|
|
Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | I was snooping around on "Guitar Talk" (Acoustic Guitar's Discussion Board) today and for curiosity did a search on "Ovation".
Read through some of the usual "bashing" and jokes and such (Most original: "Thousands of years from now, future archeologists will find a roundback and determine it as some "ancient ceremonial bedpan").
I also found a few positive things posted:
"..Being an Ovation player for over 30 years I have heard all the snipeing and jokes. it is amusing to me that an instrument can be such a target for derision.
The one element of Ovation guitars that probably prompts these responces is that the composite roundback is such an efficient reflector that the player actually gets very little from the guitar, while the person at the other side of the campfire is getting roared at. I have seen this time and time again...."
"...The basic tone of an Ovation has a much heavier mid range than other designs. that was intentional. they were always intended to be performance instruments. Any sound tech will tell you that it is much better to remove frequencies with EQ than it is trying to boost them in an instrument that is not producing them naturally. Ovations have a very "present" sound. Not an "ambient" sound...."
"...We past and present Ovation folks always boost our bruised egos by reminding each other how much of the most enduring folk, pop, jazz, blues, rock, and country music was recorded and performed on Ovation guitars. That usually does it for us...."
"...A local chain of coffee shops sponsored concerts on week-ends that usually featured acoustic guitars and singer/songwriters.
They recently had to cancel the concerts when "gentlemen" claiming to represent ASCAP/BMI type royalty collection agencies began applying "persuasion" that would have made Jimmy Hoffa blush.
Many of the performers played expensive acoustics, including Martin D-45's and top of the line Gibsons. But, all of the guitars were run through amps and PA's.
One of the performers used a "middle" level Ovation through a PA, and his guitar sound was as good as most of the mega-buck guitars when they were also run through a PA.
He told me that his Ovation is about twenty years old, had been to more than fifty countries, including the jungles of southeast Asia. It still looked good and sounded good...."
"...The ability to take the abuse of the road, and the ability to sound good when played through a PA explains why many people who earn a living with their guitar prefer Ovations...."
"...The only road-ready/PA-ready guitar brand that seems to outsell Ovation these days is Takamine, which is also a Kamen label. Kamen seems more in touch with what touring musicians need than most other guitar companies...."
"...P.S. Ovation is known for it's originality, creativity and innovation in guitar and electronic design. I'm very surprised to see this discussion going the other direction. The resulting look, feel and sound of their design creativity is often much maligned on this forum, but NEVER their uniqueness...."
"...I have a model 1868, and I quite like the sound unplugged. In fact, I bought it because I liked the sound unplugged.
Teja Gerken once reviewed an Adamas, and the review would apply to my guitar as well.
He said the guitar was loud, had a brass like sound, a compressed sound that cuts well.
This suits me fine. I find the guitar has good note separation and very focused bases, which makes it excellent for finger picking. As Teja said, it is a unique sound...."
"...I have some very good guitars, including a fantastic turn-of-the-century 0-21 Martin, yet I still like the Ovation.
I know people who go "Argh" when they find out that I own an Ovation. Most of them have never heard one. It is prejudice...." |
|
| |
|
Joined:
August 2002
Posts: 33
Location: Farmington, MO. 63640 | That was nice of this guy to stand up for Ovation guitars. My finding is that the players that don't like the guitar are the ones that have bellys that are shaped similar to the back. I'm not picking on dudes with bellys, just what I've been told. The sound and playability of a guitar is whats important to me. I like the feel of the Legend neck and the sound of the Adamas and if Ovation were to combine the two I'ld surely purchase one.
Jim Goodson (JAYROC) |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15677
Location: SoCal | Jim:
What you want is a mid 80's Adamas II. It's got the Legend neck and the Adamas top.
And watch it about the belly. I'm starting to get sensitive about that. And I have no problems with a deep bowl standing up. Deep bowl, deep belly. A match made in heaven. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
August 2002
Posts: 33
Location: Farmington, MO. 63640 | I've never played a mid 80s Adamas II Moodypi, thanks for the info. I've got a 1581-7 Adamas II from 1990, and 1597 Adamas from 1998. Both play and sound great but the feel of either of my 1617 Legends are preferred.
Jim Goodson (JAYROC) |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15677
Location: SoCal | Somewhere about 87 or 88, Ovation started changning the finish on their necks, going away from the gloss finish, which is my personal preference. I've got an 88 Classical and the finish seems to be somewhere between a gloss and satin finish.
Find a 83 or 84 Adamas 2 and you'll love the neck. It's the same as your Legend. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2002
Posts: 613
Location: Zion, Illinois | I've got a 1983 Adamas II, you're right about the neck.
I've got a Elite 1537 for '83 - good year for Ovation I guess. Love it too.
I got one of the OLB's (Ovation Looking Bellies) I try NOT to where black tee-shirts. I'm working on getting a shallow bowl instead of this jumbo deep bowl. Pass the salad please...
Bradley |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | Hey,
Halloween's comin' up!
Maybe we should have an Ovation "Bowl Belly" Photo Contest!
"...Dress up like the backside of your favorite Ovation!..." |
|
| |
|
Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 123
Location: Pensacola,FL | Sorry Cliff, it wouldn't be fair - at 385#
I'd win hands down ! :D |
|
| |
positive words