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Question on Nakao's

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Nancy
Posted 2016-06-20 10:40 AM (#526127)
Subject: Question on Nakao's



Joined:
December 2014
Posts: 1713

Location: Frozen Tundra of Minnesota
I know that these are Incredibly Special pieces made for the Japanese Market in 1992, and that there were the N769 (Center Hole) and N768 (Elite) style made using 100 year old Spruce.

The only 2 colors I have seen are the Natural for the Center Hole, and the Burst for the Elite.

On ebay, there is one that is Ebony, and I was wondering if anyone remembers there being any Ebony Elites made in that run??? It is a Gorgeous Guitar, but I can't find anything on either Jerome's site, or Ovation Gallery that tells about the Nakao's, let alone an ebony one.

Does anyone here remember, and could share??
Thank You So Much!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/222158677390?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&s...

Edited by Nancy 2016-06-20 10:42 AM
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Standingovation
Posted 2016-06-20 2:20 PM (#526133 - in reply to #526127)
Subject: Re: Question on Nakao's



Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 6191

Location: Phoenix AZ
Yes there were black ones. Nice guitars but unless you are ga-ga over abalone trim, at heart it's a regular USA Elite.

A few of the overseas importers (like Nakao) would sometimes order batches with some different features than the regular USA configuration. Actually a similar process to what Lost Art Vintage has done a few times here in the states.
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Nancy
Posted 2016-06-20 6:53 PM (#526142 - in reply to #526133)
Subject: Re: Question on Nakao's



Joined:
December 2014
Posts: 1713

Location: Frozen Tundra of Minnesota
Thank You So much StandingOvation!!!
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2wheeldrummer
Posted 2016-06-20 7:59 PM (#526149 - in reply to #526127)
Subject: Re: Question on Nakao's



Joined:
February 2014
Posts: 699

Location: moline,illinois
I think the Nako Elites are much more than a fancy looking Elite,from what I've read on other threads here and personal experience with my N768 they are a big step up from regular elites.They were originally called craftsman guitars if I remember correctly and were supposedly built to a higher standard out of concerns for return issues and warranty problems on guitars in japan,They are at the least a Custom Elite and used AAAA 100 year old spruce tops,mine has a magnificent sound and look only equaled by the book elites,yes all the abalone is a bit gaudy but they are beautiful guitars well worth adding to any collection.
Nancy try searching for Craftsman Elite as opposed to Nako you might find more info.
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alpep
Posted 2016-06-20 8:10 PM (#526151 - in reply to #526127)
Subject: Re: Question on Nakao's


Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10581

Location: NJ
the Japanese absolutely had high standards. I often purchased guitars that were rejected by them that I could not find flaws.
same craftsmen same materials same guitars.
same standards
some appointments may have varied
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Nancy
Posted 2016-06-20 8:36 PM (#526153 - in reply to #526151)
Subject: Re: Question on Nakao's



Joined:
December 2014
Posts: 1713

Location: Frozen Tundra of Minnesota
Thank you So Much 2Wheel and Al!!!

I remember when I bought my 769 Nakao Clone, I Loved the abalone trim, all hand laid (I do like my Guitars with some Bling! ). But the selling point was the YouTube videos he had in the ad, of himself playing her. I closed my eyes and listened to both of them, and knew right there and then it had the most incredible sound I had ever heard, and would do bodily harm to bring her home! My N768 is no different. Stunningly Gorgeous and Crafted, but the most notable selling point is the 'sound' that came out of them.

I really would not mind having this unusual Black in the Cave, but someone else should have the experience of one of these Beauties! I was a bit concerned that it was a color I did not know it was produced in, so Thank You all for sharing your knowledge. This Black Beauty is Sweet, and would make a stunning Trio in the Cave!
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danomyte
Posted 2016-06-20 9:01 PM (#526157 - in reply to #526127)
Subject: Re: Question on Nakao's



Joined:
January 2014
Posts: 402

Location: Taxed To Death State
Like the Nakao's the Century Adamas is made of 100 year old aged spruce. The wood is beautiful. I'd love to get my hands on a Nakao.
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red-twins
Posted 2016-06-21 1:09 AM (#526169 - in reply to #526127)
Subject: RE: Question on Nakao's



Joined:
February 2013
Posts: 176

Location: Cologne/Germany

BTW. there was a Nakao in natural finish recently on the bay, can't remember if it was in the US or in Japan, but here is what it looked like:

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red-twins
Posted 2016-06-21 1:30 AM (#526170 - in reply to #526127)
Subject: RE: Question on Nakao's



Joined:
February 2013
Posts: 176

Location: Cologne/Germany

Nancy,

obviously, there have been more Nakao's later... optima preamp, mid-depth bowl...

 



Edited by red-twins 2016-06-21 1:39 AM
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red-twins
Posted 2016-06-21 1:37 AM (#526172 - in reply to #526127)
Subject: RE: Question on Nakao's



Joined:
February 2013
Posts: 176

Location: Cologne/Germany

...and even more limited runs called N 868 (120 only):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Geostorm98
Posted 2016-06-21 6:50 AM (#526175 - in reply to #526127)
Subject: RE: Question on Nakao's



Joined:
September 2011
Posts: 402

Location: New Hartford CT

Nancy - 2016-06-20 11:40 AM I know that these are Incredibly Special pieces made for the Japanese Market in 1992, and that there were the N769 (Center Hole) and N768 (Elite) style made using 100 year old Spruce. The only 2 colors I have seen are the Natural for the Center Hole, and the Burst for the Elite. On ebay, there is one that is Ebony, and I was wondering if anyone remembers there being any Ebony Elites made in that run??? It is a Gorgeous Guitar, but I can't find anything on either Jerome's site, or Ovation Gallery that tells about the Nakao's, let alone an ebony one. Does anyone here remember, and could share?? Thank You So Much! http://www.ebay.com/itm/222158677390?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&a...

Hi Nancy, most of the information in this thread is accurate but it's a fact that extra effort went into Nakao guitars going to Japan. As 2wheeldrummer mentioned, having these instruments sent back to the States was kind of a disaster. I picked up my Millenium for just this reason; it was returned to the US for a flaw in the top...but i can't find a thing wrong with it after 16 years. There were a bunch of different Nakao's produced over the years, mostly the 80's-early 2000's.

 

If it's ebony somewhere along the production line a slight visual-only imperfection was noticed...then it's going to be black to cover up whatever the imperfection was; maybe a slightly irregular grain or a knot.



Edited by Geostorm98 2016-06-21 6:54 AM
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Nancy
Posted 2016-06-21 9:56 AM (#526177 - in reply to #526175)
Subject: RE: Question on Nakao's



Joined:
December 2014
Posts: 1713

Location: Frozen Tundra of Minnesota
NOW I feel educated!!!

Thank You Red Twins and Geostorm!!! I had believed there was just the one run, and the 2 models and 2 colors. It is fun to learn that there were more of these beauties made and floating around out there to stalk!

Thank you all for your input and taking the time to share your knowledge, it just makes me treasure mine more, and when I see them on ebay, I will be much better informed on them!! Thank You So Much!!!

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arumako
Posted 2016-06-21 11:13 AM (#526180 - in reply to #526177)
Subject: RE: Question on Nakao's



Joined:
October 2012
Posts: 1018

Location: Yokohama, Japan

Nice thread! I think the Nakao's started showing up in JP O catalogs in about 1992. They first introduced the N768-9 and the N769-7. They first appeared with only these 2 color schemes. But then in 1996, when O introduced their 30th anniversary catalog (pages 1 and 2 in the catalog from Ovation Tribute)...

http://www.ovationtribute.com/Catalogues/30th_Anniversary_JP_Catalog/30Th_Anniversary_Japan_Catalog.html

...they expanded the line with a limited N778-9 and N779-9. They were dubbed "the Nature Series - Southern Bald Eagle Models". What was really cool about 1996 was that they included 3 Adamas in the Nature Series line-up dubbed the NNS781-2, NNS781-5, and the NNS781-8. These were special ordered with a production run limit of 100 total units. They were all cut-away models featuring the OP24+. I've only seen one or two of these Adamas, and they are highly sought after.

This is my friends NN78-9 that the Mothership restored last summer! The bowl was separating from the top, and the sound board had a few cracks. The Mother Ship did a great job of restoring her. She was literally a brand new guitar when she came back. She even smelled new! I never got around to recording a audio sample of her, but she sounds majestic!

N778-9

Anyway, I didin't really add much more info, but the Nakao's are exceptional guitars. By the way, they were not built in Japan. Although the Japanese built Os were of the highest quality and craftsmenship 2nd only to the work done at NH. Thanks for letting me share Nancy!



Edited by arumako 2016-06-21 11:17 AM
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Nancy
Posted 2016-06-21 3:10 PM (#526186 - in reply to #526180)
Subject: RE: Question on Nakao's



Joined:
December 2014
Posts: 1713

Location: Frozen Tundra of Minnesota
Thank You VERY much Arumako!!

I remembered seeing one with a Feather on it, and could not remember from where or who, now I remember, it was You!! Thank you for adding to the thread and adding the picture!

I have never seen one of these for sale, but will definitely keep my eyes open for one (I would LOVE one with a Eagle Feather on it!), my love of birds extends to the Raptors too! I LOVE Eagles, Hawks and Owls! This one would be a real "feather in my cap" or *cave* as it were!

Thank You for adding your experience to the thread!

The Japanese have a legendary knowledge of Art, Craftsmanship and Precision, and it is no surprise that they insisted on the Best of the Best from Ovation too.

The more I learn, the more I appreciate these Beautiful pieces!
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red-twins
Posted 2016-06-21 3:19 PM (#526188 - in reply to #526127)
Subject: RE: Question on Nakao's



Joined:
February 2013
Posts: 176

Location: Cologne/Germany

some do have the feather, yes. Mind that the one arumako posted pics of has no binding on the neck, like this one, a 1996, obviously:

 

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red-twins
Posted 2016-06-21 3:21 PM (#526190 - in reply to #526127)
Subject: RE: Question on Nakao's



Joined:
February 2013
Posts: 176

Location: Cologne/Germany

another photo. Again we see, the MS did all kinds of specs.

 

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Nancy
Posted 2016-06-21 4:18 PM (#526195 - in reply to #526190)
Subject: RE: Question on Nakao's



Joined:
December 2014
Posts: 1713

Location: Frozen Tundra of Minnesota
Red Twins, I am red-lining again!
Smoke is starting to seep out from beneath my frantically furrowed brow...

I had no idea that there were this many, and this many varieties!
Thank You So Much! Every single one of the them are Gorgeous!

You bought Detlef Michels, correct? So you are part of the Nakao Club too! 2WheelDrummer, myself, how many others have a variation???
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red-twins
Posted 2016-06-22 12:57 AM (#526206 - in reply to #526127)
Subject: Re: Question on Nakao's



Joined:
February 2013
Posts: 176

Location: Cologne/Germany
Yeah Nancy, I bought Detlefs. It was on German eBay and I was lurking for it, but while I was still thinking, he grabbed it. Fortunately I wrote to him if ever he would want to let it go again, he should get in touch with me.... And that's what happened.
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red-twins
Posted 2016-06-22 1:24 AM (#526207 - in reply to #526127)
Subject: RE: Question on Nakao's



Joined:
February 2013
Posts: 176

Location: Cologne/Germany

Nancy, to finalize this, here is what the Adamas NNS781 arumako mentioned looks like:

 

 

 

 There was also a blue one, but I can't get the photo in here, don't know why, anyway, think you got a idea...  Or try google search for NNS781...

So, hunting for one?!

 



Edited by red-twins 2016-06-22 1:33 AM
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Nancy
Posted 2016-06-22 10:58 AM (#526210 - in reply to #526207)
Subject: RE: Question on Nakao's



Joined:
December 2014
Posts: 1713

Location: Frozen Tundra of Minnesota
red-twins - 2016-06-22 1:24 AM

Nancy, to finalize this, here is what the Adamas NNS781 arumako mentioned looks like:

So, hunting for one?!

 



I am NOW!!! Thanks Ever So Much Red-Twins!!!





(Adamas NNS781.jpg)



(Adamas NNS781 Head.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments Adamas NNS781.jpg (57KB - 0 downloads)
Attachments Adamas NNS781 Head.jpg (72KB - 0 downloads)
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Jérôme
Posted 2016-06-22 12:34 PM (#526215 - in reply to #526127)
Subject: RE: Question on Nakao's



Joined:
March 2004
Posts: 1388

Location: Paris/France

 

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Nancy
Posted 2016-06-22 1:20 PM (#526223 - in reply to #526215)
Subject: RE: Question on Nakao's



Joined:
December 2014
Posts: 1713

Location: Frozen Tundra of Minnesota
Merci' Jerome!

Thank You So Very Much for sharing this with us, now I have to start stalking the Elusive Red Eagle Feather! This is not going to be so easy, I am thinking...

And THANK YOU for the Ovation Tribute, and maintaining it! Once I know what to look for, there is always something out there to whet my appetite for more, and answer questions! Thank you for doing that for us!
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red-twins
Posted 2016-06-26 8:32 AM (#526317 - in reply to #526127)
Subject: Re: Question on Nakao's



Joined:
February 2013
Posts: 176

Location: Cologne/Germany
The Nakao on US eBay that Nancy referred to in her opening thread went through the ceiling today. Until yesterday it was at about $500, so I started looking, but today it's up to more than 1,5 K....
Wondering where it will stop.
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Nancy
Posted 2016-06-26 10:32 AM (#526318 - in reply to #526317)
Subject: Re: Question on Nakao's



Joined:
December 2014
Posts: 1713

Location: Frozen Tundra of Minnesota
30 minutes left, it should be very interesting to see if he gets what he wanted on Reverb!
I hope it goes to a Great Home!

(Pass the popcorn please!! )
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red-twins
Posted 2016-06-26 1:54 PM (#526319 - in reply to #526127)
Subject: Re: Question on Nakao's



Joined:
February 2013
Posts: 176

Location: Cologne/Germany
So, 1660$..... Did he?

No Popcorn, thanks :-)

Edited by red-twins 2016-06-26 1:56 PM
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