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November 2004
Posts: 100
Location: Asheville, North Carolina | Being new to this forum I may find these topics have come up before....but we always talk about the sound of Ovations and while that is surely most important with second being the feel of the guitar. But I wonder how many dig the overall look of some of Ovations innovative designs? I personally really like the distinct look they have. The headstock shape, body shape, size, neck inlays...etc All very functional too.
I have gotten several comments on "WOW what beautiful guitar" Followed by what is it...chicks seem dig the leafy looking epaulet things. :eek:
Am I alone...naaaa |
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November 2002
Posts: 1196
Location: Lafayette, Louisiana | I have always liked the look of Ovation guitars. The shape of the body goes so well with the classic Ovation headstock. And the body shape goes great with either the single hole or the multi-hole design. And I have always liked that Ovations have no pickguard, this really gives it a clean look. But I think the thing I like the best about the look of an Ovation is the 5-piece neck. I know you don't see this from the front of the guitar, but I am always looking at mine. Ovation has always used such beautiful mahogany on it's guitar necks. And the walnut overlay on the headstock is nice. I can go on and on about how good Ovations look, but I know the OFC members know all about that! :D |
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June 2002
Posts: 6202
Location: Phoenix AZ | I agree, looks are a big part of it. Not just how the guitar looks how we think WE look playing it. I'll admit I've bought a few instruments without playing them just based on looks. Kind of like the old days where you would buy a record album because it had a cool cover. Now we download songs because they have a cool file name. |
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June 2002
Posts: 1614
Location: Converse, Texas | I'd have to agree that Ovations LOOK great -- especially the multi-sound hole designs. I also happen to really like the feel of the neck on my 2000 Collectors.
That being said, even though Ovations LOOK great, it still doesn't help Moody look good when he plays them. :D |
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October 2004
Posts: 48
Location: State College, PA | Hmmm.
Okay - I'll admit to NOT buying (or even considering) guitars on the basis of how they look. A quick wander through Musician's Friend will reveal the extremes to which the current crop of designers will go to try to snare the hapless tyro looking for a "cool" instrument.
Many among the current crop of solid body electrics are clearly trying to target the pokemon and yugioh demographic. Horns and spikes! Put enough of 'em on there and you oughta be able to look really bad - even if you sound bad.
No question about it - our round guitars tend to focus the attention on the sounds we're making... Maybe we just all need after-market horns and spikes, for our instruments, our clothes, our foreheads....
Michael
State College, PA |
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December 2002
Posts: 939
Location: Fort Worth, Texas | Yep, I constantly get, "That is a great looking guitar" for both my Legend (BLue Sparkle finish!) and Viper bass.
Whenever I play the bass I usually see people looking at me with this quizzical look on their face and several times have have had people come up during breaks to ask me about it! Not to mention when I pull out the mando (Celebrity) people ask, "Is that a miniature guitar?" :p
Now, the LXs have the inlaid epaulets and the New-England burst one I looked over at GC is just stunning to the eye!
:eek:
And sweet on the ears! :cool: |
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July 2004
Posts: 338
Location: Omaha | I must confess one of the draws for ording my black Legend was the clean face on these new models (without the plastic soundhole 'rosette' - I just could never warm up to those, even though I have an older 1124 with one).
The all black cutaway guitar with the clean white soundhole rosette is just 'classic' looking, in a modern sense; kinda the Johnny Cash / outlaw thing, although I use mine primarily in worship (but hey, black goes with everything, too, including most liturgical colors, right?! [that's gotta be a first...]).
:rolleyes: |
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September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | Nicer labels are in order even if they are not made of foil. The focal point is the sound hole. The light color label against the pitch black bowl really stands out. If it has to stay paper, a grey tone would look much better than that gawd awful sky blue.
Yeah, yeah, I know. But this issue is my favorite dead horse. |
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June 2004
Posts: 365
Location: NC | Look is important to a degree........remember the Sprite or was it 7-Up commercial....."Image is Everything" It is true to some aspect. I liked the guitar due to it's playability and finish. It is a value compared to Martin's and Gibson's on price. The electronics are very good too. With that said I love my 6778 Elite LX and love to play it! :) |
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November 2004
Posts: 19
Location: La Honda, CA | I think Ovations look really cool. The round back is very distinctive and the multihole designs look killer.
With that said though, I have to agree with SlipKid. Even looking at pictures on Ebay you are really struck hard when you see a beautiful, dark red or burst top with beautiful epaulets and then there is the BIG WHITE LABEL showing through the hole! It really detracts from the overall effect! A black label with white or grey lettering would be just as easy to read and wouldn't shine like a freakin' neon light bulb!
Also, though I like the leaf epaulets, I wonder why they don't experiment with some more contemporary designs? Especially on the Adamas where the tops aren't wood anyway? The multi-hole design has a very fractal feel. I'd love to see a top with really killer graphics on it. I could see a fractal design around the multiholes. Guess I'll have to open my own Ovation custom shop! |
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June 2002
Posts: 6202
Location: Phoenix AZ | If you don't like the label you can always remove it. I've done that on a few of mine. The silver foil one is the worst. Looks like a freakin' flying saucer landed inside the guitar. Ovations are just so beautiful on the outside, shame they can't just put the label somewhere that's less obvious. |
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January 2004
Posts: 123
Location: Massachusetts | One thing that always grabbed me was the look of Ovations. I became interested in them because Ray Davies played them.
I love the whole look and you have to admit the Custom Legend is the best looking guitar on the planet.
I ended up buying an S771 back in 2000 cause I picked it up and at that time liked the tone. No regrets except 1:
It has no inlays. Same with Adamas'. Drives me nuts.
Plus, Ovations always tilt inward on me so I really wish it had the inlays so I could see where I'm playing.
I just bought a Gibson Songwriter Deluxe that has MOP, abalone, gold tuners, ebony etc. Very understated for a Gibson but yet cleary gaudy compared to a Martin....I like that. But interesting enough I bought it more for the sound than looks.
With an Ovation today it would be bought by me more for looks and the playability of the neck.
Still, really they are just the best looking guitars out there bar none. |
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August 2003
Posts: 2246
Location: Yucaipa, California | Hey Corvairfan,
I have an S771 also and have considered these:
Inlay Altrnatives
whatchathink? |
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June 2004
Posts: 365
Location: NC | Tim do they fit over existing inlays on fret board with a slight rise or are they tapered around the edges to fit almost flush? It looks like a neat thing to dress one up.
May try it on my cheaper Walden first! :cool: |
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August 2003
Posts: 2246
Location: Yucaipa, California | They seem to be VERY THIN... probably wouldn't even notice they are there... that said, I haven't tried them yet, just lookin ;) |
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November 2004
Posts: 19
Location: La Honda, CA | Wow, those do look cool! I'm thinking about an older Elite Standard, 6778, and they don't have inlays. I'm a beginner guitarist and I was worried that that might be a problem for me (you know, as I'm sliding down the neck ripping leads! ;-> ) Now I know if I'm having problems there is an easy solution!
I love this board. I learn something cool every day! |
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February 2004
Posts: 2487
| I think it would have been the biggest let down of all time if, after seeing an Ovation, If I played one and it sounded like crap!
I was certainly the looks that drew me like the proverbial "Moth to the Flame" to these guitars!
And it is only now that I have been able to buy that Adamas #7 I saw back in 1977-78 in that Guitar store!
And yeah These guitars are, honest to God, Chick Magnets! They are so different from anything else (STILL) I get all kinds of questions and stares. Of course then they see me and I scare-em right off! I notice mostly guy's always ask about the sound quality?
I guess it's because it just does not make sense that something can look that good and have the ability to sound that good too?
Our keyboard player told me he was talking with a bunch of people and when he mentioned me they said Ohh yeah he's the guy with that beautiful guitar!
Hey It's a tradmark now, I guess? If I sold out and bought a Taylor or a Martin I would just be another guy with a guitar. Now where's the fun in that?
Randy |
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January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | The looks do count and it's always important that all the aspects of the guitar fit together. Nothing will make a beautiful blue lable look worse than a bunch of abalone around the sound hole. (maybe I have that backwards?)
Once you're past the looks though you have to perform. Get them both and you win. |
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October 2004
Posts: 48
Location: State College, PA | Okay - this is the opertune moment to reveal it:
The instrument I waited three weeks for Fedex to deliver is here. It is a 1994 Collector's Series (serial number 26). I'm the third owner - and the last one for a long, long time.
I've cleaned it up and put fresh strings on it and it looks and sounds drop dead gorgeous!
I love the simplicity of the inlay - not flashy, just very appropriate to the instrument. The neck is wonderful. The top is absolutely beautiful. The sound, both unplugged and plugged in, is spectacular. I felt completely at home on it almost immediately.
So just a quick note to salute the folks who built this wonderful instrument - it's one of those where all the variables came together.
Thanks -
Michael
State College, PA |
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October 2004
Posts: 48
Location: State College, PA | Whoops!
In my immediate previous please read, 1st sentence, the word is opportune (stead opertune)
Sheesh!
Best wishes, all -
Michael
State College, PA |
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January 2004
Posts: 627
Location: Cherry Hill, NJ | Looks are important. Back in Feb of this year I bought my Burgandy LX. That was before I learned about all this LX hoopla and stuff (an old 1619 owner, at the time) To tell the truth, I liked the way it looked, also mid depth bowl, was a factor. Yes I own Taylors and Vintage Gibsons acoustics, but I added to my O collection because of the quality, and they are cool looking guitars. I can't walk by one without picking one up.
Tommy |
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June 2002
Posts: 6202
Location: Phoenix AZ | I thought the inlays were only there so the audience could understand what you were playing!
But seriously, I do also need some guidence up and down the fretboard. But I find that I only use the side markers. Quite a few of my guitars only have the side dots and that does not seem to be a problem. |
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Posts: 10583
Location: NJ | if you are looking at the fingerboard markers you really got a problem |
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March 2002
Posts: 1380
Location: Central Oregon | Originally posted by Tim Chapman:
Hey Corvairfan,
I have an S771 also and have considered these:
Inlay Altrnatives
whatchathink?
I ordered a set of dots from those guys on Nov. 3rd. Haven't seen 'em yet.... |
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November 2004
Posts: 100
Location: Asheville, North Carolina | I agree with Alpep...its not a good idea to rely on the markers...maybe if you are in the early stages of learning, or need to place a capo. But a simple glance only at long distance moves on the sidemarks is usually all it takes, if that...think Jose Faliciano :D |
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February 2004
Posts: 2487
| Is that what those little dots are for?
I thought I did not use them much either! Then I tried to play in the dark or at least where the light was not coming from above and man not being able to see those markers really made me work! Especially if your sliding your finger up a string to hit that first lead note! If you miss that your all done. They are a good reference I did not know I used them as much as I apparently do?
Dot's are Good! I am thinking about getting the hot spots fret lights! Some stages are tough, Belive me I am not an expert on stage problems, like some of these guy's in here, but if it happens once... The odds are it will happen again. If your in a spot where your blinded by lighting or the light does not reach the back side of your neck at all? You will find out just how good your feeling for the neck is!
Randy |
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January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | Do like Danny Gatton did and put in rhinestones for side markers. They pick up more light and you can feel them in the dark. |
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December 2002
Posts: 939
Location: Fort Worth, Texas | mplkn
Congrats on the 94 collectors, just looked it up on the official Ovation site. Very unique looking, like the sound hole decoration.
FYI you can always edit a post after you've added it by clicking on the pencil icon above your post. I find it an invaluable (sp?) tool!!
:)
Seems like I remember seeing Bob Weir band and his Ibanez had little red lights on the top for the markers - well at least that's what I saw....
:cool: |
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June 2002
Posts: 1614
Location: Converse, Texas | Very nice guitar. It has my favorite pre amp! |
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November 2004
Posts: 34
Location: Germany | Well, for the traditional music (folk, blues) I like to play, the modern distinctiv look of a new lx elite standard maybe dont fit very well to someones eyes.
But for me this look is just the best cut between the trad (wooden) look (you see the grain)and the modern look. When I saw this guitar for the first time it was the look what pulled me over.
Well, the sound is more importand but light travels faster so you maybe allways see them first. |
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January 2004
Posts: 123
Location: Massachusetts | Whoa...
You tell my you guys play your guitar without looking? I've been playing more than 20 years and I still look. You don't need it for chords really but for lead stuff I do.
Very interesting.
My point about looking at inlays is that, at least standing up with my belly, the O curves inward so I could potentially see the inlays as well as the side dots and I wish I had them. I hate to keep spinning the guitar to a more proper position so I live with the bend.
Sitting down, sometimes I lean it in, sometimes it's straight up depending on my posture.
On my new Gibson, it is flat as a bone to my body so I can't even see the strings, it is mostly by feel.
Oh, Fretware looks cool but it's disturbing you haven't gotten your order after a month. |
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Joined:
March 2004
Posts: 629
Location: Houston, Texas | Originally posted by Tim Chapman:
I have an S771 also and have considered these:
I also have an S771 and have found that I don't miss the fretboard inlays, but I do rely on the sidemarkers.
Does anyone know whether these side markers are inlaid or just painted on? I suspect that they are just painted on. Has anyone had them wear off over time? I'd be in trouble then. I've had mine for about a year or so.
-Rick |
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March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | I seem to remember Bill saying that the "stock" material comes in the form of a long, skinny rod that's force-fit into pre-drilled holes, the excess is trimmed, and then sanded flush . . |
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March 2004
Posts: 629
Location: Houston, Texas | Thanks Cliff, then I don't have to worry. I'm kind of a purist and I just hate the thought of applying decals, even ones made of real MOP, to the fingerboard. |
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March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | But then again, that MIGHT have just been the Adamas he was talking about . . . .
(your mileage may vary)
:rolleyes: |
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March 2002
Posts: 873
Location: puerto vallarta, mexico | i have always thought ovation's looks set it apart from the rest as much as it's tradition breaking technology. the asymetrical headstock tells you it dares to be different. my ovations played in public have elicited more compliments and have started more conversations than all of the other band instruments combined.
the following is a post from march 2002 i titled an ovation for an ovation:
musicamex
Member
Member # 98
posted March 20, 2002 06:10 PM
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last night i giged with my recently aquired 1982-8 collectors edition. it is a beautiful guitar that the whole band has been waiting to see. the band leader said to the crowd, i would like to introduce the newest member of the band, russ' new ovation. lights, sparkling abalone, and crystaline sound from a quick couple of strums brought out a rousing round of applause, and we hadn't even started yet. then craig said "i've been waiting 20 years to hear an ovation for an ovation". we played from 8:30 till midnight switching musicians once in awhle but never took a break. one of the best jam nights at the club ever.
i got allot of help when i was setting up this guitar from this site. thanks, russ
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russ swider
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Posts: 773 | From: puerto vallarta, mexico | Registered: Mar 2002 | IP: Logged |
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May 2002
Posts: 1445
Location: Nova Scotia, Canada | "...i have always thought ovation's looks set it apart from the rest..."
I totally agree, Russ. Just try leaving a gig with an old Adamas without getting some enquiries about it. I've always loved that 'different' aspect of Ovations and always will.
Wayne |
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The Ovation Look