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Location: SoCal | One of the new Elite's, the 1778T, that Al and Miles saw at the NAMM show is on ebay at
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=897565541
It looks to me like it was one block away from the World Trade Centers on 9/11 and got covered in soot. |
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Location: NJ | Paul
in person it looks better...give it a chance... |
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Location: Dallas | Don't know if it's me or what, but I'd give it a chance. Maybe it does look better up and close. But from where I'm sitting, I get a visual of George Jetson, dress'd up like Dash RipRock/IE: El Ves . Sorry fellas, but it is uglier than something I ate at Taco Smell 2 days ago. Y Chihuahua Dios me - Ooh. Needs something , what is it? :eek: |
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Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | I agree, it does look a lot better in person, but also keep in mind, it's supposed to be an inexpensive, made in USA, guitar. It's not a "cheap Adamas or Elite". I compare it more to the "idea" of the early Matrix/Medallion guitars, however this is nicer. Sure it's finished in bowl paint, but if you want a real finish, fork over another 1K and buy an Elite. I will try to post some better pictures later also. |
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Location: Las Cruces, NM | OK, it is plain, some dots on the finger board might liven it up a little without increasing the cost. Looking closely at the pictures, the overall quality appears good, the price is going to be hard to beat if the sound is there. An American made name guitar with ebony bridge and finger board and what we all agree is the best acoustic amplification design, for a "street" price in the $700 range new. The plain appearance might be better than cheap trim over the long run. If it is reviewed with the sort of reactions that you loyal Ovationists have printed here, it may be dead. Some of you might have the pleasure of seeing your opinions quoted in a national magazine as the board is more or less public.
Headline OVATION CLUB MEMBERS DESCRIBE NEW ELITE AS (put your words here)
Let's all try to see one up close in person, play it, and if it is good or bad we can be honest. Maybe the company would listen to honest criticism and make small changes, but if you want the collectors issues for this price, forget it.
Let's be fair, and let those who already don't like Ovation's do the unfair criticism, then we will flame them 400 strong for being stuck on appearance only, and we will judge them by how THEY look.
If it sounds good, has quality work and materials, and plays easy, OK.
Now, back to our usual degenerate pleasures.
Bailey |
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Location: Minneapolis, MN | I took a gander at a couple of these new elites on ebay and also saw the picture of Al holding one at the namm show and I must confess, I like the "everything you need, nothing you don't" approach. The beauty of these guitars from what I've seen, (have yet to see one up close) is the simplicity. IMHO, the lack of fretboard markers (dots, diamonds etc) gives it a clean look. As for the bowl paint on the top side, gives kind of an industrial look. I just hope they sound as good as the more traditional O's...
[ August 04, 2002: Message edited by: Rich ] |
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Location: Pennsylvania | Well, folks, I think she's a beaut! And I'll let you all know what it sounds like soon--I just bought it! :) |
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Location: Central Florida | Hmmm... "Ovationists"... I like that word!!!
I don't recall ever hearing that word or seeing it used here on this message board before. Bailey, you may have just coined the official term to be used from this point forward to refer to us all - "Ovationists" - I like it!
As far as the new Elite, since I can only judge it by pictures at this point, I'll just say it doesn't look like my cup of tea, but if it generates renewed interest within the guitar buying public in US made O's again then I'm all for it!
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Location: SoCal | I'm more than happy to wait until I see and play one of the new elites to render a full opinion of it. It's looks just aren't my cup of tea. I'm fully prepared to embrace it as a winner. It just wasn't directed at me. |
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Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | From what little I could tell at NAMM... and I really hate to make such an obvious statement as I am about too... It sounds like an Ovation. With all the noise going on, it seemed clear. I noodled on it a little and also listened to Al noodle at it. It doesn't sound like an Adamas or Elite but it is unmistakeably an Ovation, I think if heard in a quiet room, probably has it's own sound, but with all the elements of an Ovation mainly a smooth curve across the whole guitars frequency spectrum. It's got the same pre-amp as used in most of the other guitars, so that's not going to sound much different.
I think it's the perfect gigging guitar for Rock and Country artists, or anyone else who tends to be in more abusive situations. Something simple, and reliable, made in the USA, with a finish that is pretty indestructable. If you are looking for a beautiful piece of lumber-turned-guitar, this is not the instrument you are shopping for... go buy an Elite or Adamas. If you need something affordable and simple, and made in the USA, buy an Elite T.
I really like the simplisity of this guitar. Fret markers would be nice, but that's at least two more steps in the production process that would end up costing money, being a possible point of failure, and cause more chance for an oops... all of which.. driving up the cost. Same for epulets. Again, if you want fret markers, epulates, binding, trim, and you want it made in the USA... BUT AN ELITE. If you want an inexpensive well made fancier guitar, but do not care if it is made in USA, BUY A CELEBRITY. If you want a top fo the line...yadda yadda, BUY AN ADAMAS or at least an Elite.
I guess my point is that now Ovation has something for everyone. Ok well almost everyone, but I don't see a solidbody happening any time soon. |
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Location: SoCal | Interesting comments Miles.
I remember in an interview, 6-7 years ago, that Al conducted with Seedoubleyoukaytwo, where he made the comment that the original Ovation was an everyman's gigging guitar (my phrase, not his), and that it could be taken to very different enviroments and it would always perform well.
I guess that is what this Elite T (what does the T stand for?) is. A USA built utility guitar that's got the Ovation sound. |
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Location: Scotland | T = "Textured" as in textured finish, maybe? I hated the bowl paint finish on the Breadwinners when I first saw it in the 70's and always wanted a Deacon instead, but with 20-odd years of getting used to it I think it's pretty cool now.
Paul |
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Location: Las Cruces, NM | My grandson, who is 21 and in the army at Ft. Bragg, bought what I think he calls a gothic copy of a Gibson explorer, all black I think. He might like this Elite. Younger people are not into wood finishes like some of us.
Bailey
[ August 04, 2002: Message edited by: Bailey ] |
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Location: Minneapolis, MN | Yeah Bailey, that seems to be a trend in the last couple of years... not only is his 'goth' explorer black, but flat black- like primer. The same thing is happening in motorcycles... various makers releasing some new bikes in what essentially looks unfinished (see Ducati and Yamaha among them). |
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Location: Pennsylvania | Hi. I'm the one who bought the new Elite. I had a Elite Special shallow and this beat it in most areas.
•First off it was mid depth, and I wanted a better acoustic sound than my shallow Elite.
•Also, the wood's better--AA grade rather than A.
•There's an Ebony bridge and fretboard instead of Rosewood.
•The tuners (I think) are better quality (they're the engraved tuners).
(I prefer this look, so that suits me too.)
So the guitar (if you like the looks, which most dont) beats out the Elite Special as far as specs go.
There are some questions unanswered though.
I'm not sure what the nut and saddle are made of.
Plastic or Graphite or what?
Also, there's no mahogany neck. It's still 2 peice, but it's maple. What's the story on that?
[ August 05, 2002: Message edited by: snowlock ] |
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Location: SoCal | I suspect that if you like the looks of the new Elite T, you'll love the guitar. If it's got the classic Elite sound and feel, then the price is definitely going to be right and the guitar will sell.
I just can't get past the looks. Gotta see one in person. Oddly tho', I love the looks of the all black Les Paul Gothic. And this from a poor middle age man. |
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Location: Scotland | Snowlock, most Ovation nuts & acoustic saddles used a synthetic called, I think, Delrin, which does a good job. I've seen lots of older Ovations with the original nuts holding up well. I would guess the Elite-T uses Delrin or similar with a black pigment rather than graphite as you suggested. Non-figured maple lumber is generally cheaper than mahogany so I would guess the maple neck is to keep costs down, there's nothing wrong with using maple necks on acoustics, Gibson, Guild & others did it for years. Plus there's the advantage that maple necks will take a whack on the headstock much better than mahogany, especially the cheaper Asian varieties of mahogany such as Nato & the like
Paul
[ August 05, 2002: Message edited by: Paul Templeman ] |
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Location: Las Cruces, NM | moodypi
I might like the gothic too, I'll let you know when I see my grandson's.
I have a question for Al. Was there any indications of any color other than gray in the works, or is that practical? Blue with a bluebird decal, for instance?
Snowlock, This guitar definitely has character, if it plays good it will have beauty in your eyes. Remember, the player isn't looking at it, just hearing and feeling and living with it, and if it plays good music those that hear it will want one.
Bailey
[ August 06, 2002: Message edited by: Bailey ]
[ August 06, 2002: Message edited by: Bailey ] |
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Location: NJ | Bailey they had both gray and black displayed. i think that was it for the choices. The gray is more silver gray than battleship gray. For our friends in the UK it will be offered in grey. |
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Location: NJ | So what your saying Al is that in the UK the only colour will be grey?
hmmm...that'll look pretty strange from the back of the theatre. |
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Location: NJ | I like your homour about the colour. I think I will take the lift to my flat for a spot of tea, light up a fag and see what's on the telly. |
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Location: NJ | Quite.
The only problem with too much tea is that eventually I'll be qeueing up to use the lavvie-loo. |
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Location: Scotland | We stopped calling the head the "Lavvie-loo" years ago. Bog, dumper, P*sser or sh*thouse are the preferred euphemisms for the sophisticated non-colonial.
Paul
[ August 06, 2002: Message edited by: Paul Templeman ] |
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Location: SoCal | I for one, prefer the traditional name "crapper", named for Thomas Crapper, who invented the flush toilet. I prefer to be proper whenever I can. Besides, it cracks the kids up!
Seriously, my curiousity level is starting to rise regarding the Elite T. I have gone from saying that it looks rather dusty, to looking forward to playing one.
And unless it goes into production, I guess I'll never see one of the new folklores. Has Ovation given any indication of where they are going to send them? |
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Location: NJ | Paul
the folklores will go to whatever dealer orders them.
as for Brits... Miles told me many people on the message board were pissed so I asked him what they were drinking.... |
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Location: Pennsylvania | So far, there's a white version of this too.
But where the black one is all black, this one is simply a white bowl instead of the black one. Everything else is still black.
The guy also says its mid-depth, but according to the model number and the pics, its not.
Here it is:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=897605596 |
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Location: NJ | snow;
I suspect that's actually the grey one, and the camera/computer has "washed" the image. |
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Location: Pennsylvania | I dunno. The pics are pretty clear.
Also search for an Elite T on Musiciansfriend.com
The white Elite Ts are on there.
[ August 06, 2002: Message edited by: snowlock ] |
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Location: Dallas | I don't know guys, but I STILL see George Jetson dress'd like Elvis with the RhineStoneCowboy look to give it the colors that it is missing.
I think I'll order a pizza now.... and put my sunglass's on :rolleyes: |
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Location: NJ | hmmm.....y'know, a lotta these questions could be easily answered if Ovation would just PUT THE GODDAM THING ON THEIR WEBPAGE!!!!!!!!!
Again, the old "Field of Dreams" school of guitar marketing! |
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Location: Dallas | Thank You Cliff d. - I couldn't have said it better. Just did not now if I could say it like that as Tactfully without Black Helicopters showing up at my underground bomb shelter.
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Gizz |
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Location: Pennsylvania | Damn straight, cliff! Ovation is 1 years behind on their webpage, closing in on 2 years behind!! Really sad.
It's crazy, but the official German Ovation page (ovation.de) is actually ahead of our version!
At least they have the new preamps up. On top of that, it's a better site. They have side views of all the bowl sizes and actually admit what each of them is good and bad for! (If you go to systransoft.com you can translate the text there.)
Anyway, Ovation needs to get on the ball!
[ August 06, 2002: Message edited by: snowlock ] |
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Location: NJ | I just want to point out that some of the information you get here is not the average info that is out of the street some of it is advanced notice Now that is not a defense for a way out of date website but as a one man operation I know how difficult it is to keep everything up. I really don't know the priority of the website with kmc |
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Location: SoCal | I hate to sound cynical, but I don't think they really have a priority regarding their website. I suspect that it is more of an after thought, something that they just figured they had better do. |
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Location: NJ | I've gone on about this before (more than ANYBODY wants to here again!), so I'll digress, but they really should give it a little more priority than they are. It doesn't take THAT much time, work or money to at least keep it current, and there are a lot smaller outfits that maintain and utilize theirs to more of it's potential. If you're gonna put out a new product, it should be at LEAST be mentioned on your page BEFORE someone starts selling them on eBay.
Sorry. I'll shut up now. |
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Location: Pennsylvania | Woah. I just got some new info off from Musicians friend about the Elite T.
They could be wrong, but here's what they say:
They're offering it in "Iron Pewter." Which seems to be either a dark white or a light grey.
They say the top is not grade AA Sitka Spruce, but a "Specially formulated carbon fiber top." Whatever that means...
However, they claim it to have a 2-peice mahogany neck, and from all the pics I've seen, it's definately maple.
This just keeps getting weirder and weirder...
Try this link to the Musicians Friend page:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/sid=020806142944216054193175636... |
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Location: Pennsylvania | As a follow up on the carbon fiber top, check out the close up on the sound holes at this link:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=897565541&ed=102...
You can see ridges/texture underneath the paint that appears to have that carbon fiber ridges look. Maybe that's why the guys at NAMM thought the guitar didn't sound like an Elite. If it doesn't have the same soundboard, that seems to explain a lot.
[ August 06, 2002: Message edited by: snowlock ] |
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Location: NJ | snow
why do you think their initials are MF?
that is NOT a description of the guitar. |
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Location: Pennsylvania | :D
So what spec's do we believe?
Does it have a grade AA Sitka Spruce soundboard then?
Does it really have an ebony fretboard or *gasp* black painted rosewood?
Al, you've seen this in person, right? What do the specs look like to you?
[ August 06, 2002: Message edited by: snowlock ] |
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Location: NJ | You need not believe me I am only an idiot who saw the guitar in person and played it |
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Location: Scotland | Everything I've read about this guitar in the trade-press Namm reports said the top was spruce. The SMT was supposed to be a cost-effective carbon fibre guitar & they list at over 2K. I don't think it would be in the company's interest to produce a carbon-topped guitar at this price-point, even if they were able, which I doubt. I think the ridges are grain-lines in the spruce, visible because the finish is exceptionaly thin, which will also do a lot for the sound & go some way towards explaing why it doesn't sound like a "traditional" Elite. I wouldn't take a description in a Musisian's Friend Ad, or any big box-shifter for that matter, as gospel.
Paul
[ August 06, 2002: Message edited by: Paul Templeman ] |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | I think it was said that the powers that be read this site, is that right Al, Miles??
If that is the case could we PLEASE have someone from CT get on this site and answer the questions here. Haysoos Kristo! talk about having a direct line to your customer...
USE IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
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Location: NJ | cwk
I will repeat. The powers to be are well aware of this site and read it.
How they choose to participate or listen is totally up to them. Personally company involvment will only help to legitimize this site and keep the ovation Fans happy |
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Location: Pennsylvania | That would be extremely nice of them to answer some questions.
To the best of my knoledge, their current sales pamphlet/brochure dates back to November of '99, and their website, soon after.
I know I'm just reiterating the same old stuff, but if they really want to start selling their new models, it seems that they'd want to get advertising! Plus, inquiring minds really want to know what the company is truely offering, what its made of, and what it's really about!
Okay, so that was kind of a pointless post, I know. :p |
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Location: Las Cruces, NM | Let's all order one from M F's, and if it doesn't arrive with a mahogany neck and a carbon fiber top, we'll insist that they replace it with a guitar having those features. If it does have those features,I would be surprised but not unhappy. I was secretly hoping when I first heard about it, that it would have a carbon fiber top. But as Paul T says, they probably couldn't sell it for this price.
Here's to 400+ false advertising claims!
Bailey |
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Location: Scotland | I remember a UK dealer advertising an Eclipse as being made "entirely from spaceage Lyrachord" becuase it was finished in bowl-paint. MF are probably making similar assumptions.
Paul |
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| I think that the new Elite T sounds great. May be due to only one set sound ports. Perhaps the maple neck contributes. The thin bowl paint finish definitely has an impact. The nut appears to be a black version of the those used on the Standard Balladeers. Definitely a rocked out look, but also a form follows function guitar. I find it interesting that Ovation introduced a very traditional (for Ovation) guitar at the NAMM show - the Folklore Deluxe - at the same time that they introduced the Elite T. Maybe they're trying to show that both styles fit into their vision of what a US Ovation is. |
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Location: Pennsylvania | Bailey, the thought did cross my mind about those MFers false advertising! You just have to have enough guts to spend $800 in order to file some complaint--that's the tough part! But then again, if all went well, you'd end up with a killer Adamas guitar! Hmmm... I'd be really tempting if I had the money! |
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| OK.here's the scoop. I sent Miles the actual specs and you guys are right. The top is solid spruce. Don't know where MF got that "specially formulated carbon fiber top" from, but I'll call them today and get them straightened out.
I apologize for not participating in these discussions more often Lots going on here and we spend hours each day just responding to all the inquiries we get from customers through our web site.
But honestly, I get in to this site every day and read what you all have to say. IT DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!
So how many of you would make the trip out for a OFC event at the factory? Maybe sometime this spring? |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | Thank You Rick for responding. Don't be such a stranger. |
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Location: Pennsylvania | YAY RICK!!! That was awesome of you to come on and reply! Thanks so much!
As for the factory tour, I'm in! ;)
By the way, I'm out on vacation from tomorrow til Sunday (which is a bit of a shame, cause the guitar gets delivered tomorrow), but I'll get the Elite T on Sunday or Monday and give y'all the lowdown on how it plays, sounds, etc., and maybe post some better non-washed-out pictures! |
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Location: NJ | Snow;
Gee, it'd be a real SHAME for you to hold up your vacation departure just for a silly ol' delivery!!
If you want, you could have it delivered to ME here in nearby neighborly New Jersey so's that I can "keep an eye on it" for you 'till you get back. No PROBLEM!!
[ August 07, 2002: Message edited by: cliff d. ] |
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Location: Pennsylvania | Actually, I have a secretary at the office (where it's being shipped) that's going to sign for it so I dont have to hold up my vacation at all! Now isn't that convenient! ;)
Hey, I'm going to New Jersey on vacation though! To Long Beach Island...real nice place. Relaxing.
So do New Jerseyians ever come to PA for vacation? Probably not. What's up here to see? Mountains! Deer! |
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Location: Scotland | Hey Rick, thanks for the info and the invite. Part of my plan when I was over in NYC recently was to shoot on up to New Hartford & tour the Factory, but when I checked with Andy Schlosser it turned out you guys were on holiday too!!!! Terrible timing. Count me in, I'm planning a return trip, so that's a perfect excuse.
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Location: SoCal | You know, I could see starting to save some money now to make this trip to the factory in the fall. Anybody wanna share a hotel room? |
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Location: Central Florida | Hey Paul,
If this convention at the factory idea becomes a reality, count me in!
I actually visited the factory once back in 1971, but unfortunately never made it past the lobby. My family and I were taking a trip to Canada (I was only eleven at the time), and I'd talked my parents into "detouring" through New Hartford, CT so I could make pilgrimage. You can imagine my disapointment when we were told that we would not be able to tour the factory itself. We were told it was due to insurance restrictions (of course, that makes perfect sense to me now, but at that age it just seemed stupid!). Anyway, the lady at the receptionists desk took pity on me, and as a rather nice consolation prize, she loaded me down with all kinds of really cool promotional items - several of which I still have today! So what could have been a major bummer of a day actually turned out not to be half bad. Eventhough I never made it past the lobby, I still remember my trip to the factory with complete fondness. I don't recall that receptionists name, but whoever she was, she really saved the day, and an eleven year old boys dream.
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Location: Las Cruces, NM | Rick
Thanks for bringing some relevant information to our attention. Generally we fly on opinion or "seat of the pants" as you might have noticed if you visit the board. The Elite T has been either a vindication for some of us who want a reasonably priced American quality guitar or a disappointment to those that want a cheap collectors item. Personally, I love the concept, and I see it as revenge for the 70's and 80's when the Japanese flooded the American market with Yamahas, Alvarez Yaires, etc. which wreaked havoc on the American guitar manufacturers, but also showed they had become complacent. Now every country star plays the black Takamine while he sings about his love of the country.
This guitar has Character, let's see where it goes.
Bailey
[ August 09, 2002: Message edited by: Bailey ] |
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Location: Boston MA | Originally posted by Bailey:
Rick
Thanks for bringing some relevant information to our attention. Generally we fly on opinion or "seat of the pants" as you might have noticed if you visit the board. The Elite T has been either a vindication for some of us who want a reasonably priced American quality guitar or a disappointment to those that want a cheap collectors item. Personally, I love the concept, and I see it as revenge for the 70's and 80's when the Japanese flooded the American market with Yamahas, Alvarez Yaires, etc. which wreaked havoc on the American guitar manufacturers, but also showed they had become complacent. Now every country star plays the black Takamine while he sings about his love of the country.
This guitar has Character, let's see where it goes.
Bailey
[ August 09, 2002: Message edited by: Bailey ] |
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Location: Boston MA | Just ordered the new elite 1868t in the pewter have not played her yet but i think it looks great im new to the ovation famliy and fan club will let all know how she plays when i get here |
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Location: SoCal | Hi Brian. Welcome to the group. Where did you order the elite from (or, gramatically, From where did you order the Elite?) What are you playing now? I'll be very interested in your opinion of this guitar. |
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Location: Boston MA | moodypi,I got her on e-bay you can look at it by search #897605596 This is my first Ovation I play A Fender Strat USA all so Yamaha FG 412S there has been some debate on weather or not it is a mid-depth or not that is what the sale says.But some others have said it my be S/S will let all know when I get her,soon by weeks end. Brian
[ August 11, 2002: Message edited by: Brian ]
[ August 11, 2002: Message edited by: Brian ] |
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Location: Las Cruces, NM | Brian
It is definately mid depth and from reading other postings here, mid depth is only a half inch from the early legendary full depth acoustics, I mentioned my grandson's gothic explorer which is the modern trend, he is home on leave and I checked it, and it has a plain ebony fret board with no inlay or anything. Another indication that this Elite T is in step with the times.
I am anxious to hear how you like it, I'll gaurantee you that no other guitar brand would have the technical support you will have on this board.
Bailey |
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Location: Boston MA | Bailey first you are a funny guy I was laughing at all your posts on the trip to the factory!!! any way just sent the cash today should have her by monday. Lets see will check in later seeyou in the funny papers!! Brian |
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Posts: 162
Location: Pennsylvania | Hey guys! I just got back from vacation and the elite t was waiting. The first thing I did was tune it up. Even while tuning, I said "woahh." The notes were very thick with a very unique sound.
One thing I noticed while first inspecting it/playing it was that the bass slider on the preamp just bounced around disconnectedly in its slot. I mean, we knew they were building it to save money, but they could at least connect all the sliders! ;) It was easily fixable though, I just unscrewed the top of the preamp and saw that the slider just needed to be "plugged in" to its "port."
Anyway, I played it for the rest of the day (mostly acoustically, cause that's what I bought it for, unless I'm playing at a show), and here's what I can say. Because of only 11 soundholes or because of the thin paint, or whatever reason, it has a very rich and full sound. Tight and thick and not in the least tinny or ping-y. The action is very low, and the neck not as thin as I thought it'd be--basically the same as regular ovation necks, but just take the point of the V off. There doesn't seem to be a buzz except for when I bar something poorly. I wouldn't mind if the action was a fraction of a fraction higher.
The soundholes being only on the bass side seem to even out the sound rather than dampen it. The highs on Ovation guitars often ring out louder. It seems that this configuration does well at evening everything out. The sustain is very good, and the notes ring out perfectly.
My brother has played guitar for 7 or so years (and has never so much as seen an Ovation) listened to it and played it and said "that is the best sounding guitar I've ever heard!" Quite true for me--there is no way I could be more pleased with the sound!
Now for looks... The pics that we first saw (on ebay) dont capture what the guitar looks like, but most of us knew that the pics were washed out. The guitar is jet black and not a bit shiny anywhere. The ebony bridge and fretboard and all the other blacks match perfectly in blackness. Even the strap pegs and the jack are black. The only other color on the guitar is the silver Ovation symbol on the headstock and the light maple strip on the headstock. That strip of maple is a strange little touch, but cool nevertheless...
(At first, my brother loved the sound and didn't like the looks, but by the end of the day, he said it had grown on him a lot--so much that he wants one!)
Nothing on the guitar is shiny and nothing smudges! I can touch the guitar all I want, and it wont smudge. My brother plays a little rougher than I do and he scrapes the pick against the top occasionally as he plays. It had me a little worried, but the enamel paint showed no scratches. So without major abuse, the guitar will look just like new for quite a long time.
I'm not sure what the Ovation symbol on the headstock is (inlay or decal?), but it looks just like the gold on the regular elite, so I'm assuming its the same. The tuning pegs are the same as the regular elite, but hopefully the black wont wear off over time! The new preamp makes for a tight fit in its hardshell case, but not overly tight.
So I'm very pleased with the guitar's unique, full sound (and unshiny black looks).
I'll leave it at that for now, cause I've written probably much more than any of you cared to read!
Later, guys. |
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July 2002
Posts: 162
Location: Pennsylvania | Well there's my reaction post--long as hell. ;) I hope it didn't seem like I praised it too much, but I'm honestly thrilled with it!!!
I think I said most of what I wanted to say of it... I do want to note that there are dots on the side of the fretboard, though they're not on at the top. If I think of anything more, or if you have any questions, I'll post again. Just not so long as before. |
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Location: Las Cruces, NM | Snowlock
Not too long of a description in my book, I suspected that the clean unrestrained top would give a good deep tone. Of interest was your comment on smudging, my grandsons first comment on his gothic guitar was that every fingerprint on it was obvious until they polished it with something to keep it from smudging. Good review, keep us informed.
Bailey |
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Posts: 162
Location: Pennsylvania | The guitar has great mid to low tones (highs are nice too). I guess the textured enamel paint just doesnt smudge. Dust and the like will show up a bit, and ya might not want to wear a loose-knit wool sweater while playing, but the guitar retains its blackness pretty well. Even the black paint on the headstock (which doesn't seem to be enamel (at least not textured) doesn't smude. I would suppose its because its a no gloss paint. |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | As a small note, all the blind fingerboards have side markers. Except the nylon string guitars that are trying to be classical, they have none. The nylons that the rest of us like usually have side markers. |
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Location: NJ | i always use the sidemarkers and never care if there are any other markers |
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Location: Pennsylvania | Yeah, I'm a side marker guy, but dont use them too often anyway. As a small cosmetic note--under close inspection, a couple of the markers were inlayed a little roughly. Like they were launched in with a modified power nail gun. Not that I really care about such a minor detail, but heck, since we're on the topic, I might as well run my mouth. ;) |
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Location: Boston MA | snowlock just talked to the sales man and I to got the 1778T [in Pewter though] there was a error in the e-bay add. Should have her by the end of the week will look at the markers and give all what I think when I get to play. Brian |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | Actually the way the side markers are put in is that the holes are drilled and there's this piece of spaghetti plastic, black or white, and it's got glue put on it and in the hole it goes and chopped off with a rasor and on to the next hole.
Some of the Hamers actually had small pearl dots inlayed, much more work buit they look great. |
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Location: SoCal | I, for one, don't need fret markers. I can count all the way to the third fret in my head! |
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Location: Pennsylvania | Yeah, I used the term "inlay" loosely. I gues cause I didn't know what to call them, and they are _laying_ _in_ the wood.
That's interesting about how they really do it though. Just imagining the workers with their plastic spaghetti, putting one in the fretboard and munching on the remaining peice of noodle. ;)
The side markers actually dont look bad. You've got to look pretty close to see that a couple holes were drilled roughly. Really not even an issue. One thing that's perhaps an issue for me (though a small one) is that my hands sweat and cause the finish on the neck to become very slick. Okay, that's gross. Sorry I shared that, guys.
[ August 14, 2002: Message edited by: snowlock ] |
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Location: Minneapolis, MN | Same thing happens to me when I play my guitar too, Snowlock, so don't..... sweat it? :p |
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Location: Pennsylvania | So today is the day the eltie t comes, Brian? (It is technically, 8/22, though it's 12:25 in the morning.) I wish you well, and can wait to hear from you, though you'll probably be too busy playing to write right away.
I'm taking mine to an official dealer to have the bridge worked over, since the guys I ordered mine from didn't set it up. I hope yours doesn't need any adjustment, but even if it does, it's no issue.
Hope you like yours as much as I do mine! Really, just a perfect guitar for me. Sounds great, looks great, and is very maintainable with no smudging--which I love! Also, it stays in tune wonderfully! I've tuned it 2 times since I got it, and those 2 times, the tuning was basically spot on, but I tuned it anyway. Good luck and congrats!
[ August 21, 2002: Message edited by: snowlock ] |
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Location: Boston MA | Hey it is here have been playing her all day left a new post on her just love it the finish is awsome the neck is so sweet and the sound is full all so all the differant sounds you get pluged in with the new op-30 well it is just mind blowing. This is my first Ovation I dont no why I whaited so long so I have to go to her and touch her!! BRIAN |
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