|
|
Joined:
March 2009
Posts: 715
| I know that I'll eventually own an Ovation, so that's why I joined this forum! I've been lurking for a long time, and I thought I would introduce myself.
My name is Michelle and I've taken up guitar for the second time in my life. I was given a beautiful Walden D-351 on Palm Sunday in April of 2007. I'm still struggling to learn guitar, but it has been fun.
My guitar influences are Jim Croce, Maury Muhliesen, Glen Campbell, John Denver, John Sebastian (met him at Troy Music Hall -- he is so cool), Zal Yanovsky (The Lovin' Spoonful), James Burton and James Taylor.
I don't know when I discovered that I loved the Ovation sound. I think it was when I heard one of my local heroes play one about two years ago. I also think it was when I discovered that Jim Croce, Maury Muhliesen and Glen Campbell have played them.
I've recently discovered that I like the music of Josh White, John Hammond Jr. and Melvin Sparks.
I have actually tried a deep bowl Applause and a shallow bowl Celebrity. I actually liked the Celebrity, but I didn't buy it for a couple of reasons: 1. I didn't have the money and 2. It wasn't a USA made Celebrity.
I've sometimes found myself defending Ovation guitars, and I've never even owned one! I just don't get "the wood box" people who trash Ovations and love Rainsongs and other carbon guitars.
Well, that's all for now.
Michelle |
|
| |
|
Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4028
Location: Utah | Michelle, welcome aboard! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2006
Posts: 972
Location: PDX | You'll fit right in here Michelle!
Welcome to the group.
Hang around a while, and you'll own at least a couple Ovations before we're through with you.
Don't overlook the used market in your search. Plenty of great deals out there for used USA made Ovations.
_____
gh1 |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2009
Posts: 715
| Thanks everyone!
Gh1, I actually tried a used Celebrity at Daddy's Junky Music. It was a nice guitar, but the salesman told me that at one time they had a wall full of Celebrity Ovations with cracked tops!
I'm definitely going to keep looking for the USA made Ovations. I found out that one of the guys that works in my office building owns a USA made
Deluxe model and he loves it.
Michelle |
|
| |
|
Joined:
May 2004
Posts: 383
Location: Indiana | Welcome, Michelle
you'll find this to be quite the place to hang out. Never a dull moment. you mentioned some players that would be concidered Ovation "Hall of Famers".
I'm sure others will also recommend looking for a used USA Ovation. They can be real resonably priced and a much better guitar than the imports. BTW, all celebs are imports. As far as "wood box" people trashing Ovations, that's one reason I don't go to those sites. You'll find the folks here rarely trash other brands. Well, maybe Taylor.
Enjoy your stay and don't be afraid to ask questions. Just beware of the llamas.
Bill |
|
| |
|
Joined:
May 2004
Posts: 383
Location: Indiana | gad, do I really type that slow? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
July 2005
Posts: 3408
Location: GA USA | Welcome O-board, G-zan. With the market right now, I think it's nuts not to shop for a used Ovation. If you liked the shallow bowl, you might love a 1868 Elite. If you'd rather have one with a center hole, you might try to talk Beggin outta his super shallow Legend.
I've got faith in you to find the right match.
Jas |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2006
Posts: 3969
| Welcome! Hang on for a crazy ride. We may steer close to the edge, but we won't steer you wrong. Good luck with your search (that's half the fun) and keep us posted. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2006
Posts: 2241
Location: Simpsonville, SC | Well...we won't steer you wrong on an Ovation...everything else?! :D |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 815
Location: Colorado | Welcome Michele. Glad to see there's another Ovation fan out there.
My first Ovation was a new (black) Celebrity Deluxe I bought back in 1992. I nearly pulled the trigger on the 1868 Elite on the opposite wall, but I couldn't afford it. I like the comfort of the shallow bowl, but the deep bowl Ovations and Adamas are alot of fun to play, too. Keep your eyes open for a good used Ovation on this board--there's always something good to consider here.
Best regards. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13984
Location: Upper Left USA | Welcome!
Maybe you need an FD-14? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2008
Posts: 757
Location: Melbourne Australia | Head SW a long long way from where you are and you will find a big G'day from Downunder. :D |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2009
Posts: 119
Location: New York | Hello Zannie and welcome. I have been here for about 5 weeks and have already made about 100 posts. It is a little addicting. But now that my new Elite Custom is safe in my hands, I find that I am playing more and typing less. I still have my first Ovation Celebrity bought in 1985. Has a few cracks but I love it anyways. Character if you know what I mean. But my Elite Custom sounds waay better. And much easier to play. Hope to see you around the halls. Good Luck with your new guitar acquisition.
Hoss |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Welcome!
We do a great job here of helping other members spend their money so just tell us the budget and get ready for the wild ride! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
July 2003
Posts: 3111
Location: Nashville TN. | Welcome aboard!!!
None of the Celbs are USA made.
I have heard of cracking on mass.
Ovation makes some fine guitars.
Maybe we will lure you over to Adamas |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2009
Posts: 262
Location: VENISE-EN-QUEBEC CANADA | Hi Michelle
don't worry with the expert here you will soon find an OVATION for you I have bought my first Ovation not long ago and love it and I will purchase another eventualy so go ahead ask question you will find answer here
Again welcome to the club
Daniel |
|
| |
|
Joined:
October 2007
Posts: 2711
Location: Vernon CT | Welcome Michelle!!
Please ask questions. Most here are extremely knowledgeable of these fine Guitars. Definitely look for a used USA Ovation. You won't be sorry when you here it and in today's depressed economy you will probably pay about the same as you would for a new Celeb. Depending on the way you play (Acoustically vs Plugged in) I would suggest atleast a Mid depth bowl when playing Acoustically. The Deeper the bowl the better the tone and volume Acoustically.
Bob |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2005
Posts: 3618
Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | Welcome Aboard!
Here are some nice USA Starters:
Legend on Ebay
Balladeer |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2009
Posts: 715
| Originally posted by beatlejuice53:
Well, maybe Taylor.
Enjoy your stay and don't be afraid to ask questions. Just beware of the llamas.
Bill Hi Bob! Where are the llamas here? Should I beware of llamas that play Taylors? :D
BTW, the last time I went guitar shopping, I tried the following acoustics/acoustic electrics:
A Celebrity
A Taylor Big Baby
2 Ibanez acoustics (one was their starter and one was a step up from that)
A seagull
A Walden in the 550 series
A low end Martin
Guess which ones I liked the least? The Taylor and the Martin. I thought that the two of them felt like plastic and sounded tinny.
I don't remember if the Celebrity had a contoured bowl or not, but it was very comfortable and sounded nice.
Michelle |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | Welcome GZ...
1567 Legend
1861LX with a case no less
Yes! We Will help you spend your Money! :D |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2008
Posts: 1119
Location: Michigan | As everyone else said "Welcome". This is a great place and the folks here have more knowledge (about ovations :) ) than I could ever hope to attain. Like others said you can't go wrong with a USA ovation. buying from ebay scares me guitar wise unless the seller is from this board. A lot of guitars change hands on the "for sale board". I think it almost acts as a rental for some people. I amost hate to mention this because of the despise of some folks for Guitar Center, but they do have a no questions asked 30 day return policy on instruments so if you see one in any of their stores they can ship it to you and if you don't like it for some reason it can be taken back to you local store. I think you will find surface cracks on some but not all. They really don't hurt anything or indicate abuse. Another really nice guitar I found for a budget (don't know if you are on one or not) is a Blueride BR40 or BR-43. Played next to taylors and martins that costs a thousand dollars more you would be hard pressed to tell the difference. But that is a wood body guitar, anyone can buy those :) . |
|
| |
|
Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 5327
Location: Cicero, NY | Welcome to the madness, Michelle! Good to have another UpStater around! Hope you enjoy the Board. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2009
Posts: 262
Location: VENISE-EN-QUEBEC CANADA | hi again
if any body agree's with me ive just bought my first OVATION, an Elite 1778LX and is probably the best Ovation to start with a little expensive
to start with but it's a U.S.A. made quality guitar, on E-BAY they are great deal just be carefull and ask lot's of question if youre not sure come on OFC to ask more question. also ALPEP
from lostartvintage is very into OVATION guitar another great source of info for guitar.
so go ahead ask any question the expert here will be glade to help
again welcome aboard and enjoy
Daniel |
|
| |
|
Joined:
October 2008
Posts: 639
Location: NW of Philadelphia | Welcome to the asylum. The inmates run the place so just ask anyone for directions. :)
My wife bought me a Celebrity back in 1995. It still plays well and shows no cracks. <> I guess its how you take care of it. Now I have fallen in love with my 1868T. Hmmmm... Good cracker! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 5881
Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | Welcome, Michelle. There's a number of us that love the super shallow bowls (SSBs). If you intend to play with an amp, the quality of the SSBs' amplified sound is excellent. For a top of the line SSB, look for an Adamas. They're rare, and more expensive than the Ovations generally, but well worth it. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
July 2005
Posts: 3408
Location: GA USA | BUT... as you you say, you lacked the funds for the Celeb. My used 1868 was only $300 on ebay. And War Eagle recently sold an Elite T (mid bowl) for $500 or so. Excellent O's for no mucho dinero. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2009
Posts: 715
| Jas, the one thing that is keeping me from getting a new guitar is money. This economy is scary and I'm tending to hold on to the money I have.
I can't trade in the Walden because of sentimental value, plus I like the way it sounds.
However, if I can put away an extra $5 or $10 every week, I think I'll have a nice guitar in no time at all!
Michelle |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 4535
Location: Flahdaw | With the forum, it helps to have a bit of a bizarre sense of humor. Welcome |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 1851
Location: Newington, CT | Originally posted by Captain_Lovehandles:
Welcome O-board, G-zan. With the market right now, I think it's nuts not to shop for a used Ovation. If you liked the shallow bowl, you might love a 1868 Elite. If you'd rather have one with a center hole, you might try to talk Beggin outta his super shallow Legend.
I've got faith in you to find the right match.
Jas Hear! Hear on the 1868! I have one and I love it. Nice sound; very, very, wery playable. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 1851
Location: Newington, CT | Originally posted by Guitarzannie:
Jas, the one thing that is keeping me from getting a new guitar is money. This economy is scary and I'm tending to hold on to the money I have.
I can't trade in the Walden because of sentimental value, plus I like the way it sounds.
However, if I can put away an extra $5 or $10 every week, I think I'll have a nice guitar in no time at all!
Michelle Just thought I'd mention that some members do layaway... |
|
| |
|
Joined:
October 2007
Posts: 2711
Location: Vernon CT | Also Michelle,
If you want to try some real nice "O"'s, try and make it down to Hartford (actually Windsor Locks) for the Ct OFC Jam the weekend of June 5,6&7. I can't imagine it's more then a 2 1/2 hour drive. A nice day trip or share a room with one of the other Ladies that may come. I know I'm going to really enjoy some of the talent that will be there.
Bob |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 1851
Location: Newington, CT | Oops! Good point, BT!
Man! And I'm the guy organizing the durned thing!
Duh!
(Thanks for covering that for me!) |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 2336
Location: Brighty in Blighty | The 5868 is a killer super shallow bowl. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2008
Posts: 2683
Location: Hot Springs, S.D. | Guitarzannie. I love the name! And I love seeing another woman here on the board.
I know what you mean about the Walden. I have had a couple of them come through my shop, and they are fine sounding instruments for the money. Keep looking for your O, and when it finds you, you'll know. Stop over at the ning site too. Just click on "Ovation Fan Club Social Network" at the top of the page. It's easy to post pictures and such there (even a dinosaur like me can do it.) There are also some crazy groups to join there. Welcome! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2009
Posts: 715
| Originally posted by CanterburyStrings:
Guitarzannie. I love the name! And I love seeing another woman here on the board.
I know what you mean about the Walden. I have had a couple of them come through my shop, and they are fine sounding instruments for the money. Keep looking for your O, and when it finds you, you'll know. Stop over at the ning site too. Just click on "Ovation Fan Club Social Network" at the top of the page. It's easy to post pictures and such there (even a dinosaur like me can do it.) There are also some crazy groups to join there. Welcome! Cool to see another woman here! I am a member of four forums now (Guitar Player, AGF, The String Network and now the OFC) and I am usually in the minority.
The only one I've been really active in lately is the String Network. Now I can see myself becoming active in the OFC, and less active in the GP and AGF.
BTW, I've never liked the "Ovation bashing" that has gone on at the by some members of the AGF.
Michelle |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2009
Posts: 335
Location: Reisterstown, Maryland | Welcome, Michelle.
Another woman newbie, how wonderful. I just joined a couple weeks ago and I love it. I've learned alot in that time and this group is just fantastic.
Anita |
|
| |
|
Joined:
May 2008
Posts: 1553
Location: Indiana | Welcome Michelle.
Nice to have the woman's touch around here.
We'll all be on our best behavior. :) |
|
| |
|
Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 5327
Location: Cicero, NY | They have a ning site over at the AGF that I belong to as well, Michelle, and there's even a group in there for CNY players (see http://www.acousticguitarcommunity.com/group/centralnewyorkplayers ). We've discussed a little get together but, as of yet, nothing's been put together. On the flip side, I have been to a few of the OFC get-togethers and they've all been great. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2008
Posts: 747
| There is/was a nice 67 Balladeer on the for sale board for not a lot of cash considering what it is. That'd probably be my choice if I was looking for something - maybe one of these days I'll get one of them. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2009
Posts: 715
| Originally posted by BT717:
Also Michelle,
If you want to try some real nice "O"'s, try and make it down to Hartford (actually Windsor Locks) for the Ct OFC Jam the weekend of June 5,6&7. I can't imagine it's more then a 2 1/2 hour drive. A nice day trip or share a room with one of the other Ladies that may come. I know I'm going to really enjoy some of the talent that will be there.
Bob Bob, I would love to come to that, but I might be out of town that weekend. Sounds like a really cool time!
Michelle |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2004
Posts: 2487
| Hey Michelle, I am from the Saratoga area. Welcome, there is a good possibility there will be a metting of a bunch us ovation nuts to play some music in a few months over in Conn. Your welome to come along. Check the Conn. gathering thread in the general posting. Could be fun. Your right in sticking with the USA models. and there are a lot fo choices from members selling right in here, or one of our founders has a great shop full of rare older O's and cool new ovations that are tough to find anywhere else.
Check out his site on the welcome page. Lost art & vintage.
Randy |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2006
Posts: 1017
Location: Budd Lake, NJ | Hi, Michelle;
This is the "grandma" of the bunch here, the oldest (or at least admits to being the oldest :D ;) ) of the female-folk. I will be going to the jam in Connecticut in June, and as of yet don't have a roommate. I wouldn't mind sharing space if you decide to come. We tend not to be in the rooms much, anyway--too busy pickin' and grinnin.'
The jam would be a great way for you to try a whole bunch of guitars all at once, with much less aggravation than a music store. I'm planning on bringing two of mine, and I know there will be miles of stringage to strum. That's part of the fun, getting acquainted with a host of new guitars, and the people attached to them. (Notice that the guitars are first... ;) )
Welcome aboard--you will learn just about everything you could ever want to know about Ovations, and lots of stuff to help with your other guitar, too.
--Karen |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6268
Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Originally posted by Jewel's Mom a/k/a Joisey Goil #1:
to try a whole bunch of guitars all at once, with much less aggravation than a music store...
--Karen ... plus the guitars will have like new strings and proper set ups. That's not counting all the smiles of proud owners and the grins of those trying a 'new' Ovation or Adamas! ;) |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2004
Posts: 1330
Location: ms | Trader jim has a Josh White for sale. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2009
Posts: 335
Location: Reisterstown, Maryland | Hey, Karen
I'll admit to 53 'cause that's what I'll be on the 24th, and I am a grandma to a beautiful 2 year old girl.
Anita |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15654
Location: SoCal | 53 is way too young to be a grandmother..... |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2009
Posts: 715
| Hey, I'll admit to being 45 (when that happens this year).
Hopefully I'll be going to Woodstock NY for my birthday. It's kind of become a tradition for me.
Michelle |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 5563
Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | Welcome Michelle! Your first Ovation will probably not be your last...btw, good influences...Croce was one of the best! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
May 2008
Posts: 1553
Location: Indiana | Yes, good influences.
Too few people remember Maury and what a tasty player he was. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2009
Posts: 715
| Originally posted by Jonmark Stone:
Yes, good influences.
Too few people remember Maury and what a tasty player he was. Definitely! I think it is probably due to his quiet nature. On the DVD I have, he didn't utter one word!
Jim and Maury were only 30 and 24 when they were killed. I often wonder what would have happened to those two if they had lived to be 66 and 60.
Michelle |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6268
Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Originally posted by Guitarzannie:
I often wonder what would have happened to those two if they had lived to be 66 and 60. They probably wouldn't have been here bemoaning 30 year hiatuses...
RIP |
|
| |
|
Joined:
October 2007
Posts: 2711
Location: Vernon CT | Originally posted by Guitarzannie:
Originally posted by BT717:
Also Michelle,
If you want to try some real nice "O"'s, try and make it down to Hartford (actually Windsor Locks) for the Ct OFC Jam the weekend of June 5,6&7. I can't imagine it's more then a 2 1/2 hour drive. A nice day trip or share a room with one of the other Ladies that may come. I know I'm going to really enjoy some of the talent that will be there.
Bob Bob, I would love to come to that, but I might be out of town that weekend. Sounds like a really cool time!
Michelle
this will be my first one and many others first "gathering" If things work out and you can make it, you won't regret it. I have a feeling if you stick around for a while and you find out what great people are on this forum,you'll "kick" yourself for not going. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2009
Posts: 335
Location: Reisterstown, Maryland | Originally posted by moody, p.i.:
53 is way too young to be a grandmother..... I know but the little one (who'll be 2 next month) is so much fun.
BTW, Michelle, hang here long enough and the heading of your thread won't stand for long.
Anita :D |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2009
Posts: 715
| BT717, I would probably kick myself if I don't go to Conn.
Is the site everyone goes to near Moosup?
Michelle |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2009
Posts: 715
| Originally posted by ladylaw:
Originally posted by moody, p.i.:
53 is way too young to be a grandmother..... I know but the little one (who'll be 2 next month) is so much fun.
BTW, Michelle, hang here long enough and the heading of your thread won't stand for long.
Anita :D
Anita, I'm already experiencing severe GAS pains!
Each time I watched the Jim Croce DVD, I would drool over the Ovations he and Maury had.
It got so bad that last night I had to pop in my Lovin Spoonful DVD.
Now I've re-ignited my gas pains for both Ovations and a 1963 Guild Thunderbird (Zal Yanovsky's guitar)! :D
Michelle |
|
| |
|
Joined:
October 2007
Posts: 2711
Location: Vernon CT | Originally posted by Guitarzannie:
BT717, I would probably kick myself if I don't go to Conn.
Is the site everyone goes to near Moosup?
Michelle No, not near Moosup. It is appox 15 minutes
North of Hartford off 91N (At Bradley International Airport). Moosup is appox 40 mins southeast of Hartford. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4028
Location: Utah | So "not near" is a 55 minute drive? That's just across the valley out here! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
October 2007
Posts: 2711
Location: Vernon CT | Originally posted by FlySig:
So "not near" is a 55 minute drive? That's just across the valley out here! Not near in relationship to the size of the state. She is approx 2 hours from Windsor Locks and 2 hr 30-45 mins from Moosup (back roads kill you time wise) |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2008
Posts: 2683
Location: Hot Springs, S.D. | It's the TRAFFIC that kills you. Out here, if you are on a main highway where the speed limit is 75, a 50 mile drive is nothing. In Connecticut, depending on where you're going, a 50 miles drive can take hours. And it is not a RELAXED couple of hours! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 4817
Location: Campbell River, British Columbia | Originally posted by moody, p.i.:
53 is way too young to be a grandmother..... Funny, 'round here 45 is too old to not be a great-grandmother! Fewer hobbies, I suppose. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2009
Posts: 335
Location: Reisterstown, Maryland | Originally posted by fillhixx:
Originally posted by moody, p.i.:
53 is way too young to be a grandmother..... Funny, 'round here 45 is too old to not be a great-grandmother! Fewer hobbies, I suppose. |
|
| |
I don't own one now but........