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Joined:
October 2006
Posts: 6
| I am new to the list - trying to get some more info before committing to buying a Collector 2003 model, brand new, has been hanging in the shop for a long time, obviously. I have a 1980 Legend which is fantastic, but the top is starting to show age (probably too dry - am in the process of humidifying it - which does seem to help, but is also developing a crack). So, next to keeping the Legend, time for a new Ovation. This model, I kind of like, and after playing it for a while, it starts to 'live'.
I won't mention the price, except that it is exhorbitant compared to some prices mentioned here (more in the neighbourhood of the original price).
I must say that most Ovations, including today's Legends and Custom legends are not in the league of my old Legend, it may be because they are new, but the finishing also is not up to that level. And this guitar seems to have that familiar attention and the sound seems very promessing.
Any comments ?
Or advice what to look for, e.g. some remarks that Refurbished models have a mark inside the guitar - where would that be located ?
By the way, it's serial number 32, so an early one in the series.
Kind regards, and looking forward to some comments,
Marc | |
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Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Look for an LX (used?).... | |
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Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12754
Location: Boise, Idaho | Many Collectors' series show up on ebay, often for exorbitant prices. The 2005 Collectors' is a good player, by all reports here, and you may be able to pick up one for less than your 2003. I haven't heard much about the 2003s. | |
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Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13987
Location: Upper Left USA | The 03 Collector is a very nice guitar. The first year with inlaid epaulets and it has a pleasing wood tone and feel. You should test drive some of the LX's before commiting though.
If the guitar is FRG it should have a sticker on the inside.
Welcome! | |
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Joined:
October 2006
Posts: 6
| Over the last few months, I have been trying quite a few Ovations, including some LX's and an AlDimeola model - must say this last one was the most pleasing at the time.
Another thing I am noticing while browsing info on the LX series. It would have an X bracing (not 100% sure of the Elite model) standard for Martin's, Taylors, etc. It's a bit like the difference between a Baladeer and the Legend. And the Collector 2003 is an Adamas bracing I believe.
The LX bracing might be an attempt to move closer to a main stream sound/tone ?
OK, looking forward to ongoing conversation,
Marc | |
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Joined:
April 2006
Posts: 848
Location: Munich, Germany | Hi Marc,
it is kind of funny. Everybody here is that much impressed by the LX models. I have three of them (a Contour Bowl Legend, a Custom Elite and the Koa 06 - what should be also an LX), and none of these guitars really pleases me. To me, they don't have that specific Ovation sound. In my ears they sound more like a wooden box guitar, what is not what I am looking for.
If you are looking for a guitar, that comes close to your old legend according to sound, I think it would be better to look for an Al Di Meola II (which has a LX Neck but the A-Style Bracing), a 30th Anniversary Custom Legend (if possible to get one) or maybe one of the reissue models, the Glenn Campbell Six-String (only fault: Artist Bowl, smaller than the new Mid Depth bowls) or maybe the soon to be delivered Josh White Reissue (if you don't look for electronics).
It would be also good to watch out for one of the textured top Adamas models, Reissue, used or Special Order. In my opinion nothing can beat the acoustic sound of a good textured top Adamas.
In the sell/trade section there is one member selling a 1581-7, which has an incredible sound, killer looks and electronics.
Or take the 03 Collector's, if it pleases you.
Best regards from germany,
Kurt | |
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Joined:
October 2006
Posts: 6
| Kurt,
Thank you, danke schön. I'll have to start my home work again.
Just went to the Ovation Gallery with an option to register serial numbers to have a look - only 2 2003 collectors as opposed to 15 2004 and some 20 2005 collectors and 22 Legends.
When you say 'or take the 2003 Collector's' - is that part of the advice ?
On the AlDimeola, LX neck might be interesting - I'll go back to Ovation's site. If it means, a lighter truss rod, that isn't bad.
Regards,
marc | |
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Joined:
April 2006
Posts: 848
Location: Munich, Germany | I can't tell if the LX neck is in fact lighter, but what I know from the german distributor, with the two inlaid carbon fiber stabilizers and the dual action truss rod system it is the best, during neck Ovation ever offered. Things like fingerboards raising from the top (what has happened with one of my guitars with a Kaman bar) should be a thing of the past with the new necks.
Keep also in mind that the AD II has a different neck profile. You have to know, what gives you the best playing comfort. D-Neck (like the AD II has), V-Shape and what else there is.
I do not say 'take the 2003 Collector's'. I never played one of them and it is not one of the guitars that attracts me. But it depends on you. If you take the guitar and it feels quite right, sounds right and you like the looks- then why looking around for another one.
Only advice - before you decide to buy it, try to get a chance to play a textured top Adamas. Just for knowing.
And, if the 2003 is NOS, hanging in the store for more than three years, it should be not too expensive, imho.
Regards, Kurt | |
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February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | The LX neck is lighter. | |
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Joined:
June 2004
Posts: 580
Location: NW NJ | Lots lighter - especially compared to a K-bar neck. The K-bar is a huge hunk of metal ... | |
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Joined:
October 2006
Posts: 6
| Hi Kurt,
Great to have some conversations with other Ovation lovers (well, if you are on this forum), it really helps me to make up my mind.
The story is slightly different than I first told (thought it wouldn't matter for the info exchange). I did already buy the 2003, with the explicit condition to check it and get my money back if I am not satisfied. So it comes down to the same.
When the new Ovations came out with the Kaman bar (long time ago !), it did feel more stable, but I was sort of happy to have an Ovation with a traditional truss rod, it seemed lighter, also less solid maybe in terms of sound, but more vivid. I sort of forgot about that aspect till now.
And this 2003 has exactly that Kaman Truss bar.
So, excellent suggestion to have a better look at the AlDiMeola MkII. Although it doesn't look to have the LX neck (no trussrod cover visible on the headstock).
One more question: when you speak of Adamas with textured top, which model would you then suggest ? In terms of type numbers - I didn't see any mentioning of 'textured top'.
Kind regards,
Marc | |
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Joined:
April 2006
Posts: 848
Location: Munich, Germany | Wow,
maybe I leaded you to the wrong path. I thought, the AD II got the LX features as well (without the bracing), especially the Advanced Neck System (because of the smaller stripes), but it seems I was wrong.
Hey, why did nobody stop me ;-)
The Ovation Homepage does not say anything about it, you are right. Mabe some of the AD II Owners can bring light into this.
So, as far as I understand now, you are looking for a guitar with LX Neck.
Well, then I am out of here. I do not know any model with LX Neck and A- or Adamas Bracing
Textured Top Adamas-Models are called Adamas I and II, with exception of the U681-T, which is hardly to get. But, I and II all have a Kaman Bar and are no longer available as serial models. Maybe, if interested, you could get a special order Adamas II with an LX Neck.
I would go for a 1581 or 1681 Adamas II.
Try ovationgallery.com or ovationtribute.com to get a little overlook. Or look at the pictures at the member's gallery here.
Again, sorry for bringing up the LX Neck on the AD II, if that is wrong - and I think it is.
Best regards,
Kurt | |
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Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13987
Location: Upper Left USA | Kurt,
I appreciated your comments on the LX sound. It is that timbre and tone that I like about it but if you want the early Ovation sound ( I have a 1112-1) it is good to know the difference.
The 3 2003's I have played have sounded very "LX" or woodsy.
It's that Ice Cream thing again. | |
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Joined:
August 2006
Posts: 2804
Location: ranson,wva | ive played as few of the newer model ovations but i can get used to the thin neck profile,even the 6774 folklore has a thinner profile..looks like ill stick with my 1114-4 untill i can find a wide neck adamas..jason | |
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Joined:
October 2006
Posts: 6
| Dear Kurt and others,
Didn't follow up on previous reactions earlier as I was out of town for a couple of days.
I don't know the 1114 - just looked it up - appears to be the Josh White model. I started on a Balladeer - long time ago, and then got a Legend (no electricity) end 70's.
Kurt - your comment on the ADII and the type of neck it would have is no problem ! I am not sure of all my info either. But I remember, while trying a few models (including the Koa 2006) - the AD seemed the best - but I wasn't thinking in that kind of price range at the time.
Talked to someone at customer service with Ovation - got the tip to have a look at Adamas W597. That model may have the fan bracing (on the site - they call it 'Quintad' - not sure yet - it may refer to five longitudinal braces in a fan form over the length of the top - the traditional Adamas bracing) and the new LX neck (picture on Adamas site doesn't show that yet - old picture). And they would also be willing to do a custom model. Will have to see what that might cost.
So, that's the state of affairs.
Thanks for all the help so far, I reckon that continuing my search for an Ovation without compromises is a wise choice at the moment - still have a beautiful Legend !
Marc | |
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Joined:
March 2006
Posts: 1634
Location: Chehalis, Washington | I may be alone, but I really like the old K-bar necks. All of my O's currently are the older style (1983 to 1995 with the exception of the late 70's Viper), and I love the playability of them. Kind of wierd, but I've never felt that any of my Ovations was "heavy" as in uncomfortably so, especially the necks. The 1718 Elite is definitely the heftiest of what I have, but still a very manageable and playable weight balance.
Any Adamas would be a great way to go. The 1581-7 mentioned has been sold...can't say who to without getting myself in trouble with SWMBO :rolleyes: .
BTW, for comparison on the collectors, a member just picked up a NOS '05 Collector's in a GC for a little over $700 (no case). Comparitively speaking, this is a guitar with a $2000 list price, so unless they're offering a steal on that 2003, I'm sure you could do better on that by biding your time.
Oh, and welcome! If you're looking for opinions you've come to the right place! | |
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collector 2003