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Top repair - caved in 1981 model 1651.

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jstuller
Posted 2022-07-07 3:42 PM (#557450)
Subject: Top repair - caved in 1981 model 1651.


Joined:
July 2022
Posts: 13

Thank you for having this forum. I probably should have started here.

My brother gave me a 1651 Legend that has the top caved in; fretboard extension falls off. It has A-bracing. The Stereo pickup only worked on one channel.

I bought a Collector's Series Ovation new in the past, but my ex-wife got it in a divorce. Always wanted another Ovation... a Legend, so when David gave me this one, I took it. (My original was based on a Custom Balladeer)

The action is still great!

I play praise and worship in a couple church bands. My goal is to get it capable of using it in this capacity.

I watched a video on how to repair the top. The guy said it was caused of drying out.

I put it in a trash bag with a wet rag inside it for a couple weeks.

Took the electronics out of it, (available, if someone wants parts), and got a Fishman Power-tap sound hole pickup for it.

I installed a bridge doctor on the bridge. (doesn't do enough... don't want to push my luck with too much pressure).

The video showed gently stretching the top/bracing back into place and adding additional bracing over the original bracing to give it more strength. I did that.

Top started to cave in again when strings were re-applied

I had re-attached the aluminum braces inside with epoxy on my first repair with the bridge doctor. This time, I added some wood epoxy at the joint where the aluminum mesh is, but still caves in under standard tuning.

The finish is pretty good, not the standard cracking I normally see on old Ovations. It sounds pretty amazing unplugged, (and I have some really good guitars to compare it to).

Please direct me to insight.

Thank you.
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Old Man Arthur
Posted 2022-07-07 4:47 PM (#557451 - in reply to #557450)
Subject: Re: Top repair - caved in 1981 model 1651.



Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777

Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR
Hey Joe. Only a few members may respond in the "Welcome Center".
So I have "upgraded" you to a full member. You may now post in other sections.
I would recommend posting this in "General Posting" or "About My Guitar".
Or the "Bottom Feeding Luthiery Guild".
Good Luck in you search. And Welcome.
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jstuller
Posted 2022-07-07 9:03 PM (#557452 - in reply to #557450)
Subject: Re: Top repair - caved in 1981 model 1651.


Joined:
July 2022
Posts: 13

Thank you.

Will dp
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jstuller
Posted 2022-07-08 6:02 PM (#557464 - in reply to #557450)
Subject: Re: Top repair - caved in 1981 model 1651.


Joined:
July 2022
Posts: 13

I should add that I gradually, over a week of applying pressure with a block on the back of the top braces, have gotten the top back into correct position before installing braces over the top of the original braces. After that, I put strings back on it. (And then it caved in again).

Here is what I am thinking.

The joint where the aluminum mesh is the weak spot.

I left on vacation this week, but before going, I put the top under reverse pressure to have it into correct position upon return. (flat --> slightly arched).

make small braces to go over the joint and glue into place. The problem is getting my hand in there to create/fit braces.

If it was not too difficult to remove the back, that would be much better. Anybody ever do it?

Any insight?? experience?

Additionally, I will apply more pressure to bridge doctor
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