Kaman Corporation

“Charles H Kaman revolutionized helicopter safety and stability with his aerodynamic "servo-controlled flaps." The flaps, found on the rotor blades, could automatically adjust to provide stability and were first seen with his innovative K-125 helicopter in 1947. Kaman continued his innovations in 1951 with the K-225, the first helicopter powered by a gas turbine. The new engine enhanced the performance of the helicopter while making it safer, more reliable and easier to maintain. Three years later, he introduced the first twin-turbine helicopter, followed by the first remote controlled helicopter in 1957.

With a reputation for quality and performance, Kaman helicopters found many applications in the military. Beginning a relationship with the Navy in 1949, Kaman provided them with a series of helicopters that successfully served in both Korean and Vietnam. The Kaman H-43 Husky flew more missions in both wars than all other helicopters and is credited with saving more than 15,000 lives over the past 50 years.”

Charlie Kaman

In 1964 his love of guitars lead him to approach both Martin and Harmony but when these lead to nothing he started his own company, Ovation guitars.  He applied the science developed in helicopter design to that of guitars.  Starting from square one, assuming nothing, the research department came up with the revolutionary concept of a guitar with a plastic back and rounded shape. .  This was no ordinary plastic and no random shape, both had evolved through many stages, each accompanied by extensive testing.  Less obvious but of equal importance was the research and development that went into the top bracing.  The result in 1966 was the Balladeer.

In 1968, as their acoustic guitar market slowly developed, Ovation introduced a range of semi-acoustic arch top electric guitars – the Storm series.  These instruments did really fit in with the Ovation plan and were in reality a short stop method of extending the Ovation name in the market place.  Fine instruments but nothing original or innovative about them, they followed conventional market style rather than create it.  Bodies from Framus, pickups by De Armond, hardware from Schaller and Ovation necks – all assembled at the Ovation New Hartford factory.

Research at Ovation had not stopped and extensive work was being done on electrifying the acoustic guitars.  At the end of 1971 the first Ovation electric appeared with a bridge piezo crystal pickup.  As the success of  the success of the “roundbacks” grew the Storm series became a distraction and were phased out.  No Assembly finally ceased when the stock of parts where finally used up, in 1973, when the last Eclipses left the factory.   Interestingly these Eclipse made use of the acoustic developed plastic to coat the body rather than conventional finish.

The Research and Development department  had continued to push frontiers and in 1971 Ovation entered the solid body guitar market, with the revolutionary Breadwinner [also coated in roundback plastic] and Magnum  Bass appeared. [The solid body story is continued elsewhere.]  The Adamas, with revolutionary carbon fibre top and multiple sound holes was introduced in 1976.  Active electrics with Pre-amp and graphic controls continued to develop.  Ovation were the innovators of the round back and there success has followed this direction and despite several attempts of entering the solid body market they have failed to do so.  

Some acoustic dates:

• 1976 Applause introduced
• 1980 Applause production moved to Korea.
• 1982 Elite introduced [wooden top Adamas]
• 1983 [95] Ultra with uralite neck.
• 1983 Celebrity range introduced, produced in Korea
• 1986 Bill Kaman President
• 1987 Pinnacle series, produced in Japan
• 1988 [90] Thunderbolt
• 1994 Viper introduced

Statement taken from Kaman.com site

Bill Kaman

Kaman is the largest independent U. S. distributor of musical instruments and accessories, offering more than 20,000 products for amateurs and professionals. Products offered on an exclusive basis, world-wide, include Adamas®, Applause®, Ovation®, and Hamer® Guitars, LP®, Latin Percussion® and Toca® hand percussion instruments, and Gibraltar® percussion hardware, Gretsch® professional drum sets and MBT Lighting and Sound®. Products offered on an exclusive basis in the United States include Takamine® guitars and Sabian® cymbals.

Kaman's strategy for the Music segment is to:

• Build on our strong brand identity while adding new market-leading names to the company’s offering of proprietary products
• Lead the market in the use of technology, providing systems to service customers at all levels