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Joined: November 2004 Posts: 1374
| well, I didn't think it was in as bad shape as the crew at the factory do... and it was/is playable and sounds nice as is, tho is pretty scarred... anyway upon inspection and evaluation they found it with a low neck angle and are recommending:
replace top/bowl assembly (reissue shiny bowl)
replace bridge (walnut winged) maybe I can get it in 5-point?
replace rosette (mop)
level and dress frets, adjust and set action, and restring and play test.
so looks like it will be a new reissue 12 string shiny bowl with a re-furbished vintage neck and tuners..
or I can keep it as-is and eat the shipping...
even after the repairs, basically making it into a new guitar I'll still have a deal in my opinion.. I should have a few more years with it for the new top to open up.
I guess I'll have the estimate on the 1537 in a day or so...
Hey Jim? you want a shiny bowl to go with your other one for the lamp project? now you can make a pair. :D
Glenn |
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Joined: March 2002 Posts: 15654
Location: SoCal | Glenn,
If they do a new top and bowl, you might consider going with an A braced top. In my never humble opinion, the sound is much better (warmer), that the fan braced top. I've played 3 old slothead 12's with A braced tops, and all have been outstanding..... |
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Joined: November 2004 Posts: 1374
| Thanks Paul,
I am looking at all available configurations now since I probably "have my choice" tho at varied price levels depending on options chosen.
also thinking about a thinline pickup and endpin out ala FD14 at this point if they'll do it for me.
as soon as I can catch John or Kim for a few minutes on the phone to discuss it and seal the deal..
I really hope that they can do the 1537 without replacing the top/bowl, but if not.... it will still be done if the factory deems it so... it's gonna need a neck plane/refret as well.
at least I'm getting them warmed up for more re-issue work...if Ovation/Fender are going to think about any..
Sorry Cliff.. but Fender does like to do those and sells a few of them..
anyway looks like I'll have 2 vintage restorations/reissues or whatever you want to call them for about the price of a New Legend LX
a new/old 1537 and a new/old shiny 12
Glenn |
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Joined: November 2004 Posts: 1374
| Talked with Kim today... says an A brace will fold up on me eventually(but would sound good till it did) and they wouldn't guarantee the work.. so it's getting a fan-braced shiny bowl/top, new rosette, new bridge, and cp, level and dress..
The 1537 while in worse shape, physically and top-wise..but is actually going to cost about 100 less than the 1115 for the restoration.. since they are not replacing the bowl.
since Christmas is coming and Holiday/New Years breaks/shutdowns coming up... they'll probably be done sometime just before my Birthday..
Kim also said that they were a little slow in the restoration/repair area and could handle a few more here at years end... before the new pricing or any changes go into effect...
get your RMA #s now and send your babies in.
Glenn |
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Joined: August 2006 Posts: 3145
Location: Marlton, NJ | Took your advice Glenn - I'm sending the Custom Balladeer in for a "refresh". I'll post more details when it gets there and they have a look at it. |
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