Thoughts on buying a 36 year old Ovation guitar

[fred4321]

Hi,
I have been toying with an idea of replacing a 1986 20th Anniversary collectors series Ovation guitar that was stolen some years ago and never recovered.
(I know-its an Ovation but I really like them!)
The reason is that I have 2 great Maton acoustics-both without pickups, and I have been looking at getting a cutaway, thin bodied guitar with pickups.

The above mention Ovation guitar I had was superb in play-ability and sound (testified also by everyone who played it)

I found a few sellers in the US (I'm in Australia) who are willing to sell me theirs plus shipping. The overall cost is about $1500 US.

Here in Australia good Ovation US models are hard to find-and very expensive.

To all the Ovation fans, is the cost justified for a 36 year old Ovation

[jricc]

Hi Fred,
I don't see a problem buying a 36 year old Ovation (or any guitar) providing it is structurally sound, plays good, sounds good and you like it.

I've owned a few Ovations over the years, they were solid reliable gigging guitars. While I no longer own one, I have a soft spot for them.

Hope it works out for you.

[ewalling]

I like Ovations, too, and have had a few really good ones. Speaking personally, though, I've found considerable variation in acoustic response, and it's the acoustic properties that principally attract me. My only reservation in this case would be that the one for sale might not be as impressive as the one you had, and with a distance like that, you'd be stuck with it.

[campfireplayer]

For me, the cost would be worth it if I had the money and if I really wanted it. I wouldn't care if anyone else thought it was worth it. GO FOR IT!!

[L20A]

Returning it if you don't like it will be problematic.
You should have the guitar certified sound by a qualified Tech before taking ownership.
If it passes inspection, go for it.

Let us know what you decide.

[Guitarplayer_PR]

Originally Posted by fred4321

Hi,
I have been toying with an idea of replacing a 1986 20th Anniversary collectors series Ovation guitar that was stolen some years ago and never recovered.
(I know-its an Ovation but I really like them!)
The reason is that I have 2 great Maton acoustics-both without pickups, and I have been looking at getting a cutaway, thin bodied guitar with pickups.

The above mention Ovation guitar I had was superb in play-ability and sound (testified also by everyone who played it)

I found a few sellers in the US (I'm in Australia) who are willing to sell me theirs plus shipping. The overall cost is about $1500 US.

Here in Australia good Ovation US models are hard to find-and very expensive.

To all the Ovation fans, is the cost justified for a 36 year old Ovation

This is my story: I've owned Ovation guitars from a long time ago. The two I actually own are from 1982 (40 years old) and from 1989 (33 years old) and got them from an Ovation collector in Oklahoma and I'm from Puerto Rico, so the shipping for either one of them was about $100 each. I still play them quite often.

If the price, including shipping, is $1500, I think it's a fair price considering Australia is waaaaay far. If you're willing to get it, go for it.

[Mandobart]

I've got a 40 year old Ovation 12 string that I bought in a pawn shop back in '82. It's a great guitar, but I don't know what it's worth (I have no plans to ever sell it).

Mine had no pickup until I added a JJB SBT several years ago. I've gigged with it a few times.

Haven't had any trouble with it over the years, and I've taken it from Florida to Idaho to NM to San Diego to Seattle to inland WA.

[fred4321]

Originally Posted by L20A

Returning it if you don't like it will be problematic.
You should have the guitar certified sound by a qualified Tech before taking ownership.
If it passes inspection, go for it.

Let us know what you decide.

Will do! i've put it out there with the local Muso Buy and Sell as well.

[FaxMachine]

I had a 1971 1111-6 (white) that appeared to be pretty much unplayed when I purchased it a couple years ago. I really enjoyed that guitar. I usually play Gibson guitars and the synthetic back was a nice change from the typical dryness of a Gibson. I have since sold that but still have an ovation beater. I feel like the best ones are the Original hand laid bowls. Once they stopped being hand laid I feel like they started lacking a bit.p (based on the ones I’ve played). Would never want one as my only guitar, but certainly a nice guitar to have in a collection.

[fred4321]

Originally Posted by FaxMachine

I had a 1971 1111-6 (white) that appeared to be pretty much unplayed when I purchased it a couple years ago. I really enjoyed that guitar. I usually play Gibson guitars and the synthetic back was a nice change from the typical dryness of a Gibson. I have since sold that but still have an ovation beater. I feel like the best ones are the Original hand laid bowls. Once they stopped being hand laid I feel like they started lacking a bit.p (based on the ones I’ve played). Would never want one as my only guitar, but certainly a nice guitar to have in a collection.

Thanks. What are the hand laid ones?

[fred4321]

Just stumbled on my post- as an update I did buy it-in superb condition-flawless.
Played it for a while, but it didnt give me that "Collectors edition" vibe of the one I had before.
Sold it to a collector who was very pleased-he'd been searching forone of these and now he has one! Couldnt be happier.
With the money I bought a beat up 2006 Cole Clark FL2 which is my backyard guitar-great to play and complements the Maton well.
cheers

[Wade Hampton]

Thanks for bringing us up to speed on what happened.


whm