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Joined:
January 2008
Posts: 4
Location: Grosse Pointe | Hi! I have had this guitar since my junior year of college in 1975...it is in MINT condition - because I never played it. Now my 19 year old son wants to learn to play - and I am a little freaked out. This 34 year old guitar is in really great condition (serial # 024490)- and I'm expecting that he'll beat the heck out of it. The big question - is this instrument worth "keeping" as an everyday guitar or should I sell it? It is truly in perfect condition, so is the case - my thinking is to sell it and buy him a beater to learn on. I have no clue what to do with it and would appreciate your thoughts. Thanks !! |
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Joined:
October 2006
Posts: 5575
Location: big island | aloha and welcome! my advice is: go ahead and let him learn on it. the guitar can take a lickin' and keep on tickin' for another 34 years and it will finally get some attention! |
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Joined:
August 2006
Posts: 3145
Location: Marlton, NJ | Keep it, play it AND buy him a beater. |
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Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | A coupla things to think about...
You COULD sell the 1112 and buy him a beater, and then neither of you would have the Classic Custom Balladeer.
You could buy him a beater to learn-on, then move him up to the 1112... But it is easier to learn on a Good Guitar with Nice Action.
Or you could tell him that...
"This is a Classic Ovation! It is worth a Thousand bucks to an Ovation Freak.
These guitars were designed by an Aerospace Engineer for tone and volume.
This is a One-Of-A-Kind Guitar... They do not make them anymore. None of your friends will have a Guitar like this.
Chicks Love Musicians!
Chicks Respect Musicians who play something that didn't come from K-Mart.
I've had this Guitar 14 Years longer than I've had You!
Can I trust you to take care of it?"
Then you can Both enjoy the Guitar.
That is one Option... :cool: |
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Joined:
January 2008
Posts: 4
Location: Grosse Pointe | Thanks guys...I hate to sell it because it still sounds really great. I traded my 12-string Epiphone for it and I have felt guilty leaving it in the case for so long. I had the action reset on it in 1986 in Seattle at Mick's Vintage Guitars and I don't think I have had it out to play it since. A guy at work told me to ask someone who could suggest the relative value to me. So far, it sounds like it is not a collector or anything like it - which is OK since it sounds so good. Thanks again for the thoughts! |
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Joined:
January 2008
Posts: 4
Location: Grosse Pointe | OMA - thanks! I sent the reply out before I read your post. If it is a "classic" - sounds like the beater is better for him? (he is a good kid and a decent sax player) |
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Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12750
Location: Boise, Idaho | The only thing I like better than having a nice guitar is buying one for the kids. My youngest learned on one of mine when she was about 17. She just suddenly decided to teach herself. I have never seen her happier with a Christmas present than when I got her her own Ovation. Hardly a beater. It was a year old Celebrity Deluxe. She treats it well and continues to improve and knows that she will eventually get the 87 Collector's.
Get him a reasonably nice Ovation that is easy to play. Then get back to playing yours so that you can keep up with him. |
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Joined:
March 2006
Posts: 482
Location: enid, ok | Or an Esteban! |
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Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 2120
Location: Chicago | My 1974 Legend (1117) has taken one HELL of a beating. Been to the hospital with Dr. Budny Twice. But, boy, am I glad it's not "pristine": the thousands of hours bangin on the (now) deep honey-colored top have paid off. It's the best wood-top I've ever played. |
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Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13984
Location: Upper Left USA | Tom,
Welcome to the Club. As the Prologue to the site reads - Ovations don't get the respect they deserve. I have a "74" Custom Balladeer that was my first Ovation and it plays sweet, has that aged honey tone under the finish and is dearly appreciated at my house.
Ebay on a good day would get me $350 including hard case, strap, setup and shipping. Not a very wise move for a Ferengi Trader to make.
There are a lot of 1612, 1617 and such out there. I think one of the Elite T's would be a great one for your son to start and finish with. |
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Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 1071
Location: Carle Place, NY | I'm with Arthur on this one, Tom. Give the guitar to your son with the understanding that it is an extremely fine quality instrument and should be treated as such. It's much better to learn to play guitar with a responsive instrument that has a nice neck and good action. The older Ovations with the original truss rod necks are very easy to play because of the shape of the neck profile.
Skip the beater. Just be prepared that your son is bound to have future GAS (guitar/gear aquisition syndrome) attacks. |
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Joined:
January 2008
Posts: 4
Location: Grosse Pointe | Thanks you guys! I appreciate the thoughts and input very much. I hope that he will enjoy the guitar and take care of it. It still sounds fantastic and looks great. I hope he'll learn to appreciate it. Thanks again for the responses. |
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1974; 1112-4 dilemma?
