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Posts: 28
Location: Rochester, NY | Okay I have a Ovation 1769 Al Di Meola signature model from 2003. The top started caving in pulling the neck down......so I decided to send it to the factory. They just sent me a quote...........600 dollars! This includes replacing the top (including bridge, rosette).
Do you think think its worth the repair? 600 is steep man but the new models are 2 grand new. When I bought mine it was only 1600 dollars.
Any opinions? By the way, mine also has Di Meola's signature on the ovation label in the sound hole. I met the man himself! |
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December 2003
Posts: 28
Location: Rochester, NY | By the way......in its current state, the guitar is very playable and sounds great. I get a little buzz when I bend around the 10 fret.... |
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Posts: 2241
Location: Simpsonville, SC | danger, the "value" is in the eye of the player..or something like that.
What do YOU think the value of the repair is worth??
As has been said here many times....the mothership's repairs are beyond what is paid for them... JM.02$ |
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May 2003
Posts: 4389
Location: Capital District, NY, USA Minor Outlying Islands | If you don't think it's worth it, ask your local luthier what he would charge and then add $300. If it's less than the $600 the factory is asking then have your local guy do it.
Obviously you think there's a problem, so you might as well fix it. At the factory it'll be done right.
I'm curious, why didn't you get an opinion from someone local before sending it? Did any of your friends think it was bad enough to get fixed?
Whenever I have a problem with a guitar, I'll ask a friend what they think, and then a local repairman. |
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Posts: 1300
Location: Madison, Wisconsin | If I remember correctly, there is no such thing as a replacement top. You will end up with your original neck and electronics with a new bowl and top. |
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Posts: 8307
Location: Tennessee | I'm assuming you did not buy your guitar new or otherwise it should be covered by the lifetime warranty ... unless this is the result of damage of another kind. If you did buy it new (at $1600 I sure hope so), then find a way to document that to the factory. |
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Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | Like the folks said... What's it worth do you?
For $600 you will get an almost new guitar.
If it still plays to your satisfaction you may wanna wait.
BTW- When they quoted me $500, it was really $425 plus $50 return shipping. Still less than $500. |
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March 2005
Posts: 5563
Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | If I remember correctly, there is no such thing as a replacement top. You will end up with your original neck and electronics with a new bowl and top.
They will save and replace your original labels...just ask them to do so...
and remember:
cost of top repair/replacement: $600
Extra's always proviced by Factory: n/c
Satisfaction of owning an outstanding Ovation guitar:
Priceless |
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October 2008
Posts: 639
Location: NW of Philadelphia | If it was me...
- I love the guitar
- Enjoy playing it
- Can afford the repair tab
Then its a no-brainer... Do it. |
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November 2008
Posts: 1119
Location: Michigan | Joe makes 3 good points. Really $600 seems like a lot but for the quality of work they do at the factory it is probably a bargain. On the other hand, if you can play it as is and it really does not bother you, well...
It seems any guitar with age has an issue or two. (sort or like us old guys). |
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December 2001
Posts: 10581
Location: NJ | and if the factory was not there you would be putting your guitar in the wood chipper and mulching your garden with it.
THAT PRICE IS CHEAP
call martin's service dept.....
oh they don't have one
never mind |
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March 2002
Posts: 15654
Location: SoCal | A 2002 guitar would have the older electronics on it? When the factory puts a new body on it (with a new bowl -- that's part of the deal), you could upgrade to the new style electronics (the shape of which will be compatible with all the current electronics).
They are offering a damned good deal. I paid more than that when I had to have a new body put on my 87 Collectors and for the work they did, it was worth every penny.
Do it.... |
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Posts: 494
Location: Location Location Location | Another +1 for a good deal. Those guys are magicians..actually they're incredibly caring artisans. I spent more than that on a well worn '69, and it's now one of the best guitars I've ever owned. |
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Posts: 2791
Location: Atlanta, GA. | I get a little buzz when I bend around the 10 fret.... Well, don't DO that!!! :rolleyes: |
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December 2003
Posts: 1071
Location: Carle Place, NY | Originally posted by willard:
If I remember correctly, there is no such thing as a replacement top. You will end up with your original neck and electronics with a new bowl and top. Not necessarily true. The factory put a new top on my 1537. |
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Posts: 4996
Location: Phoenix AZ | In general, ripping the top off the bowl and trying to replace it just isn't worth the effort - when the difference between replacing the top and replacing the whole body is a $15 piece of plastic.
But there are exceptions and I know of cases where the top only is replaced, as well as occasions where the bowl only is replaced. But it's got to be heck of a lot more labor (and cost). |
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Posts: 3618
Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | It's quite a coincidence that you bring up this topic. I JUST received my 1619-1 Custom Legend back from the mothership (1/2 hour ago) after having the same thing done, and it has the sunburst finish. It actually cost a little bit less than that, but they really suprised me with a couple extras that I wasn't expecting. I am working on pictures to post right now. But I will tell you one thing in answer to your original question ...
IT IS DEFINITELY WORTH IT!!! (: |
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July 2004
Posts: 766
Location: New Hampsha | I'm spending a bit more than that to have the works done to my 97 Collector's. Make that Very Happy to spend that.
When I think of the cost for what I will get back I just smile more.
Go for it! |
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June 2007
Posts: 270
Location: Yorkshire, England | I know someone who has a guitar that has been handed down, and is over 75 years old - you wouldn't believe the condition, it's just like it came out of the show room. Only thing is, it's had 15 new necks and 10 replacement bodies! |
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December 2003
Posts: 1071
Location: Carle Place, NY | Originally posted by Gallerinski:
In general, ripping the top off the bowl and trying to replace it just isn't worth the effort - when the difference between replacing the top and replacing the whole body is a $15 piece of plastic. 200 pieces of abalone placed by hand into the binding makes the body of a Custom Legend something more than a $15 piece of plastic. But like you said Dave, there are exceptions. I would tend to think that this is one of them. |
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Posts: 15654
Location: SoCal | Originally posted by Captain Black:
I know someone who has a guitar that has been handed down, and is over 75 years old - you wouldn't believe the condition, it's just like it came out of the show room. Only thing is, it's had 15 new necks and 10 replacement bodies! My 87 Collectors (#310/1000) is all original. Except for the new neck that was replaced about 3 years ago. Oh, and the top, bowl, and electronics that were replaced about 15 months ago.
But the tuners and label are original and in great shape. And that label tells me that it's still #310/1000.... |
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Posts: 1300
Location: Madison, Wisconsin | My CL is currently at the spa in New Hartford having the top repaired. They do remarkable work. This will be it's 3rd trip to the factory but only the 1st for repairs. |
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January 2006
Posts: 387
Location: Whitecourt, Ab | I get a little buzz when I bend around the 10 fret.... Some people pay a lot of money for that :D
You will seriously be very impressed with the outcome if and when you decide to let the mothership work their magic |
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December 2003
Posts: 28
Location: Rochester, NY | Thank you all kindly for your replies. I haven't really been participating in these forums until recently and really do appreciate the camaraderie here. Really I do appreciate all the responses.
Yes someone was correct when they mentioned that it shouldn't be just the new top but also the whole bowl assembly. The work order is 550 plus 40 for shipping so 590 to be exact. So its pretty much half a new guitar with my old neck which doesn't have that much wear on it. I bought it the 1st year they came out with the new electronics so that'll be moved over as well.
When I called Ovation I spoke with John Budny to inform him that I wanted to go ahead with the repair (the repair quote was mailed to me). John asked me if I purchased the guitar new and I replied that I most certainly did. I faxed him the original receipt and he says there is a good chance they could work out a better repair price for me. John said it would also be no problem shipping me back the old top/bowl assembly; remember I have dimeola's signature on the original assembly in the sound hole.
I will let you know if they were able to work out a better repair price but regardless I am VERY IMPRESSED by the support. Mr. Budny is one nice and easy going guy.
My pride over being an Ovation owner has definitely increased. Just waiting for my guitar now...
Thanks again and will keep in touch! |
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December 2001
Posts: 10581
Location: NJ | if you need repairs I would get them done asap
you never know when a good thing will come to an end. |
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600 dollars repair on Ovation 1769 Model
