Ovation 12 string - What to look for when buying used?

mieliehobo

Hey all

So I've decided to buy an Ovation 12 string guitar, probably gonna get a decent used one.
Is there anything I should look out for on the guitar? Particularly if they're older models?

I'm just concerned as I don't want to end up buying something that's damaged and gives me grief down the road.

Thanks!

Chocklit_Thunda

Look out for the neck lifting up which is a common problem with Tupperware.... I mean ovations ?
And for bellying of the bridge area which happens on 12 strings under tension without enough bracing or after many years.

AlanRatcliffe

With the spaghetti-strainers in particular, check for the top pulling away from the sides and for top cracks. As CT mentioned bellying tops are endemic with any older 12-string (exceptions are the overbuilt guitars like framus' that are built, and sound like, tanks.

Gearhead

Alan Ratcliffe wrote: bellying tops are endemic with any older 12-string

? ? ? ? ? ? ?

endemic ɛnˈdɛmɪk/
adjective
1. (of a disease or condition) regularly found among particular people or in a certain area.
"complacency is endemic in industry today"
(of an area) in which a particular disease is regularly found.
"the persistence of infection on pastures in endemic areas"
2. (of a plant or animal) native or restricted to a certain place.
"a marsupial endemic to north-eastern Australia"

?
I personally do not think bellying tops are only frequently seen in older 12 strings; 6 strings suffer as well although less frequently. I would agree with a statement like "bellying tops are ubiquitously pervasive among older 12-strings" or "few older 12 strings do not suffer from bellying tops".

I do have to add that Alan did refrain from showing any of his Ovation aversion, well done ?

Keira-WitherKay

a slight bellying effect behind the bridge is nothing to be too worried about...obviously nothing too hectic.... but if a steel string is old/vintage 25 years or more ...most do belly a bit ...and even on the old vintage forums where i did research on an old 50's gibson i bought which had a bit of bellying ...there's a catch phrase .."don't trust a vintage flattop if it does not have a bit of bellying ?

my advice would be just make sure it's playable all the way up the neck .....