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NBD - Ovation Magnum IV

bassclef112

bassclef112

Supporting Member
Sep 2, 2003
2,576
4,171
Astoria, NY
#1
Finally. I've been wanting one of these for a long time. Once I saw the III and IV body style in gray it was on my list for years.
This came up on Reverb last week at a ridiculous price.....I've got a houseful of basses and no gigs in the for-seeable future but I knew I could not hesitate. I hit the button.

FULL FR 2 CROP.jpg


With conflicting info I don't know for sure what year it is. The serial puts it at 79. Regardless, it's in wonderful condition. Everything works and the neck is laser straight. After I set it up with new strings I noticed 2 things. One side of the bridge didn't adjust, and it really needed a neck shim.
Today I took it apart. The inset for the bridge adjustment screw came loose from the body. A little glue, done. In my usual heavy handed way I did finally get the shim placed after having to repair it twice...

Now that I can really play it I truly appreciate how good it sounds. The EQ is sensitive, small adjustments make real changes, but the amount of tones is wide. This is an excellent bass that was ahead of its time, and I feel lucky to have one!!!!
 
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#5
Thanks. It was this grayburst finish that was the tipper for me. If I got one it had to be that finish. I don't find it heavy but it's solid - all old mahogany. It balances a little different than a Fender - needs a touch more reach to first fret. Neck is not slender, but comfortable "chubby", not a bat.

I've been playing it almost daily and I'm loving the tone(s). Like I said, I certainly don't need it, buy I'm real glad I got it!
 
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#6
I have a similar 3, and it's not heavy at all. I believe that the 3-4 models are thinner, weigh less than the originals.

I put a strap button on the end of the horn in the traditional location. Solved all the balance issues immediately.
 
#7
Congrats on getting a great bass. Part of that longer reach is the 35 inch scale length. My first new guitar was a Magnum IV. Didn't know what I was getting then, wish I hadn't had it made fretless after the frets wore out. Also my last 4 string! I still have it but it doesn't get out much. I love the body shape.
 
#8
Mark Knapp said:
Congrats on getting a great bass. Part of that longer reach is the 35 inch scale length. My first new guitar was a Magnum IV. Didn't know what I was getting then, wish I hadn't had it made fretless after the frets wore out. Also my last 4 string! I still have it but it doesn't get out much. I love the body shape.
Click to expand...
It's a 34" scale, not 35".
 
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#10
They must have come in more than one scale length. I have measured mine. Standard string sets never git right - the 34 inch scale Rotosound swing bass E string always crossed the nut at the thin, silk-covered part and never sat right. I had to buy a special set of strings that fit. I had this problem with other brands as well.
 
#11
Mark Knapp said:
They must have come in more than one scale length. I have measured mine. Standard string sets never git right - the 34 inch scale Rotosound swing bass E string always crossed the nut at the thin, silk-covered part and never sat right. I had to buy a special set of strings that fit. I had this problem with other brands as well.
Click to expand...

That is due to the bridge construction - the stretch from string anchoring slot to saddle is longer than on most basses. Scale, as said, is 34".

See here: Ovation Magnum String Lengths.

I use DR Lo Riders, which have no silk windings at all and are a good length.
 
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#12
I bought one in the early 80's and am still kicking myself for selling it 15 years later. I have had and have many basses of various makes and models and that one was, by far, my fav.
If only we could go back to then, knowing what we know now.
 
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