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Joined:
October 2006
Posts: 39
Location: Montreal, Canada | Hi,
I am currently shopping around for my first Ovation. I've been playing (mostly learning) for about 2 years now on a classical guitar. I wanna get me an accoustic and i really like the looks and sound of some of the Ovation models i've seen and tried, mostly from the Celebrity line.
My question is simply which model would you recommend as a first Ovation. I have no problem budget wise, but it will be mainly used for myself and some private sessions, nothing major here.. ;)
I am mainly wondering if it's really worth it for me to jump straight to the LX line and simply start with the Celebrity Deluxe line.
I am currently thinking of getting something from a CC48 all the way up to a 1778LX.
Any comment or suggestion would be greatly appreciated !!
Thanks,
Yves |
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Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | If you are able to swing an LX model, do it. I don't doubt that you will be much happier down the line. The LX models offer a solid top rather than a laminate, and the latest neck adjustment features.
Most here agree that the EliteT models offer the most bang for the buck.
And... welcome to the club. |
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Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4042
Location: Utah | Yes, the Elite T is an awesome guitar, and for the price it is amazing. I would heartily endorse the 1778LX, or further up the line the C2078LX with the contour bowl. You will never be disappointed with one of these guitars. |
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Joined:
July 2002
Posts: 1900
| A classical guitar is substantially different than a Celebrity or 1778LX. Do you want to maintain a classical proficiency? A Folklore model 6774 is a steel-string acoustic that would be the most similar to what you have been playing. It has a wider nut width and flat radius fretboard. A serious instrument if you have no problem budget wise.
Steve |
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Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | My understanding was that the classical guitar was just something you were learning on. |
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Joined:
October 2006
Posts: 39
Location: Montreal, Canada | Yes, i have been using my Godin/LaPatrie classical guitar for over a year now, but as i go into learning and playing more with chords, i'd like to have an accoustic. Not that i will stop playing my classical in any way !!
Thanks for the info, it's greatly appreciated !!
Is there a factory outlet of sorts where you can see and try out the guitars ?? I'm just wondering because Hartford,CT is just a few hours away from my place !!
Thanks again,
Yves |
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Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | There is not a "factory outlet" store. Ya gotta find a dealer you like.
However..if you are just a few hours away, plan on attending the factory tour / jam in the spring. |
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Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 5881
Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | Buy the best you can reasonably afford. Twenty years from now, you'll be proud to still own it and it should be worth every penny you pay for it. You will likely outgrow anything less and you'll want to upgrade as your proficiency progresses. For a difference of only a few hundred dollars, you should be able to purchase a higher end used product in excellent condition rather than a lower grade new instrument. |
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Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12754
Location: Boise, Idaho | The Celebrity line is good, but it is aimed at the lower end volume market. They have their value, but if you are looking for a long term relationship with this guitar, move up the line. If you've played for a couple years and are still serious, you would appreciate the advantages.
In other words, I agree with those guys. In a city your size, you should be able to find many examples. Our Guitar Center carries mostly Celebrities and doesn't have a quiet room to really give anything a listen. Find a place that does and take someone with you that can let you listen to how they play. The guitars sound different from the other side. |
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Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 713
Location: Alberta, Canada | My $.02 worth...a musical instrument with a wood sound board improves with age "and" with use. If you start off with a guitar, that you really like the feel of, with a top grade sound board, that sounds very good to "your" ear, you will never regret it. You ultimately start out with an extremely pleasing instrument, that calls to you to pick it up and play. It's a win/win situation. You play more and enjoy playing more, which is good for you as a player, and the more you play it, the better the guitar will sound.
Forward 20 years...the great guitar you initially purchased now has incredible sound due to play and age, and you've enjoyed every note.
I regret not purchasing top of the line, earlier in life. It's not that I did not enjoy playing lesser instruments,I didn't know any better, it's the realization that I could have been useing easier playing, better sounding guitars, all along.
With guitars, like many other things, you often get what you pay for. If you are serious about playing guitar and are in it for the long haul, the better guitar will be money well spent. |
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Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | "The guitars sound different from the other side."
Thank You, Mark, for pointing that out. I just got my first Ovation. I was used to playing my electric, until I got this, and the speaker points at me. I let Tom play my new guitar, and we both discovered that it sounds different, depending on which side of the sound hole you're on. |
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June 2002
Posts: 1614
Location: Converse, Texas | I think jumping into a Legend would be a good move. |
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December 2004
Posts: 4394
Location: East Tennessee | Originally posted by Hizzoner:
I think jumping into a Legend would be a good move. Here's one on ebay
Legend on ebay
You might want to look into an Adamas.
Contact Al at LostArt/Vintage Instruments. |
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Joined:
March 2004
Posts: 120
Location: UK - Canterbury Kent | I have a 1778-LX. It is a great guitar, but it chews my fingers, while my Martin D28 does not. It just probably needs setting up by a luthier.
My suggestion is go to a store and play as many Ovations as you can get your hands on and select the one that is easy to play and pleases your ear.
Piers |
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Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 1421
Location: Orange County, California | Piers (and others),
Part of the beauty of and one of the reasons you should consider the LX is that you don't need to go to a luthier to set up your. It's so easy, you can do it yourself!! First of all, unless you're a masochist, get a decent set of "light" strigs, something in the 12-53 range, like the D'add EXP16's that came on it it, EJ15's or Adamas 1818's come to mind. "mediums" don;t realy make them soud better. Pop the saddle out of the bridge, and take out one shim, maybe two depending on how many and what thickness are in there. I liked one thick and one thin in my C2078LX. If you have any buzz, adjust the truss rod 1/8 to 1/4 turn, and you're done. I took most of the "relief" out of mine, which some say makes it "too low and too flat" but it still sounds good and doesn't buzz unles I really whack the strings with pick. It should put your MARkeTINg to shame when you're done with it. :D :p :D :p
Have fun!! |
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Joined:
October 2006
Posts: 39
Location: Montreal, Canada | Thank you all for the info.
One more question if i may...i have seen this Celebrity Deluxe CC48, http://www.worldmusicsupply.com/cart/pics.asp?Prod=CC48-5
Is it possible to get this color/shade for epaulets on a Celebrity ?
Yves |
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Joined:
April 2006
Posts: 2491
Location: Copenhagen Denmark | Hi there Mauray..Welcome on board,that color/epaulettes is available overhere(There was one for sale used on the Danish equivalent of E-bay for 250 USd,looked like the one that U described,was sold after a couple o`days) , so it is being made :) ,as for availability over at your place,I do n`t know.. :) regarding your main question : Solid tops have the advantage to "keep" their sound, now that can be an advantage,if you`d find one that sounds good now,then it will sound good many years later,my youngest son has an cco47 ,black cutaway shallow bowl ,has got it for about 3 years,I was positively surprised about how well it sounds, warm & powerful ( with martin msp 3100 012-054 ),its pre-amp is pretty good too,now you do n`t know me from Adam,and everyone else here tells otherwise,so do n`t take my word for it,but try to consider : John Lennon`s favourite acoustic was the Gibson J-160 ,it sports a laminate top,is still being made as model J-160E,and costs (overhere) 4000 USd (four thousand)!!!
I would Highly regard John Lennon`s opinion ,He did compose some wonderful music with it,music that is considered "timeless" by many.I`ve got a 1537 (1983) a 1618 Glenn C (1982) both sport Solid Tops ,they sound Good,Wonderful even,but the improvement over the years have not been dramatic :)however , a word of caution ; quality differences among laminated tops can be huge, so make sure you try it out thoroughly,play it extensively,tap the top allover,the one with the "biggest" (booming) sound will play with a full & warm timbre, and as far as "setting up" goes ;under the saddle there are "shims" thin pieces of plastic,ours had 3 of them,removing 2,got the saddle too be low enough for ease o`playing,( might be different with the one you seek)neck (trussrod)adjustment is something the shop can help U with,Yes,buy it NEW ,advantages are ;shops have return policy , payment plans , U can get the one U want !!
And That is the most important ,right ?! :)
I Wish You Happy Playing :)
Vic |
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Joined:
August 2006
Posts: 2804
Location: ranson,wva | since your used to a wide neck'd guitar a would recomend a folklore. .just my opion,,jason |
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Joined:
October 2006
Posts: 39
Location: Montreal, Canada | I have been shopping around on the net and locally. I still haven't seen an Elite LX in my area...but i've seen some more Celebrity models (CS257)at high prices ($600 Cdn, about $525 US).
While shopping on the net, i was able to locate some brand new 1778 LX at $999.00 US. I think it's a good deal but i have to add on freight and taxes goin through customs.
I'm thinking more and more to drive down to upstate NY or Vermont and buy it there instead of ordering through the net. Anybody knows of good shops in the area ?
As far as getting a wide neck, i already have 2 classical guitars at home with 2 1/8" necks. I will keep on playing them for awhile but i will probably be looking for a new classical Ovation in the future.. :)
Yves |
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Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | Maurey, I have a 6778LX for sale. Nearly mint condition. $800 + shipping.
PM me if you would like more pics.
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Joined:
September 2004
Posts: 777
Location: East Wenatchee, WA | And Waskel is a ***hack****cough****choke****gasp****
very reputable****hackcough*** individual... :D |
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February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | Hey! I resemble that remark! |
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Joined:
April 2006
Posts: 2491
Location: Copenhagen Denmark | Naiz..!!.if only I was overthere..I`d get it myself :)
Vic |
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First Ovation