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Joined:
March 2007
Posts: 843
Location: CA | Tried to find something on this in archives before asking, but maybe I'm just not getting the right search words . . .
Anyway, I'm interested in your guys' takes on the overall sound qualities of some of these Collector/Anniversary series guitars with non-Spruce tops. Sorry, I can't name names off the top of my head, but one was African Cherry, one was Redwood, etc. These things are drop dead gorgeous to look at, but how do they sound compared to an 'equivalent' spruce top? BTW, I'm not including Celebs in this grouping as I know those are laminate tops. I'm assuming the cherry/redwood/etc are NOT laminates? Is that right? Or are they?
Thanks much. This site has really enhanced my understanding and appreciation of Ovation/Adamas guitars. And even on days when I don't learn anything, I am ALWAYS entertained. |
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Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12759
Location: Boise, Idaho | I have Waterfall Bubinga. Great for looks, but with the mid bowl, it sounds a bit dead. The Redwood, however, seems to have a much nicer tone. I've read where another collector thinks his 99 with the Bubinga is one of his best sounding, so to each his own. |
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Joined:
May 2006
Posts: 4231
Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent | Let's see....
Spruce, Koa (2006), and Redwood (2001) are solid tops. Bubinga (1999), African Cherry (2002), and Maple (1992 & 98) are panel-masters. Did I miss any?
Regarding sound, I like the Cherry 02C sound. It's very well-rounded and balanced though not very loud acoustically. The 99C sounded a little brighter to me, but still very nice.
The 2001 however sounds GREAT! I think it's one of Ovations best sounding guitars period. Here's a link from earlier this year where I did a side-by-side comparison of the 01C, a 1537, and an 87C.
Comparing A to B to C
FWIW, my 01 and 02 are keepers (providing the economy doesn't squash me like a bug). And I'm lurking in hopes of bagging a 99C. I like'em all. |
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Joined:
January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | solid will have more diverse character |
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Joined:
August 2002
Posts: 8307
Location: Tennessee | My 2000 is Lacewood ... probably a laminate but if the guitar is not the most gorgeous Ovation ever made, it is damn close. For me, this particular one is all about how great it is to play. I love this neck. I love the Optima. It sounds very good to me. Not as bright as most Ovations. But really mellow and very smooth. Must be the top. :cool: |
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Joined:
June 2006
Posts: 7307
Location: South of most, North of few | For me, sound is paramount, but I know the visual aspect of a top is very important too, unless you're like Willy N. |
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Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 2336
Location: Brighty in Blighty | The only correct answer is to get them all. SORTED!
Seriously though, I agree with Patch about the 01. |
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Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 5881
Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | To my ears, the Koa is bit darker and more mellow than spruce. To my eyes, there's no comparison in beauty. |
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Joined:
May 2003
Posts: 4389
Location: Capital District, NY, USA Minor Outlying Islands | It's been my experience that the solid tops have a better sound. Spruce and Koa are excellent tone woods. |
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Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6995
Location: Jet City | Originally posted by Patch:
Did I miss any?
Cedar? |
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Joined:
May 2006
Posts: 4231
Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent | Originally posted by Damon67:
Originally posted by Patch:
Did I miss any?
Cedar? |
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Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6995
Location: Jet City | I guess the FD14 doesn't really fall under Collector's or Anniversary. |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15674
Location: SoCal | No, but with only 50 built, it's even more rare.... |
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