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Location: Phoenix, AZ | I'm just a hacker who likes to play for my own enjoyment. But, I expect to keep this guitar for a long, long time. (I still have my original Deluxe Balladeer purchased new in 1969.) I understand the Elite has "better" materials, what I'm wondering is will a carefully owned and handled Celebrity Deluxe last as long as a carefully owned and handled Elite? In 5-10 years will I have wished I'd bought the Elite instead of the Celebrity Deluxe? |
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Posts: 13986
Location: Upper Left USA | First of all welcome! You have come to the right place for opinions and information.
First- an opinion - Celebrities are nice guitars. They use the same bowls, design concepts and electronics that the USA made ones have - but do not have the care and craftsmanship put into them. For new - look into the LX series and get as much as you can afford now. For used - there are many good deals on a variety of models either discussed or through this board.
Most importantly - use the search and archived features of this site to arm yourself with information.
Get a USA Ovation and you will not regret it. But you will not be immune to want another... and another... |
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Posts: 2503
Location: Fayetteville, NC | Welcome aboard.
While The Celebrity are pretty nice I would like to recommend trying A USA Made Elite LX. If you want something that will bring years of enjoyment Give one a try! The Craftmanship, Materials, and sound of these guitars are outstanding. Plus you can get the LX Models at good price right now.
If you have any questions,..seek out an Ovation Dealer That can answer you. If you Don't have a Dealer nearby You're in Luck, Our Very own Alpep
can help. |
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Posts: 1614
Location: Converse, Texas | Now my 2 cents worth:
First of all, welcome aboard. Now, forget the Celebrity. As previously stated, the craftsmanship and the quality of the wood are nowhere close to the USA Ovations. I for one am not yet on the LX bandwagon. I would recommend that you check out a Legend or an Elite. |
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Location: NJ | . . . or an Adamas (even used). |
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Location: Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey | The Celebrity is a perfectly good guitar but, as the others have stated, there is no comparison to a USA made model. All USA Ovations have solid tops (in different grades of wood), while the Korean made Celebrity has a laminated top which, while durable, has a much lesser quality of sound. If money is an issue, I would recommend getting an entry level Standard Baladeer which is only about $200.00 more than a Celebrity. Of course, if you can swing the Elite, go for it. Wecome to the board and good luck! Let us know what you get.
John |
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Posts: 863
Location: Central Florida | Welcome to the board!
For what it's worth, I've owned a couple of Celebritys, but I've owned a bunch more US made Ovations. In terms of durability, I think the Celebs are pretty solidly built. But, when it comes to sound quality, IMHO, they just don't stack up against their US made counterparts.
Both of the Celebs I owned had laminated tops. I don't know if there is a solid top guitar in the Celebrity line. If so, you might want to look into that. But, I can tell you now you're gonna be hard pressed to find any guitar that sounds as good as your '69 Deluxe Balladeer. I agree with MWoody, if you're looking for new, you might want to look into the LX series.
Jeff |
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Location: Carle Place, NY | Welcome to the Club!
My advice is very simple. Check out eBay and buy a USA made model. For less than the price of a new Celeb, you can get an Elite or Legend which is head and shoulders above any Korean Ovation. Right now there are two nice 1768 Elites, with deep bowls, cutaways and equilizers that will probably sell for $400-$450. Ovations are so durable that even a 15 year old model will look and play like new. I agree with the above replys that the LX models are great, but you can get an older elite on eBay for half of what a new LX will cost. That kind of value for the money cannot be beat. |
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Location: SoCal | Go with a USA built Ovation over the Korean ones. If you're looking for a bargin, take a look at this
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3715039376&category=47064
It could go for as little $500 which would be an incredible bargin, considering materials, tone, quality, etc.
I've got both a 1537 Elite and a 1968 Deluxe Balladeer. Different guitars, different sounds, and I wouldn't part with either. |
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Location: NJ | Wow, Moody!
That certainly IS a bar-GAIN!!
I guess spelling doesn't factor into "admirable qualities" ;) |
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Location: SoCal | Clifford, Clifford, Clifford:
When I was in high school in Houston, getting to a good thing was known as a barg in. I just left out the space. I'm an excellent speler.
Did that sound desparate or what? |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | So dmkozak, what kind of Celibicy are you going to get?
Welcome to the board. |
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Location: Phoenix, AZ | Originally posted by cwk2:
[QB]So dmkozak, what kind of Celibicy are you going to get? [QB]
Probably whatever kind my wife tells me I'm going to get! |
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Location: SoCal | Spoken like a true OFC'er! |
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Location: Minden, Nebraska | Welcome to the board. As you can tell, there is a lot of help here. Some of it is even helpful. :D |
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Posts: 648
Location: Florida | What it basically boils down to is how much money do you want to spend.
Are the Special/Standard Elites (and Balladeers) upscale to the Celebrity's? Yes. Are the Legends upscale to the Balladeers? Yes. Are the Custom Legends and Adamas upscale... you get the idea. There's always a better model. Look around a bit, take your time. REPEAT - Take your time! Ease into the decision and decide where you want to be in terms of instrument vs price.
Having said all that - It would do the stores much better to properly set up the guitars they are trying to sell. When I was looking... there were playable Celebrities, and unplayable ones. The one Balladeer and Custom Legend I saw were only so-so. That really sux.
Also... places like Guitar (ripoff) Center seperate the case from the instrument, so you may not get the included items like wrench, book, etc etc, even if you buy the case. |
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Location: Las Cruces, NM | dmkozac
Darn good question, and some darn good answers. I would try to add to the great information you have gotten up to now but my first inclination is to say: RUN LIKE HELL, you are on the verge of catching incurable Guitar Aquisition Syndrome (GAS), a disease that usually leads to a financial demise on the road to hell, paved all the way with Ovationists good intentions, advice and opinions. Again, RUN LIKE HELL.
Bailey :D |
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Location: Upper Left USA | The problem with this board is that there are so many that seem to ba able to pull it off and (supposedly) still have happy marriages and reletively respectable lives! Don't run - cross over to the dark side!
Go out right now and pick a wall in your house that you can call your own - besides the garage!
Every 26 1/2" place a guitar hanger.
Build it and they will come...
Set it across from the Beanie-Baby Collection if you must :D |
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Posts: 1225
Location: Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey | You're right Woody! You can have a respectable life and a happy marriage for a while. That's because you must not have reached the advanced stages of "Guitar Addiction".
I've seen some sad, heartbreaking cases. Here are sone of the classic symptoms of AGA. (Advanced Guitar Addiction).
1.) You carry a picture of any of your guitars in your wallet.
2.) You have a humidity gauge with an alarm by your bed, so that if the humidity level in your house strays from proper levels, you can get up and turn on the humidifier / de-humidifier.
3.) Your guitar's maintenance records are in better order than your own medical records.
4.)You're guitars have names.
5.)You have considered cutting back on food to save money for a new guitar.
6.) You know every single person in your local music store by name.
7.) When you go into a music store and the salesperson offers you "the usual".
8.) You have considered naming your child "Custom Legend".
9.) You actually think that "thou shalt play guitar" is one of the ten commandments.
10.) You would rather play guitar than discuss your "feelings" with your wife / husband. Now that one is really a joke!
:D |
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Location: Atlanta, GA | As the proud owner of a new Celebrity CC057 here is my take on this thread. I had a 21 + year old Epiphone acoustic that was a bear to play. I decided to start playing again after 20 lost years and have always wanted an Ovation as my acoustic guitar. Since I am essentially just a beginner, and had limited funds to spend, I elected to buy the Celebrity CC057. An Ovation Celebrity is better than no Ovation at all.
Of course my goal over the next year or so is to improve my playing and graduate up to the next level of Ovation guitar. |
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Location: Upper Left USA | John B,
1.) You carry a picture of any of your guitars in your wallet.
Does my desktop picture count?
2.) You have a humidity gauge with an alarm by your bed, so that if the humidity level in your house strays from proper levels, you can get up and turn on the humidifier / de-humidifier.
I live in western WA - humidity is constant!
3.) Your guitar's maintenance records are in better order than your own medical records.
Maybe!
4.)You're guitars have names.
No names. Just excamations!
5.)You have considered cutting back on food to save money for a new guitar.
Only eating in restaurants.
7.) When you go into a music store and the salesperson offers you "the usual".
No. They do give me the "You again" look though!
9.) You actually think that "thou shalt play guitar" is one of the ten commandments.
No but I have memorized "Make a joyous noise" and "Let everything that has breath priase the Lord".
10.) You would rather play guitar than discuss your "feelings" with your wife.
This is a trick question, right? |
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Posts: 181
Location: North Carolina | I have a Celebrity CC026 and an O CE778. I think the fit and finish on my Celebrity is better than I expected. It has a strong bass with the deep bowl. The biggest difference between it and the Custom Elite is the depth and richness of the sound from the Elite. Hard to explain but world's apart in quality. The Elite also has a more solid feel overall and a better feel to the neck. I would unabashedly recommend any USA model with a solid-top over a Korean model.
Franklin |
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Location: SoCal | Anal???? |
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Location: NJ | Is that a comment or an offer? |
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Location: SoCal | Comment. Definitely a comment. Without a doubt, a comment. Never meant as anything but a comment. Wouldn't think of making it as anything but a comment.
Why? How did you take it? |
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Location: NJ | Didn't.
Just seeking clarification. |
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Location: NJ | I can probably sell you a demo USA model for the price of an import.
check my site then e me if interested |
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Posts: 181
Location: North Carolina | Anal????
:confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused:
Franklin |
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Location: Las Cruces, NM | ALL OF YOU
RUN LIKE HELL, DON'T LOOK BACK, YOU ARE IN DANGER OF BECOMING A PILLAR OF SALT!!!
On the other hand, I could use some free salt. |
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Location: Canton (Detroit), MI | I didn't know that GAS resulted in salt....have to write my college chemistry professor and let him know that.... :D
Going back to the ORIGINAL question (sorry, haven't been on for a few days)....having been a CC01 Celebrity owner....I think that within 5 to 10 MINUTES after playing any U.S.-made Ovation, you will be sorry you bought a Celebrity!!!
Celebrities do sound OK for the money, but the U.S.-made Os are much better. If you can keep GAS from taking over, wait, save the money and get a Balladeer or Standard Elite.
Roger
1976 Applause AA14-4 6-String
1978 Ovation 1617-4 Legend 6-string
1981 Ovation 1118-1 Glen Campbell 12-string
2001 Adamas 1598-MERB Melissa Etheridge 12-String
2003 Ovation 1777-NAT Legend 6-string |
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Posts: 13986
Location: Upper Left USA | In South Africa by the Train tracks a sign reads "One train may hide another".
It is a warning that when you are focused on the one train that has passed there is the danger of another right behind it. Terrible if you are crossing with goats or cattle.
I have heard it said that "one Sister may hide another". Ever date a girl only to find out her sister would have been a better choice?
I will offer that "one guitar may hide another". ;) |
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Posts: 234
Location: Phoenix, AZ | Originally posted by alpep:
I can probably sell you a demo USA model for the price of an import.
check my site then e me if interested
I'm gonna take my time to see what's out there. But, rest assured, before I do anything, you'll be the guy I contact. Too bad you already have one A series Deluxe Balladeer. I can't imagine anyone in your position would want two in their inventory. |
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Location: Las Cruces, NM | MWoody
"One guitar may hide another"??
That seems like a one line haiku, VERRY GOOD!! |
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Location: San Bernardino, California | http://www.toyomasu.com/haiku/ |
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Posts: 234
Location: Phoenix, AZ | Originally posted by Bailey:
MWoody
"One guitar may hide another"??
That seems like a one line haiku, VERRY GOOD!!
As a haiku, it might be pretty good. However, I'm not sure how it helps here. I'm looking at two guitars. If I was only looking at one, then I could understand how that one might hide another. If I was only looking at the Celebrity, I could see how it might hide the Elite. Or, vice versa. But, both of the guitars are clearly visible. Unless, I should be looking at a third guitar? |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | Well the third would be a round hole and then you'll have the Celabicy/USA debate again which brings in the fourth guitar. There is just no stopping GAS.
I'd lean toward the USA Elite. |
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Posts: 13986
Location: Upper Left USA | As my Mentor has spoken, it should be done.
I would purchase an Elite LX in your color of choice, via Al, aka the flapjack jackalope. Ask him for the same price I paid.
I have tried various technique, styles and volumes plugged and alone - I really dig my Elite! I can only say get your hands on one and try it yourself.
And it isn't my last... |
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Location: Las Cruces, NM | a wet Easter night
posts gently chide the amateur
yet one hides another |
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Location: Canton (Detroit), MI | dm, haiku and all this imagery aside, I believe Mike's point is to not be so focused on the immediately attainable guitar (the Celebrity) as to ignore an option (the Elite) that might actually be better for you.
I'll skip the haiku....
"Did you ever have to make up your mind?
Pick up on one and leave the other behind
It's not often easy and not often kind
Did you ever have to make up your mind?"
"Did you ever have to finally decide?
Say yes to one and let the other one ride
There's so many changes and tears you must hide
Did you ever have to finally decide?" :)
(Thanks, John Sebastian, you said it better than I could)
Roger
1976 Applause AA14-4 6-String
1978 Ovation 1617-4 Legend 6-string
1981 Ovation 1118-1 Glen Campbell 12-string
2001 Adamas 1598-MERB Melissa Etheridge 12-String
2003 Ovation 1777-NAT Legend 6-string |
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Posts: 3005
Location: Las Cruces, NM | The inscrutable east (CWK2)
Meets the indecisive west dweller (MWoody)
and all are more wise |
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Location: Upper Left USA | Bill,
I don't have trouble making decisions - just paying for them!
Let's see, didn't buy tires and rolled my 68 Mustang fastback, bought that 81 K-Car (wagon), first marriage, rebuild my own 289 for the 56 Ford P/U,the 80's...
...all the money spent on therapy only to be reminded on a BBS! :(
Buy an elite LX - better than therapy and cheaper than a massuese! |
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Posts: 1380
Location: Central Oregon | Hey Mike-
-People that waste money on therapy should have their heads examined!-
If Yogi didn't say it he should have! :)
Buy the Elite, any Elite. If you can't afford a new one, buy an old one. It will save you the time & expense of buying, selling & replacing a Celebrity.
/\/\/ |
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Location: RI. That small State out East | I think I did mention my one and only visit to Al's castle...
Before I leave, I ask... Anything in a "Mid bowel, cut away, XLR hook up, cheep?
He does this "Mr. Miyage"... "Danyalson, I have something for you"...
It went to Japan... Picked up a blem on the face and was sent back to the Mother Ship... "New" W597T Adamas, CA, Optima system, XLR hook up...
The "one hiding behind the other one"...
Al delivered it to the tour stop. Several got to break her in.
New strings and a set up and she is one sweet guitar. I like this textured top. USA didn't get this top as an option.
Oh, call Al. I think he still had another.
One of, if not my best "O" purchase.
Woz |
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Worth it to buy Elite over a Celebrity?