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August 2004
Posts: 6
Location: South Carolina | I am thinking about purchasing a new Ovation (mid-depth bowl) and I have read a review saying the new LX series with the GS bowls don't sound as good as the solid bowls (standard balladeer). I don't have a music store close by that stocks Ovations and was wondering if any of you have any experience with these guitars. I have narrowed it down to the 1771, 1771LX, or the 1777LX. I just don't have the player knowledge to decide. Thanks. Jp |
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December 2003
Posts: 13996
Location: Upper Left USA | I think it would be well worth the travel to get a hands on comparison if at all possible.
If not, a more dubious means is to take advantage of the "Box Stores" return policy, buy all three and return what you don't want.
Personally, I would take a week off and go to Tony Calman's house to play his in exchange for yardwork or roof cleaning!
I don't think you'd be disappointed with the Legend LX. But don't think you'll never want another guitar!!!
Welcome! |
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September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | The advise to play them all is a good one.
The LX is offers real improvements. I beleive they offer more than just audio improvement. I think they are built to play like new for many years to come.
Brad |
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Joined:
March 2004
Posts: 201
Location: Vernon, CT | Hi,
I have a burgundy Legend LX and custome blue Balladeer LX. I also have a black Std. Balladeer. All three guitars are brand new. I like the Balladeer LX better in terms of feel, play and sound. The Legend LX is absolutely fantastic...I would highly recommend it. I also have a Custom Legend 1779-USA on order which is something I have wanted for awhile and will be my last guitar bought for awhile. It is suppose to be one of the best of the best. But for only $100 more after the discounts the Balladeer LX will run at about $799 versus $699 for the Stamdard Balladeer. The Legend LX is about $999. I haven't played the Elite LX but I understand it is a pretty hot item too. Good luck. Play On!
John L.
Custom Legend 1779-USA (on order)
Legend LX
Balladeer LX
Std. Balladeer
Celebrity C026
Tornado (1970)
Takamine 12 string
Martin D16GT
Fender P-Bass
Fender Strat |
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Joined:
July 2003
Posts: 1922
Location: Canton (Detroit), MI | JP, I own a non-LX 1777, have played several different ones, plus I have played several of the 1771 LX and 1777 LX at various music shops. I've found that I have never been disappointed with the sound from any of the 1771 LX or non-LX 1777 Legends, but of the 3 1777 LXs I have tried, two have been stinkers, one has been good(and it was VERY good).
What the LX upgrade seems to do the sound of the base model is to give it a more "open" sound, like Taylors and Larrivees. This may not be to your taste, or it may. On the 1771 LX, this seems to work with the more "blue-collar" sound that Balladeers have. It doesn't seem to work as well with the more refined sound of the Legend, IMHO.
The above advice to play them all is quite sound. But if you were picking blind, I'd go for the 1771 LX Balladeer. Best bang for the buck. I'm contemplating buying one myself.
Roger |
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Joined:
August 2004
Posts: 6
Location: South Carolina | Thanks for all the advice. When I first set out to purchase an Ovation, I didn't think it would be this difficult a decision. I will take the time and play them all. I just don't see many reviews for the 1771's and 1777's, but have seen quite a few for the 1861's (all of which, are excellent). I just don't think I'd be satisfied with the shallow back since I don't play with an amp that often. |
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December 2003
Posts: 13996
Location: Upper Left USA | "One Train may hide another!" |
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September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | jpsduece,
By the way...welcome to the board.
Yeah, say away from a shallow bowl.
The un-offical scuttle-butt is that Ovation might be moving away from it.
Brad |
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July 2003
Posts: 1922
Location: Canton (Detroit), MI | SHALLOW BOWL???? NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!! :eek:
Roger |
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Joined:
June 2004
Posts: 365
Location: NC | I opted for the LX model in the Elite. I went to a local dealer and tried the guitar out. It had great depth and projection unplugged. It's a well built guitar and has great craftsmanship in my opinion. They are unique when compared to conventional guitars......but who wants to be conventional when unique can be had. Rather $$$ but I bought it in the hopes it would be a lifelong friend......okay, I said it, friend.....LOL! The dealer was rather high on this guitar so I ordered it online from a dealer that was just over 1K for it. :D |
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January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | Move away from it?? Never.
You're just seeing the pendulum swinging back the other way for a while. |
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February 2003
Posts: 2178
Location: the BIG Metropolis of TR | jpsdeuce,
Welcome to the board!!!.....where you "be" in South Carolina? (upper or lower part of the state?) I live in northern Greenville country and Pecknell music in Greenville is an Authorized Ovation dealer. They had a Balladeer LX and a Legend LX is stock about 4 mos. ago. If you live close to the up-state you might want to check them out!
* * * *
Mike :cool: |
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Joined:
August 2004
Posts: 6
Location: South Carolina | Thanks for the welcomes. I live in the middle of the state, about an hour from Columbia and Charleston. Just found out that I am going to be working near Charleston for the next couple of weeks and know of an Ovation dealer, Ye Olde Music Shop. I can hardly wait to get there and start playing so I can make a decision. |
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Joined:
June 2004
Posts: 365
Location: NC | JPS & TR-
I live in Asheville, NC and we had only one dealer here that I could find. Thankfully he had a Elite LX in stock so I could try it out. He also had the std. but I opted for the Elite due to finish and feel as well as play. |
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Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 265
Location: Warrenton, Virginia | JP
welcome. agree with all the advice you're getting...play as many as you can then decide.
I have the Elite LX standard....love the guitar. I got it in April...played it for about 2 months when it dawned on me the action was entirely too high for my likeing
Sent it back to Kim and he did a wonderful job resetting the neck and adjusting the action for me. plays like a dream.....strings are dead on and takes hardly any effort to depress.
good luck choosing. |
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LX, vs Standard?
