I have collected some battle worn Ovations throughout the years always wanting to return them back to their former glory. In some cases the expense is not worth it. 

 I recently purchased from the original owner a 1990s S771 for about the price of the original case it came in. It was made and purchased in Connecticut. It had been played so much that it had a Willie Nelson wear mark that softened up the top to the point that the bracing has given way and severely collapsed the sound board. Also the first couple of frets had string divits enough to be a concern. 

I sent Ovation an email with some photos to see about getting the top replaced with NO response after several weeks of waiting.

I decided this would make a good "Music in the park" event guitar so I am getting the following done.

Instead of getting the top replaced ($450 to $600?) I stopped my a local luthier and he will repair and strengthen the top for under $100.

Instead of getting a complete fret job ($350) as most of them were good I did something I have done on some other "lost cause" guitars and replace the second fret with a taller ZERO fret. I will then tune the guitar from D to D and capo it for E to E.

Less stress on the guitar and easier for me to play. 

This should give it a few more years of life and maybe someday I will get it to Ovation for a full rebuild. 

Stay safe everyone!

Ed 

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The guitar repair has been completed, still no answer from Ovation.

I did put a thin layer of sealer on the exposed area to help it from further damage.

It sounds wonderful, one of my best.  

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