoration
