RASHARU Posted July 19, 2011 Share Posted July 19, 2011 I ran across a Gibson J45 with a plastic round-back ... huh?! When did they make these? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jannusguy2 Posted July 19, 2011 Share Posted July 19, 2011 In the 80s I believe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zombywoof Posted July 19, 2011 Share Posted July 19, 2011 Not a J-45 but I am guessing you are talking about either the Gibson J-25 which was produced around 1983-1985 or OP-25 made for maybe one year in the early 1990s. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retrorod Posted July 20, 2011 Share Posted July 20, 2011 Did Gibson ever make an "Ovation" style?? Yes....but it sucked... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MissouriPicker Posted July 20, 2011 Share Posted July 20, 2011 This is a scary subject. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
larryp58 Posted July 20, 2011 Share Posted July 20, 2011 I have never heard of any such monstrosity! Got any pics of this ugly step-child? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ksdaddy Posted July 20, 2011 Share Posted July 20, 2011 Mine was serial number 12, probably a prototype from Kalamazoo. Most were made in Nashville. Mine is the UK somewhere now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TommyK Posted July 20, 2011 Share Posted July 20, 2011 They were an experiment that didn't go very far. Probably to counter entry of Ovation into the market. These OP models had plastic 'bowls' or 'pans'. Instead of being a smooth curve they were squarish with a tight radius near the 'back' and 'side'. Instead of being shaped like a wok, as is the Ovation, they were shaped more like a cake pan. Some say the OP stood for 'Oil Pan'. I believe this was retconned. I remember reading that they were made in K'zoo Nashville*, and in the early days at Bozeman when someone discovered some left over 'oil pans.' * edit, what KSDADDY said. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TommyK Posted July 20, 2011 Share Posted July 20, 2011 What was the model number on that KSDADDY? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ksdaddy Posted July 20, 2011 Share Posted July 20, 2011 J-25. They were advertised fairly heavily in Guitar Player in '83 and '84. The ad showed 4 (or so) models; J25, Hummingbird, etc. The J-25 had a laminated top while (I believe) the OP-25 had a solid top. Personally, from a utilitarian standpoint, I would prefer a lam top. My fairly extensive experience with Ovation stuff shows that there are 2 types of Ovation: Ones that are cracked, and ones that haven't cracked YET. Solid tops and sheet molded bowls don't mix. I have a dozen laminated top Applauses that are clearly superior to the solid topped Ovations, both from a tone and durability standpoint. Gibson tried it, the public didn't buy it. Doesn't make it wrong. It's all in the brand name/expected product perception. Martin tried to make electrics a few times too, those went over like a turd in a punchbowl. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ParlourMan Posted July 20, 2011 Share Posted July 20, 2011 The Martin GT-75's were decent though. I tried one years ago, for a good price too, but passed on it at the time stupidly... The price shot up a good bit when Alex Turner of the Arctic Monkeys started using one Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dhanners623 Posted July 20, 2011 Share Posted July 20, 2011 I think "Ovation style" should be left to Ovation. If we wanted an Ovation, we'd get one. But we want Gibsons. Still, I guess you can't blame them for trying. I did a lot of dumb things in the '80s, too.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanvillRob Posted July 20, 2011 Share Posted July 20, 2011 I think "Ovation style" should be left to Ovation. If we wanted an Ovation, we'd get one. But we want Gibsons. Still, I guess you can't blame them for trying. I did a lot of dumb things in the '80s, too.... I have an old Ovation 12-String. The neck is IMPOSSIBLE on it. It looks virtually brand new, but I've had it since the 80's. I'm thinking of letting my luthier have a go at it.....but 2 things are an issue.... 1. The repair might be more than the guitar is worth. 2. The fiberglass round back rests on my round front making the guitar lay horizontal like T-Bone Walker! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zombywoof Posted July 20, 2011 Share Posted July 20, 2011 I will take a six pack of whatever Gibson R&D was drinking in the 1980s. Anybody remember the Corvus electric? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ksdaddy Posted July 20, 2011 Share Posted July 20, 2011 I remember Eldery selling Corvus models for $160-$170 in early 1985 just to get rid of them. Don't price one now. You'll be sick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rover Posted July 20, 2011 Share Posted July 20, 2011 I have an old Ovation 12-String. The neck is IMPOSSIBLE on it. It looks virtually brand new, but I've had it since the 80's. I'm thinking of letting my luthier have a go at it.....but 2 things are an issue.... 1. The repair might be more than the guitar is worth. 2. The fiberglass round back rests on my round front making the guitar lay horizontal like T-Bone Walker! Best 12 string I ever had, inclduing SWD, Guild, Martin and even a **** ( < Oh for heavens sake AutoMOD its short for RICHARD) Knight was a Glenn Campbell Ovation If its US made get it fixed IF you like the "Ovation twang" if not take the top off and use it for coasters and us ethe bowl as an ash tray Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TommyK Posted July 21, 2011 Share Posted July 21, 2011 ...Solid tops and sheet molded bowls don't mix. Is that how they form them? Vacuforming sheet plastic? I was thinking injection mold. I have a dozen laminated top Applauses that are clearly superior to the solid topped Ovations, both from a tone and durability standpoint. ... Makes me feel better about my Applause. Did you know Kaman they made an even more entry level version of the bowl back guitar. They called it the "Clap". Didn't sell well though. "Hey 'Squeaky'! What did y ou get for Christmas?" Squeaky," I got the Clap." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hogeye Posted July 21, 2011 Share Posted July 21, 2011 Gibson/Montana made the OP25 in 1991 and 92. In 1991 they made: 48 in Antique Natural 48 in Antique Ebony 71 in Vintage Sunburst In 1992 they made: 17 in Antique natural 30 in Antique Ebony 60 in Vintage Sunburst They all had solid Sitka Spruce tops with bolt on Mahogany necks. The backs were sent to Montana from Nashville. When they used up the supply of backs that went out of production. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ksdaddy Posted July 21, 2011 Share Posted July 21, 2011 Tommy the original ones (the first year or two anyway) were hand laid fiberglass. I had serial number 093, which was technically the 88th Ovation ever made (the first 5 were bowl assemblies). It weighed nothing and resonated to a disturbing degree. Not sure of the production method after that but for many years they were fiberglass. The Applauses were always sheet molded and were a little heftier. Sometime in the late 70s early 80s (?) they made the shift so all Ovations and Applauses were sheet molded. I think the only Ovation I have left is a prototype for the 1983 Collector's Edition. They were numbered "#__ of ____". Daryl Hall has #1, Nancy Wilson has #2. Mine is serial number 121582, which is the date it was made (12/15/82) and pre-dates Daryl's and everyone elses. The inside label says "Kaman Music Group" and "1983 Prototype" or something like that. It's stuffed out the shop somewhere. The only difference between mine and the production model is the lack of inlaid "1983" at the 12th fret and the fact it is wired in stereo... E goes to one channel, A goes to the other, etc. I have a couple even cheaper than Applauses. They're called Academy. Bowl back, aluminum 12 fret neck, and injection molded plastic top with integral braces. The only wood on them is the bridge. Sounds like pounding on a 55 gallon oil drum with an oven mitt. Big and hollow and boomy, and odd enough for me to like it. Ovation made them from about 78 to 82 or so. Not many out there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanvillRob Posted July 21, 2011 Share Posted July 21, 2011 Tommy the original ones (the first year or two anyway) were hand laid fiberglass. I had serial number 093, which was technically the 88th Ovation ever made (the first 5 were bowl assemblies). It weighed nothing and resonated to a disturbing degree. Not sure of the production method after that but for many years they were fiberglass. The Applauses were always sheet molded and were a little heftier. Sometime in the late 70s early 80s (?) they made the shift so all Ovations and Applauses were sheet molded. I think the only Ovation I have left is a prototype for the 1983 Collector's Edition. They were numbered "#__ of ____". Daryl Hall has #1, Nancy Wilson has #2. Mine is serial number 121582, which is the date it was made (12/15/82) and pre-dates Daryl's and everyone elses. The inside label says "Kaman Music Group" and "1983 Prototype" or something like that. It's stuffed out the shop somewhere. The only difference between mine and the production model is the lack of inlaid "1983" at the 12th fret and the fact it is wired in stereo... E goes to one channel, A goes to the other, etc. I have a couple even cheaper than Applauses. They're called Academy. Bowl back, aluminum 12 fret neck, and injection molded plastic top with integral braces. The only wood on them is the bridge. Sounds like pounding on a 55 gallon oil drum with an oven mitt. Big and hollow and boomy, and odd enough for me to like it. Ovation made them from about 78 to 82 or so. Not many out there. KS, I'll get the SN off of mine and maybe you can tell me what I have! Here's a pic: (laying on the floor) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ksdaddy Posted July 21, 2011 Share Posted July 21, 2011 Looks like a 1115-4 at a quick glance but they likely had a different model # designation for ones with factory pickups. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanvillRob Posted July 21, 2011 Share Posted July 21, 2011 Looks like a 1115-4 at a quick glance but they likely had a different model # designation for ones with factory pickups. I'm TOTALLY ignorant about Ovations. Were some made in the US and others made elsewhere? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ksdaddy Posted July 21, 2011 Share Posted July 21, 2011 Applauses were made in US until about 1983, then went to the Pac Rim. ALL Celebrity models are imported. There was talk of some being made in Mexico and maybe there were a few, but then they stopped answering the phone... the managers went down there and found an empty building. Some models were made in Virginia (?) for a couple years in the 80s or 90s but that experiment is gone. Over the past few years some formerly US models like the Balladeer shifted to the Orient. As far as I know, ALL 'production models' are imported now. However the CT factory (which also makes Guild acoustics BTW) still make some severely kickass custom models... just like Fender's custom shop or Ren's shop in Bozeman. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retrorod Posted July 21, 2011 Share Posted July 21, 2011 Not in to Ovations...But cool info indeed Scott. Great to see ya on the Forum again...Been missing your input/comedy/banter/info/ lately! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ksdaddy Posted July 22, 2011 Share Posted July 22, 2011 Thanks. Not a lot going on musically with me nowadays. The bench has cobwebs and I play very little. Been spending all my free time with Lynn, everything from going on much needed walks to house shopping. The new roof is on the old house and the new bathroom will be done in a week or so (I hope). All so I can sell it to my daughter for $27,000 over 10 years with no interest (yeah I'm a sap). Found a 1963 one-owner three bedroom ranch with 3.5 acres and 2 car garage, mucho trees and lilac bushes, with all period correct heavily varnished woodwork, pole lamps, Jetsons style shelves and all..... for an asking price of $79K. Lynn would like to rip it apart and put in recessed lighting and quartz countertops. Sure, hon, with YOUR paycheck. I'm about ready to offer $60K and then just accept whatever counter offer they throw at me. They're in their 80s and want out. Guys, if you saw us walking together, your first thought would be "Wow, he must have money!" I don't. Not really anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.