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Location: Denver, CO | On the coattails of my label post. From the experts here - what are the most revered Ovation models to seek out and quest for? I've owned a Custom Balladeer and Ultra and am curious as to what models (especially older) have a reputation for excellence. I'm speaking acoustically more than plugged. |
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Location: Hanau, Hessen, Germany | U681-T
FD-14
Elite 1531
In my personal order. |
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| Originally posted by DenverSteve:
what are the most revered Ovation models to seek out and quest for? Are you looking for a specific style of play, or just for the sake of collecting the best? Carbon fiber (Adamas) included, or just wood-top (Ovation)? Cutaway, non-cut, or both? Wide neck, or standard neck? Blingy or not? 12-stringers, as well?
There are many that meet a "more sought after" definition, but not necessarily by everyone, all depending on what you want. |
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Location: Denver, CO | Why G8r, you do ask a few questions - but good ones. I don't "collect", I play. I'm looking for insight to Wooden top, 6-string USA made Ovations. Best volume, tone and action. I love wider necks but have come to appreciate the Ovation "standard" necks. Bling doesn't matter as it won't improve the quality of the guitar. That said many of my Taylors and Martins are high-end guitars because that's what the bling goes on. Plane-Jane or blingy the only thing that matters is the tone and action of a guitar - to me anyway. Thanks. |
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Location: Denver, CO | Oh and prior to the "quality and tone are subjective" philosophers - I appreciate that. However, there are sought-after gems from every maker and i am interested in a fabulous tone-monster to add to my stable. I flat-pick, finger-style and flog my guitars when necessary as they are "made to be played". :) |
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| Cool. In that case (in no particular order) -
Any early '80s A-braced Legend or Custom Legend (1117, 1119, are the acoustic-only models; 1617, 1619 have pre-amps)
The 1537 (full body), 1547 (cutaway) and/or 1538 (12-string) Elites
1987 Collector Edition
"Book" Elite
Pacemaker 12-string (1615)
Josh White
Original Folklore
Glenn Campbell Balladeer |
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Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | Wood Top: 1537
Textured-Top Adamas: 1581 (with the holes on the bass side)
My 87 Collectors is much like the 1537 but more bling and a cutaway. |
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Location: Denver, CO | Great so far. Thanks. Why is the Glen Campbell balladeer so expensive? I see them available and they are always high-dollar. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Originally posted by DenverSteve:
Why is the Glen Campbell balladeer so expensive? Most likely re-issues.
Originally posted by G8r:
Any early '80s A-braced Legend or Custom Legend (1117, 1119, are the acoustic-only models; 1617, 1619 have pre-amps)
The 1537 (full body), 1547 (cutaway) and/or 1538 (12-string) Elites
1987 Collector Edition
"Book" Elite
Pacemaker 12-string (1615)
Josh White
Original Folklore
Glenn Campbell Balladeer .
Totally agree with most of that but I would personally pass on the "Book" elite and just grab a '87 Collectors. |
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Location: Denver, CO | I was checking on the Ovation web site and don't find the '87 Collectors model. Does it have a different model number or simply labeled as a 1987 Collector's model? |
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Location: Tennessee | K-1111 Reissue is just a stonking killer guitar. For your specs, I'd rank it at or near the top of any list.
Others I think are pretty stellar are the 1537 Elite, John Lennon Legend Limited Reissue, and a Josh White (either original or reissue).
The thing with the blingy guitars is that they tend to have the best tops ... or at least the the most highly-graded ones at the time of manufacture. That's why the Custom Legends, 87C and Book Elites tend to make it on the lists. |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | When I started on this board, everyone was gaga over the new 2005 Collector and the 1537. I finally played an 05 Collector and agree. The 04 Commemorative Custom Legend might be better, but has more bling. I agree with everything else on G8r's list that I've played. Right now I can't think of a deep bowl Ovation that I didn't like. |
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Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | The 1651 Legend Limited from 1981/1982 is an A-braced model with exceptional tone. The reissues of this model (aka John Lennon reissues) from a few years ago are also very nice (some even think a bit better than the originals) because the necks are lighter which improves the overall balance of the guitar. |
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Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent | Originally posted by G8r:
Cool. In that case (in no particular order) -
Any early '80s A-braced Legend or Custom Legend (1117, 1119, are the acoustic-only models; 1617, 1619 have pre-amps)
The 1537 (full body), 1547 (cutaway) and/or 1538 (12-string) Elites
1987 Collector Edition
"Book" Elite
Pacemaker 12-string (1615)
Josh White
Original Folklore
Glenn Campbell Balladeer Agree with all of these.
In the A-braced Legend department, you will want to add the 1976 Patriot, which is a Custom Legend in disguise.
And though some will take issue, I've said before that the 2001 Collector's is one of the best acoustic sounders to migrate out of New Hartford, even if it is a mid-bowl. I like mine so much, I had another Redwood Elite made with a deep bowl. It sounds just as nice but with a little more volume. I'm keepin' both of'em.
BTW, you will find WAAYYY more information about a given guitar like the 87C by doing a search here than you will on the home site. Every member who has owned one of the guitars listed has rattled on about it at some point. We can't help it, it's simultaneously addictive and therapeutic in a "rub other people's nose in it" kind of way. (Or maybe we're all just a bunch of show offs.) :rolleyes: |
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| So, is this "be nice to G8r" day? Here I thought I was opening a can of worms with specific recommendations, what with this opinionated bunch ;)
And that list is pretty personal, since I own nearly all of those. And the ones I don't, I've tried and found them close enough to what I do own to not make it worth trying to find them.
Now, if we start including the Adamas flavors, that's a whole 'nother story... |
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Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent | Originally posted by G8r:
So, is this "be nice to G8r" day? I don't see that one on the calendar. |
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Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | Folklore... Non-Cutaway Adamas... Elite T... Flame T... Standard Elite... Contour T...
(Do we see a trend here?) |
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Location: Utah | Great list so far.
I second the Adamas U681T, or the nearly identical 1680. The Adamas 2080 is a killer guitar, I love mine acoustic or plugged in.
But you specified wood topped Ovations, not plugged in. The 1537 gets my vote, along with the Patriot. These guitars are highly revered and also collectibles.
The A-braced Legends and Balladeers seem to be highly regarded and are generally plentiful on the used market. They are players with great tone, not so much considered collectible but are great guitars for a bargain price. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Revered acoustic excellence? Come on ...
Just buy a vintage D28 and be done with it. |
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| I know of a '55 for sale, killer guitar except for the girly neck. |
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Location: Denver, CO | Originally posted by Gallerinski:
Revered acoustic excellence? Come on ...
Just buy a vintage D28 and be done with it. Been there, got that (HD28). I'm speaking (as everyone else observed :) ) Ovation only. Guitars I don't have a shortage of. |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | it's a nice girlie neck though.....
OK, my list
slothead
1537
1984
1111 reissue |
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Location: Denver, CO | There's a 1619 Custom Legend available around here that I'm going to try to look at on the way to a gig this evening. It looks great, but who knows. |
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| 1619 is a great guitar, the classic Ovation looks and tone. To be honest, 'tho, that would be the first to leave my stable.
Beal, the '84 was the one designed on a German cocktail napkin, right? |
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Location: Denver, CO | Okay. So anything from this person's collection:
http://www.ovationgallery.com/page6string.htm
He's obviously a member here somewhere. |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | How did I forget the Patriot or John Lennon RI?
Does anyone remember any complaints about girlie necks and roundbacks slipping off knees (a euphemism for "I have no lap to sit my guitar on")back in the day when Americans weren't obese? |
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Location: SoCal | He's a jerk. Goes to the Netherlands all the time, prepping for a sex change operation.
I agree with Beal's list (pretty much), except mine would be
1537
slothead
87C
1111 reissue
A braced Legend
FD14 |
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| Yeah, as you might suspect, that guy's known for his guitar galleries, when he's not standing around selling tupperware.
He no longer has all of those guitars, but he does know what he's talking about, having not just owned, but played them.
But Moody's right - he's a jerk. |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | So, why are we being nice to G8r? I'd agree with Moody, but if you want the traditional Ovation sound, I don't think the 1537 is it, or any Elite for that matter. |
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| Originally posted by Mark in Boise:
So, why are we being nice to G8r? 'Cause I'm a big, lovable, non-sarcastic teddy bear? |
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Location: Munich, Germany | My list for wooden tops:
1. Any A braced Legend would do it, better would probably be a Custom Legend, best MY 1651 Ltd. Reissue (everyone who played it can tell)
2. Josh White ( I think the reissue is a little bit better)
3. Not as loud, not as bassy, definitely on no other list but probably my best "balanced" guitar: 1996 Collectors (not the Book Elite!)
But I would pass on all of these for a Adamas 1187. No matter what color.
Best regards,
Kurt
EDIT: Forgot about the Elites. They don't have this distinctive Ovation sound to me, but if it should be epaulets:
1. 1768 EMSX with Engelman spruce top
2. 87 Collectors
3. 1547
And don't even think about scalloped braced LX guitars. They suck! |
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Location: Munich, Germany | Originally posted by moody, p.i.:
He's a jerk. |
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Location: SoCal | Originally posted by G8r:
Originally posted by Mark in Boise:
So, why are we being nice to G8r? 'Cause I'm a big, lovable, non-sarcastic teddy bear? |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Well as someone who has sold all of his woodtop Ovations in favor of the Adamas sound.......
you got some nice wood guitars.
you should look into trying out the older Adamas line or if you prefer new, the 2080 Adamas. |
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Location: Denver, CO | stonebobbo - Is the K-1111 Balladeer the same as a Balladeer 1111? I see it listed both ways on the Ovation data pages. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | K1111 that Bob speaks of is the shiny bowl balladeer reissue. One of the BEST of the BEST. I own two of them just in case something should happen to one.
Balladeer Original Reissue |
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Location: Tennessee | What he ^ said. It's got the 14 degree angle headstock, hand laid fiberglass shiny bowl, three plank top, brazzy rosey bridge, vintage Kluson tuners, pearl and chain rosette, and a good dose of the mojo they kept stored in the backroom of the factory since about 1967. No electronics, just pure acoustic joy. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Bobbo, you sure about the angle? For some reason I thought that the HS angle and the label were the two things they didn't recreate quite right. I'm on the road this week so can't check mine. Botton line it's one HONKING good guitar, easily at/near the very top of the ovation ladder. |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | DenverSteve, go with what Bobboinski is telling you. can't go wrong there......
The 1955 D-28 is still available if anyone's interested.... |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | Mine hangs next to the Matrix and the Matrix has the sharper headstock angle. It is a fantastic reissue of a classic guitar. |
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Location: Tennessee | Originally posted by Gallerinski:
Bobbo, you sure about the angle? For some reason I thought that the HS angle and the label were the two things they didn't recreate quite right. I bow to the Master. I should've double-checked this one first. It's the other one with the sharper angle.
Doesn't matter. The K-1111 is still a great guitar. |
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Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | How did I forget the Patriot I second that...
Simply put:
If it says Ovation on the headstock...it's a good-un...
Now, if it says Adamas on the headstock...then you've got even better!
If it has a carved broccoli looking headstock w/no brandname but an Adamas label inside...Then you've got the best!!!
Everything else is just ice cream...
Nuff said! |
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Location: Jet City | In regards to the A-Braced Legends, I particularly like the pre-Kaman bar versions of the Legends/Custom Legends the best.
On that note, does anyone know what year they went from VT to A on the 1117/1617 Legends? |
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Location: SoCal | Originally posted by Damon67:
In regards to the A-Braced Legends, I particularly like the pre-Kaman bar versions of the Legends/Custom Legends the best.
On that note, does anyone know what year they went from VT to A on the 1117/1617 Legends? From what I can tell, it's not really a year, but more of a time frame. Between about 1979-1980. Of course, Custom Legends (production began in 1974) has always had A bracing, as well as the Patriot (1976 limited edition model). And there are some regular Legends floating around out there from about 1973-4 which were built with A bracing. Glen Campbell had one of those and used it, even tho' it was not an acoustic electric, on all of his recordings and concerts from about 1974-1976, when he got his slothead Adamas...... |
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Location: Jet City | I've been using one as my "summer" guitar (acoustic at the beach, camping, tailgating at the shows/concerts etc.).
It's super easy to play. It was mine a while back, I sold it to my singer, then he traded it back to me with some $ for my red flame...
This one sounds 10X better to my ear than the flame, not to mention it's playability, but to each his own. |
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Location: Jet City | I think it's a shame the UKII hasn't been mentioned, or are electric guitars not being considered? |
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Location: Newington, CT | In no particular order
• FD-14
• 1681
• 2080
• Anything with a name starting with OFC (Ex.: OFC I, or OFC II) -- very rare. Gallerinski's selling the best one in the world (I think), but I want it, so stay away until I can get the $$$ for it. |
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Location: Denver, CO | Thanks all. This is great information. I did pick up a '77 1619 Custom Legend until I can get my hands on a 1537, Patriot, "Book" or other great guitar. |
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| Excellent, and Congrats! The first of many, I'm sure. You know pics are required, right? |
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Location: Tennessee | Nice get, Steve. Hard not to put that 1619 into the "great" category. Enjoy the quest you're on ... It's never-ending, you know. |
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Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent | Originally posted by DenverSteve:
I did pick up a '77 1619 Custom Legend until I can get my hands on a 1537, Patriot, "Book" or other great guitar. Until? I'm sure you meant to say...."NEXT I'm gonna get my hands on a 1537, Patriot, "Book" or other great guitar." ;)
Congrats on a nice one. |
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Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | Originally posted by DenverSteve:
I did pick up a '77 1619 Custom Legend until I can get my hands on a 1537, Patriot, "Book" or other great guitar. Getting your hands on them may be easier than you think. Keeping your hands on them is the difficult part. I might be able to help you with the former. Send me a PM. |
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High-Quality Models