Ovation Magnum Owners Unite!

Calaverasgrande · #1 02-17-2010, 10:11 PM

I have noticed in seraching forums on this and other site that my beloved Ovation Magnum has a reputation as an "ugly duckling". Second only maybe to a certain round Musicman bass.
I propose we start an Ovation Magnum Owners Club.
Or at least put a silly number in our sig.

Benjamin Strange · #2 02-17-2010, 10:23 PM

I refuse to be part of a club that would have me as a member.

That said:

Pilgrim · #3 02-17-2010, 10:30 PM

I'm deeply envious...of everything except the weight.

Matt Dean · #4 02-17-2010, 10:31 PM

I've always wanted one, but $$ and availability have never aligned.

**garmenteros** · #5 02-17-2010, 10:34 PM

theres one on ebay right now...

Benjamin Strange · #6 02-17-2010, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pilgrim

I'm deeply envious...of everything except the weight.

They're not really that heavy - the just balance poorly. Slap a set of lightweight Schaller tuners on them (like I did), and you remove about 8 pounds off the headstock. Then they balance perfectly, and you don't notice the weight.

Cannabass · #7 02-17-2010, 11:19 PM

must say the "graphic" eq is pretty sick

bongomania · #8 02-17-2010, 11:25 PM

Here's my suggestion for improving both the balance and the reach to the outer positions:

It's the Steinberger Synapse Strap Hook Extender, and it works brilliantly. The only downside is drilling two mounting holes on the back of your bass.

Calaverasgrande · #9 02-18-2010, 12:18 AM

balances great for me. Not heavy at all. My SR5 is heavy.

overdrivethree · #10 02-18-2010, 12:59 AM

first bass i ever laid hands on was one of those 70's Ovations. not a Magnum (had a more traditional Fender-style body, but with the same electronics). belonged to my school. that sucker had some neck dive and some SERIOUS low end!

it's probably still there, untouched since about 2001. wonder what they'd want for it?

kjpollo · #11 02-18-2010, 08:51 AM

Personally, I love 'em tho I've never actually owned one. I came close once. Back in 81 or 82 I was getting my first "real bass" and I was debating between one of these and a Kramer Duke. Yeah, I know-pretty funny choices for a "first real bass".

I remember the sales guy coaxed a nice trebly, almost Geddy-like tone out of it.

I think the prices were pretty close so I dont know why I went with the Duke over the Magnum. I dont think it was a weight issue because after the Duke, I went to a T-40.

Anyway, I love seeing pics of these so please, keep on posting!

GregDunn · #12 02-18-2010, 09:16 AM

I asked my daughter how many Magnums she has at home and she believes the number is now 6.

I know she doesn't have pictures of all of them so I'll share one I took in 2002 on stage:

Magnum IV being rocked

Calaverasgrande · #13 02-19-2010, 11:29 AM

Old number 248, been thrashing this sucker for over 24 years,

No pics of the back, but it looks like the underbelly of an old whale, pocked from barnacles.

RickC · #14 02-19-2010, 11:37 AM

Is that the original finish? Is it really that red? Nice!

bongomania · #15 02-19-2010, 12:28 PM

The one I used to own was even redder than that. A deep trans-ruby color.

SpankyPants · #16 02-19-2010, 12:39 PM

All this Magnum buzz has really got me gassin'. I don't really dig many vintage basses, but these just look and sound too cool...

Nashrakh · #17 02-19-2010, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpankyPants

All this Magnum buzz has really got me gassin'.

+1

I'm gassing for a sunburst one... oh that would be so sweet :\

Actually, I never heard of them until a few days ago.

Anybody knows if the Ovation Magnums were sold in the US only?

Calaverasgrande · #18 02-19-2010, 11:33 PM

that is a very accurate pic of the color.
About the magnums. I have heard from some guitar techs I knew that the Magnum has some kind of funny intonation system that is not standard. I dont know what they meant because I knew a lot less about music at the time.
Maybe it is similar to the Feiten system? Or maybe its some kind of stretch tuning or sweetened scale?

Benjamin Strange · #19 02-20-2010, 03:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calaverasgrande

that is a very accurate pic of the color.
About the magnums. I have heard from some guitar techs I knew that the Magnum has some kind of funny intonation system that is not standard. I dont know what they meant because I knew a lot less about music at the time.
Maybe it is similar to the Feiten system? Or maybe its some kind of stretch tuning or sweetened scale?

That's false. The only thing funny about it is that you have to remove the string from the saddle in order to loosen the screw to move it. It's kind of a pain in the ass.

dje31 · #20 02-20-2010, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benjamin Strange

I refuse to be part of a club that would have me as a member.

That said:

Dear God in Heaven! There's a man living in your neck pickups!