Refreshingly Friendly Review!
Tim in Yucaipa
Posted 2011-06-09 1:01 PM (#351199)
Subject: Refreshingly Friendly Review!


Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 2246

Location: Yucaipa, California
...nice unusually "O" Friendly review from Musician's Friend:

Hands-On Review: Custom Legend C2079AX
A classic acoustic-electric Ovation with a new low price
Review
Top of the page Bottom of the page
PEZ
Posted 2011-06-09 1:26 PM (#351200 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!



Joined:
July 2003
Posts: 3111

Location: Nashville TN.
yup it is a good review.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Mark in Boise
Posted 2011-06-09 3:17 PM (#351201 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!


Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12759

Location: Boise, Idaho
Don't know where he came up with the idea that CLs were first built in 76 for Paul McCartney, but most of the rest of it seemed on.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Slipkid
Posted 2011-06-09 4:14 PM (#351202 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!



Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301

Location: south east Michigan
Well... that's a breath of fresh air.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
ProfessorBB
Posted 2011-06-09 5:51 PM (#351203 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!



Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 5881

Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains
For a new guitar in that price range, I'm sure it will hold its own against similarly priced competition, particularly in live performances as noted by the author. What is the warranty on these models, and I wonder how it compares with its similarly priced competition?.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Paul Templeman
Posted 2011-06-09 8:55 PM (#351204 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!


Joined:
February 2002
Posts: 5750

Location: Scotland
"In order to make Custom Legends accessible to more players, Ovation's off-shore factory has been professionally retooled to create guitars that match the U.S.-made Custom Legends spec for spec"

No, no no. This is absolute horse-shit. This kind of marketing rhetoric should be illegal. Fender make me want to puke. Spec for Spec? Really? REALLY? Don't get me started.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Tim in Yucaipa
Posted 2011-06-10 6:57 AM (#351205 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!


Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 2246

Location: Yucaipa, California
....at least he didn't complain about the round back tipping the guitar up or rolling off his lap.....an actual compliment about their playability and usability in a live setting, to me, is still refreshing.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Paul Templeman
Posted 2011-06-10 7:02 AM (#351206 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!


Joined:
February 2002
Posts: 5750

Location: Scotland
Too little, too late. Maybe if there had been more like this about the USA guitars they'd still be in production. Instead we seem to be happy that an inferior imported guitar is getting a good reveiw. Well excuse me for not sharing your enthusiasm.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Tim in Yucaipa
Posted 2011-06-10 7:26 AM (#351207 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!


Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 2246

Location: Yucaipa, California
...excused.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Slipkid
Posted 2011-06-10 8:25 AM (#351208 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!



Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301

Location: south east Michigan
Yeah.. as nice as the review might sound, Paul has the right take on it.
When I first read it the "spec for spec" thing it did sound a little fishy to me..
.
So.. the Celebs are still a glued on neck, right?
And I think I've read that the EliteT is also.
.
Does any the models from over there use the LX bold on neck system?
.
And with 99% of the line made over there, I wonder if the "Celebrity" labels will go away.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Tim in Yucaipa
Posted 2011-06-10 8:32 AM (#351209 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!


Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 2246

Location: Yucaipa, California
... just seems a bit odd to me that for years there has been nothing but complaints in this Forum that Ovations are constantly bashed by the media, and when one positive review appears in print, (albeit about a Celebrity, but an Ovation nonetheless), we can't look on it as a positive, baby step forward.


...so be it.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Slipkid
Posted 2011-06-10 9:36 AM (#351210 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!



Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301

Location: south east Michigan
Wait... There is a "C" in front of the number. And the spec call out a set neck.
It's a shame that 1)The LX refinments aren't being used, and 2).. that a Celebrity carries the Custom Legend name.
Please ... correct me if I'm wrong.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Paul Templeman
Posted 2011-06-10 10:00 AM (#351211 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!


Joined:
February 2002
Posts: 5750

Location: Scotland
Originally posted by Tim in Yucaipa:
... just seems a bit odd to me that for years there has been nothing but complaints in this Forum that Ovations are constantly bashed by the media, and when one positive review appears in print, (albeit about a Celebrity, but an Ovation nonetheless), we can't look on it as a positive, baby step forward.


...so be it.
The "constant media bashing" was probably a factor in Fender's decision to halt domestic production. I fail to see why the media suddenly getting excited over an imported Ovation that we all know is a vastly inferior product should be a cause for celebration. And the cessation of USA production in favour of overseas, regardless of how the media may perceive the new product, is hardly "a step forward"
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Tim in Yucaipa
Posted 2011-06-10 10:08 AM (#351212 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!


Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 2246

Location: Yucaipa, California
....so I guess the reviewer should have said "another inferior effort by Ovation which does not change my opinion of their product" instead of saying:

"If, like me, you never took the time to check out an Ovation guitar before, you owe it to yourself to try out the Ovation Custom Legend C2079AX. Its amazing sound is perfectly complemented by beautiful craftsmanship—qualities that will improve over time."

....not everyone can afford to be elitist.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Slipkid
Posted 2011-06-10 10:24 AM (#351213 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!



Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301

Location: south east Michigan
ho-boy... here we go.
.
.
You don't have to be a elitist to desire a quality product.
The USA Ovations we knew and loved all these years is hanging on by a thread. Maybe we shouldn't morn over what is lost but there has been a loss.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
G8r
Posted 2011-06-10 10:27 AM (#351214 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!


Joined:
November 2006
Posts: 3969

now where's my popcorn...
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Patch
Posted 2011-06-10 10:32 AM (#351215 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!



Joined:
May 2006
Posts: 4227

Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent
Here ya go g8r....

In fact, I think I'll join you.....

Top of the page Bottom of the page
Tim in Yucaipa
Posted 2011-06-10 10:34 AM (#351216 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!


Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 2246

Location: Yucaipa, California
...nah. Not worth the butter.....click.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Slipkid
Posted 2011-06-10 10:51 AM (#351217 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!



Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301

Location: south east Michigan
"elitist" is a pretty strong word.
But safe enough to use in a drive-by.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
fillhixx
Posted 2011-06-10 11:30 AM (#351218 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!



Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 4832

Location: Campbell River, British Columbia
From the article:
By Tom Foster
Harmony Central Contributor
Ovation Custom Legend C2079AX-CCB Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Ovation acoustic guitars are a great polarizer—many great artists swear by them, yet there are some guitarists, like myself, who initially couldn't look past the non-wood back. After all, how can a guitar with a composite back ever sound as good as a regular "all-wood" guitar? Then I received an Ovation Custom Legend C2079AX acoustic-electric guitar to review, and for me everything changed. The sound of this guitar is nothing short of amazing, and Ovation's new Custom Legend C2079AX makes the great Ovation sound available to even more guitarists through a significant price reduction.
Polarizer? Even here, even here.
(Actually, that sounds like a good name for a drink.
The Polarizer; 3 ounces of vodka over 6 ice cubes
with the zest of 1/4 of a lemon and a sprinkle of cinnamon!)
............................
Okay, who's got the popcorn? :cool:

Then you better start swimmin'
Or you'll sink like a stone
For the times they are a-changin'.


Who let Dylan in here?
Top of the page Bottom of the page
standing
Posted 2011-06-10 11:42 AM (#351219 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!



Joined:
December 2008
Posts: 1453

Location: Texas
That "review" appears on (and by) an online retailer. It's an infomercial more than a genuine review, and was probably written by the advertising/PR folks at FMC in the first place. The only thing missing is the "buy it now" button.

I believe that the "C" in front of the model number is for "Custom" (just as it was on the C2079LX) NOT Celebrity. I see no indication (nor reason) that they would make it a Celeb, despite the fact that, in effect, that's what it is… :(

Smoke and Mirrors… it's a cost-reduced, overseas-mass-produced shadow of the former LX model (which some might argue was already a shadow of the older Legends.)

A. Worth the price? Probably.

B. Will it sell well? Probably.

C. Is there more profit in it for FMC? Probably.

D. Will the diehards here in the OFC rush out and buy them? Doubtful.

Which of the above most influences manufacturing decisions: B & C

Which of the above is irrelevant to FMC? D

my 2¢…
ymmv…
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Slipkid
Posted 2011-06-10 12:21 PM (#351220 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!



Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301

Location: south east Michigan
Welcome to the OOFC.
The Old Ovations Fan Club.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
ProfessorBB
Posted 2011-06-10 1:10 PM (#351221 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!



Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 5881

Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains
After reviewing this thread, we can see first hand why the opening sentence on this site's Welcome page says "Ovation Guitars really don't get the respect they deserve!"
Top of the page Bottom of the page
stephent28
Posted 2011-06-10 1:52 PM (#351222 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!



Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303

Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066
Originally posted by standing:

D. Will the diehards here in the OFC rush out and buy them? Doubtful.

that says it all
Top of the page Bottom of the page
PEZ
Posted 2011-06-10 1:52 PM (#351223 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!



Joined:
July 2003
Posts: 3111

Location: Nashville TN.
Originally posted by Slipkid:
Yeah.. as nice as the review might sound, Paul has the right take on it.
When I first read it the "spec for spec" thing it did sound a little fishy to me..
.
So.. the Celebs are still a glued on neck, right?
And I think I've read that the EliteT is also.
.
Does any the models from over there use the LX bold on neck system?
.
And with 99% of the line made over there, I wonder if the "Celebrity" labels will go away.
NO
Top of the page Bottom of the page
PEZ
Posted 2011-06-10 2:01 PM (#351224 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!



Joined:
July 2003
Posts: 3111

Location: Nashville TN.
Originally posted by Slipkid:
Yeah.. as nice as the review might sound, Paul has the right take on it.
When I first read it the "spec for spec" thing it did sound a little fishy to me..
.
So.. the Celebs are still a glued on neck, right?
And I think I've read that the EliteT is also.
.
Does any the models from over there use the LX bold on neck system?
.
And with 99% of the line made over there, I wonder if the "Celebrity" labels will go away.
probably not.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Tim in Yucaipa
Posted 2011-06-10 2:15 PM (#351225 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!


Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 2246

Location: Yucaipa, California
...fergit it. Sorry to bother. buhbye.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
PEZ
Posted 2011-06-10 2:20 PM (#351226 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!



Joined:
July 2003
Posts: 3111

Location: Nashville TN.
Originally posted by Paul Templeman:
Too little, too late. Maybe if there had been more like this about the USA guitars they'd still be in production. Instead we seem to be happy that an inferior imported guitar is getting a good reveiw. Well excuse me for not sharing your enthusiasm.
I agree the USA ones are better and were worth the extra money. No reviews and no product you could ytu killed the USA line. In honest Korean are a lot guitar for the money. They lack magic thats in USA made. I glad these got but I am not buying one.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Darkbar
Posted 2011-06-10 4:59 PM (#351227 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!



Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 4535

Location: Flahdaw
Now THIS is a great thread.....
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Old Man Arthur
Posted 2011-06-10 5:44 PM (#351228 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!



Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777

Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR
Originally posted by Paul Templeman:
"In order to make Custom Legends accessible to more players, Ovation's off-shore factory has been professionally retooled to create guitars that match the U.S.-made Custom Legends spec for spec"

No, no no. This is absolute horse-shit. This kind of marketing rhetoric should be illegal. Fender make me want to puke. Spec for Spec? Really? REALLY? Don't get me started.
Here is the Difference...

Fender will PAY for a positive Review...

(Also supply artists and shows with free guitars and equipment)

Apparently Ovation would not.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
stonebobbo
Posted 2011-06-10 5:51 PM (#351229 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!



Joined:
August 2002
Posts: 8307

Location: Tennessee
Ovation had integrity.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Old Man Arthur
Posted 2011-06-10 5:58 PM (#351230 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!



Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777

Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR
Originally posted by Slipkid:
So.. the Celebs are still a glued on neck, right?
And I think I've read that the EliteT is also.
Elite T's have a Bolt-on Neck... TX's are Celebrity glue-on.
Does any the models from over there use the LX bold on neck system?
No... At least not yet. I think that the LX system is too much work.
And with 99% of the line made over there, I wonder if the "Celebrity" labels will go away.
I believe that the AX/TX are being made in the same factory as the newer Ultras were. Hence the dovetail necks like the old 2171'd and 2178's. Since Ovation was already making the Ultras in Korea and finishing them in CT, Fender figgered "Why do ANY work in the USA?" The Ultra factory was already there, we'll just ship all of the manufacture over there $$$
Many of the Cheezier Celebs are made in China... My CC54i was.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
moody, p.i.
Posted 2011-06-10 5:59 PM (#351231 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!


Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15665

Location: SoCal
Originally posted by stonebobbo:
Ovation had integrity.
Integrity, yes. Major celebrity endorsments, no...
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Paul Templeman
Posted 2011-06-10 6:06 PM (#351232 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!


Joined:
February 2002
Posts: 5750

Location: Scotland
The offshore Ovations are undoubedtly decent instruments, which represent great value, and offer excellent performance at their price point. They may well deserve the plaudits in what is, as someone pointed out, an infomercial for a discount chain. But to suggest that an instrument with a street retail price less than the factory production cost of a USA example can be compared "spec for spec" is patently nonsense and is misleading enough to border on the illegal. And that is what I find offensive about the whole thing.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Beal
Posted 2011-06-10 7:43 PM (#351233 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!



Joined:
January 2002
Posts: 14127

Location: 6 String Ranch
professionally retooled


Yeah, riiiiiight............
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Darkbar
Posted 2011-06-10 8:03 PM (#351234 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!



Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 4535

Location: Flahdaw
Originally posted by Beal:
professionally retooled


Yeah, riiiiiight............
Wasn't John Wayne Bobbitt "professionally retooled?"
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Paul Templeman
Posted 2011-06-10 8:14 PM (#351235 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!


Joined:
February 2002
Posts: 5750

Location: Scotland
Originally posted by dark bar:
Wasn't John Wayne Bobbitt "professionally retooled?" [/QB]
that would be "de-tooled" surely?
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Highway61
Posted 2011-06-10 8:34 PM (#351236 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!


Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 228

Templeman: "But to suggest that an instrument with a street retail price less than the factory production cost of a USA example can be compared "spec for spec" is patently nonsense and is misleading enough to border on the illegal. And that is what I find offensive about the whole thing."

Why could it not be possible? I'm not saying that the claim is true, but if foreign workers are being paid almost nothing, why, then, couldn't the specs be identical or nearly identical? If labor is pennies on the dollar, specs wouldn't have to be sacrificed for the manufacturer to still have a sizable--even greater--margin of profit.

And as for "...and is misleading enough to border on the illegal," I would argue that you need to relax your nerves as well your rhetoric. In no court is puffery illegal, and, at best, that's all that's going on with the "review." It's puffery (as are all the "Hands On Reviews" at MusiciansFriend).
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Highway61
Posted 2011-06-10 8:58 PM (#351237 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!


Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 228

Oh, and just so you know, I'm currently on the verge of buying a Custom Elite LX and am not interested at all in buying an AX.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Paul Templeman
Posted 2011-06-10 9:19 PM (#351238 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!


Joined:
February 2002
Posts: 5750

Location: Scotland
Originally posted by Highway61:
if foreign workers are being paid almost nothing,
Maybe in the past, but the fact is that wages in Chinese factories have increased several-fold over the last couple of years, and while by Western standards they are very low, the increases are having a huge impact on how business is conducted. Numerous major players are now looking to India and other 3rd world countries to exploit. One of the factors in China's rise to power was that labour costs in Korea made Western manufacturers look elsewhere. The instruments in question are made in Korea, and the workforce there does not earn "almost nothing"
Top of the page Bottom of the page
standing
Posted 2011-06-10 9:21 PM (#351239 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!



Joined:
December 2008
Posts: 1453

Location: Texas
Originally posted by Highway61:
Oh, and just so you know, I'm currently on the verge of buying a Custom Elite LX and am not interested at all in buying an AX.
…lotta that goin' around…
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Old Man Arthur
Posted 2011-06-10 9:41 PM (#351240 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!



Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777

Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR
This is not to say that these imports are not "OK" guitars...

Y'see? Therein lies the Problem. Ovation was a respected manufacturer of Guitars in the USA.

Fender is turning it into another so-so import brand.

Once I decided to buy an Ovation in 2006 it was because I remembered hearing and playing with an Original Shiny Bowl Balladeer back in the 70's... So I got the bug.

If Ovation is just gonna be another so-so import brand...
People who want an iconic AMERICAN guitar should be looking at Martin, Taylor, Larivee...
I would mention Guild, but Fender owns them. (My very first guitar was a Guild)
Breedlove is from Bend, Oregon.

XXX Fender, Buy USED, Buy American!
Top of the page Bottom of the page
standing
Posted 2011-06-10 10:06 PM (#351241 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!



Joined:
December 2008
Posts: 1453

Location: Texas
I wouldn't dismiss Guild so quickly OMA… It's true, Guild is also now owned by FMC, but they ARE producing some spectacular guitars, which ARE made in the US…
Top of the page Bottom of the page
G8r
Posted 2011-06-10 10:30 PM (#351242 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!


Joined:
November 2006
Posts: 3969

Originally posted by standing:
I wouldn't dismiss Guild so quickly OMA… It's true, Guild is also now owned by FMC, but they ARE producing some spectacular guitars, which ARE made in the US…
But they're NEW, and so not at bottom-feeder pricing...
Top of the page Bottom of the page
alpep
Posted 2011-06-10 11:11 PM (#351243 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!


Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10583

Location: NJ
Originally posted by Old Man Arthur:
This is not to say that these imports are not "OK" guitars...

Y'see? Therein lies the Problem. Ovation was a respected manufacturer of Guitars in the USA.

Fender is turning it into another so-so import brand.

Once I decided to buy an Ovation in 2006 it was because I remembered hearing and playing with an Original Shiny Bowl Balladeer back in the 70's... So I got the bug.

If Ovation is just gonna be another so-so import brand...
People who want an iconic AMERICAN guitar should be looking at Martin, Taylor, Larivee...
I would mention Guild, but Fender owns them. (My very first guitar was a Guild)
Breedlove is from Bend, Oregon.

XXXX Fender, Buy USED, Buy American!
OMA do this again and you get a vacation
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Old Man Arthur
Posted 2011-06-10 11:50 PM (#351244 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!



Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777

Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR
:eek: Excuse Me... I slipped. My Apologies.

(BTW-- Al, your PM box is full)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
alpep
Posted 2011-06-11 5:32 AM (#351245 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!


Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10583

Location: NJ
you know my e mail address
Top of the page Bottom of the page
guitarwannabee
Posted 2011-06-11 7:52 PM (#351246 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!


Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 1479

Location: Michigan
oh boy , can you believe it , june is here again and it looks like it might be early summer vacation season around here already. :D GWB
Top of the page Bottom of the page
FlySig
Posted 2011-06-12 9:43 AM (#351247 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!



Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4049

Location: Utah
Originally posted by standing:
[QB]

A. Worth the price? Probably.

B. Will it sell well? Probably./QB]
My college aged daughters tell me they are seeing more and more Ovations in Youtube videos. Ovations are becoming popular with the teen/20's crowd and with the musicians catering to that crowd.

The brand is getting a new breath of life. Good for the owners, and good for the overseas employees.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
javaman
Posted 2011-06-12 8:41 PM (#351248 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!


Joined:
January 2007
Posts: 137

Location: Massachusetts
As a member of another forum I read all about how the import guitars are as good,if not better, as the made in America guitars. So get ready for the posts about how the off-shore Ovations are equal to the old American ones.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Tim in Yucaipa
Posted 2011-06-13 1:52 PM (#351249 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!


Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 2246

Location: Yucaipa, California
…my apologies for trying to put a positive spin into a thread. Won't happen again……ever.


Miles/Al…. it's run its course.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
moody, p.i.
Posted 2011-06-13 2:03 PM (#351250 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!


Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15665

Location: SoCal
Tim, I'd hate to see you go. You touched a raw nerve and people jumped. It's a subject that they feel passionate about (mostly feeling burned).

I ain't apologizing for anybody. That's what's always made this board unique in my experience. There's a lot of passion and very little "follow the herd" mentality. Always makes it interesting....
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Darkbar
Posted 2011-06-13 2:21 PM (#351251 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!



Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 4535

Location: Flahdaw
"Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen."

Tim, you stood up and spoke, why not sit down and listen? It's actually kinda fun, or should be. No reason to shut down a thread or go away just because of differing opinions.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Tim in Yucaipa
Posted 2011-06-13 3:22 PM (#351252 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!


Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 2246

Location: Yucaipa, California
…been sitting down and listening for a long time here...
Top of the page Bottom of the page
moody, p.i.
Posted 2011-06-13 3:36 PM (#351253 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!


Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15665

Location: SoCal
Tim, if you go, we'll all miss the foil hat (and the reminders to play at old folks homes)....
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Darkbar
Posted 2011-06-13 4:18 PM (#351254 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!



Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 4535

Location: Flahdaw
Originally posted by Tim in Yucaipa:
…been sitting down and listening for a long time here...
ALOT longer than me! No one EVER agrees with me (or AlanM) but I still hang around.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
fletcher
Posted 2011-06-13 4:20 PM (#351255 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!


Joined:
March 2009
Posts: 416

Location: On the Coast - Halfway between SF & OR
I find threads like this frustrating; everyone wants to jump in with their opinion but no one ever backs those opinions with facts.

It's been said the guitars in question can't compare "spec for spec", so what are the differences? Different woods? Different bowl materials? What specifically are the differences?

It's been said, derogatorily it seems, that some guitars have glued necks as opposed to bolt-on necks. That seems strange to me as the early Ovations that everyone here praises so highly all had glued on necks. Please explain.

It's been said that Fender gives equipment to artists as a promotional tool as though the original Ovation company did not. Is that true? Seems like a lot of artists were promoting Ovation products in advertising years back; are you saying those artist weren't given equipment in exchange for their promotion?

Granted, the review was fluff, but I had hoped the knowledgeable folks here could provide the facts the review glossed over. All I'm reading here is more fluff.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Mr. Ovation
Posted 2011-06-13 4:37 PM (#351256 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!


Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 7224

Location: The Great Pacific Northwest
I think this is a great thread.. The tidbits I have taken away are that Ovation for a great review in a retail mag and many younger musicians are starting to see Ovations on YouTube. One can only speculate, but if that trend continues, and there is once again reason to do more than Custom shop guitars, I'm sure they will.

Remember, this is how Ovation started in the first place. History seems to always repeat itself. The first time around were the Glen Campbell's and Roy Clark's but unless you were a concert goer, or saw a tv appearance, you didn't really know about it... but it was enough to launch the brand.

Now... as the 70's and 80's are again fashionable, it's hard to not watch any of the MTV/VH-1 "Retro" shows for more than a tune or two and NOT see an Ovation... even the solid bodies. And, more importantly, they are showing up on YouTube. THAT is the big news.. Just like us, those musicians are going to want more. And the more they ask... well... it's called "supply to meet demand".

that's my two pence worth.

with one additional pence added... I buy quality, and I buy bang for buck. If that end up being something made in the USA... cool. But in most cases, it is not. The quality level of items made overseas are exactly what is SPECIFIED.. They can build anything, and build it better, faster and cheaper BUT... they build what they are SPEC'd TO BUILD.

In the case of guitars, some people actually spec quality guitars. Neal Moser has an import line. Most of them cost MORE than most USA Made guitars of other brands, because he didn't spec overseas for price, but for volume. He just couldn't hand build enough of them from his shop, so he spec'd high quality imports, and they cost... and they are worth it. Others do as well.

Bottom line... If you want a USA Built Ovation, just buy one. They still make them. Oh... it's going to cost you an extra phone call, and you are going to get the EXACT guitar you want.. but I guess some people just like the cookie cutter approach and feel everyone owes them a "bargain."

As I stated in another thread... the free ride is over. If you want a High Quality Made in USA Guitar... You are going to have order it.

Frankly, after typing all this... what's the point.. Ovation got a great review to get the word out, and you can still buy any guitar you want...

on second thought... click..
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Slipkid
Posted 2011-06-13 4:53 PM (#351257 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!



Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301

Location: south east Michigan
In the last 3 or so years the OFC has changed... big time.
In the same time frame Ovation itself has changed... big time.
I regret the loss of both.

Tho I'd love to think that the Ovations coming in from Korea are of the same caliber and specs that came from the Mothership, but I know better. With their lower price point the new Ovations will still offer good value for the dollar. But I'm afraid the days of inovation are gone. I'm afraid the intangable things that made them so special to me for over 40 years, are gone.

I wish the company great finacial success. I hope the young players buy alot of the new Ovations and appreciate them as much as I appreciate mine. But some of us here, with good reason, will forever be stuck in Golden Years of the inovative yet traditional era of the USA made Ovations.

How about this analogy. Taks are made overseas and they are a damn fine instrument. Say you've been playing Taks for the last 30 years. Imagine if production was moved to oh lets say... Algonac Michigan. And lets say the machinery was duplicated and the specs where the same. You'd still loose the experience of the labor force. You'd loose the people who, even tho the specs where spot on, could tell by the feel that something is right or wrong. I don't think I'd buy an Algonac Tak.
.
Sometimes I'm pissed at the loss the the USA Ovation. Sometimes it shows. But I'll get over it. After all... I can't buy a '67 Mustang anymore either.
.
edit:
Yes Miles... I know you can still buy a USA made Ovation. But to anyone who has loved these guitars like some of us have, it's still a loss. Being mostly an electric guitar player you might not have the same perspective.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Mr. Ovation
Posted 2011-06-13 5:12 PM (#351258 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!


Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 7224

Location: The Great Pacific Northwest
Did I miss something?

Can't you buy any USA Made Ovation you want today?

I seem to seriously be missing something I think.

I have essentially NEVER seen a USA Made Ovation in a store (maybe a couple in the past 30+ years)... so again.. what am I missing..

They make great imports (LIKE THEY HAVE FOR THE LAST AT LEAST 20 YEARS) and with a phone call, you can get any Ovation you want built to your specs...

Again... what am I missing ???

Oh.. yeah... and in the past few years they have come out with the VXT AND the iDea...
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Darkbar
Posted 2011-06-13 5:15 PM (#351259 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!



Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 4535

Location: Flahdaw
Oh yeah...like Michigan-made could ever compare to Korean-made.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
moody, p.i.
Posted 2011-06-13 5:16 PM (#351260 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!


Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15665

Location: SoCal
I'd never buy anything from Algonac MI. We all KNOW the rep of the people who live there......
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Darkbar
Posted 2011-06-13 5:27 PM (#351261 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!



Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 4535

Location: Flahdaw
Originally posted by moody, p.i.:
We all KNOW the rep of the people who live there......
Coconut bra wearing weirdos
Top of the page Bottom of the page
moody, p.i.
Posted 2011-06-13 5:42 PM (#351262 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!


Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15665

Location: SoCal
You weren't even there. Don't you go picking on my gay little band mate!

Not that there's anything wrong with that.....
Top of the page Bottom of the page
standing
Posted 2011-06-13 6:34 PM (#351263 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!



Joined:
December 2008
Posts: 1453

Location: Texas
Originally posted by Tim in Yucaipa:
…my apologies for trying to put a positive spin into a thread. Won't happen again……ever.


Miles/Al…. it's run its course.
Hey Tim, please don't take it that way! Rarely does a thread go this long without sinking into nonsense, yet we're still discussing the merits (or lack thereof) of the models whose production recently moved to Asia. It's all good, I don't think anyone was intentionally taking any shots at you for posting it, nor for any of your comments. You started one of the most interesting and potentially informative threads we've seen in a while. It's a very timely topic, I think some of us are… well, let's just call it "uncomfortable" with this situation, it sure seems have hit a raw nerve with some members… but the ongoing dialog is useful, interesting and hopefully even informative.

So please, take a seat, grab a beer and let's remember that we're all really on the same side here, (the side with the round back…)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
ProfessorBB
Posted 2011-06-13 6:44 PM (#351264 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!



Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 5881

Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains
I've actually enjoyed this thread. There are some interesting points being made at a number of positions along the contiuum, even if those points are based primarily upon anecdotal experience, opinion and hearsay rather than empirical research and factual data. Engaging in debate and dialogue is healthy as long as we respect each other's right to have an opinion, regardless of the foundation (or lack thereof) upon which those opinions may be based, we exercise a little courtesy and civility in expressing ourselves, and we don't take disagreements personally.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Tim in Yucaipa
Posted 2011-06-13 7:09 PM (#351265 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!


Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 2246

Location: Yucaipa, California
…..please understand that my knickers are not in a knit. Honest. I just have issues with double standards.

My initial point was, that it seemed to me rather refreshing that someone other than the OFC Homeboy Club actually liked an Ovation guitar, not caring that it was "offshore", and had the guts to put that approval in print thus exposing himself to ridicule.

…I thought that would have been cause for encouragement for those who have been bemoaning the "lack of respect" for ANY Ovation.

Isn't it at all possible that someone who was on the fence about Ovations MIGHT now try one? They might even like a Celebrity, and then want to try the "real" Ovations……couldn't it have been a seed planted that may have garnered a harvest….even of one?
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Beal
Posted 2011-06-13 7:58 PM (#351266 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!



Joined:
January 2002
Posts: 14127

Location: 6 String Ranch
sure that's possible.

And I'd never buy a Tak made in Mishigun. Maybe an Ovation, Slipkid, you looking to run a factory??
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Paul Templeman
Posted 2011-06-13 8:01 PM (#351267 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!


Joined:
February 2002
Posts: 5750

Location: Scotland
Tim, all of that is valid and noble. However it is my opinion that the guitars should stand on their actual merits, not on marketing hyperbole that claims "Here is a guitar identical in every respect to the USA built version, except it's not built in the USA and costs a fraction of the price"

If something appears to be too good to be true, it usually is.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Slipkid
Posted 2011-06-13 8:05 PM (#351268 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!



Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301

Location: south east Michigan
Yeah Miles... IMHO you're missing something.
.
In recent times have purchased new USA Ovations off the rack at my local (non-guitar center) store. Over the years I have seen many USA models next to the imports. Then theres that great resource we all share... Lost Vintage Art.
.
"They make great imports"...
Yes... great entry level guitars that were never comparable to those coming out of New Hartford. Can we all agree that quality and desirability wise the new Custom Legends coming from Korea fall somewhere between the Celebs and a USA Custom Legend?
.
Perhaps the off shore Ovation models are better than the Celebrity models. But that's not saying much. (no offence to you who love your Celebs out there)
.
Where once there was an entire factory all abuzz with the design and manufacturing of Ovations there is now a small corner relegated to one-sy two-sy special orders. That's what you might be missing Miles.

Beal
Member
Member # 7
Maybe an Ovation, Slipkid, you looking to run a factory??
Well... there is an old, empty Chris Craft factory up here.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Old Man Arthur
Posted 2011-06-13 8:19 PM (#351269 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!



Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777

Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR
Asked by fletcher:
It's been said, derogatorily it seems, that some guitars have glued necks as opposed to bolt-on necks. That seems strange to me as the early Ovations that everyone here praises so highly all had glued on necks. Please explain
When older Ovations were Glued-on necks, the people doing the glue-ing took the time to make sure that it was done Right.
The reason I would desire a Bolt-on neck from Korea is that I could reset the neck myself.
I had two... No, Three New Korean Ultras that had terribly high action.
One I sent back to MF and they sent me another 2171, it was Okay with all the shims removed. But still not as good as a USA-made.
The other, a 2178 I traded to Woody, and he routed-out the saddle slot to lower the saddle.
I have a CC54i and a Ocean Acoustic... Both were new. (The OA was NOS, but I am the first owner)
Both have high action, but I cannot change it. (I mention this cuz they both have glue-on necks)
I have had 1115's, 1112's, and 1121's with glued necks that were just fine.
Many guitars have dovetail necks that are just fine If You Take The Time To Make Them Right!
I am just not positive that I will get that lucky with an imported one.

All that leads the the Fact that you could buy a USA Ovation online and be pretty sure that it will play like the same model Ovation that you tried-out in person...
If not, you could send it back to the MotherShip and they would make it right.
I don't think that you can send an AX or TX back to the Factory for a tune-up.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Darkbar
Posted 2011-06-13 8:35 PM (#351270 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!



Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 4535

Location: Flahdaw
Action is overrated for most average players. Playing G, C, D, A, E, or F is really not THAT much harder with the action a tad higher.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Beal
Posted 2011-06-13 8:46 PM (#351271 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!



Joined:
January 2002
Posts: 14127

Location: 6 String Ranch
Hey Slippy, we can use boats in Flooreeeda. Can we use guitar technology of fibreglass and wood to make a new kinda boat??
This just might lead somewhere.......
Top of the page Bottom of the page
pablojerome
Posted 2011-06-13 11:05 PM (#351272 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!


Joined:
January 2008
Posts: 16

Location: Ottawa, ON, Canada
Wow!
Earlier this month I posted a note to the effect that for people new to Ovation, as I was a few years back, the OFC "is a place of higher learning and I never doze-off in class". This thread was great...errant elbows excepted...and I have to reinforce Mr. Ovation's remarks that there was very much to be learned in this exchange, particularly about the subject guitar, the "ovation custom legend c2079ax". This thread has solid information that could lead to a better informed purchase, so I've got to say good on you for this frank and informed discussion. And if not here, then where? But how to get here???

If I didn't know about the OFC, and I was a total newbie and read the review that started this exchange, I might Google it to find out more info. So I did just that.

I got +9000 hits, 305 when the repetitions were edited out. The first hit was the official Ovation website. The remaining 304 amounted to a litany of sellers, all with basically the same outline of the guitar; "hand-selected, premium grade AAA solid-spruce top...with LX scalloped bracing." "Cherry Burst NEW!! Buy It Now: US $xxxx.00" and so on. Impressive descriptions to be sure. Regrettably, no reference to the OFC appeared in any of the hits and that's a shame because the devils in the detail and the detail is here !
Top of the page Bottom of the page
fillhixx
Posted 2011-06-13 11:15 PM (#351273 - in reply to #351199)
Subject: Re: Refreshingly Friendly Review!



Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 4832

Location: Campbell River, British Columbia
Hey. I've been buying 'foreign made Ovations' since about 1972!

And I'll warrant Templeman's been even buying overseas Ovations longer than that!

Remember, where you stand on the issue depends on where you sit. It's a little hard for some of us/you to feel good about change, but it's inevitable and mandatory. Change or die: there are no other choices. (well, for business anyway. For us mortals it's change AND die anyway.) So eat, drink, and be merry my friends!
;)
Oh,....and strum and 'O' as you skim the threads here....
Top of the page Bottom of the page