Ovation Celebrity preamp replacement?

[leadfingers]

I just received an older Ovation Celebrity Elite Special, thin body, approximately 15 years old. The pre-amp volume control knob/slider was broken off and I've been looking on line for any instructions on how to remove the old (current) one without just breaking the retainer ring and yanking it out from the inside.

Looking inside, there seems to be a cover over the actual pre-amp, but I cant find any fasteners to undo. And it feels secure and doesn't just snap off (unless I'm not pulling hard enough.)

Does anyone have any experience or knowledge on the most efficient way to do this? Ovation has a Youtube channel with a bunch of videos, but none showing how to do this.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[cynical1]

Since it appears there are no screws, my money says there's probably a couple tabs on the long ends of the preamp casing. Normally you just reach through the soundhole, but you don't have one of those. If it were me, I'd find a small putty knife and try and work it under the end of the preamp casing to see if it release the tab. Repeat on the other side.

HTC1

[leadfingers]

The battery compartment next to the preamp was held in by 2 screws concealed by the small "Ovation" name strip. Inside, there is a metal box somehow attached to the side of the bowl. I've looked with a mirror and can't find any screws or hardware securing it. I've pulled and pushed in hopes of seeing some movement to identify where to possibly pry it off. Nothing!

I have been in touch with Ovation and they are sending the slider to the volume control, which is the part that is broken. Only issue then would be how to get the whole box out to replace the slider? Last resort is to go to the local Guitar tech that has helped in the past. I've seen a couple of Ovations in his shop for repair, but they looked like mechanical issues, like broken tuner key or something like that.

Maybe I can get some feedback from Ovation since they are sending me the slider.

I'd hate to have to just force it out and break something.

Keeping my fingers crossed.

[leadfingers]

Heard back from Ovation the other day. There is a thin cover film with the graphics for the volume and tone controls over the screws on the actual preamp assembly. Just used a knife to gently pick one of the corners up, pulled it off carefully since it has adhesive on the back. exposing the screws holding the preamp securely in place.

Received the replacement slider from Ovation Friday. Will put it in this Wednesday or Friday, then reassemble and restring.

Anyone interested in purchasing a used Celebrity thin body, about 15 yrs old, in good condition?! Not sure of a price yet.