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Location: Sydney, Australia | Forget about playability/tone etc. In pure work of art terms, what do you think is the best looking guitar ovation have produced and what is the ugliest?
I think this is one of the best looking:
and this is one of the ugliest:
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Location: Sunshine State, Australia | I think the absolute ugliest Ovation is the one with the lightning bolts. Cant remember the model, but I remember seeing a photo of Alpep playing one at one of the gatherings.
Anything with a carved headstock comes in a close second, but my total distaste for the acarth/abacat/acnath (dammit, Cliff) BROCOLLI carved headstock is well documented. |
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| I've never been a fan of the looks of Adamas guitars.
They just sound better than anything else.
I love Custom Legends - all the bling - and Folklore/Country Artist - none of the bling.
And I've never been a fan of blue guitars. |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | I'd have to go with an Adamas 12 for best, that peghead just looks better with 12 keys on it. I like my dark blue but color is up to the individual.
Ugliest, one of those purple acne topped imports, or my all time fav, My Other aBortion. |
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Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | Best looking...the custom Koala models created for Al, and pretty much any other koa topped model. The redwood collectors model is also outstanding.
Worst looking...those flat black elites without any epaulet detailing. I dislike it for the same reason I dislike motorcycles and cars with black wheels. |
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Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent | When I put'em side-by-side, I can't decide which one looks better, the 2001 Collector's or the 2002 Collector's.
I personally can't stand the look of the "snakeskins", but I'm not known for my fashion sense anyway. :mad: |
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Location: SoCal | What Beal said, altho' Big Blue (my Adamas I 12) is in a tie with my 87C for best looking...... |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | I like the 99 Collector's. It's tough for me to tell it from the 2002, except for the headstock. They had a stretch of gorgeous red tops on the Collector Series, with the 2000 tossed in.
Of the Collector series, I agree with Richard on that 89? Never liked that headstock. |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub |  |
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Location: CA | As I've said before, the Adamas with all the gee-gaw carving and that 'rope' binding and sparkly paint look like Barbie toys to me. Sorry. I'm sure someday I'll 'acquire the taste' but so far, yeesh.
Most of the rest of the O/A line all have their good/bad points. I think the custom legends are particularly pretty with their MOP binding. On side-holers, I much prefer 'outie' epaulets to 'innies.' And on center-hole guitars I like any Ovation WITHOUT that clunky plastic thingie around the hole, such as the guitar above. If I were the CEO-for-a-day at Ovation, the first and only thing I would do is ban those things from any new American-made Ovation and 90% of the Celebs. All those guitars would get inlay around the center hole from that day forward. All those leftover cheap-looking plastic things could be used on the cheap Applause line, which is where they belong.
Thats my 2 cents (actually about 3 cents, sorry I went over the limit) |
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Location: south east Michigan | While I certainly don't concider Adamas' ugly by a long shot, the fair minded amoung us will admit that those carbon topped beauties are an aquired taste.
I'll join in with Schroeder with praise for the design on the Custom Legend. Classic, but not plain.
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Location: SoCal | You know, I'm going to change my answer. I've thought about this for the last hour, and I think the best looking Ovation/Adamas is the classic Legend. There's something about it that just speaks to me --- so much that I'm pricing one out, with a few tweaks, to be specially built for me..... |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | Brad, you've changed your look |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Personal opinion only ...
BEST LOOKING OVATION: THIS ONE
Everything else ties for second.
Dave |
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Location: Tuscany, Italy | I agree with Dave; + 1
Riccardo |
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| That is gorgeous - but what about your CL sunburst slothead? |
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Location: Paris/France | I'm probably not objective but the nicest to my eyes is this one. ;)
J :)
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Location: Tidal Mudflats of Virginia | Cold & with a spoon... |
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Location: Orange County, California | I think this is the prettiest, but I'm biased.
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Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | My favorites:
Worst:
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Location: Jet City | In my stable, there's only one logical choice...
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Location: Jet City | oh.... that would be the best category.
I don't own an ugly one, but I'd put an academy up for that |
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Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | Don't think you have to own it...I wouldn't come within 10 miles of the Herion guitar... |
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Location: Jet City | the panda one is worse |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Originally posted by schroeder:
That is gorgeous - but what about your CL sunburst slothead? I recently sold that one. Dave |
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| Damon, that sunburst Elite is absolutely fabulous. It's gotta play better just from a psychological point of view... What a beautiful instrument. |
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| Originally posted by Gallerinski:
Originally posted by schroeder:
That is gorgeous - but what about your CL sunburst slothead? I recently sold that one. Dave
I really hope it went to a good home. I'd be playing the living daylights out of it. |
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Location: Jet City | Originally posted by Steve:
Damon, that sunburst Elite is absolutely fabulous. It's gotta play better just from a psychological point of view... What a beautiful instrument. Thanks Steve. I would have to agree with you, but I'm a bit biased. ;)
There are a few other OFCers that have had a try at her though, and they all seemed to agree... I got lucky on this one. |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | Damon's pictures make the guitars look good, but that 1537 looks just as good, if not better, in person. And plays as good as it looks. |
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Location: Nova Scotia, Canada | Dave;
Your choice is for 'best of' is very close to my choice, and for good reason.
My choice for 'worst of' would be that custom Adamas that was for sale repeatedly on EBay a while back, that had the endorsees pics painted on it...ugh.
Best, and the one that kind of really got the ball rolling...
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Location: the BIG Metropolis of TR | ...Lucky stiff... |
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Location: Indiana | I believe that was the first Ovation I ever saw.
Quite special.
I wish I had enough money to tempt you Wayne. |
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Location: Sydney, Australia | Actually I want to change my mind for ugliest, I think it was the Adamas with about half an oceans worth of mother of pearl on the fretboard |
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Location: North Carolina | I have never understood what the epaulets surrounding the shotgun blast holes on the Ovies and Adamii were all about, but they are a big visual negative in my book, as is sunburst anything.
I do like the way my black C2079LX looks against all that mother of pearl, especially under stage lights. |
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Location: Nova Scotia, Canada | Thanks, TR and Jon;
Jon; I got that guitar from Louie Shelton, whom I'm sure you are well aware of with your appreciation for studio guitarists.
Actually, FA, I just love the old style Adammi particularly the slot-head types. These would be my second-favourite. Don't have one, though...yet! |
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Location: Tychy, Poland | green burst ovations are ugliest.
nothing can match them in my opinion. |
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Location: Central Massachusetts | yeah, gotta agree on the Cadillac-green burst for the worst.
You all know which one I think is the best looking . With the LAV Koa coming in a very close second. |
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Location: Indiana | Interesting Wayne. Yes, Louie Shelton has had an amazing career. Did he tell you how he acquired it from Glen?
Jonmark |
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Location: Orange County, California | Originally posted by Damon67:
the panda one is worse +100
Close 2nd...
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Location: Nova Scotia, Canada | Jonmark;
Yes he did. I probably told this story before but if not:
I purchased the guitar from session guitarist Louie who was in the house band of the "Goodtime Hour" for two years, and a long time friend dating back to Glen's New Mexico days in the late ‘50’s. Glen had convinced Louie to come out to the coast to try his hand at session work. When the Goodtime Hour Show started, Glen called Louie to see if he would be a guitarist in the house band.
One day on the set, Louie was having some problems with whatever guitar he was using on the set and Glen said "Here, you can have this one"...the GCDB #1. Louie kept it all those years until I got it from him, which was in 2002, when he sold off a number of his instruments.
I still play it quite often but have more or less retired it as far as taking it out anywhere. I have enough other choices not to risk damaging this one. |
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Location: Indiana | Great story. Thanks for the re-telling, Wayne.
That instrument brings back a ton of black & white memories for me.
Jonmark |
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Location: Nova Scotia, Canada | Most welcome, Jonmark.
I remember cutting out the little 'send in for a free catalogue' (which I still have) from one of the ads featuring this guitar.
My original memories of it are b&w as well but fortunately there are colored versions of those memories around these days!
Actually, this memory is still black and white in a way, but it is a good way. |
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Location: the BIG Metropolis of TR | Wayne and Jonmark,
If you need a few more b/w and color memories....check out my album of pics featuring Glen and some of the Ovations he's used thru the years....
....quite a few pics of Wayne's GCDB and also some Bluebirds that Wayne might now own! (Lucky cuss ;) ) |
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Location: Nova Scotia, Canada | Hey TR...great album! I hadn't seen that before. Some of those pics I have never seen anywhere.
Thanks! |
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Location: the BIG Metropolis of TR | Thanks Wayne,
Just a few pics I've "picked up" here and there.... ;) ( might even have picked a couple from your gallery :eek: :D ) |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | In the "Don't Judge A Book By The Cover" category:
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Location: NJ | I can ATTEST for the guitar above!!!
MasterJeff does monthly/bi-monthly trips between VA/CT for work, and from time t'time stops & spends th'night at CasaCliffie . . .
Last week he stopped by & brought the Hirade (which I'll discuss on another thread/place), but also the DeluxeBalladeer above.
KILLER guitar!!
This thing just STONKS!!!
It just hits you in the face & would be a killer "recording" guitar!
nice! . . . |
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Location: NJ | btw:
I remember Louie Shelton back from the old Seals&Croft "DiamondGirl" days. GreatPlayer! . .. |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | . . . she speaks highly of you as well, Clifford. |
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Location: Omaha, NE |  |
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Location: Tychy, Poland | KOA, KOA... good furniture can be made from this wood.
but no matter how fine it will look, it will always stink on acoustic guitar (sound wise)
if it'd sound as good as it looks, it would be too good to be true. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Originally posted by LBJ:
KOA, KOA... if it'd sound as good as it looks, it would be too good to be true. It does and it's not.
Dave |
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Location: Central NJ | I always thought my old girl was pretty.
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Location: Brighty in Blighty | Omaha - WHAT IS THAT?
ITS GORGEOUS! |
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Location: Omaha, NE | That's #2 of 12 from the first run of Al's Lost Art Vintage Koa 12 fret specials. |
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Location: Brighty in Blighty | AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GAS! |
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Location: Nashville TN. | Best looking hands down in my never humble opinion
Its the traditional custom legend in black.
It may be the best looking guitar from any company.
Uglist MT37-5, heroin diaries, My Other Board, Eclipse, T357, T257, some others.
In general I don't care for the enamal finish.
Personally I though the Thunderbolt was ugly and had to be talked into trying it.
The feel and sound made it gorgious. |
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Location: Indiana | Man that Koa is drop dead beautiful.
Is there a 12 step program for guitar-porn addicts?
You guys are killing me... |
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Location: New Hampshire, USA | So you guys that finish these gorgeous guitars - I have to ask:
What products and techniques do you use to get that beautiful shine? They almost look wet.
Inquiring minds want to know! |
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Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Originally posted by scooterboy:
They almost look wet. Can ya say 'drool'? :D |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | SWMBO thinks the LAV Koa is ugly. She thinks they all should look like the OFC, but she's partial to blue.
I recall having a few doubts about the Koa prototype when I first saw that now famous picture of Waskel holding it, but the novelty of it grew on me. |
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Location: Upper Left USA | What's not to love?
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Location: Boise, Idaho | Maybe I should have showed her the picture with Al in it, instead of the picture that Al took. The beer bottle is a nice touch, too. Where was Damon when this picture was taken? |
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Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | Have you ever seen a more contented Mr. Big? I couldn't resist a picture of the LAV Koa in the capable hands of its designer. |
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Location: Upper Left USA | That is a good picture of Al.
Now, about the best and ugliest...
Before:
During:
After:
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Location: Omaha, NE | Originally posted by Mark in Boise:
SWMBO thinks the LAV Koa is ugly. They are horrid...
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Originally posted by ProfessorBB:
I couldn't resist a picture of the LAV Koa in the capable hands of its designer. Ouch. Someday ask Mr. Big to tell you the REAL story ...
Dave |
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Location: Upper Left USA | Dave, if you weren't part of the WPP we would know a lot more about you than we care to!
M(Witness Protection Program)Woody |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | yeah. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Dave who??? |
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Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | Maybe designer was the wrong title...how 'bout producer? In film and stage work, that's the guy who produces the bucks to make it happen. |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | Originally posted by stephent28:
Dave who??? I think he goes by Dr.Dave on one of those other forums. I get confused because he keeps changing his name. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Oh please. I've changed my name twice, both times at 5k intervals as recommended in the owners manual. If you think I'm Dr.Dave you're wrong. Dave (not THAT Dave). |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | And I suppose you've never played doctor. |
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| And I suppose you've never posted an opinion that pissed off most of the Northern Hemisphere. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Originally posted by Mark in Boise:
And I suppose you've never played doctor. Sure I have. WAY more fun than playing lawyer. |
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| You've never had a girl in the D position? |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | Originally posted by schroeder:
And I suppose you've never posted an opinion that pissed off most of the Northern Hemisphere. I don't think I've been nearly as successful as Dave or Dr. Dave in this regard. Rifle vs. shotgun approach I suppose.
I would bet that playing doctor is more fun than playing lawyer, but after talking with a young doctor about having to do his OB/GYN rotation at a welfare clinic, I decided not to go to medical school. |
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| I'm always trying to piss people off but they just ignore me.
I gotta learn to shout louder. |
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| And Mark, you were supposed to admire the "D position" joke.
Sheesh. How many Oscar Wildes ya got in Idaho?
(I know what I'm laying myself open to here). |
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| ANOTHER double post.
Somebody nuke this software. |
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Location: closely held secret | Not your fault, Schroed... people just aren't used to hearing insults whispered at them.
Oscar Wilde? How's this?
"A true friend stabs you in the front." |
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| How are Americans with mime? |
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Location: closely held secret | As far as I'm concerned, you can just leave them in their little glass boxes. |
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| But it's always so sad when they realize they're trapped.
Woody Allen is the only guy who understands mimes.
It's 11.45pm here - I gotta go to bed. Tomorrow I've got to drive over 600 miles just to end up where I'm sitting now.
Go figure. |
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Location: closely held secret | Nighty night. |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | Sorry that your wit was lost on me, Schroeder. Maybe you should try being a little less subtle. You don't need to go as far as Jeff or Cliff. Maybe about half that much wit. I understand halfwits. |
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Best looking and ugliest ovations/adamas