|
|
Joined:
April 2003
Posts: 608
Location: Caribou, ME | I don't believe there's any such thing as an AA-31 made in the USA. I believe they all were imported. The lack of a "Made in ----" is inconclusive. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
August 2012
Posts: 4
| "I don't believe there's any such thing as an AA-31 made in the USA. I believe they all were imported. The lack of a "Made in ----" is inconclusive." Yes, that's why I am trying to find out if the serial # 023519 which indicates a manufacture date of 1974 is conclusive proof. Do you know when Kaman started overseas manufacture of the Applause line of guitars? I'm thinking no earlier than 1976 and possibly as late as 1982. Any further information would be appreciated. Thanks. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2003
Posts: 608
Location: Caribou, ME | Not much Applause info out there but I have 23 of them. The newest is dated 1983. The serial numbers mean nothing. Random application from a roll or sheet. The only reason I can (sometimes) date my US Applauses is that the necks are bolt on and sometimes a rubber stamped date is visible when the neck is removed. US Applauses are AA14, AA24 (shallower bowl), the AA15 (12 string) and the mystery Applause/Academy hybrid known as the AA12. Like I said, the newest one I have is 1983 and I specifically recall playing a new AA-31 in a music store in the fall of '84 so I would guess sometime around then. I remember they had a special promo display and they were priced at $189. I believe they were available in natural, black, and blue sunburst. At least during that snapshot in time. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2003
Posts: 608
Location: Caribou, ME | A good rule of thumb is that all US Applauses have bolt on necks. I don't think any 31s were. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
August 2012
Posts: 4
| Ksdaddy, thanks for that information. Since my AA-31 does not have a bolt on neck and the serial #'s have no meaning I'am going to assume this was made overseas, probably in Korea. This is a neat guitar and I am enjoying it. I remember borrowing an Ovation from a girl in high school back in 68 and really liking it. The guys in my band kept making jokes about how funny it looked with the round back. The jokes stopped when then heard it! |
|
| |
the aa31 in the "introduce yourself" page
