(This was mentioned in my previous thread about Ovation, but thought it deserved starting a new thread - for anyone remotely interested in Ovation guitars.)
Well, it seemed that Ovation USA was dead (killed by Fender, like some other brands, of course), but maybe not yet.
Several of the Kaman brands were sold in a lump deal to DW (Drum Workshop), who just happen to be neighbors of Larrivee in Oxnard, CA!
Link to teh announcement by Fender (FMIC). (http://spotlight.fender.com/newsroom/news/459/)
No word yet on whether the brand will continue, but an employee at Ovation USA responded to a customer (with a guitar in for repair) that, with this announcement, it has been a busy few days there; here's a quote from the Ovation Fan Club forum (John Budny is the Ovation employee):
"This just in from John Budny:
Hi Jeff,
Sorry it has taken a bit to get back but it has been an exciting couple of days. We are here for a while, hopefully a long while and not sure what will happen but will get you information on your guitar by tomorrow. We are operating as usual for the time being.
John"
Here's the link (http://www.ovationfanclub.com/megabbs/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=44690&posts=36&start=1) to that forum thread.
Will be interesting to see ... but I don't hold out much expectation of a resurgence of Ovation. Their time in the spotlight has come and gone...
Ovation owned the guitar market in the 70's and 80's. Beyond the Bowl back Ovation gave as Carbon Fiber tops, Pin less bridges, built in Tuners and most profoundly built in preamps. They are one of just a handful of companies to sell over a million guitars. You have to respect there place in history. Good American made Ovations never sounded beautiful but the sound was clean and clear a perfect choice for rapid fire players like Al Di Meola. Sadly Ovation began to produce cheap guitars over seas and they sounded terrible. Good American made Ovations became a small part of their offerings, under Fender USA production ceased. I would love to see this brand Lives on.
Quote from: Mikeymac on January 12, 2015, 11:05:53 AM
Will be interesting to see ... but I don't hold out much expectation of a resurgence of Ovation. Their time in the spotlight has come and gone...
Maybe so, depends whether or not they find themselves a modern day Glen Campbell :doh
Ovation did some really good stuff there pu systems were always very good.Maybe a move towards the composite style guitars would be a good thing.
Quote from: JOYCEfromNS on January 15, 2015, 04:21:58 PM
Maybe so, depends whether or not they find themselves a modern day Glen Campbell :doh
I was thinking the same thing, Andrew. They'd have to steal someone away from Taylor, though... :rolleye: :whistling: :wink:
Quote from: unclrob on January 15, 2015, 09:41:27 PM
Ovation did some really good stuff there pu systems were always very good. Maybe a move towards the composite style guitars would be a good thing.
Yes... maybe if the redesigned the Adamas line as true carbon fiber topped guitars, they'd find a market for them. And keep updating their pickup systems across both lines.
The biggest problem is that there are so many excellent pickup systems being used in all wood guitars, there's no reason for someone to choose an Ovation for that reason anymore.