The Ovation Fan Club
The Ovation Fan Club
Forum Search | Statistics | User Listing Forums | Calendars | Albums | Language
Your are viewing as a Guest. ( logon | register )

Random quote: "One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain." - Bob Marley



Jump to page : 1
Now viewing page 1 [25 messages per page]
Replacing an 80's FET3 with an Op-Pro and I need some help

View previous thread :: View next thread
   Members Forums -> General PostingMessage format
 
Patch
Posted 2017-01-27 7:43 PM (#532313)
Subject: Replacing an 80's FET3 with an Op-Pro and I need some help



Joined:
May 2006
Posts: 4221

Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent

The preamp in my trusty  80s C. Balladeer has passed beyond the pale. I've got a new Op-Pro to put in, and I remember a thread years ago with instructions (and more important for people like me...pictures), but after a couple of wanderings through the search function, I still can't find it.

Does anyone remember which one I'm talking about or have some tips? I remember they used modelling clay to mold a template to get the placement right, but that's as far as my middle-aged brain can get.

Top of the page Bottom of the page
BanjoJ
Posted 2017-01-27 8:51 PM (#532314 - in reply to #532313)
Subject: RE: Replacing an 80's FET3 with an Op-Pro and I need some help



Joined:
September 2012
Posts: 809

Location: Thredbo, NSW, Australia
Patch, I'm in the middle of doing the same to my 1982 Folklore 1614.

Unfortunately I don't have the photos with me, as I'm travelling at present, but I can tell you what I did to get the position for the hole.

I removed the preamp and can from my U681T, placed a sheet of paper on the side and taped it in place after cutting it to fit neatly against the heel of the neck. I then cut a hole in the paper, which was then my template. I removed the sheet and taped it on to the Folklore and marked the hole on the guitar body using a white pen.

I then had a look at some of my other guitars and noticed they weren't all the same. Some were closer to the soundboard than others, and some were a little closer to the head of the guitar than others. This suggests to me that there is some flexibility. You could have a look at your guitars and see which one appears to fit the best and use that to make your template.

I hope this helps.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
tpa
Posted 2017-01-28 5:35 AM (#532316 - in reply to #532313)
Subject: Re: Replacing an 80's FET3 with an Op-Pro and I need some help


Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 552

Location: Denmark
bvince did it similar: http://www.ovationfanclub.com/megabbs/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=29... . Unfortunately the pics were at the ning site. Whats the trouble with the FET-3? Maybe it can be repaired. It is not overly complicated. http://www.ovationtribute.com/Ovation%20Schematics/Ovation_FET-3_Pr... Maybe a capacitor swap is enough.

Edited by tpa 2017-01-28 5:47 AM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
FlySig
Posted 2017-01-28 2:44 PM (#532334 - in reply to #532313)
Subject: Re: Replacing an 80's FET3 with an Op-Pro and I need some help



Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4025

Location: Utah
I'd get a piece of aluminum or tin to use as a template. Bend it to the curve of the preamp can and cut the hole in it. When the can fits properly and the template fits flush against the curve of the guitar body, it should identify the correct placement of the can.

That's a nerve wracking mod.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
BCam
Posted 2017-01-28 6:34 PM (#532343 - in reply to #532313)
Subject: Re: Replacing an 80's FET3 with an Op-Pro and I need some help


Joined:
October 2014
Posts: 266

You might want to invest $18 in an oscillating multi-tool from Harbor Freight. In my experience it's the perfect tool for plunge-cutting holes like you'll need. I used one in re-building a traditional wood/canvas canoe and found it very easy to control in making some very precise cuts in the course of removing some ribs. You'll also find all sorts of uses for it around the house. I know that HF power tools aren't the best quality but this one is fine for home use:

http://www.harborfreight.com/oscillating-multi-tool-62302.html
Top of the page Bottom of the page
bburg
Posted 2017-01-29 11:19 AM (#532361 - in reply to #532313)
Subject: Re: Replacing an 80's FET3 with an Op-Pro and I need some help



Joined:
August 2009
Posts: 1137

Location: Germany, where delicious wine is growing (Rheinh)
Hi,

I did it several times with nearly all my "old" guitars.
Everybody, who is interest , drop me a PM with your email address and I'll send you the template.

Bernie
Top of the page Bottom of the page
tpa
Posted 2017-01-29 11:57 AM (#532363 - in reply to #532313)
Subject: Re: Replacing an 80's FET3 with an Op-Pro and I need some help


Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 552

Location: Denmark
Oh - btw. if anyone has a FET-3 that is out of work and that they want to part with. Don't throw it away, instead consider sending it to me, it could be fun to try to revive one of those. Send me a PM if you have one such.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
titti
Posted 2017-01-29 12:31 PM (#532365 - in reply to #532361)
Subject: Re: Replacing an 80's FET3 with an Op-Pro and I need some help



Joined:
January 2011
Posts: 340

Location: Italia, Zianigo di Mirano (Venezia)
bburg - 2017-01-29 6:19 PM

Hi,

I did it several times with nearly all my "old" guitars.
Everybody, who is interest , drop me a PM with your email address and I'll send you the template.

Bernie
Hi Bernie, I don't know if understand well . You have replaced on your old guitars the old preamp's (rectangular as OP 24) with the OP-PRO type ?
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Patch
Posted 2017-01-29 1:32 PM (#532366 - in reply to #532313)
Subject: RE: Replacing an 80's FET3 with an Op-Pro and I need some help



Joined:
May 2006
Posts: 4221

Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent

Thanks you guys, and keep talking. I'm paying very close attention and taking notes.

Top of the page Bottom of the page
BanjoJ
Posted 2017-01-30 2:37 PM (#532388 - in reply to #532313)
Subject: RE: Replacing an 80's FET3 with an Op-Pro and I need some help



Joined:
September 2012
Posts: 809

Location: Thredbo, NSW, Australia

Here's the paper template that I mentioned.  The guitar is my Adamas 2081

Here's my Folklore with the two positions marked on to it's side.

I used the one closer to the soundboard. 

I cut the hole using a Dremel that Enowyd lent to me.  Worked well.

Top of the page Bottom of the page
MWoody
Posted 2017-01-30 9:59 PM (#532397 - in reply to #532313)
Subject: Re: Replacing an 80's FET3 with an Op-Pro and I need some help



Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13983

Location: Upper Left USA
I did that to a guitar of Damon's one day that he and Sarah came to visit.
I was in the other room with the Dremel. Those bowls scream something terrible under the knife!
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Jim E
Posted 2017-01-30 10:17 PM (#532398 - in reply to #532313)
Subject: Re: Replacing an 80's FET3 with an Op-Pro and I need some help



Joined:
December 2009
Posts: 79

Location: So Cal
Patch...I sent you a template. Worked great on 12 string.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
bburg
Posted 2017-01-31 12:25 PM (#532414 - in reply to #532313)
Subject: Re: Replacing an 80's FET3 with an Op-Pro and I need some help



Joined:
August 2009
Posts: 1137

Location: Germany, where delicious wine is growing (Rheinh)
Titti, I've tried it as well on the OP24 Series, but I can't position where it fits without having a hole left in the body.
IVe upgraded all my real ones with the stacked potis ...

Bernie
Top of the page Bottom of the page
bburg
Posted 2017-01-31 12:29 PM (#532415 - in reply to #532313)
Subject: Re: Replacing an 80's FET3 with an Op-Pro and I need some help



Joined:
August 2009
Posts: 1137

Location: Germany, where delicious wine is growing (Rheinh)
Nobody wants the original Ovation template? It's for the OP-Pro-Series can and for the output jack with XLR.....

Bernie
Top of the page Bottom of the page
DanSavage
Posted 2017-01-31 6:07 PM (#532420 - in reply to #532415)
Subject: Re: Replacing an 80's FET3 with an Op-Pro and I need some help



Joined:
June 2012
Posts: 2303

Location: Lake Forest, CA
bburg - 2017-01-31 10:29 AM

Nobody wants the original Ovation template? It's for the OP-Pro-Series can and for the output jack with XLR.....

Bernie


I'll take one. PM sent.

Dan
Top of the page Bottom of the page
jawjatek
Posted 2017-01-31 6:52 PM (#532421 - in reply to #532313)
Subject: Re: Replacing an 80's FET3 with an Op-Pro and I need some help



Joined:
January 2017
Posts: 18

Location: N ATL metro
Yeah, I want the template, me too!

I am a die-hard mic guy, but am considering options.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
BanjoJ
Posted 2017-01-31 6:56 PM (#532422 - in reply to #532415)
Subject: Re: Replacing an 80's FET3 with an Op-Pro and I need some help



Joined:
September 2012
Posts: 809

Location: Thredbo, NSW, Australia
bburg - 2017-02-01 5:29 AM

Nobody wants the original Ovation template? It's for the OP-Pro-Series can and for the output jack with XLR.....

Bernie

I'm interested, but what format is it in - PDF?
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Damon67
Posted 2017-01-31 11:17 PM (#532432 - in reply to #532397)
Subject: Re: Replacing an 80's FET3 with an Op-Pro and I need some help



Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6992

Location: Jet City

MWoody - 2017-01-30 7:59 PM I did that to a guitar of Damon's one day that he and Sarah came to visit. I was in the other room with the Dremel. Those bowls scream something terrible under the knife!

 

Yep, this one. It ended up with Alison

 

Top of the page Bottom of the page
titti
Posted 2017-02-01 6:57 AM (#532436 - in reply to #532415)
Subject: Re: Replacing an 80's FET3 with an Op-Pro and I need some help



Joined:
January 2011
Posts: 340

Location: Italia, Zianigo di Mirano (Venezia)
bburg - 2017-01-31 7:29 PM

Nobody wants the original Ovation template? It's for the OP-Pro-Series can and for the output jack with XLR.....

Bernie
.

Edited by titti 2017-02-01 7:00 AM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
titti
Posted 2017-02-01 7:05 AM (#532437 - in reply to #532414)
Subject: Re: Replacing an 80's FET3 with an Op-Pro and I need some help



Joined:
January 2011
Posts: 340

Location: Italia, Zianigo di Mirano (Venezia)
bburg - 2017-01-31 7:25 PM

Titti, I've tried it as well on the OP24 Series, but I can't position where it fits without having a hole left in the body.
IVe upgraded all my real ones with the stacked potis ...

Bernie
Bernie, Bernie, you can post a picture of one ones with the stacked potis ? Thanks...
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Love O Fair
Posted 2017-02-01 12:58 PM (#532449 - in reply to #532313)
Subject: Re: Replacing an 80's FET3 with an Op-Pro and I need some help



Joined:
February 2016
Posts: 1768

Location: When??
I can't help much with the conversion project, but I thank BCam for the link to the $18 multi-tool :-)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
bburg
Posted 2017-02-01 2:38 PM (#532455 - in reply to #532422)
Subject: Re: Replacing an 80's FET3 with an Op-Pro and I need some help



Joined:
August 2009
Posts: 1137

Location: Germany, where delicious wine is growing (Rheinh)
BanjoJ - 2017-02-01 1:56 AM

bburg - 2017-02-01 5:29 AM

Nobody wants the original Ovation template? It's for the OP-Pro-Series can and for the output jack with XLR.....

Bernie

I'm interested, but what format is it in - PDF?


Yes, it is! But it is the American format. If you print it 1:1 it is original size and will fit exactely. Othewise the messurement is included, if something will not work out.

Bernie
Top of the page Bottom of the page
bburg
Posted 2017-02-01 2:40 PM (#532456 - in reply to #532313)
Subject: Re: Replacing an 80's FET3 with an Op-Pro and I need some help



Joined:
August 2009
Posts: 1137

Location: Germany, where delicious wine is growing (Rheinh)
Titti, have a look in my Album. I gess you will find pictures, if not let my know, I will send you.

Bernie
Top of the page Bottom of the page
titti
Posted 2017-02-04 8:14 AM (#532540 - in reply to #532456)
Subject: Re: Replacing an 80's FET3 with an Op-Pro and I need some help



Joined:
January 2011
Posts: 340

Location: Italia, Zianigo di Mirano (Venezia)
ah, now I remember, great album thanks Bernie
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Jump to page : 1
Now viewing page 1 [25 messages per page]
Jump to forum :
Search this forum
Printer friendly version
E-mail a link to this thread

This message board and website is not sponsored or affiliated with Ovation® Guitars in any way.
Registered to: The Ovation Fanclubâ„¢ Copyright (c) 2001
free counters
(Delete all cookies set by this site)