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Posts: 206
Location: N.E. Pa | Hi all! New here. Primarily a working bassist, but have also owned Ovations since the late 70s. Currently have a '76 Balladeer which I want to leave as is, so I'm looking at a 1528 so I can plug in with the band for some trio work on off nights. Is this a decent guitar? I looked in the FAQs and didn't see much, and am afraid to use the search at the moment, per the warning. What would be a fair price, used, in nice shape? I think it's an '88, though not sure. Gorgeous looking, but many states away, so I'd have to take a chance. Thanks in advance, and this place is great! Found it via the Ovation site. Bear with me, but I'd like to spend some time here every day! Fran |
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January 2005
Posts: 206
Location: N.E. Pa | Still hoping to hear something about this guitar, but in the meantime, does anybody know if Paul Bechtoldt hangs here or what his handle is? Turns out he either still does or used to live right up the road about 10-15 minutes from me. I think I was at his house for some musical reason about 10 years ago, and I thought it would be cool to talk to him again about all things Ovation, Dano, etc. |
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January 2005
Posts: 206
Location: N.E. Pa | Ummm, the Invisible Man here again! Still hoping for any opinions about this guitar. Still reading everything else around here, and enjoying it immensely. Very little out there anywhere on 1528s though. Are they rare? Or just dogs? :( |
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Posts: 15680
Location: SoCal | Do you know what year your Ultra is?
I've done a little research thru my catalogs. the 1528 is a supershallow bowl with a laminated top, built in Korea.
The Ovation webpage has no information on the Ultras.
Are you looking to buy one or do you have one? |
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Posts: 206
Location: N.E. Pa | Unfortunately, no. The only info the seller has is the s/n, which looks unlike any of the US numbers. If the seller is correct, it's 28-90xx. It's definitely Korean though. |
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Posts: 15680
Location: SoCal | How much does the seller want for it? |
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Posts: 2850
Location: Midland, MI | Ok, here's what I know about the 1528 (I may be wrong, but rest assured, one of the more learned and erudite members will jump in to correct me):
Made in a special factory, hidden deep within the mist-shrouded jungles of Cambodia as part of a Devil's Bargain with the Khmer Rouge. Or maybe it was Laos. Thailand? Korea, anyone? Seriously, not made in the US, but that doesn't mean they aren't 'good' (for certain values thereof).
Mahogany, one piece necks with rosewood fretboards with binding, laminated tops (spruce, I think). What is that word that W2 uses for laminated tops? It escapes me at the moment. Anyway...can't remember what the electronics are, so no help from me there.
The local store here has a US-ian version (at least the sticker on the inside says it was made in the US)....WAIT! Panelmaster! That's what W2 calls them!!...with a big scratch in the face. Neck is straight/stable, and it sounds nice, like a deep bowl should (I guess). They want $550 with OHSC, but they've had it for at least three years.
Here's my take on the one that I've played...it didn't come close to the sound/quality of my Elite (which happens to be a super shallow bowl no less). But, please keep in mind that a sample size of exactly one is nothing to derive conclusions from (although most marketroids would beg to differ).
That help any? |
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Posts: 206
Location: N.E. Pa | It's Ebay auction#3778710485, at $81 now, closing tomorrow at noon. Super-shallow bowl. Great looking top too. I haven't mastered the link thing yet. Sorry for the long division method! |
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Posts: 15680
Location: SoCal | You ever wonder why the bidding is only up to $81 and there's no reserve on it? You might buy it, but then you're going to play it and think that all Ovations are pieces of S%&t, based upon that guitar.
Watch ebay. You can find a supershallow bowl Balladeer or Legend or Elite that will inspire you to play. And not cost that much. Don't buy crap hoping it's gold. |
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Posts: 206
Location: N.E. Pa | Good point. I'd go into this with limited expectations anyway. My current'76 Balladeer, and my previous Legend have already proven to me that Os aren't pieces of crap anyway. For me, I'm thinking of something for fun, no fear of banging it up, and something to hold me until I get at least something like a cs257, or a good used US job. I'd like to think of it as $100 guitar, nothing more, nothing (hopefully!) less. I'd imagine with some work, it could be made to sound decent. |
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Posts: 15680
Location: SoCal | Here.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=47064&item=3780146330&rd=1
It's a better guitar. |
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January 2005
Posts: 206
Location: N.E. Pa | An update if anyone is interested. I did bid on this guitar, but didn't win. It went for quite a bit more than I thought it would. New owner won it at $205. With $55 shipping, a $260 dollar guitar. I'm surprised! Thanks again to all who commented last night. |
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Posts: 95
Location: Monroe, Ohio (Cincinnati) | I agree with Moody.
I picked one of them there 1861 Balladeers in Cadillac Green a few months ago.
Mint condition guitar, original case with one crack.
Paid $310 I believe plus $20 shipping.
I have been very happy with it. |
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January 2005
Posts: 206
Location: N.E. Pa | Mark, agreed. I'm searching around for other specimens as I speak. Amazing how much the Ovation line has blossomed into what seems like nearly a hundred different model #s and variations since I first got hooked back in the 70s! My budget will affect my choices though, for sure. I have to try to keep at $300 max. Although my '76 Balladeer may not be the Holy Grail, it may have to remain my prize. The next one is fo more utilitarian purposes. Another option I have is to sell the '76, add my available cash and look at something more high end. Thank God my wife is cool with my purchases. At the moment I have 13 basses, 3 guitars, one upright and 15 amps. Of course I can't bear to part with any of them! |
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Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | '76 Balladeer.
Don't sell it.
Those guitars have certain special "mojo" about 'em . . . |
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January 2005
Posts: 206
Location: N.E. Pa | Naw, I'd rather not sell, but I've been known to be impulsive. It IS gorgeous though. It aged to an almost cedar-like dark amber. Other than a thin finish crack from bridge to endpin, it's in great shape. One never knows... |
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Location: NJ | Is it THIS color? :
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Posts: 206
Location: N.E. Pa | Cliff, even darker. I'll try to get a pic going soon. Just learning to get along with my new digital. Somewhere between dark Amber and light Nutmeg. |
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Posts: 4413
| I always wondered what Glenn Frey would look like when he got old............ |
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Location: NJ | eat me. |
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Location: SoCal | It's nice to see the elderly playing guitar.... |
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Location: NJ | I could be DEAD, and I'd STILL be younger than YOU . . . asswipe. |
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Posts: 6202
Location: Phoenix AZ | Cliff - When you said you were visiting some local nursing homes to entertain the old folks, I didn't realize you were actually letting them play your guitars. Very nice of you.
PS - Truth is that I think you and I are the same age!
PSS - Don't take it personally. Hey, sometimes it's the old beat up guitar that sounds the best. |
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Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | What is this? "National Amateur Bad Comedian Day"??
". . . When you said you were visiting some local nursing homes to entertain the old folks . . ."
Show me WHERE and WHEN that I said that!!
Tell ya what . .
At the OFC Jam, gimme a microphone and a guitar plug . . better yet . . . totally UNPLUGGED! . . . I'll take you three clowns on one-at-a-time or all together . . .
Takers??
:D |
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Posts: 6202
Location: Phoenix AZ | Ciff, I just don't know what to do with you. I pay you compliment after compliment and somehow you always misinterpret me. And to think that we come from the same state. Where's the love?
I'm anxious to see if Moody, Schroeder and Fran will take you up on your offer. Peace.
"Bad Comedian Day" probably is pretty accurate! |
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Ultra 1528
