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Advice for first Ovation

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digitalman
Posted 2010-02-09 9:26 PM (#4193)
Subject: Advice for first Ovation


Joined:
February 2010
Posts: 11

Location: Bradenton, FL
Hello everybody,

I am looking to buy my first Ovation (actually 1st acoustic of any kind) and was hoping to get some advice. I've played electric (badly) for some time now, a PRS Custom 24 that deserves a much better player but is stuck with me.

I'm looking for something that sounds good (will be played mostly unplugged but doesn't have to be loud) and plays well and that I won't mind letting my 15-year-old daughter use (she's just starting out). Since it is for her as well I don't want anything too large. In looking around here and elsewhere I think one of the solid-top mid-depth guitars seems like the best fit. But I have a couple of questions: What are the tonal differences between the Standard Elite and Standard Balladeer? Has the 6778LX been discontinued? I think I saw mention of this on one of these fora but I can find no notification of this on Ovation's website. At any rate they
seem very hard to find. And are there any other models I should be considering (I'd like to keep this under $1000 with case)?

Many thanks in advance for any help you can provide.
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Waskel
Posted 2010-02-09 9:55 PM (#4194 - in reply to #4193)
Subject: Re: Advice for first Ovation



Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840

Location: closely held secret
Welcome, digitalman!
Sounds like the LX series would be a good fit for you. Mid-depth body, US craftsmanship.
You might shoot an email to Al, (one of our moderators who happens to sell guitars for a living) just to see if he has anything like what you're looking for.
Barring that, there are always lots of Ovations on ebay and craigslist.
If you can't find a used LX that fits your needs, maybe consider something like a Balladeer 1861. They are a 'super shallow' body, so they doesn't have the full rich tone of a deep bowl, but they are very comfortable to play. I had one till a friend's daughter got her hands on it and I wound up selling it to her. She wouldn't give it back.

Again, welcome!
Sheesh. Another Floridian. We got em comin out our ears here!
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Old Man Arthur
Posted 2010-02-09 9:58 PM (#4195 - in reply to #4193)
Subject: Re: Advice for first Ovation



Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777

Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR
Welcome!

Yeah, I guess that the 6778LX has been discontinued. But you can find them used.
I got mine for much less than $1K, it ain't perfect but neither am I.

A Balladeer has one Center-hole... An Elite has multiple holes.
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Gallerinski
Posted 2010-02-10 12:52 AM (#4196 - in reply to #4193)
Subject: Re: Advice for first Ovation
Joined:
May 2008
Posts: 4996

Location: Phoenix AZ
Buy this one ...

http://www.ovationfanclub.com/cgi-bin/ubb/non-cgi/ultimatebb.php?ub...
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Patch
Posted 2010-02-10 6:27 AM (#4197 - in reply to #4193)
Subject: Re: Advice for first Ovation



Joined:
May 2006
Posts: 4221

Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent
Originally posted by Gallerinski:
Buy this one ...

http://www.ovationfanclub.com/cgi-bin/ubb/non-cgi/ultimatebb.php?ub...
Good advice.
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digitalman
Posted 2010-02-10 11:32 AM (#4198 - in reply to #4193)
Subject: Re: Advice for first Ovation


Joined:
February 2010
Posts: 11

Location: Bradenton, FL
Wow, I've come to the right place! Thanks everyone! Gallerinski, that guitar is a real beaut, but I don't think it is quite what I'm looking for.

Old Man Arthur (or anyone else): how do the different hole configurations affect the sound? Presumably there are some tonal and/or loudness differences?

Thanks again guys!
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Old Man Arthur
Posted 2010-02-10 2:53 PM (#4199 - in reply to #4193)
Subject: Re: Advice for first Ovation



Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777

Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR
"How do the different hole configurations affect the sound?"

The differences are hard to describe. Center holes may sound a bit louder to the player.
But I am told that multiple holes sound louder to the audience.

Remember that the sound comes for the top (soundboard) not the holes.
Originally the offset sound-holes allowed for 'Quintad' (Adamas style) bracing.
Now, not all Elites have that style bracing... New Elites have LX scalloped 'X' bracing.
But the absence of the center sound hole allows for that larger expanse of top which produces more sound.

Perhaps more importantly to some owners, the multi-hole top is distinctly Ovation.
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Gallerinski
Posted 2010-02-10 5:46 PM (#4200 - in reply to #4193)
Subject: Re: Advice for first Ovation
Joined:
May 2008
Posts: 4996

Location: Phoenix AZ
It will also depend if you are more concerned with how the guitar sounds to YOU (the player) or to those in FRONT of you (the listeners).

My experience is that most center hole ovations project very well to both the player and the listener. But the multi hole guitars to my ears as a player usually sound pretty bad. Very thin, quiet and just a mush of sound. But people I play FOR say, wow that sounds nice and I'm like HUH? how can that be. Then I listen to someone else play a multi hole at me and I agree, it DOES sound nice.

Anyway, different strokes for different folks.
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bvince
Posted 2010-02-10 6:32 PM (#4201 - in reply to #4193)
Subject: Re: Advice for first Ovation



Joined:
September 2005
Posts: 3618

Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :)
Welcome Aboard there Digital!

There are quite a bit of choices available within your price range, so I would recommend you take some time and check out the Ovation Tribute and Ovation Gallery links under the "Links" section above. First go through with your daughter and see if you can both agree on what "look" you would like. Narrow it down to three choices ... design/hole configuration, solid color, natural, or burst (like sunburst, cherry burst, etc. Then see which bowl type you want. Like mentioned above, deep sounds fullest and loudest, medium next, then shallow (which works decent for those who stay plugged in. Another nice option available now is the "contour" bowl, which may prove to be lot easier to hold for a beginner. Then throw out here what you would specifically like. Then you'll find that everyone here likes to help you locate what you're looking for. It's a buyers market for used guitars at the moment, and in MY opinion (for all it's worth) you will get a LOT more for your money and be happier in the long run. Most (well cared for)used acoustics get even better with time, kinda' like wine.
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bvince
Posted 2010-02-10 6:45 PM (#4202 - in reply to #4193)
Subject: Re: Advice for first Ovation



Joined:
September 2005
Posts: 3618

Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :)
If you don't want to take a lot of time, THIS one is an excellent investment, and will hold its value: 87 Collectors Definitely not the average production model and would satisfy both you and the daughter. If you change your mind down the road, I'm sure someone here would buy it from you.(probably me! :) )
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digitalman
Posted 2010-02-10 7:48 PM (#4203 - in reply to #4193)
Subject: Re: Advice for first Ovation


Joined:
February 2010
Posts: 11

Location: Bradenton, FL
Thanks everyone, this is great information!

Gallerinski, I'm definitely more interested in how it sounds to me than others since I'll mostly be playing it for myself.

bvince, awesome looking guitar - I'm thinking about it ;-)
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Mark in Boise
Posted 2010-02-11 12:15 AM (#4204 - in reply to #4193)
Subject: Re: Advice for first Ovation


Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12750

Location: Boise, Idaho
It's hard to say what someone else would like, but that 05 Collector is reported to be one of the best, along with the 07 collector. One's a single hole. One's a multihole. Either are bargains. Both are excellent representatives of Ovations.
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BT717
Posted 2010-02-11 8:01 AM (#4205 - in reply to #4193)
Subject: Re: Advice for first Ovation


Joined:
October 2007
Posts: 2711

Location: Vernon CT
Welcome D'Man!
You've gotten some good advice from knowledgable members. If you are playing mostly "Unplugged" I suggest sticking with a Mid or deep/contour bowl
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oldrocker 247
Posted 2010-02-11 11:30 AM (#4206 - in reply to #4193)
Subject: Re: Advice for first Ovation


Joined:
February 2010
Posts: 5

Location: Peoria IL
I just bought a 2078LX USA from a music store on ebay called musicpower.com ...they are out of San Diego..they have Brand new USA made 2078's for $850 delivered..I offered him $800 delivered and he says no problem...beautiful guitar...not a demo, second, used...fac. sealed in the box..he says 'cause the color is discontinued...black cherry burst....these listed new for $2499!!...everbody else on ebay wants $1750....
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bvince
Posted 2010-02-11 2:11 PM (#4207 - in reply to #4193)
Subject: Re: Advice for first Ovation



Joined:
September 2005
Posts: 3618

Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :)
Lots of Choices here (:

ALL of them good ones. Good Luck and Happy CHoosin'
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bvince
Posted 2010-02-11 2:24 PM (#4208 - in reply to #4193)
Subject: Re: Advice for first Ovation



Joined:
September 2005
Posts: 3618

Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :)
It's kinda' funny ... the differences in personal opinion on the "sound" of guitars, even from Ovation owners. I personally feel the multi-hole designs are louder when I play them than my round holes. (but I often use medium gauge strings, which project more anyway) But when playing with a deep bowl guitar, the difference to me is not that much. Both sound great. (as long as they are both USA Ovations :)
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digitalman
Posted 2010-02-11 7:17 PM (#4209 - in reply to #4193)
Subject: Re: Advice for first Ovation


Joined:
February 2010
Posts: 11

Location: Bradenton, FL
Mark, BT717, and Vince - thanks for the advice, it really helps.

Oldrocker - thanks for the heads up, I'll check it out.
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digitalman
Posted 2010-02-13 3:47 PM (#4210 - in reply to #4193)
Subject: Re: Advice for first Ovation


Joined:
February 2010
Posts: 11

Location: Bradenton, FL
Hey guys, just bought the '05 Collectors from Elderly's. Can't wait!
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bvince
Posted 2010-02-14 2:08 PM (#4211 - in reply to #4193)
Subject: Re: Advice for first Ovation



Joined:
September 2005
Posts: 3618

Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :)
I didn't know they had one for sale at Elderly. If I did I probably would have went down to Lansing to try it out.
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playdbluz
Posted 2010-02-15 10:23 PM (#4212 - in reply to #4193)
Subject: Re: Advice for first Ovation


Joined:
February 2010
Posts: 79

Location: Virginia
Here is a GREAT example, for a first OR LAST Ovation. This is a GREAT price for an O that has been cared for. This was listed local to me and if I didn't just buy an Adamas, I would have snached this up.

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/msg/1591663250.html
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bvince
Posted 2010-02-16 10:44 AM (#4213 - in reply to #4193)
Subject: Re: Advice for first Ovation



Joined:
September 2005
Posts: 3618

Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :)
That's a decent price. You should snatch it up anyway (:
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playdbluz
Posted 2010-02-16 11:05 AM (#4214 - in reply to #4193)
Subject: Re: Advice for first Ovation


Joined:
February 2010
Posts: 79

Location: Virginia
I just posted my 1751 on CL today. I get a bite on that, I might convince the boss I can afford the 1869
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Darkbar
Posted 2010-02-16 2:01 PM (#4215 - in reply to #4193)
Subject: Re: Advice for first Ovation



Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 4535

Location: Flahdaw
Digitalman- welcome from another OFC'r in Bradenton. Lots of Florida members around here. Congrats on your purchase of the '05.
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digitalman
Posted 2010-02-16 6:46 PM (#4216 - in reply to #4193)
Subject: Re: Advice for first Ovation


Joined:
February 2010
Posts: 11

Location: Bradenton, FL
Thanks, dark bar - it should be here Thursday!

I just noticed that the '05 on Ovation's site has gold tuner buttons, while mine has pearloid. Anyone know if they made any '05s with pearloid buttons? Not sure how I feel about this. On one hand the pearloid buttons look kind of nice, but on the other if the guitar was meant to have gold ...

Anyone know where I can find gold buttons for this guitar? They look like Schaller style.
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Darkbar
Posted 2010-02-16 7:34 PM (#4217 - in reply to #4193)
Subject: Re: Advice for first Ovation



Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 4535

Location: Flahdaw
Take the pearloids....probably will look real nice, and you're not buying a vintage classic museum piece anyway. Hopefully the sound alone will blow you away.
Shoot me a PM if you ever want to meet and play gits....always looking to meet another player.
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