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Joined:
February 2009
Posts: 78
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA | Hi, I've only been playing guitar for a few months now, since November. I've been using a fender squier strat but I would like to get an acoustic, I listen to a lot of neil young, nirvana, radiohead, eagles, bob dylan (have started to learn blowin in the wind).. I saw Damon's Ohio video posted in the video section and was blown away by the sound, after reading the boards for a good five hours and having looked at Damons photo albums I realize he used a Adamas and thats probably part of the reason it sounds amazing. I don't have the kind of money to buy an Adamas and probably won't for a long time, however a friend of his recommended I check out the CC44, I did a search for it on here and it looks like you guys might not like that particular one. A search on my semi-local craigslist found a (discontinued) model CS257 Celebrity Deluxe with OP-24+ preamp for $400, is either better than the other? I dont have many shops in my area, I have a guitar center and http://www.kennellykeysmusic.com stores within reasonable distance, as well as this shop: http://www.mojomusicdiscount.com/
Unfortunately I have to stay under $500, I did some free lance computer work and got some extra cash otherwise I wouldn't be getting another guitar at all. I'm kind of hesitant to go try one in the store since I can only play a few riffs, I know I have to start somewhere though. I was wondering what you guys thought about either of those, or anything else in my price range. I have been reading that these guitars really shine when plugged in (right now I only have a fender frontman 15g amp but I am playing through headphones 95% of the time) but I would like to play unplugged on my couch or take it to my dads house and play unplugged.
So, thoughts? comments? |
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Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6268
Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | merc,
Within your $500 limit, you can find a used US made Ovation that will far surpass any Celeb you will find. I'm sure that some will chime in on my suggestion...
And welcome to the Ovation 'We'll assist you in spending your money but not lead you astray' Hive Mind! |
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Joined:
February 2009
Posts: 78
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA | whats a US made ovation? Celeb is that bad? |
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Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Welcome aboard.
You can always go used USA made...
There are plenty models available including an original Deluxe Balladeer... |
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Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | USA Ovations are of a higher quality standard than Celeb's which are imported |
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Joined:
February 2009
Posts: 78
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA | How would I know which ones are USA made besides the one your selling? Also, do the ones with multiple sound holes sound different than the ones with just the one middle sound hole?
Jeff, I noticed your says it has no electronics or wiring :( I really wanted one with a preamp for when I play with my headphones and I also plan to get an acoustic amp sometime when I get more $$ |
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Joined:
November 2006
Posts: 3969
| Originally posted by mercury187:
How would I know which ones are USA made besides the one your selling? Also, do the ones with multiple sound holes sound different than the ones with just the one middle sound hole? Welcome. US-made Ovations prior to 2008: Legend (including Custom Legend), Elite, Balladeer. Balladeer and Elite T production moved overseas in the last part of 2008.
Overseas models: Celebrity (just about all you see in places like Guitar Center, Sam Ash, etc.) Just about all Celeb models start with the letter C (CC, CS, etc.)
Yes, US-made models are higher quality - better quality tone woods, higher quality hardware, more "handwork".
As far as sound, there is a difference, but like ice cream no one flavor is necessarily "better" - it depends on what you like.
I would recommend a deep-bowl Balladeer or maybe even a Legend - I've seen some primo Legends up for sale crazy cheap lately, in your price range.
The folks here will give you good advice (if you ask for it). No one here will steer you wrong or try to sell you something you won't be happy with just because they might have a guitar for sale. This board is unique. The regulars here share a love for Ovations, and that alone sets us far apart from the rest of the guitar world. We look out for each other. |
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Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 1112
Location: NW Washington State | You might check with members close to you- MWoody and Damon67 are a couple- to see if they have anything to offer in your price range.
There are lots of nice used US made Ovations available now. Don't be in a hurry, there's always another one. It's a great time to buy if you have the cash.
-Steve W. |
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Joined:
November 2008
Posts: 1119
Location: Michigan | Merc,
First of all don't feel intimidated in a store. Hey if you can afford it you should be able to try it out. One of the nice things about having a good guitar is the warm fuzzies you get when you play it, regardless of your skill level. If someone gives you a hard time, nuts to them. There are a lot of stores. Remember you are the customer and everyone started somewhere. I frankly am not a very good player by any standards but if I dont feel shy about picking up a guitar in a store.
That said I would hang around here. Chances are a nice O would come up on the buy and sell board soon from a reputable seller and at a reasonable price. You will see the occasional Legend or Folklore come up in your price range.
Edit: Wow three resposes while I was typing. It looks like Jeff has your guitar :) |
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Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12750
Location: Boise, Idaho | Look on the Ovation website to see which are USA and which are not. There are a ton of models and some of the new Elites and Balladeers are now made overseas. The basic difference is that the foreign models are typically plywood tops, while the USA made ones are not, but there are exceptions to that.
There isn't a simple answer to the single vs. multiple hole question either. Yes, they sound different, but some people couldn't tell the difference and you might like one over the other. Most of us would prefer the deeper bowl for more bass, but obviously a lot of people like the super shallow bowls or they wouldn't make them.
You still should be able to get a used USA made Ovation, with a preamp, with no significant finish cracks, for $500 or less. Just spend a little time looking. Damon got his 1537 for $500, but few of us are that lucky. |
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Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 2985
Location: Sydney, Australia | Mercury, Welcome aboard.
Anything with "celebrity" in the title is made in Asia (usually China or Korea). They represent a gamble in that quality control may not be the same as the US factory. Also, most celebrities are made with laminated rather than solid tops. The top is responsible for a lot of the sound quality on an acoustic and as it is played over a number of years it "ages" and generates a better tone than when it was brand new. Laminated tops tend to stay about the same.
I have never really been taken by them (just my personal taste, but I have an Adamas and everything sounds so so after that) but a lot of members of this board believe that the Elite Ts offer the best bang for buck. You should be able to pick up a second hand one of these within your budget and it will come with a pickup and a good quality preamp.
Check the for sale section of this forum before you head off to Ebay, as you'll generally get a cheaper price and a more honest description of the guitar's condition and specs. |
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Joined:
October 2007
Posts: 2711
Location: Vernon CT | Welcome Merc!!
Listen to the adivise you are being given. When I joined I had 1 Ovation. I now have 4 ,but, 6 months ago had 5. There are so many great deal right now on USA made Ovations to be had. Take some extra time, use the knowledge on this forum and enjoy which ever one you get. Word of advice.
When you do get that special "O", post pics or guitar Porn as many here refer to it as. WE love PORN! :D ;) |
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Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13984
Location: Upper Left USA | Mercury,
I am in Kitsap County and Damon is up by Bellevue.
Miles is in Mount Vernon and the best way to see which O is for you is to try them, lots of them.
Take a tour of the links in my signature first...
Where are you located?
We'll give you the Tour de GAS! |
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Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 1112
Location: NW Washington State | I checked out the music stores Mercury listed, looks like he's up near Bellingham.
Hugo Helmer in Burlington used to carry a few good Ovations, but I haven't been in there for a couple of years. Maybe Miles would know if they've got anything.
-Steve W. |
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Joined:
February 2009
Posts: 78
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA | Mwoody: I am in Bellingham, about 90 miles north of Seattle. I wouldn't mind taking a trip to look at O's and hear them being played and possibly try one myself. That would probably be the best way to experience them without a salesperson standing right there hoping to get something out the door. Who's Miles? He would be the closest, looks like its just over 2 hours to Port Orchard. I dont know Damon personally either, a friend of mine works with a good friend of his and we were talking about guitars and amps and he showed me one of Damons videos and I went through them all and was really impressed with the tones hes got and I've been thinking about getting an acoustic-electric for a little while now.
Looks like your Ebay store doesnt have anything for sale but the other links offer plenty of eye candy.
I read the UPS caveat horror story and that added fuel to my reason of not having a guitar shipped, I bought my LCD tv through a store because I didnt believe in having a big LCD shipped either, just too afraid of damage and then that could possibly be the end of the only money I had to spend on a guitar for a very long time. I really really would like to buy local because if something happened in the shipping I wont have any money for quite a while (we hope to buy a house this year) |
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March 2005
Posts: 12750
Location: Boise, Idaho | There were several responses when I was typing, which reminded me of stuff I missed. Find someone who's a better player to go with you to the guitar store and play while you listen. Guitars sound different from the front. I bet Damon would love to go guitar shopping with you and help you spend your money.
You will really need to try out the guitar, though. What I usually try to do, even when I just started playing again, is play something I know on several guitars. I always play some barre chords up at about the 12th fret, just to see which plays easier. If I get too many clinky notes, the action is too high. Most can be reset to make them play easier, but some can't.
I also strum guitars that are hanging on the wall. Some sound like cardboard, some boom, but don't ring on the high strings. Ovations are generally good through the highs, mediums and lows, which is what I like. You might like the sound of one end of the spectrum better. If so, buy that kind. It doesn't matter to you what I like.
Finally, although a preamp is nice, if you can get a really good guitar without one for the same as a poorer sounding guitar with one, buy the one without and get a soundhole pickup later, when you need to play to that audience. By then you'll also be asking about acoustic amps, because you'll figure out that amps made for electrics don't really cut it on acoustic guitars. There are few people who think that one guitar will suit all situations. They are usually married to people with "too many guitars." |
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Joined:
February 2009
Posts: 119
Location: New York | I just listed my Elite Special S868 on Ebay, starting bid $349. I have pictures of it on the photo section:
http://ovationfanclub.ning.com/profile/Hossman
ebay listing: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190285876626
It is a wonderful instrument that I am sad to part with, but I have found an incredible deal on a Elite Custom C778 LX for like half price brand new. I am still shaking with excitement.
So, this is a great guitar. I need the money to trade up.
It is a natural finish.
Not trying to be a pushy salesman here.
Welcome to the Board, I just joined myself. |
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Joined:
November 2008
Posts: 1119
Location: Michigan | "There are few people who think that one guitar will suit all situations. They are usually married to people with "too many guitars.""
:) That got an audible chuckle from me. |
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Joined:
February 2009
Posts: 78
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA | Mark: yeah it would be nice if I could hook up with someone, the only person I know locally that plays is my guitar instructor and I really doubt he would take a trip to burlington, even the local shop down the road (mojo) might be hard to link up with him. It's really tough trying to get new gear with literally no one to help you. I had this same problem last year when I was getting into flying kitesuring kites, I found a forum dedicated to the brand of kites I wanted and then relied on their feedback to make a purchase because I didn't really have anyone local that could let me demo anything... |
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Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12750
Location: Boise, Idaho | You're a popular guy, Merc. Miles is Mr. Ovation. He's got more electrics than acoustics. Don't worry about the salespeople. There are always people trying out guitars. Just sit and listen if you find someone playing something you like. I always thought everyone else played better than me, until somebody asked me how I learned some song. Everyone starts somewhere and after awhile they'll be asking you for lesssons.
I didn't know anyone around here that played when I started looking for guitars, but I've found a bunch since. |
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Joined:
February 2009
Posts: 78
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA | Who's Miles? |
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Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12750
Location: Boise, Idaho | He's member number 2 or something. "Mr. Ovation" on this site. Go back to the Welcome page for this site and check out his Baron Audio link. |
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Joined:
February 2009
Posts: 78
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA | is the Elite Special S868 pretty good? If It's shipped in that guitar hardcase it would be tough to get damaged? There's probably no way to hear it unless Hossman21 has recordings?? |
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Joined:
September 2005
Posts: 3618
Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | Hi Merc! Welcome to the Club!
I guess it would help to know what exactly you want in a guitar. (colors,wood,bowl depth, etc.) The choices for USA Ovations can seem endless. If you are looking for a really good starter within your price range, I just saw a really good deal on the For Sale section listed as 1778T Black ....Mint There are a lot of different wood-topped models also,(like that shallow bowl Elite Special) Either of those could probably be resold down the road if you decide on something else. Deep bowls project sound better than mid bowls, and shallow bowls project less than the mids. Shallows and mids are a bit easier to hold if you have a belly that may want to get in the way, but they all sound great plugged in. With a carbon top you don't have to worry as much about scratching it. There are some really good links above to check out when you have time, but a warning ... you'll get the buying fever. AS MENTIONED ABOVE ... DON"T BE IN A HURRY! Do your research and make an informed decision. You will be glad in the end if you do. Good USA Ovation guitars come and go frequently here. |
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Joined:
February 2009
Posts: 78
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA | bvince: I really like the look of the black ones but I'm not too picky about color, I would think the sound is the most important because its an instrument... I'm pretty skinny for the most part so I dont think I'd have to worry about anything getting in the way, are deep bowls best for playing unplugged?
Looks like that black 1778-t is sold, said pending payment but they havent reported back yet.... |
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looking at getting my 1st ovation
