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Joined:
May 2008
Posts: 16
Location: new jersey, u.s.a. | hi all, i am a new member (and very happy and relieved to have found this site) because, i am currently in the process of purchasing an ovation. i had an opportunity to play the legend 1717, back in the 70's and i never forgot the "feel" of this model or the silky, full sound it produces, in a word - BEAUTIFUL. i have been doing alot of online research about the care and maintence of an ovation, but i would greatly appreciate any and all advice, tips, and tricks to purchasing and owning one (plus the best strings, cleaning equipment etc.); also, the best retailer in the new jersey tri-state area as i fully intend to play, examine and handle the guitar i want before i buy it. i may be wrong, but i don't understand how anyone whom is serious about owning a fine instrument, could be satified with buying one on the internet. although i have been playing guitar for 41 yrs., i admit that i don't have alot of expertise in buying one. i so much want this "virgin" experience to result in acquiring a properly well-constructed and great sounding guitar, not only to get my money's worth but, mostly to have a fine instrument that i can enjoy playing for a long time.
what makes me a wee bit aprehensive is the tension bar and any possible problems with keeping it adjusted but, i am totaly willing to learn whatever is neccesary in caring and maintaing my future baby. also, when i have visited a few retail websites, like Sam Ash, and the legends i see pictured on it are all either cutaway away models and/or have the 'sunburst' finish. i want the 1717 in it's natural finish, as i have seen many online photos of them after the guitar has aged and it looks great!!
last thing; i remember that the molded case used to be kinda a chocolate brown color, but i have only seen black on the aforementioned websites. is it possible to get the case in that color?
anyway, i truly look forward to this experience and, although i am hot to buy one A.S.A.P., i want to "do it right"; :)i say again, i greatly appreciate any and all advise no matter how obvious, fundamental or basic it may seem. thank god, for the internet and this website :) .
p.s. is it better to buy one from a dealer who sells exclusivly ovation, or from a large national chain? i would much prefer the former as i beleive i would get more satisfaction from a dealer who is interested in getting and keeping a new customer, as opposed to a large chain that profits by volume. |
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Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | Greetings and welcome dippledopple.
You have a top notch dealer right in your back yard. Here is the link.. Lost Art Vintage ... Trust us. This is the guy. You may end up buying somewhere else but you owe it to yourself to at least pick his brain and check out his unique inventory.
Don't fret over such things as truss rod adjustments. You have already decided to buy an Ovation so that won't be a problem. Part of Ovations overall reputation it that they are the "working man's guitar"... dependable and sturdy. |
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Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4081
Location: Utah | Hey, just relax about buying an Ovation/Adamas. Seriously, just call Al, aka Mr. Big. If you want to compare models, your local Guitar Center may have a few in stock. There are some large internet sources with competitive pricing, but nobody will be personally interested in your buying experience like Al will.
Currently, the Elite T (1778T) is a smoking deal at $600. The 2078T is the same thing but with the contour bowl, also a smoking deal at $700 I believe. If you want best bang for the buck, I'd get one of those.
Used is also a great way to get more for your money. The for sale section here has been pretty reliable for many of us who buy used.
I've never heard of a trouble guitar new from the Ovation factory. If there is some kind of issue, the customer service is second to none. Honestly, I would be more worried about shipping damage than a faulty product from the factory.
Out on Rt 22 in Union is Rondo Music. The store is still there but I'm not sure if it is open. That's where I fell in love with an Ovation 12 string in 1977. I couldn't afford it so I went with an Alvarez Yairi for a few $$ less. I bought that from Music Town, just a mile north on 22 from Rondo. It was turned into a "mature subject matter" bookstore a few years ago. Anyhow, Rondo used to be one of the biggest selection stores in the area with a good selection. |
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Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4081
Location: Utah | Oh, and as to maintenance, no big deal. There are a number of websites that show how to set up a guitar properly. Sometimes the truss rod needs a 1/8 or 1/4 turn. You aren't going to break it with an adjustment like that. There are shims under the saddle, so it is easy to adjust the height there. The rest is just a bit of cleaning and polishing. |
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Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6268
Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Originally posted by dippledopple:
i may be wrong, but i don't understand how anyone whom is serious about owning a fine instrument, could be satified with buying one on the internet. First of all, welcome to the Ovation GAS station!
As to your statement, if you're looking for a veteran (re used) Ovation, check the OFC FOR SALE forum. The folk here are straight arrows in their descriptions and in many, if not most, cases more reasonable than say eBay or Craigslist without the risk.
As you kick around the OFC, you'll learn how to ask for pertinent info and pics in order to shop on-line prudently.
If you're looking for a new 'O', then take the plunge with Al as mentioned above.
I started with my first 'O' in Jan '07. Then I dropped in 'here'. I'm almost ashamed to tell ya how many I have now. Let's just say that my fingers and toes can count 'em so far. So watch out...
Be forewarned, once ya start, there ain't no turning back! Enjoy! |
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Joined:
June 2006
Posts: 7307
Location: South of most, North of few | Welcome dippledopple. You need to contact Al as he is in your neck of the woods. He has everything you would need to become a full blown nutcase like the rest of us. |
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Joined:
July 2005
Posts: 3411
Location: GA USA | Welcome, double-d. Hope you enjoy it here. |
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Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 4394
Location: East Tennessee | Welcome dippledopple,
The Elite T's mentioned above are a good deal. Since you are close to Alpep you might want to swing by and try a few out.
Also we have a member who might give you a good deal on "String Tubes" for your Ovation. |
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Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 2985
Location: Sydney, Australia | "string tubes"??? |
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Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6268
Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Originally posted by Capo Guy:
Also we have a member who might give you a good deal on "String Tubes" for your Ovation. Whoa! I was next in line when they became available again. Hell, ya can't even find on eBarf anymore at any price!  |
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Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 4833
Location: Campbell River, British Columbia | I think string tubes should be available for purchase (as the supply grossly exceeds demand) only to those with a post count over.....say...... 7,000.
Membership should have it's privileges. |
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Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6268
Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Originally posted by fillhixx:
with a post count over.....say...... 7,000 Any member with over 5,000 should already have 'em! If they don't, that's their fault!  |
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Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 2985
Location: Sydney, Australia | Gee, I don't even know what they are, but I feel like I must have some string tubes. A sure sign of GAS!
Just like the walnut tuner buttons for the '08 Adamas I won't even touch until October. |
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Joined:
August 2002
Posts: 8307
Location: Tennessee | Welcome DipDop. As you can see, you'll get lots of opinions. And we're really good at spending OPM here.
You really have two choices: Option 1) Find a used 1717 in the vintage you like with the original tan case. eBay is a good source for seeing what is out there, or perhaps a member here will put one up for sale. Option 2) Buy a brand new 1717 (deep bowl, non-cutaway) through a dealer and settle for one of the new black cases. Ovation re-released the model as part of their Traditional series about two years ago. If you are really stuck on a brown case, they show up occasionally for sale. If you get lucky, you might find a free GC12 thrown into the deal. ;) Seriously, try Al at Lost Art for the new guitar if that's the way you want to go. |
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Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 2985
Location: Sydney, Australia | First, decide how much money you're prepared to spend.
Second, forget about that amount when the right guitar steals your heart away blows the budget out of the water.
Third, forget how much you paid and play your little heart out. The cost of the right guitar will be forgotten once the joy of ownership kicks in. |
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Joined:
August 2007
Posts: 1008
Location: Tuscany, Italy | What to say ..... Welcome !
Riccardo :) |
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Joined:
May 2008
Posts: 16
Location: new jersey, u.s.a. | thank you all for the advise and assurance given on this topic. it's certainly nice to know i'm not the only lunatic on the loose. :)
peace to all. |
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"VIRGIN" BUYER & OWNER