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Posts: 4
Location: NC | I recently ran across a custom legend 1869 on ebay. Im not sure what year it is made but it has the OP-24 preamp so from what info I have been able to gather I am guessing sometime in the mid to late 80's. The guitar is hanging around 230 dollars plus shipping. The seller said it has an issue with the neck and there are a few linear cracks behind the bridge. I am wondering if this stays about 230 if it would be a good deal? I have a friend who is a luthier, he was trained at Reberto Venn, that could probably do a good amount of the work.
Here is a link to the guitar.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370259157214&ssP... |
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Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6268
Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Looking at the preamp mounting screws, that puppy did not lead a sheltered life! :eek:
Plus, "Electronics work properly, a little scratchy but fine."...
Bottom line? I won't be bidding against ya.  |
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May 2009
Posts: 1433
Location: Right now? | The condition of that once beautiful guitar is a d@mn shame ... so sad ...
;(
Willa |
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September 2009
Posts: 4
Location: NC | So its not worth trying to fix? my main concern are the cracks. Im sure my friend can fix the neck issue. And I plan on upgrading the preamp at a later time. |
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December 2006
Posts: 6268
Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Ooops, I forgot... Welcome to the Ovation Hive Mind!
Whether it's worth fixing is up to you, your wallet and luthier.
I'd get in tough with him before buying! |
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September 2009
Posts: 4
Location: NC | How much would you guess I am looking at to make that a good player? |
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April 2008
Posts: 498
| unless he's an Ovation certified service tech, most luthiers are befuddled or have disdain issues with ovations. from the description it needs at the least a neck re-set which will cost you about 250 from the experts at the factory. as it is a ssb it would also be tougher for one not familiar in servicing O's to work on or assess it.
this guitar has been rode hard and put away wet, literally. the cracks may only be finish cracks but I've never seen finish cracks that bad on a ssb, and looking at the rust on the screws on the pre-amp I'd gather that it's been over humidified at the least, and if the cracks are top through, you could have bracing issues as well... and then he describes the hump or bulge behind the bridge...again possible problem and also affecting the action. it also looks like there is or has been glue or re-attachment of the bridge/saddle.
personally I'd steer away from this one, you're looking at at least 300 dollars in repairs unless your luthier is starving or a very good friend whose going to give you a deal on a lot of work.
just my opinion tho...
if you don't mind the cosmetic issues, and the guitar is otherwise structurally intact... you might get away with just a neck re-set. but it doesn't look like that's all it would need.
sorry to give a negative on it, but welcome to the OFC! keep looking, actually the redburst 1867 legend that patch has for sale in the for sale section of the forum is a great deal on basically the same guitar, just no abalone or carved bridge and definitely a great deal at his price.
Glenn |
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May 2008
Posts: 4996
Location: Phoenix AZ | I agree with Glenn, this is a definate fixer-upper. If the cost of the guitar + what it'll cost to repair is still attractive to you then go for it.
But personally I wouldn't buy this one in a million years, but everyone has their own opinion.
Good luck. |
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April 2008
Posts: 498
| also and sorry to add, but just noticed that the binding on the Mustache at the bottom of the neck is missing as well....
keep up the search, and again Patch's 1867 is a GREAT deal but you'd have to like red, and he's willing to negotiate/trade/etc....
Glenn |
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February 2002
Posts: 1817
Location: Minden, Nebraska | Pay $250 for a neck reset and you have a seriously beat up guitar that plays well but has liabilities. You can get a decent #1869 for less than that guitar will end up costing, at this sale price. I saw one on Harmony Central for $575. |
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December 2003
Posts: 1071
Location: Carle Place, NY | I totally agree with Paul B. I've seen mint condition 1869's going for around $600.
Although the factory repair prices are still reasonable they have been going up. This guitar will probably cost more than $250 to fix. It's not worth it. |
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October 2008
Posts: 489
| Yeah, I am a serious 1869 guy, but no sale on this one. |
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September 2009
Posts: 4
Location: NC | Thanks for all your help guys. I believe I am going to let this one go. |
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December 2006
Posts: 6268
Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Contact Al. |
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April 2008
Posts: 498
| If it's tons of BLING that you want, in a ssb, with op24, natural neck, ebony buttons, carved bridge and abalone literally everywhere.... and a flamed Maple top in cherry cherryburst.... ala Richie Sambora with Star Inlays, abalone neck purfling, ebony fretboard and carved bridge, Black Schallers here you go...
I've been lucky enough to own 2 of them over the years, and they only produced 50 of them.
it's at a guitar center, I've spoken with one of their reps, and is supposed to be in very good condition.... $599, with original case, and still available, and you can dicker with GC... the two I owned were great giggers and is a custom custom elite with everything thrown in but the kitchen sink. abalone on every edge except the headstock. even the headstock logo is inlaid abalone.
Glenn |
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August 2009
Posts: 333
Location: east coast usa | Gill, i sent ya a PM 1869 for sale |
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custom legend 1869 on ebay
