|
|
Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13997
Location: Upper Left USA | Here's a semi original question. What make's you buy a certian guitar?
(I wish I had copied my original answer before this thread evaporated but I understand why it did.)
About three years ago I came out of the 20 year hiatus with first marriage, babies, Apprenticeship, Orthodontists, Mortgage, etc.
I decided I needed to buy a new guitar to play in a church band. I had a Guild D50 but I needed something more rugged and amplified. I remembered my Balladeer from the 80's and how Ovation was rugged, sounded good, affordable and innovative. The Music Stores around here sucked so I went to the internet. I found a 2003 Celebrity Deluxe collector and ordered it.
Shortly after that I found this gathering of GAS Growing Guitar Grabbers and someone told me to make some Margaritas and learn some history.
So naturally I sent the Celeb back and gave my Visa Card numbers to a stranger in New Jersey. I ordered an "LX" sight unseen because they hadn't hit the stores yet and I knew that Ovation had the innovation and design I liked.
Why buy an Ovation?
I don't want to play what everybody else is playing. I want to be a little different and a little better.
I like the people.
I like a neck that is so damn playable!
I like the design, soundness, durability and focus from Ovation.
I appreciate the balance that comes from American Craftsman and Industrial Engineers. Left alone neither group would survive. there is a balance here.
I look forward to my next custom order because you guy's are fantastic! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
May 2006
Posts: 97
Location: Chicago | The reason why I bought an Ovation was for the sound in a small-group setting and the ability to plug in with great sound for a large-group setting. Both are important aspects of ministry and both are satisfied extremely well by my 1778LX. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Bought my first Balladeer in the mid 70's because the rock band I was in needed the occassional acoustic guitar song and Ovation was the only way to go. I sold it to my buddy in Phoenix a couple years ago and it still looked and sounded as good as the day I bought it.
Why did I sell it....because the GAS of the newer models and older models I missed out on were all calling my name....and I also discovered this site full of crazy Ovation Fans that helped to educate me.
Original question....what makes me buy a guitar.
Somehow or another, they find out my name and start calling out to me. When I respond, it is usually because of the inital looks, then the feel, then the sound.....and sometimes the sirens song just proves to be to much and I take her home. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12761
Location: Boise, Idaho | I bought my first Ovation because my favorite artists played them, it was the easiest guitar to play that I had found and it was "high tech" at the time (1977). I also liked the sound from low to high. I bought most of the rest because the people on this board made me lose my mind. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2004
Posts: 1634
Location: Warren,Pa. | I bought my Std.Elite LX NEB 'cause I wanted a versitile 6 string and I fell in love with the finish when I saw it. $550, slightly used on ebay.
I got the Pacemaker 'cause I love 12 strings and I thought $300 on ebay was a good deal. I still don't know if it was...it's been in the shop for 5 months now.
'97 Collectors'...my wife was looking for a 50th b'day present for me. She also had in mind a GC Baladeer with cedar top. I'm glad I got what I got.
John <>{ |
|
| |
|
Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 4619
Location: SoCal | Why? Primarily, it's all John and Kim's fault. Secondary, lump together great guitars and discussions on OFC.
I got back into guitars in 2003 after 20yrs of more than occassional playing. As I had a dark sunburst 1158 CL slothead 12-str from 1980-1990, I wanted a new six and twelve string Custom Legend in dark sunburst - as it didn't appear to be offered, I wrote Customer Service 3 or 4 times. Granted, my last email was not a request but a complaint/recommendation that they offer the dark sunburst.
No response, so forced to buy a 1619 CL on eBay...then another, then participated in the OFC, then Al, then on and on...especially as I found how superior Customer Service was (and is).
Suddenly, others on the OFC were offering to help me spend my few dollars. I was out of control...buying this as a "keeper", buying that as a adoptee, trying a CA, then a FD-14, then a Storm Series...on and on and on...then buy, sell, place and trade. Ovation and Adamas has so many wonderful flavors (and great new or reissue products).
Might have stopped if only a 6 and 12-string in dark sunburst had been available...glad I didn't :D
As an aside, the OFC is instrumental in many of my after-market and new purchases. Prior to joining, I had no idea what guitars had or were being made, reviews of individuals with playing experience, etc. And, the rare postings of Ovation staff have been extremely valuable. As an example, I had no idea why I needed a textured top Adamas...now have nine and one Millennium CVT :D |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2006
Posts: 60
Location: Berkeley, CA | I like an innovative/unique look, good plugged-in sound, durability, and acoustic tone. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2006
Posts: 103
Location: Townsville, Australia | First I became interested because of the technology side of things and how much sense it made that an engineer working on vibrations could know about others forms of vibration and interaction with air.
Then I looked at them on the web site and dreamt. One day walked into local music store, where I'd bought a fender acoustic (DG22CE) which I was happy with. Spotted Ovations which had never stood out before. In particular a 1778T RFT. Strummed and picked a few but was overwhelmed my the mellifluous sound this thing produced.
To my ear it was the best Ovation, legends, 05 collector etc; and it was impossible to continue with the Fender when this delicous looking and sounding instrument was available at a not ridiculous price.
End of story; their price was a bit high so went webbing and found one in USA that was cheaper, even paying obscene freight and customs etc. Sold the fender to help pay for it.
It still blows me out to listen to it, and the looks of this paint job and the overall design balance are remarkable; came with LX features so was doubly blessed.
Only gripe is learning how to stop it sliding, but this actually just turns out to be sitting in a proper position.
And amplified it is great fun.
I am a learner and having a quality instrument has made a lot of difference as the sounds are so rewarding. The Fender Acoustic used to jangle in the low range compared to the 1778T.
Now I am looking at getting an electric and have bought a Gretsch G61220SSU. I will out blast my son for a little bit.
I guess I like quality and something that isn't the same as everyone else; but where form and function blend. Anticipate getting a 12 string at some time in the next 12 months. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2005
Posts: 3619
Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | I've always been a research guy, when it comes to buying anything, I want to make sure I'm getting the most bang for my hard-earned bucks.
So ... when I saw my first Ovation (1537)I read the brochure (I still have that brochure) and discovered all the research and work that went into the instruments. And the thought that went into the bracing designs and the electronics really impressed me. In my mind this was more than just a guitar, this was a work of engineering art. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
August 2004
Posts: 604
Location: Tampa, FL | What makes me buy a guitar.
First and foremost, complete lack of self discipline.
Then you add comments from Tuppy, Cliff, Schroed, Tony C. et. al. concerning their opinions of which O/A is 'The Best'
Since you will never get one answer, how can you possibly have one guitar.
And so I buy another, a slink off to wallow in my shame.
The Fud is on the truck , delivery is scheduled for today. Most likely in the next fifteen minutes. I gotta go |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2004
Posts: 338
Location: SE Michigan | What makes me buy a guitar? The voices, always the voices.....you guys dont hear them?
That and browsing these guitar forums. Before I started reading the guitar forums I had one single guitar for nearly twenty years. Since I started reading the web forums I have gone through about ten guitars. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15682
Location: SoCal | Brian touches on an interesting point. Before the OFC, I had 4 Ovations... my 1537, an old Legend, a 1763 Classical, and Big Blue. Since the OFC, a number of Ovatons have passed thru my hands, and now there is GAS for a guitar that is not only expensive, but may or may not be ever built, the OFC'er.
Is the OFC good or bad? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13997
Location: Upper Left USA | "Is the OFC good or bad?"
Yes! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2005
Posts: 4903
Location: Phoenix AZ | The question seems to have morphed into "why do you buy ovation guitars" or "what attracted you to ovation in the first place". I think most of that has been re-hashed already. One slight twist on "why I buy ovation" is that it's SO DAMN EASY. You just pick up the phone to Al and BINGO just like that it's done! No shopping around, no BS, just quick and easy.
As for as the more generic question "what makes you buy a guitar", well I'm certainly not a professional musician and would barely qualify as a hobbiest. I don't need or deserve anywhere near the quality or quantity of guitars that I am blessed to own. But as long as I'm financially able to do it I approach more like trying to assemble a collection of instruments that 1) is unique, meaning not everything is "off the shelf" and stuff you might not see everywhere, 2) is diverse, covers all bases 6-string, 12-string, wide neck, narrow, etc., 3) sounds as good as it looks, I used to have some "lookers", they are gone, it's now all about unplugged sound (hence the Martins).
Maybe none of this makes sense to anyone but me. Anyway, I have been pretty good over the past year of only buying "replacements". ie if I find a guitar A that is same style as B that I already own but I like it better, I buy A and sell B. No duplicates. My collection in terms of numbers has strunk significantly over the past 2 years. At one point (including ukes and basses) I had 51 instruments in the house. That was rediculous. I now have 16 guitars which still sounds obserd and I want to sell 3-4 of them, but they are my personal "best picks", so to speak. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2006
Posts: 55
Location: Malvern, Pa. | For me I fell for Ovation in the 70's because of their look, sound, and innovation ... and because it was not what my parents, and uncles played.
Then it depended on the type of music I was learning... started out strumming (Balladeer) tried fingerpicking (james taylor/croce) had to have a folklore, then need a classical/nylon ..etc. etc. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2004
Posts: 777
Location: East Wenatchee, WA | Interesting question Woody.
I only had two other guitars (other than bass) before I bought my Ovation. I had a $35 bleeding fingers Monkey Wards something or other, that about made me quit playing, then a fairly decent Korean Fender. I needed something to plug in, as you did, for Church. Several folks I played in groups with (I was always bass, they wouldn't let me do a 6 string) had Ovations, but when I went looking it wasn't necessarily for an Ovation but found one in the Nickel Ads for $400, so I went and took a look. The thing had these weird epulets and little holes (all other O's I had seen were center holds), but it had a dream of a neck and sounded and looked incredible and was in nearly mint condition, so I paid the man. Nine years later, while thinking of trading up, I took this guitar to a Guitar Center, and sat in the "expensive" room with the Taylors and Martins I lusted after. My wife was with me (who asked why I bought a defective guitar when I first brought home the O). After playing everything up to $5,000 instruments, they all left me feeling pretty underimpressed. That "sound" I thought I would find (you know, that you hear on recordings) was NOT eminating from these expensive instruments, and they were weaker and harder to play than my "O".
About then I stumbled on this site, and plugged in "1537" to the search engine. The rest is history. I just bought my second "O" (well an "A" actually) in January, and there is probably no going back to a box guitar. I am anxious to try a couple of the other Adamas, and will likely move up to another A from the W597. For now, I will try and hang on to the 1537. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13997
Location: Upper Left USA | Adamas #47RI (ordered)
Adamas U681T-5
Adamas 1597-RG
Elite 1778LX-5
Longneck DS768-4
Viper Nylon EA63-5
Balladeer 1111-6
Folklore 1114-TB
Classical CC53-4
This list screams diversification! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
July 2002
Posts: 1900
| I play it, I like it, I buy it. That's why buying an acoustic instrument 'sight unseen' is a always gamble, even when placing a custom order from the factory, which I plan on doing as finances allow. Confidence in their reputation is my motivation. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2002
Posts: 9
Location: Indianapolis , Indiana | Ovations have the feel of an electric with a nice skinny neck. That's what drew me to them in the first place. I've had better sounding (louder) acoustics but nothing plays as good. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 5881
Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | Bought my first acoustic only Ovation in 1972 or 1973 as a replacement for an old Silvertone acoustic that got mangled in the desert under a dirt bike. The purchase was purely based on a recommendation from the local music store salesman. I also had a Gibson ES-125 3/4T. The Ovation was stolen out of a motor home at the beach in the spring of 1981 and I replaced it with a 1651 Legend Limited that I've been giging with ever since, always plugged in, and most often through two amps in stereo.
When I cut back on my other extracurricular activities a few years ago, it was time to convert the dance studio into a guitar room. I now have a relatively eclectic collection of guitars, amps, signs, lights, collectibles, and a lot of junk. I play three of them frequently (USA Strat with Texas Specials, the 1651, and an ES-135 with P-90s) seven others occasionally, nine maybe four or five times a year, and 3 never. My GAS list is now down to ten, four of which are Adamas/Ovation. Unfortunately, not one of them is cheap, so I'm pacing myself.
I've also come to the conclusion that even great guitars sound and play lousy if not set-up properly while an inexpensive guitar set-up perfectly to the player's exact preferences can do wonders to the owner's perceived value of the instrument. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 4833
Location: Campbell River, British Columbia | Why buy a guitar?
Because it looks kinda silly standing on stage singing without backup. (or like kareoke)
Why buy an Ovation?
(early 70's)Glen Campbell, Jim Croce. The other guy in the duo of the day (still buds but haven't played together for decades) had a 1111 (still has it)
The neck, the neck, the neck
The volume. The full range sound.
Someday I'll have to hear what the Adamas line is all about. For now, I lust for a 12 string O...one day. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | It's a long process.
First it's the spark of that one little neuron deep in the part of the brain that controls G.A.S.
If the flame is nurtured and well tended an image, fuzzy at first, then clear, will form in the mind's eye. Once this image is indentified as an acoustic or electric or even a ukelele, the base hunter/gatherer instinct that has existed in man since the dawn of days kicks in strong.
The hunt begins...Music stores, internet stores....and to underscore the intense desire, yes, even...Guitar Centers.
The experienced hunter will take his time and stalk his prey with care and respect. A purchase that is made in haste is usually regreted in a short time. He walks the never ending, convoluted paths awaiting that one intersection where logic, emotion, tactile and ofactory senses, pent up desire, and finances meet. For a successful hunt all of these factors need to be present in their proper proportions.
In due time the trigger is pulled and the trophy is claimed. It's difficult to find a comparison to the joy of this momment. It's not to be equated with the love of spouse and family, yet it is a powerful state of mind. Enjoy this time. For G.A.S. is a fickle mistress and brooks no denile. In time, sometimes a very short time, this newfound object of desire can loose it's alure. And then you will find yourself tending yet another tiny, flamming ember. One that will grow and start the cycle once again. Embrace these seasons...it is the natural order of things. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10583
Location: NJ | Most of my personal guitars have been bought in minutes. I pick up the guitar play it and either like the feel of the neck and the acoustic sound or not and that goes for electric as well as acoustic. I am rather impulsive and will buy something with a 10 on the coolness factor meter before I go for functionality. for me the coolness factor is usually a distinctive finish or flaw in the wood or a cool old vintage piece with a ton of mojo.
when I order inventory or do trades, I try to determine what the public wants and what the trends are and if I can move an item in a reasonable amount of time or not. Those purchases I agonize over since they aren't for me. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
June 2006
Posts: 29
Location: Port Angeles, WA | A guitar usually appeals to my visual senses first. Then, if it sounds good, I will become interested enough to try one out. I like a narrow neck because I have small hands. So, all my guitars have been visually appealing, good sound, with a narrow neck and low action.
I first became interested in Ovation back around 1970, and I remember trying to purchase one. I was interested in the innovative design, as well as its sound, looks, and playability. I ended up buying another guitar (that I still own) because I couldn't afford the Ovation at the time. I bet a lot of us wish they had an unlimited budget for guitars!
I always liked the looks of Ovations with epaulets, as well as their narrow neck and low action and sound, and when I needed an acoustic/electric a few years ago I bought one. I loved the way it looked, and it played great, and it was affordable. Since I got it, I've enjoyed playing more than any other time, and I can say my playing has grown more during the same period as a result. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2004
Posts: 627
Location: Cherry Hill, NJ | I bought my first Ovation, cause at the time, they were the only real acoustics had decent electronics and piezo pick ups. Also I wanted an acoustic I could play past the 5th fret. Electrics, well humbucker, single coil |
|
| |
What makes you buy a guitar?
