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Reviving older Ovations on a budget

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Juiced
Posted 2020-11-05 5:34 AM (#554170)
Subject: Reviving older Ovations on a budget


Joined:
June 2015
Posts: 46

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 



Edited by Juiced 2020-11-05 5:54 AM




(S771a.jpg)



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Standingovation
Posted 2020-11-05 7:35 AM (#554171 - in reply to #554170)
Subject: Re: Reviving older Ovations on a budget



Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 6191

Location: Phoenix AZ
Good for you. Sounds like for a very reasonable amount of cost and work you should be able to enjoy this one for a long long time.

I used to lose sleep at night worrying about every little nick or mark on my guitars and was pretty obsessed with their "cosmetics". But I've come to the realization that it was keeping me from fully enjoying what the damn things were designed and build for. I think Takamine coined the slogan "Made To Be Played".

Enjoy.
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seesquare
Posted 2020-11-05 2:03 PM (#554172 - in reply to #554170)
Subject: Re: Reviving older Ovations on a budget


Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3598

Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire
Welcome, Ed. You are now an esteemed member of the BFLG. Persevere & innovate!
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BCam
Posted 2020-11-05 4:01 PM (#554173 - in reply to #554171)
Subject: Re: Reviving older Ovations on a budget


Joined:
October 2014
Posts: 266

Standingovation - 2020-11-05 5:35 AM

Good for you. Sounds like for a very reasonable amount of cost and work you should be able to enjoy this one for a long long time.

I used to lose sleep at night worrying about every little nick or mark on my guitars and was pretty obsessed with their "cosmetics". But I've come to the realization that it was keeping me from fully enjoying what the damn things were designed and build for. I think Takamine coined the slogan "Made To Be Played".

Enjoy.


Willie has never lost any sleep over nicks and scratches.
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cholloway
Posted 2020-11-06 10:50 AM (#554175 - in reply to #554170)
Subject: Re: Reviving older Ovations on a budget


Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 2791

Location: Atlanta, GA.
I wouldn't refinish the top. The loss of the varnish just gives it some character.
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Juiced
Posted 2020-12-06 6:15 AM (#554411 - in reply to #554170)
Subject: RE: Reviving older Ovations on a budget


Joined:
June 2015
Posts: 46

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.  





(20201204_1834.jpg)



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moody, p.i.
Posted 2020-12-06 9:48 AM (#554413 - in reply to #554170)
Subject: Re: Reviving older Ovations on a budget


Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15651

Location: SoCal
On Martin forums, owners take pride in the indications that their guitars are worn and played. Ovation owners seem to be unique in their wanting to keep their guitars pristine. Charlie meant for these guitars to be the "working man's" guitars.....
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Old Man Arthur
Posted 2020-12-06 7:38 PM (#554417 - in reply to #554170)
Subject: Re: Reviving older Ovations on a budget



Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777

Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR
Tune down/Capo Up.
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tpa
Posted 2020-12-07 1:24 AM (#554418 - in reply to #554417)
Subject: Re: Reviving older Ovations on a budget


Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 552

Location: Denmark
Old Man Arthur - 2020-12-06 2:38 AM

Tune down/Capo Up.
The quick route to a 12 fretter.
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alpep
Posted 2020-12-07 8:15 PM (#554419 - in reply to #554170)
Subject: Re: Reviving older Ovations on a budget


Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10581

Location: NJ
made to be played was guild

cool project enjoy!
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