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Thread: Ovation MM68AX

  1. #51

    Default Re: Ovation MM68AX

    Yes, that battery change-out is a miserable experience, but the battery last a long time and has an indicator light which can be checked in the pre-amp so you're not stuck trying to change it in a dark bar. The MM68 is unbeatable as a plugged mandolin - zero feedback.

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  3. #52
    Destroyer of Mandolins
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    Default Re: Ovation MM68AX

    Also, the instrument will play about four hours once the light comes on. If you unplug during breaks it lasts longer. You only need to fit three fingers in the hole to change the battery, but that design is the running joke of Ovation players everywhere.
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  4. #53
    Work in Progress Ed Goist's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ovation MM68AX

    Use a good battery and unplug during breaks and you will get a lot of hours between battery changes.
    I've found it to be a very reliable system - (Much more so than my cables [couldn't resist this one Tim]).
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  5. #54
    Ursus Mandolinus Fretbear's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ovation MM68AX

    I have to say, these Ovation designs really make it clear where the majority of the sound in a stringed instrument is being produced from (i.e. the top) and why laminate wood back and sides (at least on guitars) can sound so good as well.
    I am just finishing up a major overhaul of an Ovation guitar, and it sounds really good. I am in the market for a smaller sized guitar than my old dread, and the sound that this Ovation is delivering is much closer to what I am looking for than I ever would have imagined. I think it's the smaller profile of the top that I am hearing, as the back material doesn't seem to have a huge effect on the sound.
    Apparently (and almost unbelievably) the entire original "Manzanita" title cut by Tony Rice was recorded using an Ovation guitar. It does slip off my knee, but that is another issue.
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  7. #55
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    Default Re: Ovation MM68AX

    I don't know if it's true, but I heard that the curve of the Ovation's back focuses the sound much as the curved mirror of a Newtonian telescope focuses light. The back shoots the sound out of the hole. And I too have been impressed by many laminate-back guitars over the years. I've even met a few that sounded better than some very expensive solid-back instruments. But that's just me.
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  8. #56
    Celtic Bard michaelpthompson's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ovation MM68AX

    One of Ed's main points was that the MM68AX is not really worth $800 when you can get the MCS148 for $500. Then I saw a real US made MM68 on eBay. He had a $750 "Buy It Now" when it was first listed, but now its auction price is up to $755. Wish I had some extra cash right now.

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  10. #57
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    Default Re: Ovation MM68AX

    That's actually the one that I sent back. It's a beautiful instrument in mint condition. I just couldn't get over the battery change thing. It would be a steal for $755 if you didn't mind the hassle of changing the battery.
    Chief. Way up North. Gibson 1917 A model with pickup. JL Smith 5 string electric. 1929 National Triolian resonator mandolin with pickup. National RM 1 with pickup. Ovation Applause. Fender FM- 60 E 5 string electric (with juiced pickups). 1950's Gibson EM-200 electric mandolin. 1954 Gibson EM-150 electric mandolin. Custom made "Jett Pink" 5 string electric- Bo Diddley slab style. Jay Roberts Tiny Moore model 5 string electric.

  11. #58
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    Default Re: Ovation MM68AX

    I look at the battery change issue the way I do adjusting a bridge or even changing strings: It's a daunting, even off-putting task at first, but you get better at it with practice. I can change a battery in a couple of minutes with no hassle at all today, but I struggled like everyone else the first couple of times.
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  12. #59
    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ovation MM68AX

    FWIW..

    I got a Y'ha AG Stomp pedalboard, they use a TRS/Stereo cord as a Phantom 9v power conductor,
    and a dummy battery that shorts across the snap terminals.. so it can power the preamp..

    Actual wiring of the instrument circuitry needs to be sorted out.. as to whether it is compatible..
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  13. #60

    Default Re: Ovation MM68AX

    That MM68 on Ebay is over $900 with 2 days still to go...
    I have to wonder if the MM68 is back in production - or at least as a custom mmodel - since it's listed on the Ovation Website - Retail is $2,169...

  14. #61
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    Default Re: Ovation MM68AX

    My understanding is that the MM-68 will continue to be made to special order, but it's not a production model anymore.
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  15. #62
    Celtic Bard michaelpthompson's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ovation MM68AX

    Quote Originally Posted by Eddie Sheehy View Post
    That MM68 on Ebay is over $900 with 2 days still to go...
    That one wound up going for $920. Not too bad. They seem often to run $1100-1200. This one included the OHS and a leather strap.

  16. #63
    Registered User jefflester's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ovation MM68AX

    I recently bought an MM68 (2000, American) off Ebay and it came shipped with battery and battery holder removed. Certainly wasn't very obvious how to install at. After reading this thread and and this one: https://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/s...vation+battery
    I think I understand. I had one of the Applause models back about 18 years ago but never needed to change the battery.

    So the slotted black button on the back (next to the back opening) goes into the metal part of the holder and twists, pulling the battery holder snug against the bowl with the foam.

    Click image for larger version. 

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  17. #64
    Martin Stillion mrmando's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ovation MM68AX

    Anybody know when the MM68AX was introduced?

    I have here a blacktop Ovation tagged MM68 (no AX), but there's no serial number and the label says "Made in Korea." Warranty card is still in the case; it lists an effective date of 10/1/2010.

    Do I have maybe a prototype MM68AX?

    Headstock logo looks like this, which is not what I'm used to seeing on the MM68: Click image for larger version. 

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