Joined:
September 2002
Posts: 806
Location: Seymour, Tennessee | I found a 1976 Custom Balladeer at a Pawn Shop in a rather seedy part of Knoxville.
Amazingly the top has no finish cracks, no scratches, bridge is intact, no neck issues, minimal fret wear, head stock has no dings, tuners are perfect, etc.
The only thing I can find that is an "issue" is a very small nick on the headstock between two tuners and no case, but I have spares.
I have NEVER seen an Ovation in a Pawn Shop that wasn't cracked.
I guarantee this particular Pawn Shop will do a lot more research the next time they get an Ovation is cause I stole it.
I will post pictures soon.
It is nice to know hope is out there for some of the vintage Ovations waiting to be found. |
Joined:
November 2011
Posts: 741
Location: Fort Worth, TX | I recently picked up a gorgeous Balladeer Special with no cracks, not even a hint of one forming. It's a cedar top that visually looks slightly thicker than they usually are, which I'm sure has something to do with it. I hope ya really stuck it to them good. I have a friend who managed one of the CashAmericas Pawn chain stores. He told me when negotiating price on a guitar to begin by offering a third of the asking price. This will immediately get you into the territory of what they have in it. Be friendly when making the offer, but know how far you are willing to go and stop your negotiating at that point. Let 'em know it's your final offer and you stand a good chance of making a good deal. I picked up a highly specialized signmaking tool at a pawn shop that was brand new and probably stolen by a sign co employee. They had no idea what it was for but I did, and got a $2,200 tool for $65.00. |
Whoo Hoo, another Pawn Shop save
