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Posts: 3111
Location: Nashville TN. | The more I think about it the more I get upset with the Balladeer name going on imports.
Its been there since day one.
To me too much history to use it on anything not made in New Hartford.
Anyone else feel the same??? |
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December 2001
Posts: 10583
Location: NJ | yup
the same way when I see epiphone imports and hamer and dean and rca and sylvania and etc etc etc |
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September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | Well, I'm definatly not thrilled about it.
I'm hoping that there is a silver lining to this little cloud. Then again I have been reffered to as an ultimate optimist. |
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Posts: 3111
Location: Nashville TN. | I wrote my displeasure with that on the face of the warrenty card I mailed yesterday |
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December 2006
Posts: 6268
Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | The US guitar industry first went off to Japan, then Korea and now China. It's a sad state of affairs when you now hear/read; "Grab the affordable (brand name, model number) from Korea while you can!"  |
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Posts: 1126
Location: Omaha, NE | I've got a prized "Made in Korea" Epiphone electric.
But don't complain. At least there is still a such thing as a Balladeer. Could be worse. |
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March 2002
Posts: 15678
Location: SoCal | This doesn't bother me in the least. It's been at least 20 years since I've seen a Balladeer that's impressed me. Probably why I haven't owned one.
The guitars that are the upper end are still going to be made in the U.S.
And they are making some damned fine guitars in China, Korea, and Japan..... |
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July 2002
Posts: 1900
| In answer to your question, I'm not happy about it. I always thought competition wouldn't compromise quality. But, I guess it has. I remember when Balladeers were bright, responsive and had 5-piece necks...but, those were the days.. |
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March 2002
Posts: 15678
Location: SoCal | Times change. Either move with them or be miserable..... |
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Posts: 1673
Location: SoCal | I'm with Moody. |
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Posts: 152
Location: Maple Shade, NJ. | Yeah,.....I guess is just is what it is. |
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August 2002
Posts: 8307
Location: Tennessee | Ovation was making Balladeers in Korea last century. This is nothing new and it doesn't bother me in the least. As long as the folks in New Hartford keep making guitars, I don't care what names they put on them. |
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June 2006
Posts: 7307
Location: South of most, North of few | Glen's not happy. |
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January 2005
Posts: 4903
Location: Phoenix AZ | Other than being an old fuddy-duddy who does not like change, it doesn't bother me at all where they choose to build them. It's a global economy and very little is actually "made" in a single country. I bought a German car that was built in the USA with a French transmission. Go figure. What does "Made In The USA" mean when the workers are predominately Vietnamese and Maxican? I'd be less concerned with where it's made and more concerned with HOW it's made and HOW it sounds. USA quality standards are nothing to brag about. Dave |
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April 2006
Posts: 2491
Location: Copenhagen Denmark | I agree with Moody , never cared much for a balladeer , the guitar that is , not the poor lads who were humping from castle to castle trying to make a living , some hundreds of years ago ..
Vic |
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December 2003
Posts: 13996
Location: Upper Left USA | I used to fat, dumb and happy but lately I'm not so happy...
One quick reference:
1965 1/2 Ford Mustang, affordable, cool, back window that would remain fogged in most every circumstance (some better than others).
In 1976 - 1978 the model reached its absolute low, being a spruced up Pinto.
NOW, have you seen the new Mustangs? Dude, they rock!
My Point - every product line has its ups and downs. We have a lot to choose from and life is too short to play sucky guitars... |
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March 2007
Posts: 843
Location: CA | What MWoody said about the Mustang.
Or Ovation could do what Fender does: call them all Balladeers. Witness the plethora of Stratocasters they've unleashed on an unsuspecting populace. Same basic guitar made in — what now — at least 5 different countries in the past 20 years? And they're still selling 'em by the truckfull. |
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March 2007
Posts: 843
Location: CA | Oh, and why were on the analogy, in case any of you missed the absolute best commercial ever made:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZzXHq7gKN8 |
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Posts: 4832
Location: Campbell River, British Columbia | The Balladeer name has always been an import!
:p |
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August 2005
Posts: 3736
Location: Sunshine State, Australia | You think they shouldn't make Balladeers in Asia? I think they shouldn't even make Ovations in Asia.
Or at least not call them Ovations.
I know it's an old topic, but I also know I'm not alone. |
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January 2005
Posts: 4903
Location: Phoenix AZ | If by moving balladeer production to asia they can accomplish the following things, how is this bad?
1) Make them cheaper = more profit to keep the company going, more money for R&D, factory expansions, artist endorsements, advertising, etc.
2) Make them in much higher volume and lower price point = increased sales. A balladeer in every guitar students hand. A balladeer in every band.
How is this a bad thing ???
Dave |
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December 2006
Posts: 6268
Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Tup,
I didn't find the word 'quality' or the phrase 'customer service/support' in your post...
Those two major elements are what I believe that keep most of us here participating.
Will lower priced guitars and more R&D guarantee such? |
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July 2002
Posts: 1900
| ..by the way, I'm not miserable about it, I just remember when the Balladeer was a serious guitar. I'd rather spend the bucks to have the factory restore my originals than spend less for a cheap knock-off.. ;) |
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April 2006
Posts: 2491
Location: Copenhagen Denmark | Was Good to see Steve McQueen again , took the opportunity to watch that Chase again...muchas gracias oddball... :)
Vic |
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August 2003
Posts: 4619
Location: SoCal | In stores, minimal product placement of Ovation's upper line, almost non-existent placement of Adamas, Ovation headstock on Celebs...and, that was pre-Fender.
Now, non-USA of lower end O's.
Again, other than small print on the label, probably no distinction between off shore and USA guitars. At least Gibson has the Epiphone headstock/logo.
Problem? What small percentage of buyers that didn't think all O's came from off shore will now be convinced that there are no USA O's. No placement means no orders, means no upper end O's - product/production line will be dropped. Guess you could custom order but pretty expensive. I am pessimistic about even that...after a few years, lack of parts, staff shifted to other production lines, etc.
My advice, grab the used ones or current stock while you can. If you want to sell, try and wait a couple of years...
Frankly, I had already seen what I thought was the end of the product line...at least in product development. Few, if any, radical changes in the Collectors line. Hard to improve on the textured top Adamas, Custom Legend, and Custom Elite. Upgrade the pre-amp, go to contour bowl, inset rosette...what else can they do. Already have great playability and materials.
Just remember, there where no USA Ovations displayed at NAMM. Only one Adamas and that was the very limited run of the 2008 Collectors.
Even though the 2008 Collectors (Adamas slothead) was shown, I did not consider that it had prime placement. Heck, off to the side by the Tak display, almost sitting on the floor. |
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Anyone else not happy....
