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October 2002
Posts: 17
Location: Colorado | My trusty steed is a 1977, 1617-2.
But is it a Legend or is a Deluxe Balladeer?
The Model Code indicates it could be either, but the price list indicates Legend.
Does any one know the difference in that year model?
Distinguishing marks include a silver label, gold plated hardware and diamond fret board inlays.
Any comments appreciated.
Thanks
Bryan
pse CC replies:
bryan@ampex.com |
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March 2002
Posts: 15664
Location: SoCal | Legend. The deluxe balladeer model number is 1612. Also, while they have the same fingerboard inlays, the legend has a bound neck. The balladeer doesn't. |
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Posts: 5750
Location: Scotland | This can get a little confusing. Prior to the introduction of the 1117 Legend, there was a model 1117 Deluxe Baladeer. Very similar to the current legend except chrome machines & a slightly simpler inlay pattern on the bound fingerboard. This evolved into the Legend in the early seventies, and was basically a deepbowl version of the GC model. The Custom Balladeer 1112/1612 was then intoduced to sit between the standard Balladeer & the Legend. The
only real difference between the Balladeer & Custom Balladeer were the inlays & the fact it was available as an electro. Custom Baladeers sometimes get called Deluxe Baladdeers, but strictly speaking they're not.
Paul |
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September 2002
Posts: 12
Location: Bloomfield Ct | Its a legend.
Paul is close to correct. the other difference between the 1111/Balladeer and 1112/ custom Balladeer is the machine heads. The 1111 had the black nylon body tuners w/ chrome keys. The 1112 had the all chrome |
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Posts: 17
Location: Colorado | All,
This is great. Thanks for all the good and timely info.
I recently started playing again last year after a rather on-and-off 20 years stint. I thought I wanted a new guitar and began the search to find out what this buggar was worth.
To my amazement, I found myself playing guitars in the $1.5K to $5.5K range which fretted as well as this ol' trusty ax (refereing to the Ovation 1617). While some of those Gibsons, Taylors, and the like (Martins), in Solid Spruce and Rosewood back & sides might have sounded slightly better unplugged, they really didnt convence me to part with my Ovation in trade.
After 23 years my 1617 is straight and true and a pretty as the day I brought it home. No matter what model name is, I think I'll keep it. |
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October 2002
Posts: 17
Location: Colorado | I notice that the most recent Legend models have solid sitka spruce tops.
Does anyone know what the 1977 1617-2 sn 101366 might have been.
I always thought it was a laminate top. |
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Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | It should be a two-piece (book matched) spruce top as well. |
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October 2002
Posts: 17
Location: Colorado | Yes, but is the top -=solid=- spruce or is it
a thin sliver of pretty spruce glued to a (and I use the term loosely here) hunk of plywood.
There is a major difference both in sound quality and cost. |
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March 2002
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Location: NJ | solid. |
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February 2002
Posts: 5750
Location: Scotland | All USA Ovations, with the exception of the Matrix/Medallion/Applause, some recent collectors editions and the Adamas (obviously) have solid tops.
Paul |
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Location: Tennessee | Anybody know if the 2000 Collectors (Lacewood top) is solid? |
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Posts: 15664
Location: SoCal | Yes it's solid. All Collectors guitars have solid tops. |
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Location: NJ | the 2001 with the solid redwood top is absolutely fantastic check my website I have a couple still in stock |
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March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | He's right.
I've seen 'em and played 'em.
They look GORGEOUS, and they
sound even better!!
If one of 'em was a 12-string,
I'd be OWNING one right now!!! |
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October 2002
Posts: 17
Location: Colorado | Redwood? My deck is made of redwood. Thats where the grill sits. NEver seen a guitar made of redwood.
Send me a sample. :)
I'll be a beta site. |
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Which? Legend or Deluxe Balladeer?