Take a peek inside our sound lab.Ovation has always been recognized for utilizing aerospace technology in hand crafting acoustic and acoustic electric guitars. We now test tops on a jig which allows us to measure variables specific to the top...without having to build a new guitar each time. This device was designed and built by some of the same engineers who build sophisticated aerospace parts.
We measure top movement with a laser and can create models of new bracing patterns, thickness and weights right in the computer.
Of course, we still love to sprinkle sand or sparkles on the top and watch the nodes develop a varying frequencies!
This is where we build custom guitars for the likes of Adrian Legg, Preston Reed and Richie Sambora. But we also build new model prototype and small production runs here. This is where the mandolin, mandocello and LongNecks were first made. The team includes:
Don Johnson, Mgr, Eng. QC, R&D
Bill Hudak, Electronic Product Specialist
Willy Vassilopoulos, Senior R&D Technician
Dave Langdon, R&D Technician
Cindy Takeman, Engineering Coordinator
Bob McCloud, Engineering Technician
You may see in the background prototypes of resonator and ukulele instruments...maybe someday! Right now they are hard at work on the 1997 Collectors' Edition, which will feature a smaller bodied (not shallow bowl!) and no external controls for changing the volume. This is top secret but very cool...it debuts in January.
The Adamas "Q" has been in the works for over three years and should see the daylight in 1997. It, quite simply, is a revolutionary way of building an acoustic guitar. The volume and sustain acoustically are "ear-boggling"!
As a club member, you will have access to information that is not available to the public. In-fact, we will go on-line every other Wednesday for a live chat session. What a perfect way for you to talk directly to the people who make a difference at Ovation.