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Joined:
October 2002
Posts: 56
| When I registered on this site (this morning) I was sure that I wanted a shallow-body. I read lots of articles in the forum archive, and now I am not so sure. Here are a few questions: [Please realize that I am not looking for the finest quality, best sounding, professional guitar on Earth. I am looking for something that sounds decent and is easy to play - just for personal enjoyment an a few tunes for my wife and kids.]
1) Everyone says that the shallow-body does not sound great unplugged. Can someone try to quantify? What sounds different? I been playing the same noname junk guitar for over 15+ years. Would it take a "real" musician to hear the difference between shallow and mid, or it there something really strange about the sound of the shallow?
2) I am looking for nice low action. Does the body size have any impact on this?
3) Are the shallow-bodies more prone to neck problems? (One of the posts in the forum archive mentioned this.)
4) The mid-body is 5 1/2" and the deep is 6". This does not seem like enough of a difference to warrant making a whole different series of guitars. What am I missing? (PS. Shallow body is 4")
5) Should I be concerned about buying a NEW guitar without being able to play it first (catalog/online)? How about a USED one?
6) Is the quality much lower on the Celebrity line (Korean made)?
Sorry for all the questions. This is a great forum. Thanks for all your help.
Alina |
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Joined:
May 2002
Posts: 1026
Location: Back in the Valley of the Sun Mesa Az. | The resonance is not as great with a shallow vs. mid. If you are used to a lower end guitar, either will sound great. I personally like the deep bowls, with medium strings for a full, rich tone.
The Korean made CS257's (Celebrity) play very nice, and have a low action like an electric solid body. I would be concerned about the quality of an Applause, just from what I've heard (never played one). If I were you, I would look for a USA made Ovation, or if I was going to go with a Celebrity, I would pick the CS257. This is just personal preference though.
Whatever you decide, I would play a few different style Ovations for sure, and definitely play the one you buy before buying! I have went against my own advice buying one on e-bay, and am very happy with it, but I sweated bullets until I actually played it!
Ovation is a quality product. If your considering buying used to keep within your budget(as I did) I would look for a USA made "O" for sure.
Good Luck!
Norse(I'm sure you'll be happy with an Ovation, whichever model you choose)man1
[ October 07, 2002: Message edited by: Norseman1 ]
[ October 07, 2002: Message edited by: Norseman1 ] |
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Posts: 5750
Location: Scotland | The supershallows are intended as electro-acoustics. If you play mainly plugged-in at high volume buy a super-shallow, but don't expect the same acoustic performance as a mid or deep-bowl. |
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Location: NJ | mid is best for un plugged sound.
if you have a good relationship with a vendor there is no reason not to buy mailorder etc. |
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July 2002
Posts: 150
Location: Minneapolis, MN | Alina,
This site really is a good source for information for all things Ovation- I've learned quite a bit from the folks that hang around here.
I have a shallow bowl CS-257 and a deep bowl Balladeer(an old one)... for unplugged sound, I prefer the Balladeer. From what I understand, Ovation doesn't make deep bowls anymore, just mid-depth (correct me if I'm wrong here fellow Ovationists). So you'd have to go used if you're in the market for a deep bowl- used USA made deep bowls on ebay, for example, are usually cheaper than any of the new korean/japanese made Ovations.
As for my CS257 Celebrity (which I haven't managed to part with yet ;) ) is more comfortable playing, and when it's plugged in it's terrific... I just happen to do most of my playing unplugged. Just my humble opinion, hope it helps!
**Just realized you wanted to know about MID vs Shallow :D Chalk this one up as one for the archives LOL**
[ October 07, 2002: Message edited by: Rich ] |
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August 2002
Posts: 110
| I own a shallow bowl cs257. It sounds great and is very easy to play. Although deeper bowls would sound fuller, a shallow bowl wouldn't disapoint you. My advice is: buy whatever you like, BUT make sure it's an Ovation~! |
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March 2002
Posts: 389
Location: RI. That small State out East | It's always nice to play something first. That said... ebay has had some real nice guitars that make you go against your better judgement. A "nice" used Ledgend or above can be found on ebay for $400 to $500. Add $100.00 for your local guitar repair shop who will adjust the action, clean it, and put a new set of strings on it. Don't forget to add the anxiety, the waiting, and worry...
I'm a mid & deep body fan. The Ovation feel is the best. You can't go wrong.
Woz |
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August 2002
Posts: 41
Location: Boston MA | You should try to play them find what you like then look on ebay mid vs s/s the mid to deep bowls have a full sound, but you have to get use to the bowl s/s are closer to your body, try both, I have a mid Elite and the sound is nice and deep unplugged. Think that what ever you get should be an Ovation!!
Brian |
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Mid vs. Shallow