Ovation OnLine Service Center FAQ

Use a soft clean polishing cloth & guitar polish. Remember to wipe lightly because guitar finishes can scratch.

How do I clean the fretboard?

The easiest and most efficient way to clean a fingerboard (acoustic & Acoustic-electric guitars) is rubbing the fingerboard with a #000 steel wool.
Be sure to rub with long strokes in the direction of the wood grain. For dry fingerboards, guitar fingerboard oil or lemon oil can be used to wipe onto the fingerboard after cleaning with steel wool.

How do I care for the frets?

Rubbing with #000 steel wool will actually clean the frets also.

How do I adjust the KBar?

The K-Bar is designed to work the same as other acoustic guitar truss rods. By fretting the first and 14th frets on the same string, you can see if there is bow in the neck or if it is straight. If the string is touching the 5th & 6th frets, then the neck is straight. In order to relieve the neck, use an Allan wrench in the truss rod nut either in the soundhole or through the round back door of your guitar. Turn the nut clockwise 1/4 turn to tighten the truss rod and thus straighten it. Or turn it 1/4 turn counterclockwise to loosen the nut and thus add relief. The string fretted at the first & 14th frets should not be toughing the 5th & 6th fret. A space about the thickness of a business card is an average amount of bow in the neck.

When should I change the strings?

Your strings will lose their bright tone after playing for some time. Weather conditions, perspiration, cleanliness of the player's fingers, and normal usage will gradually diminish the string tone. This is totally subjective and needs to be determined by the experienced player. With time and experience of changing strings, the normal guitar player will begin to notice the tonal difference of new fresh and old dead strings.

What strings are installed as original equipment?

Ovation guitars have Adamas # 1818 phosphor Bronze Strings.

Will humidity affect my guitar? What should I do?

Humidity, dryness, and temperature will be the greatest natural enemy to your instrument. Dry conditions are the most dangerous. Your guitar is designed to withstand the weather changes throughout normal four seasons. However, extreme temperatures and extreme humidity & dryness will greatly effect and possibly damage your guitar. In the winter months when heating is high, the air is dry. During this time, keep your guitar in the case when not being played and possible insert a humidity device in your case. They can be purchased at most music stores for about ten dollars. In the humid seasons of much rain & high heat, again, keep your guitar in the case when you are not playing it.

Which type of amplification system is recommended?

We suggest the fine acoustic amplification equipment manufactured by Trace Elliot.

Are the bowls plastic?

The Ovation bowl is made of a high tech composite called Lyracord (copyright) made up of a mixture of synthetic compounds and fiberglass.

Is a battery needed with the older style pre amps?

Any pre-apmlified guitar electronics will require a battery. 9 volt alkaline is the standard. If the battery box is not accessible from the outside of the guitar, then the battery holder can be reached through the soundhole.

How can I obtain factory warranty service?

The Ovation Customer Service & Repair toll free telephone number is: 1-800-552-4681.

Is any special care needed for the carbon graphite tops on the Adamas guitars?

No, there is not any special care needed. It can be treated like any other top.