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Joined:
August 2008
Posts: 6
Location: Australia | Hi all,
I am seeking some advice as to an alternative ovation to a S771. I used to own a Kayari and an Ovation 1986 Collectors Edition that were both stolen some years ago. I use now a Takamine that a friend gave me, but I pine for an Ovation. In Australia there are few Ovations to try out, but I had a strum on a Balladeer S771 and was very happily impressed, but they wanted US$1850 for it.
I have searched for these guitars on the web, but I find that they have been discontinued (some guy sells one on ebay, but with little options re price etc). I had stumbled on this forum (great stuff) and have read different views on Ovation models.
So, my question is, what would be a comparable Ovation model to the S771, and where would I find one? Many thanks |
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Joined:
October 2007
Posts: 2711
Location: Vernon CT | fredj,
First Welcome!! You've come to the right place!!
There are are several Aussie "Mates" here on the OFC. You may want to contact them and see what/how /Were they find their Ovations.
Muzza, Ozwatto, Aussie James and The Artist (FKA Richard) Are all Active Members here and could help and Advise you. Good luck!! |
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Joined:
August 2005
Posts: 3736
Location: Sunshine State, Australia | Hi Fred. Welcome to the mad house.
First things first, WHERE in Australia are you? It's a bloody big island. 3 of the active members are in SE Qld and the outsider is on the NSW central coast.
Ovations aren't that popular down here, but us fanatics know we're on to a good thing. I bought both of my current Ovations from the USA. A used 1768 elite from eBay USA and a new 2005 collectors from a dealer. (I believe it was the first contour bowl in Australia.) I got them really cheap, but got stung on shipping. Unfortunately, shipping from the US to Oz is extortionate, so unless you know someone who's going there, (or coming here) your only option is to buy local.
However, after saying that, the factory in Connecticut is soon to stop producing the low end US Ovations and having them made in Asia. So there are currently some real bargains to be had in the States (less than $500USD) for a new US Ovation, and even with shipping, you'll get a similar model for considerably less than the price you've been quoted.
Here in Australia, there ARE bargains to be had as long as you're not looking to buy new and you're not in a hurry. The old ones sound better anyway. (Unless it's an 2005ES)
So, the GOOD thing about being in the minority is that you're not bidding against an army, unless you're bidding against AJ, who has enough Ovations to SUPPLY the army. So if you're patient, a bargain will come along.
Also, the USA Ovations tend to stay on the shop floor longer as it has a limited 'appeal', so you may be able to haggle.
So, again, welcome. Please hang around, we need more Aussies here. |
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Joined:
January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | Welcome. There are a variety of things that are close but I think you're going to have to deal with what you can get. I think your local mates can help you find something. Good luck. |
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Joined:
August 2008
Posts: 6
Location: Australia | Thanks heaps guys. I'm from the NSW South Coast, where the local music shop only has that the S771 on display.
I bought the Collector second hand in a guitar store in Coogee, and you are right, I got it for a great price as the style of guitar was not popular...that is, untill someone played it or heard it being played.
I liked the S771 as it fitted like a glove, and I like the Ovation sound.
I have thought about getting a model sent direct from the US, but I am hesitant as, well we all know it's better to play it first.
Any thoughts?
cheers |
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Joined:
May 2006
Posts: 4236
Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent | Welcome fredj!
I'm trying to figure out about shipping to Australia right now. (See my other thread.) I don't know what will shake out, but if you liked the 86C, I've got a VERY similar instrument that I'll be putting on the block tomorrow or Saturday; a shallow-bowl Custom Legend. If you're interested, I'll let you know when I find out anything about shipping.
Again....Welcome aboard! :D |
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Joined:
August 2008
Posts: 6
Location: Australia | Patch, had a look at your S Ovation Legend Contour LX you have for sale...nice looking guitar matey. |
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Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10583
Location: NJ | 07 collectors
it will blow the 771 out of the water |
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Joined:
May 2006
Posts: 4236
Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent | Originally posted by fredj:
Patch, had a look at your S Ovation Legend Contour LX you have for sale...nice looking guitar matey. That one went to Canada, though I was sorely tempted to keep it. Would you be interested in a black Custom Legend SSB? It'll sound as good, if not better, than an 86 Collector's.
You may also want to look at my 97 Collector's. It's a completely different style of instrument, but it plays like crazy acoustically and plugged in. It's also in perfect condition. |
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Joined:
August 2008
Posts: 6
Location: Australia | At this stage, I am still 'browsing', but I still would like to have a look.
Still would like to know what is a comparable alternative to an S771. Does anyone own one? |
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Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6996
Location: Jet City | Fred, I think you should talk to Al and see what he can do for you (Alpep) |
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Joined:
August 2005
Posts: 3736
Location: Sunshine State, Australia | Al doesn't want to ship to Australia any more either, going on a recent dialog with him.
Fred, we're getting closer. WHERE on the southern NSW coast? I'm originally from the 'Gong. (Thirroul / Austinmer) |
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Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10583
Location: NJ | that is incorrect I will ship to austrailia but I can't do it via the usps and all the other alternatives are expensive |
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Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13996
Location: Upper Left USA | Fred,
Howzabout a 1778T in Black?
It'll sound even better and since I am on the Left Coast it might be betterer for shipping. |
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Joined:
August 2005
Posts: 3736
Location: Sunshine State, Australia | Originally posted by alpep:
that is incorrect I will ship to austrailia but I can't do it via the usps and all the other alternatives are expensive Al, I asked you for a price for a guitar including shipping and you told me I'd have to arrange my own shipping... :confused: |
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Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10583
Location: NJ | I am rather sure I said you have to figure out how to ship it and to check the size regulations for usps.
but whatever |
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Joined:
August 2005
Posts: 3736
Location: Sunshine State, Australia | Which pretty much translates to "arrange your own shipping."
But whatever. Can't afford any more guitars now anyway. |
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Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 2985
Location: Sydney, Australia | Hi Fred,
Welcome. My beloved says I can't have two Adamii  so I'm in the process of selling my beloved Adamas W597. This will blow away any wooden top Ovation you might be thinking of getting. It's in excellent condition and I'm asking $2,400. I saw a Balladeer yesterday for more than that in a local shop. I'd prefer not to sell until October (when I pick up my new Adamas in the US) so if you are keen but need time to save, let me know. |
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Joined:
May 2006
Posts: 4236
Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent | Originally posted by fredj:
At this stage, I am still 'browsing', but I still would like to have a look.
Still would like to know what is a comparable alternative to an S771. Does anyone own one? Here it is. But getting it down under is a bear.
Here's a link to my for sale thread.
1869 |
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Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 2985
Location: Sydney, Australia | Oh Fred, After all the welcoming I think we failed to mention that this website has a sister website www.ovationfanclub.ning.com which allows you to join various groups and post pictures and music. You might want to join the Down Under group to keep up to date with any local activities. |
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Joined:
February 2008
Posts: 38
Location: Hopkinton, MA | I often go look in a New England chain, Daddy's Junky Music. They sell new but really specialize in used instruments. Looking on their website, I see they have a S771:
http://www.daddys.com/used/?gear=&department=5&q=s771&sortp=desc
jack |
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Joined:
August 2005
Posts: 3736
Location: Sunshine State, Australia | Contrary to popular belief, Australia ISN'T New England. |
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Joined:
June 2007
Posts: 3084
Location: Brisbane Australia | Originally posted by muzza:
Contrary to popular belief, Australia ISN'T New England. ROFL :D :D
AJ |
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Alternative to an S771