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September 2010
Posts: 59
Location: Michigan | Brand new here and am looking for any general and/or specific information on the Legend 1717 series. Mine is a 1989 in white. I am the original owner. I have read a few posts on Legends but am not seeing much regarding the 1717 series. A few links or suggestions on source material or even replys, would be much appreciated.
Technically I have been playing for 48 years (since early elementary school) however, many years have passed without playing and I am just now getting back into it. My nephews recent interest has rekindled mine. |
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March 2008
Posts: 354
Location: nashville | Welcome to the board, it sholdnt take long. Someone here knows everything about your guitar. |
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March 2002
Posts: 15682
Location: SoCal | http://ovationtribute.com/Catalogues/1988_Ovation_US_Catalog/1988_O...
I may as well say it since everybody knows I feel this way..... those are really great guitars! |
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Joined:
September 2010
Posts: 59
Location: Michigan | Thanks for the link. I first saw this guitar hanging on the wall of Herters Music Center in '89. Played it - and took it home. It was "on sale" for I think around $775. I still have the original tags for the guitar and case inside the case neck pocket (case was $145 with retail on the guitar around $1045). I suspect it has Adamas strings on it as I have a string wrapper with that name in the neck pocket.
Couple of elementary questions;
1. It has been years since I put a new battery in mine. Could someone walk me through the basics? I will be changing strings.
2. My neck action is very good - however on higher frets (above 12th) I begin to get a bit of space (height) from the fret board. I see the bridge is not adjustable, so is there any tweeking to be done to lower the strings in this area? The neck appears straight and is in tune above the 12th fret. |
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September 2002
Posts: 806
Location: Seymour, Tennessee | That was cool looking through that 88-9 catolog.
I decided on having my 12 CL built from looking through that same one :) |
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March 2002
Posts: 15682
Location: SoCal | Your guitar has the OP24 in it. On the side of the guitar, just ahead of the preamp is a screw. When you get the strings off, reach in the guitar. That screw holds the battery box. A half turn and the box will come out. Slide the lid towards the wires side of the box and you'll find the battery.
Under the saddle there are shims. Pull out one of thosee for lower action. How often do you play above the 12th fret? Do you really need the action to be lowered? You'll lose a little tone when you lower the action..... |
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Joined:
September 2010
Posts: 59
Location: Michigan | Again Thanks!
My intended use for this Legend is for Ballads which makes your question quite pointed. As my only guitar currently (Hagstrom Viking Deluxe semi-hollow is on order) my practice has been primarily picking (Boogie Woogie, Tennessee Waltz, Never on Sunday, Black Magic Woman, Apache, Walk Don't Run, etc) rather than struming - which generated the query. In retrospect, I think I will leave it alone as the tone is mighty fine as she lays. Get some new strings and get her plugged in and... |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15682
Location: SoCal | People get all hung up on changing an instrument just because they think they should or because it sounds like a cool thing to do. And there's often no real need to do it. Sometimes it can make things worse.
A case in point is that yesterday I changed the screen resolution on my moniter. Now I can't seem to find the settings where it was originally and I want to get it back. |
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February 2009
Posts: 194
Location: Huntington Beach | did you mention strings?
I have a '78 1617 Legend.
Up until today my favorite strings on it were Martin M130 - just changed to TI Plectrum AC111 and I love them. They have a little bit more of everything - more highs and lows - more playability. Downside is they are 3X the price. We'll see how they last. The feel and sound is a joy. |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15682
Location: SoCal | Good point Mike. Strings can make a huge difference and it seems that every guitar has a different set that work well on that particular guitar..... |
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Joined:
September 2010
Posts: 59
Location: Michigan | Originally posted by 1617:
did you mention strings?
I have a '78 1617 Legend.
Up until today my favorite strings on it were Martin M130 - just changed to TI Plectrum AC111 and I love them. They have a little bit more of everything - more highs and lows - more playability. Downside is they are 3X the price. We'll see how they last. The feel and sound is a joy. I was doing a search on "String" threads just yesterday. Timely post. I am running Adamas now, have a set of Martins in the case and was suggested to try Elixirs. Still deciding. I have no complaints on the Adamas. Still too new back into playing to really matter at present. Working of getting the fingers back working and the pickin back on course - but I'll likely change out strings by the weekend. |
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Joined:
February 2009
Posts: 194
Location: Huntington Beach | The cool thing about the "silk and steel" varieties of strings is they are easier to play due to lower tension. That means easier fretting and easier bending than a comparably gauged common string. I can say after over 40 years playing and trying many strings that I highly recommend either the Martin M130 or Plectrum AC111. The lower tension also means less stress on an old top. Bottom line - you gotta try and see what works best for your music, playing style and instrument. Best. |
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September 2006
Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | Thank You for reminding me of "Silk & Steel" strings...
I have a set of MI400 that I received with my first Academy, but I never used them.
So I just put them on my 1771LX, and the feel great.
They sound good too. Now I will see how long they last.
You may have just inspired me to defect from D'Addario's. :eek: |
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Joined:
September 2010
Posts: 59
Location: Michigan | I picked up a set of D'Addario EJ15 extra lights .10-.47. http://accessories.musiciansfriend.com/product/D\'Addario-EJ15-Phos...
The store I was at didn't have the Phosphor Bronze Martins in .10 or .11 guage nor the Plectrum AC111's. Got these for about $10. Strung the 1717 and immediately noticed a softer (more pleasant to me) note off the E and B strings. Had trouble the first 2 days with the E and B strings staying in tune (likely due to my winding), however as of last night they kept tune fine. The B string had a couple small kinks in it when unwrapped and the store said they would replace if I had any issue - but it seems to be working fine. I have been trying to learn Sleep Walk this week and the lighter guage seems easier for me to slide and bend the strings. I do tend to play on the soft side. I have not yet plugged these in, however accoustically I like them fine - so far. The reviews on the link above seem overall - good.
They do squeak, but I've never had a set that didn't - so I really don't know any different. I am intrigued by the AC111's and hope to try a set. |
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January 2009
Posts: 4536
Location: Flahdaw | Was i the only one who really liked the Adamas strings? |
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Joined:
September 2010
Posts: 59
Location: Michigan | I think I just took a set of Adamas off. I thought they had a real nice tone. I would have replaced them with Adamas, except the store I was at did not have any. I must say though - that I do like the set of extra light A'Darrios I just put on. Perhaps I am not a discerning enough player yet. |
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Legend 1717 - seeking info