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Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 1116
Location: Keller, TX | Just wanted to say hi and looking for suggestions.
[Ramble mode on]
Let me start by saying I have been an ovation fan for about 15 years. Back in college I had a deep bowl ovation (don't know the model, but it was probably a Celebrity-class guitar) and loved it.
I have been trying to teach myself to play. I will go for a few months, playing some cords, picking some strings, then get buzy/bored/frustrated and end up not playing for months on end. I think I will start lessons next month to help fan the fire.
My daughter is now learning how to play. I got her a CK057 Celebrity that she likes and it has rekindled my desire to play again. After countless hours on ovation's site and lurking here, I am ready to upgrade my Ibanez-starter-POS. It sounds pretty good, nice and mellow tones, but it has an annoying buzz on the bridge.
I am considering a 1771LX. New or slighly used. I have been scanning ebay, and there have been a few S771. (Isn't it the same guitar except no fret inlays?) There is a New 1771LX from Oklahoma that is $700. There is also a used S771 currently going for $260. I have been to six of the local music stores, none of them carry Ovation USA, only Celebrities. Haven't been to Guitar Center yet, 30 miles away.
[Ramble mode off]
Any comments, suggestions? Glad to be a member.
Tom |
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Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Tell Al what price range you want to be in and then place your trust in him. He won't steer you wrong.
Click the Lost Art/Vintage Instruments tag on the left side of your screen to get to his website. |
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Joined:
June 2004
Posts: 580
Location: NW NJ | ttenn:
The 1771LX Balladeer is a completely different guitar that the S771. The 1771LX has all of the upgrades that make the LX series so sweet. The LX neck system, the new scalloped LX top bracing, the original Ovation pickup and the OP Pro preamp, not to mention the bound fretboard, and 5 piece neck. You should really play both if there is any chance that you can. I'd make the drive to the Guitar Center and play them. There are those on this board who like the sound and feel S771 better than the 1771LX. I happen to be one of those who does not. I think the upgrades in the play and sound of the LX series make them the obvious choice, hands down ... if the extra $$ doesn't make it prohibitive. But like so many on this board will tell you, each guitar is different, and you have to find one that speaks the same musical language that you do. It has to feel right in your arms and in your hands and in your soul. Playing them is the only real way to know for sure. :p |
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Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 782
Location: Waurika OK | Hey Tom, welcome to the board. I used to live in Keller, we were houseparents at the childrens home west of town.
You will get a lot of good advice here. Take your time, try them out, think about it, buy and enjoy.
noel |
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Joined:
February 2002
Posts: 1817
Location: Minden, Nebraska | Tom,
Welcome to the club.
I used to live near Keller, too. I was on staff at a church in Roanoke/Trophy Club which is just a bit to the north of there.
Anyway, an S771 can be a good entry level USA Ovation but a good deal on an LX is worth the price difference. |
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Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 1116
Location: Keller, TX | Thanks for the responses. I'm looking. Sent an e-mail to Lost Art Vintage. I will try to go to Guitar Center tomorrow. |
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Joined:
July 2003
Posts: 1922
Location: Canton (Detroit), MI | Tom, I have a cedar-top S771 (available only at Guitar Center) and am lusting after a 1771LX. They are different flavors of sound. The S771 has a less "refined" sound than the 1771LX. I personally prefer the S771 for a more country or trad feel. I do like the sound of the 1771LX though, it is "between" a S771 and a 1777 Legend in feel, IMHO. You should try both and see which one suits you better. If you like the sound of the 1771LX better, it is worth the price difference.
Check the S771s at Guitar Center, the new ones are coming in with truss rod covers, which probably means they have a form of the LX neck.
$260 for a S771 in good condition is a steal.....
Roger |
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Joined:
January 2004
Posts: 123
Location: Massachusetts | I have a 2001 S771 I paid $700 for it new back then. Only recently has the price seemed to drop dramatically on this version.
Some things about this guitar to know...It has a great fat, oiled v neck. A fatter neck than on a Custom Legend or an Adamas. Just sits in my hand perfect...better than any guitar I have played in 20 years period.
It has a satin top which you don't have to polish which is a good thing but dings easier than a gloss top and where you rest your arm/strum it will become shiny.
Tone wise it is a little rawer than the new LX.
The LX has a rounded neck which is still pretty beefy but I miss the v every time I pick one up. The preamp is nice on either one..you can't go wrong. Tone wise the LX had a more mellow, woody tone unplugged.
Personally if you REALLY like Ovation..why not get both? You have the Balladeer as a kick around guitar to go anywhere with..the beach then into a club or a party and keep the LX as a gigging guitar?
For less than $1k that is a bargain.
But if you only have to get one...my gut says go Balladeer LX...it is worth the extra price. I don't however feel it is worth going further up to a Legend Lx because...and it is just me around here.....the Legend LX has a gloss neck which is much slower and stickier than the traditional oiled O neck. That's just me. |
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Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3650
Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire | Great discussion. This reflects the original intention and purpose of the website. I have no opinion on the current, comparative debate; just wanted to air my approbation of the form and content. As John always closes, "Play on!" |
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Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 1071
Location: Carle Place, NY | Tom:
I agree that Al is your best and most reliable source for getting the most for your money. Don't overlook the 1778 Elite T. To my ears it sounds better than any of the LX's that I've tried and the new ones even have some of the LX upgrades. |
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Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | The Elite T is a heck of a value.
I played a pewter one the other day. It just came in so the strings were fresh. Very nice. |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 389
Location: RI. That small State out East | Hi Tom: Welcome...
To add more to your "GAS" ask Al if he has any of the "finish" flaw Adamas guitars left?
I picked one up last March for less then a new LX.
The "flaw" is like a "milk drip" dried on top.
The play and Optima pre amp... The "quality" and sound is the best bang for your buck. (IMHO)
(W597-t) Al has / had some pic's.
If you want to email me about it...
Woz |
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Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 1116
Location: Keller, TX | OK, I went down to Guitar Center today and here are my opinions, FWIW:
There was another guy there trying to show-off to his new son-in-law playing a Yamaha, so I couldn't play these very loud, plus I am just beginning....
Balladeer S778 (natural/cedar): Sounds alot like the Celebrity CK057 that my daughter has. Not that that is bad. (Don't kill me). Country sound as noted above. Looks kinda bland with the cedar head; can't read "Ovation" on the head.
Elite T 1778 (all black): Sounds very muddled. Maybe I just wasn't playing it hard/loud enough. Looks kinda boring with the black body, black neck.
Balladeer 1771LX (black): Full and mellow sounding. Plays easily.
6778LX (New England Burst): Sounds much brighter than all the above. Plays easily, feels comfortable. I don't like the sunburst color very much but I am sure it would grow on me. Looked overly orange in the bright spotlights at Guitar Center. I would like to see it in natural before I spent the green.
So, I guess it is between the 1771LX and the 6778LX. The 1771LX is $699 at GC and Ebay. The 6778LX is $899 at GC and there aren't any on Ebay. I have an e-mail into Al to see what he has. If anyone has a lead on a good used one, let me know.
Thanks! Tom |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15677
Location: SoCal | Tom:
Sounds to me like you're on the right track. Just keep in mind that there are no absolutes when picking a guitar. You have to go with what feels right to you. The only advise I'd give is to get as much guitar as you can afford. My personal experience is that you will be happier with the better guitar.
Now, having said that, I've tossed my hat into the ring for an OFC guitar which means that for once, I'm getting waaayyy more guitar than I can afford! |
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Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 1116
Location: Keller, TX | Yeah, I think I am going to go for the 6778LX. Just have to decide on color and where to get it. Right now this is way more than I can play.
I am looking into lessons to help prod me along. I have wanted to play well for over 15 years, but never stuck-it-out long enough to get over the learning phase into the playing phase. I know that I will always be learning, but would like to be able to sit down and play a few songs, rather than just a few chords in random order. |
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Joined:
May 2004
Posts: 2850
Location: Midland, MI | I could buy a FirstAct from K-mart and it'd be way more than I can play. Well, depending on who you talk to. :0
Seriously...I have found that having a nice set of tools is conducive to using said tools. Doesn't matter if it's working on the car, the house, systems/networks, playing guitars...whatever. Nobody wants to fight crappy tools, especially when it's a 'free time' thing. So, get what feels good to you, what calls your name and don't worry about whether you can play to it's 'level.'
True story: I've owned a guitar for 12 or 14 years. I've noodled on it, dinked around, even made up a song (that I named after my middle-born son) that drives everyone in the house up a wall. Until I came on this board last spring asking about the value of an Elite, I was not a serious guitar player/learner/student/whatever. I've been taking lessons every week since May. My wife thinks I'm on meds or something...normally I have a short attention span. I attribute it to having a better tool.
(and yes, I did that just for cliff and Woody's enjoyment, it is the holiday's after all ) |
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Joined:
July 2003
Posts: 1922
Location: Canton (Detroit), MI | Hi, Tom....$699 for a 1771LX at Guitar Center????!!!!! They are $850 here in the Detroit area, and the 6778LX is $899. The S771 is $649.
Sounds like you are making good decisions. I personally like the New England Burst on the 6778LX, but obviously you don't. It IS kind of orange, though.
Roger |
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Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 1116
Location: Keller, TX | I have another question. Can anyone explain the difference between the 6778LX and the 1778LX? I just noticed the 1778LX is a darker color sunburst. How does the sound compare? GC didn't have a 1778LX. |
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Joined:
June 2004
Posts: 271
Location: Ft. Lauderdale, Florida | I have copied these descriptions from Ovations web site... The "differences" between the 6778LX and 1778LX are shown with the astericks
***in front and behind***
Also note that they are available in NATURAL colors meaning no gold sunburst or whatever they call it...
I personally like the beauty of naturally finished wood on my guitars... You don't have to settle for what's in the store... Try asking Guitar Center to see what else is available color wise... They have quite a bit of buying power... Try Sam Ash or ???
Some of the Guitargets (Guitar Center as we call them on this board) and SAM ASH have colors and deals exclusively and ONLY for them... But keep your options open and hanmmer them for the best deal you can find... they will match it and give you 30-60 days (30 regular deal 60 with extended warranty) to approve the guitar or return it for another if your not satisfied...
The tip about Al at "Lost Art/Vintage Instruments" is REAL. He is one of the originators of this webboard and his reputation is impeccable AAA spruce if you will... He really is the best dealer for Ovations on the planet !!!He has a VERY close relationship with the factory and maybe able to get you a blem or what ever in any color... Only problem is you can't play it first, but he really is a good guy and will get you as good a deal as he can...
On with the comparrison of the two guitars:
The 6778LX uses rosewood, (A) solid spruce top and chrome tuners while the 1778LX uses ebony, (AA) solid spruce, (a higher grade spruce has more A"s and a tighter grain which should equat to a better sound) and gold tuners (most consider these all upgrades...)
Ebony is harder, heavier and darker than rosewood, also gives a different TONE to fretted instruments, because it has these different characteristics... Since it is denser and harder it also used in the bridge and considered an upgrade, there as well...
Fingernails don't ding up Ebony fretboards as easily, as roeswood, because ebony is so hard... They stain the Rosewood Fretboards nowadays, so they are darker and LOOK more like Ebony than traditional guitars of a few years ago that were more red in color...
The strings have more of a CONTRAST to the fretboard when ebony, becausee it is darker... Makes the strings easier to see when getting started. And I think it makes the guitar look cooler, too...
Ebony, AA spruce and gold are more expensive to use in manufacturing too... Hence the increase in cost...
http://www.ovationguitars.com/?fa=detail&mid=1271
Model 6778 LX Specifications:
6-String Acoustic/Electric
Body Type: Mid-Depth Bowl
Top: ***A Grade Solid Sitka Spruce***
Bracing: Scalloped LX
Scale Length: 25 1/4"
Scale:
Fretboard: ***Bound Rosewood***
Fret Inlay:
Bridge: ***Rosewood***
Rosette: Inlaid Epaulets
Pickup: Original Patended Pickups
Nutwidth: 1 11/16"
Machines: ***Chrome***
Case:
http://www.ovationguitars.com/?fa=detail&mid=1268
LX SERIES
Model 1778 LX Specifications:
6-String Acoustic/Electric
Body Type: Mid-Depth Bowl
Top: ***AA Solid Sitka Spruce***
Bracing: Scalloped LX
Scale Length: 25 1/4"
Scale:
Fretboard: ***Bound Ebony***
Fret Inlay:
Bridge: ***Ebony***
Rosette: Inlaid Epaulets
Pickup: Original Patended Pickups
Nutwidth: 1 11/16"
Machines: ***Gold Ovation***
Case: 9158-0
There my be other differences that have been added or changed since Ovations original specs were written, they are a bit slow on upgrading their website...
One thing not mentioned in past posts was the reinforcing of the neck under the fretboard with the LX carbon fiber strips... VERY important for keeping the neck true at this very critical point... Just about every guitar has a bit of a compression curve as the fretboard makes it's way off the sound board on it's way to being unsuppoerted by the body and onto the neck as it slims down...
If you go with an LX (IMHO) you can't go wrong... But each LX will have unique characteristics that are only seen, heard and felt by playing, THAT particular guitar...
LX features:
http://www.ovationguitars.com/?fa=lxfeatures
LX article:
http://www.ovationguitars.com/img/news/Ovation_Reprint.pdf
Some of the above aricles are buried pretty deep within Ovations web site so I included them incase you had not read them, yet...
Enjoy yourself, we all do... Rock on with your new "O".
Ab |
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Joined:
July 2003
Posts: 1922
Location: Canton (Detroit), MI | Ab has given you a good thorough rundown, but the gist of it is that the 1778LX is a higher-end model of the 6778LX, it relates to the 6778LX as the 1777LX Legend relates to the 1771LX Balladeer, similar construction and features, but uses more premium materials and decoration.
Do you want to pay for nicer goodies on the guitar(or a more palatable color)????
Roger |
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Another newbie, looking to buy
