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Posts: 795
Location: Texas | So what is it about Ovations:
A. That "we" really love?
B. That "they" really hate?
1.- ... is it the bowl?
( Lyrachord, plastic, fiberglass, round, tupperware )
2.- ... is it the look?
3.- ... is it the feel?
4.- ... is it the sound?
5.- ... is it the tradition?
6.- ... is it the tone?
7.- ... is it the electronics?
8.- ... is it the idea?
9.- ... is it the design?
10.- ... all of the above? |
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Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | A) 10
B) 10 |
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Posts: 4832
Location: Campbell River, British Columbia | There's a million stories in the naked city.
...and the clothed one next door has almost as many. |
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Posts: 370
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba CANADA | The vast majority of the guitar buying public are stuffy traditionalists. To them an acoustic guitar is a 'wooden box'... like dad used to play, and his father before him 'ye unto the middle ages'.
Ovation was the first acoustic guitar manufacturer to embrace technology and see that this mindset was BS.
By adopting the round Lyrachord back, carbon-graphite tops, built-in pickups and preamps, Ovation not only became the go-to company for the 'guitar-geek' set, but also showed up the 'wooden box' guys for the dinasaurs they are.
(note: a wooden box can be a beautiful piece of art, but from a strictly acoustical design point of view... a piece of wood is a piece of wood, end of!!).
When Ovation introduced the Adamas, their guitars started to look a lot less like traditional instruments and through the use of new processes and techniques became the first acoustic/electric guitars to hint at a future where technology ruled.
This forever divided the guitar buying public into two distinct camps... the people that believed in the future... and the people that were scared of the future (destined to seek solace wrapped around a piece of wood...)
;) |
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Location: Hanau, Hessen, Germany | It's the shape. |
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Posts: 7224
Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | While an interesting question, and likely to get interesting response, there is a serious flaw with the results due to posting it here.
Those who own Ovation guitars and like them, are different. We in general don't like or dislike something because of the name one the box, or who endorses it. We think for ourselves and make our own decisions.
It's the same with many other items. Harley riders as example. If you are reading this and own a Harley, it was a decision that YOU likely made for YOUR OWN reasons, not because "That's what all my friends ride" or some other silliness.
Those that own Taylors, or Collings, or Martins... who are reading this... also fellow Ovation owners.. bought those guitars because they meant something to you. The VAST majority of players bought it cause it was on sale, they heard of it, their favorite musician plays one etc etc etc etc..
Like I inferred, it's a great topic starter, but I'd say 99% of us, would not understand the logic presented of those who don't accept Ovations. MOST of the rest of the world, doesn't operate like us. They buy or play, what they are told to, or what's on sale... that's it.
I agree with others... what we love and what others dislike about Ovations... are the same list. |
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Posts: 5881
Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | I've thought about this much over the years. The thing that I keep coming back to is the sound plugged in, and more specifically, the clarity. I believe Charlie got it sorted out pretty well. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | I would guess that the plastic bowl is the biggest objection that most people have to Ovations. Hard to play a guitar that's always slipping off your knee. |
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Posts: 416
Location: On the Coast - Halfway between SF & OR | Originally posted by Mr. Ovation:
Those who own Ovation guitars and like them, are different. We in general don't like or dislike something because of the name one the box, or who endorses it. We think for ourselves and make our own decisions.
It's the same with many other items. Harley riders as example. If you are reading this and own a Harley, it was a decision that YOU likely made for YOUR OWN reasons, not because "That's what all my friends ride" or some other silliness. I agree with your thoughts on Ovations, but I think your analogy of Harleys is 180 degrees off!
In my experience, Harley riders DO purchase that brand because "That's what all my friends ride" and not because they looked at all the options that are on the market.
There are more advanced, more comfortable and more reliable motorcycles out there, but a Harley rider will never see it; it's Harley or nothing, blinders on all the way. Yes, in a weak moment they may admit their bike is a POS, but it's a Harley and that's all that matters... |
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Posts: 3618
Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | I like ALL quality-made guitars. I just have a preference to Ovation/Adamas instruments because I believe they have the most value for the money you spend on one. I believe when you stack up the total features, sound, playability, and options, available on an Ovation or Adamas, no other guitar company even comes close. To me it's a no-brainer.
Now with that said ... If I had a bottomless cash supply, I'd probably own some other brands also... IF I could find one of each that could produce a consistently-great sound. |
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Posts: 1008
Location: Tuscany, Italy | A) 10
I remember back in the '70 when for the first time I saw an Ovation I was litteraly overwhelmed. Same kind of feeling I have today when I see someone playing and O or A in a show or video. That's funny and fantastic same time. I think Ovation brought into the guitar-making world the right shape/materials at the right time in the '60 breaking the old rules but at meantime keeping back the guitar archetype (lute .....).
Moreover Ovation shape recall also female archetype... as the Willendorf venus! :)
The baby Hermes made the first Ovation putting together a turtle shell and some strings... Is that the first...lyra-chord? :-)
Most of the all-wood guitars sound so good and we all love and own many of them, but hey, owing an Ovation it's a completely different story ...and you know what I mean .....the sound is round and we recognize that.
R. |
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Posts: 5881
Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | Originally posted by fletcher:
There are more advanced, more comfortable and more reliable motorcycles out there [than Harley] . . . Definitely so on technology, arguable on comfort and riding position, and definitely arguable on reliability. Maintenance on a Harley is a bargain compared to others, and few come close on quality of finishes and resale value. This is based on personal experience after having ridden 200,000 miles on 10 different motorcycles covering five different brands, including Harley, since 1991. |
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Posts: 2683
Location: Hot Springs, S.D. | It's been my experience that the folks who buy Ovations from me agree with me that, A) the playability and B)the clarity of tone, both unplugged and plugged in are the best thing about Ovations. (And it doesn't hurt that they are so pretty too!)
The only objections I have seen are from people who A) find the bowl uncomfortable, and B) are "woodbox snobs".
Now the ones who find them uncomfortable change their minds when they try a contour bowl. And the "snobs", most of them, would rather play something that doesn't sound as good, than to risk hearing one of their friends snicker at the "plastic guitar". I have had so many customers who have ADMITTED that they sound great, but they just couldn't bring themselves to buy one.
With that said, there ARE some types of music that sound better on a wood box. Bluegrass for example. Any of my Adamas' can easily cut through the volume of the banjo and the fiddle, just like a good loud Martin can. But the tone, to me anyway, of an Adamas, just doesn't blend well with the other instruments. So if all you play is bluegrass, maybe you won't want an Ovation. But if you play other types of music as well, you ought to have both. |
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Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | Fletcher and Professor... Maybe I wasn't clear on the Harley reference... Proff, the fact that you are posting here means you are NOT one of the Sheep who ride Harley cause it's a Harley. You feel it's the right comfort, etc.. (by the way.. it's the exact opposite for me. It's like Harley went out of their way to design a bike that I wouldn't want) but that's besides the point. You are here, hense the mindset to have YOUR OWN reasons and experience for riding one.
Fletch, that's what I was saying. Many if not most Harley riders unfortunately are NOT like Proff. Same with Fender, Gibson, Taylor etc.. died in the wool players. That's all the they play, they will play nothing else.
For those not really exposed to the true hive mind... I actually had a drummer tell me a couple of weeks ago, that when they audition guitar players they better be playing or at least own a Gibson or Fender guitar and have a Fender or Marshall amp, or they don't consider them "professionals."
This is one of those threads that might warrant an "if you are reading this, it doesn't apply to you" I stick with my Ovation players in general tend to buy Ovation for a specific or several needs involving the guitar, the sound, etc.. I can't think of too many if any who say.. "I'll only play Ovation and nothing else". Not true of the "typical" Taylor player as example. |
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Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | I am Proud to be an Ovation Player.
The fact that alot of people don't like Ovations just adds to my enjoyment.
It just strokes my Rebellious Streak! :cool:
[and I do own other brands] |
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Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | Well said, Miles. |
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Posts: 4227
Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent | My perspective is EXACTLY like Vince's. I like lots of guitars in lots of different shapes and sizes. But Ovations give you so much more for your money than other brands. I've actually come to discover that only high-end woodboxes get my hormones flowing like good Ovations. That's why the only traditional guitar I own is the D-42. It really is as impressive as Martins are supposed to be, with the looks and the chops to back it up. Maybe I'll luck into other high-end wood guitars. I like some of the Taylors, I like almost any 40-series Martin (And would love a 12-fret with a slotted headstock.), and hope to get a chance to try a Collings some time.
The thing is, every Ovation I own can be described the same way, but none of my O's cost half what a D-42 will run you. That's why I keep buying the Ovations.
One other thing about Ovation that has nothing to do with their instruments: If I call John or Kim, they will not only call me back; but in their dry, sarcastic way they will patiently listen (tolerate?) every amateur pipe-dream of an Ovation idea I concoct. Then they'll improve on it and deliver results that'll stop you in your tracks. THEN, they'll ask "Anything else you got in mind?" All of this started several years back when I cold-called the service number on the website and left a message. From my perspective, the manufacturer returned my call, and talked "John Q. Public" through an idea that I was sure was a real stretch.
In other words, you may be able to match their customer service, but you'll never, EVER beat it! :cool: |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | Sometime about high school age, before most of you were around, I figured out I wasn't going to fit in with the majority and that was OK.
I never liked those squarebacked guitars because they were uncomfortable to hold. The edges cut into my pects and thigh.
Ovations were becoming very popular back then and were "revolutionary" in revolutionary times. The shape made sense and was very comfortable for a normal person at the time. By that I mean average height, not obese, with a chest larger than the waist. The new contour bowl still bothers me because I thought the idea was to focus the sound out the sound hole, but I might have just bought into that marketing spoo.
I don't own any guitars other than Ovation. I haven't seen the need and if I started going there, SWMBO would probably kill me. She's just starting to grapple with the Ovation obsession. The last non-O I had was the easiest to sell. It was a Hamer. I like the concept, I like the acoustic sound, I like the shape and I like the plugged in sound if I ever use it. If somebody doesn't like it, that doesn't matter to me. At my age I should know what I like. Music is a matter of taste and tastes are personal. Since rap is not music the last statement doesn't apply to it. I feel the same about most headbanger music, but since they do seem to play some notes, they might have more of an argument. |
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Posts: 381
Location: Miami | ad nauseum... but I don't get tired of saying it :-) I love what O haters hate:
The bowl.
The sound.
The look.
And I'll add a fourth specific to my O's: the T top. |
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April 2006
Posts: 1017
Location: Budd Lake, NJ | For me, it's the necks. Robbie has some beautiful Tak's, and I love the way they look, the way they sound, the way they're finished--but the necks feel like they're fighting me all the time--so much work to play. There have been a few occasional Ovations that have felt like that, and they were K-bar necks; the truss rod ones like my ol' lady Gertrude has always feel like they're just begging me to play them.
I love the way some of the wood boxes look--beauty in a different style. But if I can't play them, if it's a struggle, then they'd just be very expensive wall decorations to me.
I don't ever anticipate having the cash to even think about buying a really expensive guitar, but that's o.k.--the ones I have are more than adequate for what I do and how I play; and by going to jams with the fine folks here, I get to play a bunch of them without the responsibility (kinda like the grandkids.....)
My bluegrass friends don't seem to mind my gits all being O's; they all comment on how easy they are to play. So far, haven't encountered any animosity at all--and that's fine by me.
--Karen |
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Posts: 416
Location: On the Coast - Halfway between SF & OR | Originally posted by ProfessorBB:
Definitely so on technology, arguable on comfort and riding position, and definitely arguable on reliability. Maintenance on a Harley is a bargain compared to others, and few come close on quality of finishes and resale value. This is based on personal experience after having ridden 200,000 miles on 10 different motorcycles covering five different brands, including Harley, since 1991. Guess I should state my bona fides. I bought my first bike in 1970 and have never been without one in the garage since that time. Currently I have 3 BMW's and yes like you, during all those years, I have owned just about everything available including Harley (3) and traveled a lot of miles on them. Can I match your 200,000 miles? No idea, never really kept track, but probably not.
I do agree with you on resale value though, nothing can match a Harley for holding valve. |
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| I like them for the basic utility they provide. I have little interest in why anyone doesn't like them. Or even why anyone else likes them. |
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Posts: 5881
Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | Originally posted by fletcher:
Currently I have 3 BMW's . . . Love my Harley, but BMW is also my choice for long distance touring and sport riding, with or without a guitar. Ride safe.
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Location: On the Coast - Halfway between SF & OR | WOW!!
Beautiful bikes and beautiful guitars. You're a lucky man Prof. |
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Posts: 4389
Location: Capital District, NY, USA Minor Outlying Islands | A. 4
B. 1 |
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December 2004
Posts: 567
Location: Denmark | Pretty much like the taste of bike decision: Looks, sounds and feels just right. Many guitars do that but only a few with a concept identity comparable with O's and A's. This concept identity is as strong as Harley's concept. Even V-rods follow that basic concept. |
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Posts: 795
Location: Texas | A year later I come back to the same question and my answer is still the same:
I love Ovation guitars.............................I just recently got a vintage Ovation Legend 1617-1 Sunburst........................................man, what a great guitar!
Brings back so many great memories of the past and it is still a wonderful guitar. |
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Posts: 5881
Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | Eyes can be deceived. Ears not so much. |
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Location: Flahdaw | Yeah Serge, but that L-5 ain't half bad either.... |
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Location: Suisun City, Ca | The multi-sound holes brought me, the neck/feel holds me...
They hate the round back/plastic. |
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Posts: 247
Location: Seacoast NH | Most of the comments from friends playing my Os is that they are hard to hold. That and the unfair reputation for sounding "tinny" that has been propogated by some shallow body models.
I bought my first O (E6768) back in 1994. I went into a guitar store that was closing and liquidating everything seeing if I could score a decent wood box cheap. Never was interested in Os. The owner talked me into playing the 6768, and an hour later I walked out the door with it. Love at first sight I suppose. Brought it home and my friends (who were playing Washburns, Takemines, etc.) made fun of it til they played it...just so fluid, simple, and responsive once you figure out to hold it.
And 17 years later, not one of those Washburns or Takemines from back then is still around (something about wood being difficult to maintain? :) ). But my deep bowl Elite still sounds and plays as nice today as it did in that store so long ago...what a great purchase it has turned out to be. |
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Posts: 1479
Location: Michigan | i walked into the local guitar store with a buddy who wanted to get some strings for his electric. at the time that is all i played was electric. we walked into the acoustic room just to waste some time and look around . this was in 2000 and the last thing that i would of owned would of been an acoustic guitar,those were for sissy's not me. than out of the corner of my eye i saw an adamas mill cb with that :cool: coooool :cool: neck . when no one was looking i picked it up and played a few chords on it . wow i was blown away by the sound and the neck set up . i slowly looked at the price tag and crapped my pants $1999.00. i put it down and the owner came in and proceeded to give me an education on adamas/ovation guitars . i told him i couldn't afford something that expensive so i guess i won't be taking anything home today. then i saw a celebrity deluxe cs 257 that was almost the same color and played on that for a while , i was impressed by the thin neck and the action on them so i walked out with a cs 257 and that is how the o collection started . now i am one of those sissy's who hardly ever plays an electric anymore. :eek: GWB |
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Posts: 888
Location: Louisville, OH 44641 | Fo me, I love the tone and looks (but I have to say I prefer the Adamas guitars). When I think about the molded Body, I think, wow, what a smart way to go. That's so much less expensive and far less time intensive to assemble than a wooden box. To me, it makes sense to invest time, money and effort on the sound board. Also, to me, the molded body is far more comfortable to play. I don't miss the hard wooden corners at all.
Finally, I totally enjoy all the people that tell me I play the coolest guitar they've ever seen. Is it odd?...maybe. Cool?...definitely.
So why do so many others hate Ovations? I think they look at the molded Body as a "cheap" way out. One local guitar dealer told me the cheap plastic and wooden sound board shrink and expand at different rates causing the glue joint between them to break. He claimed the sound board cane even come completely off.
Personally, I prefer playing an "Elite" guitar. So while I want Ovation to be successful, I don't want them to be too successful. |
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Posts: 6994
Location: Jet City | I bought a UKII (in 1983). It just felt right and I thought it looked cool. |
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February 2008
Posts: 747
| I'm not a fanboy and I don't give a damn about the past or the future but my 1975 1621-4 keeps coming back as my main guitar and I know it really well so I'd probably buy another one of these just as a spare. OMA had a nice one for sale awhile back and I should have grabbed it.
The Ovation looks good, built ford tough, has good tone and a good fast neck but if I found another guitar that worked better for me then that's what I'd use.
I'd like to try a K-1111 reissue (did I get that right) or maybe an original some day but that'd be about it. |
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2 Questions: So what is it about Ovations...?