OK ... Which one of you bought the Book Elite?
bvince
Posted 2010-07-08 8:21 AM (#368238)
Subject: OK ... Which one of you bought the Book Elite?



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Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :)
'Somebody here get this? ...

Book Elite on Ebay
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AussieJames
Posted 2010-07-08 9:43 AM (#368239 - in reply to #368238)
Subject: Re: OK ... Which one of you bought the Book Elite?



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Location: Brisbane Australia
Not me.......I paid a lot more than that.......bargain

AJ
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stephent28
Posted 2010-07-08 10:07 AM (#368240 - in reply to #368238)
Subject: Re: OK ... Which one of you bought the Book Elite?



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wow, even tho I have no need for it, I woulda popped for it at that price.

Someone did indeed get a bargain!
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ProfessorBB
Posted 2010-07-08 10:59 AM (#368241 - in reply to #368238)
Subject: Re: OK ... Which one of you bought the Book Elite?



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Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains
I saw this early on, too, and only one bid. It surely was a bargain. Like AJ, I paid a lot more for mine.
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Patch
Posted 2010-07-08 11:18 AM (#368242 - in reply to #368238)
Subject: Re: OK ... Which one of you bought the Book Elite?



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Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent
No WAY I would sell mine for that price.
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bburg
Posted 2010-07-08 11:31 AM (#368243 - in reply to #368238)
Subject: Re: OK ... Which one of you bought the Book Elite?



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Location: Germany, where delicious wine is growing (Rheinh)
I havn't seen it,SH.......!!!!!

Bernie
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stonebobbo
Posted 2010-07-08 11:36 AM (#368244 - in reply to #368238)
Subject: Re: OK ... Which one of you bought the Book Elite?



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Location: Tennessee
That's a nice find and a good price, but at least it wasn't stupid low money.
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sligoman
Posted 2010-07-08 12:54 PM (#368245 - in reply to #368238)
Subject: Re: OK ... Which one of you bought the Book Elite?


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Location: Portland, OR
I need another guitar like a hole in the head. But it looked in good shape and when I didn't hit the reserve on the first time around, the guy relisted it at a price that was only 10 bucks or so more than my highest. Couldn't resist. Never had that OP system and am looking forward to it.
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Trader Jim
Posted 2010-07-08 1:03 PM (#368246 - in reply to #368238)
Subject: Re: OK ... Which one of you bought the Book Elite?


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Location: South of most, North of few
Congrats!! Great price!
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AstroDan
Posted 2010-07-08 1:42 PM (#368247 - in reply to #368238)
Subject: Re: OK ... Which one of you bought the Book Elite?


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Location: Suisun City, Ca
Is this "better" than an 07C?
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stephent28
Posted 2010-07-08 1:57 PM (#368248 - in reply to #368238)
Subject: Re: OK ... Which one of you bought the Book Elite?



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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066
In some peoples mind it is.
Beautiful guitar with nice bling that sounds really good to boot.
It is also very rare and in the past has easily sold for twice what sligoman paid.
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bvince
Posted 2010-07-08 2:09 PM (#368249 - in reply to #368238)
Subject: Re: OK ... Which one of you bought the Book Elite?



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Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :)
Excellent Grab! Congratulations... and I'm glad it is now in the hands of an OFC member. I like the idea that it has the Optima pre-amp in it, and the "outies" (:
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bvince
Posted 2010-07-08 2:14 PM (#368250 - in reply to #368238)
Subject: Re: OK ... Which one of you bought the Book Elite?



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Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :)
Whether it sounds better than the 07C or not is yet to be seen (or heard:)

I'm a believer that the 07C sounds better, until someone can prove to me otherwise. My question would be how it stacks up unplugged to the 87C? Plugged in I would think the Optima would give it an edge. Anyone have or had both at the same time to give them fair review?

As far as looks go, I like the 87C better because it has the abalone fret markers and the carved bridge. The abalone tracing on the headstock on this one is a bit much for me though. If the 87C had outies it would look absolutely perfect to me.
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bvince
Posted 2010-07-08 2:20 PM (#368251 - in reply to #368238)
Subject: Re: OK ... Which one of you bought the Book Elite?



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Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :)
Outies are better looking on cutaways than innies hands down. (and they're NOT gay looking)

(:
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stephent28
Posted 2010-07-08 2:44 PM (#368252 - in reply to #368238)
Subject: Re: OK ... Which one of you bought the Book Elite?



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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066
I owned both at the same time and preferred the '87C (Which G8R now owns).

I felt that the Book had a "thinner" sound than the '87C. Some might prefer the thinner sound but for me I liked the fatter tone that the '87C kicked out.

I do feel that the '87C that Serge now has was an outstanding sounding guitar so other '87Cs might not stack up as well.

Regardless, the Book is an excellent guitar and worth far more than the purchase price.
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Patch
Posted 2010-07-08 2:52 PM (#368253 - in reply to #368238)
Subject: Re: OK ... Which one of you bought the Book Elite?



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Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent
Originally posted by bvince:
Whether it sounds better than the 07C or not is yet to be seen (or heard:)

I'm a believer that the 07C sounds better, until someone can prove to me otherwise. My question would be how it stacks up unplugged to the 87C?
I've not played an '07, so I can't judge there. But I own both an 87C and a rebuilt Book Elite, and FWIW, here's my take.

They both sound fantastic!

The 87 is slightly more balanced across all strings. The "Book" (which has a new pinless bridge), has a little more bass and sustain. Aesthetically they are both knockouts.

All that being said, the tonal differences are not glaring and most people might not even notice.

All that's left to say is, Sligoman, it's worth 3 times the pennies you paid for it. Congrats! :D
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ProfessorBB
Posted 2010-07-08 3:43 PM (#368254 - in reply to #368238)
Subject: Re: OK ... Which one of you bought the Book Elite?



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Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains
Originally posted by stephent28:
It is also very rare and in the past has easily sold for twice what sligoman paid.
Or much more.
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stonebobbo
Posted 2010-07-08 4:22 PM (#368255 - in reply to #368238)
Subject: Re: OK ... Which one of you bought the Book Elite?



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Location: Tennessee
Originally posted by AstroDan:
Is this "better" than an 07C?
I own both. Each of them is better than the other one.
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2ifbyC
Posted 2010-07-08 4:30 PM (#368256 - in reply to #368238)
Subject: Re: OK ... Which one of you bought the Book Elite?
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Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast
Originally posted by stonebobbo:
I own both. Each of them is better than the other one.
Ya'll remember this post come Nov. 2nd!
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moody, p.i.
Posted 2010-07-08 5:03 PM (#368257 - in reply to #368238)
Subject: Re: OK ... Which one of you bought the Book Elite?


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Location: SoCal
When comparing guitars, remember that even when comparing the same model guitars, there can be differences. No 2 87C's will sound exactly the same.

Having said that, the 87C and Book Elite are essentially the same guitar with different window dressing.

Bobbo and I compared his 07C to my 87C. Very similar guitars in sound. I don't remember thinking either one was better than the other. And one had an A braced top, while the other was the new X braced top. Go figure.....
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sligoman
Posted 2010-07-08 5:27 PM (#368258 - in reply to #368238)
Subject: Re: OK ... Which one of you bought the Book Elite?


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Location: Portland, OR
Anyone know how many of these were made?
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stephent28
Posted 2010-07-08 5:42 PM (#368259 - in reply to #368238)
Subject: Re: OK ... Which one of you bought the Book Elite?



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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066
Try a search.
Seems we discussed this before and someone was able to come up with some semi-accurate numbers.
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sligoman
Posted 2010-07-08 6:30 PM (#368260 - in reply to #368238)
Subject: Re: OK ... Which one of you bought the Book Elite?


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Location: Portland, OR
Right you are:

http://www.ovationfanclub.com/cgi-bin/ubb/cgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=ge...
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cholloway
Posted 2010-07-08 8:33 PM (#368261 - in reply to #368238)
Subject: Re: OK ... Which one of you bought the Book Elite?


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Location: Atlanta, GA.
Originally posted by sligoman:
Anyone know how many of these were made?
All of 'em.

Hey, if others can make a wisecrack...
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sligoman
Posted 2010-07-08 9:55 PM (#368262 - in reply to #368238)
Subject: Re: OK ... Which one of you bought the Book Elite?


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Location: Portland, OR
Further to what Paul said, I have 2 N769's and they are night and day. And anyway, the way I play I can make the best guitar sound like crap.
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Michael R. Winters
Posted 2010-07-08 10:36 PM (#368263 - in reply to #368238)
Subject: Re: OK ... Which one of you bought the Book Elite?



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Location: Seymour, Tennessee
I'm really impressed at how my 87C sounds compared to my other Ovations.
My 1718 Deep bowl Elite sounds great too, but I think the 87 edges it out a bit(I have both of them here on Base in Virginia).
I'd always thought my 68 DB sounded best but maybe that was Sentimental, I guess the 87C does edge it out as well.
I haven't had the 87 on an amp yet but I'm sure it'll sound great on it too.
I'm kinda like sligoman, my taste in guitars substantially outweighs my playing ability but I know what sounds good to me.

I haven't seen much less played a Book Elite and while I'm sure they sound awesome as well, I like the carved bridge and the fingerboard inlays on the 87C better, although the inlays in the headstock of the Book do look pretty cool.

As an aside, does the Book Elite have a glossed neck?
I'm considering having my 87C's glossed when it goes back to the MS for it's neck reset.
I just prefer the glossed neck over the "satiny" neck.
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Patch
Posted 2010-07-08 11:59 PM (#368264 - in reply to #368238)
Subject: Re: OK ... Which one of you bought the Book Elite?



Joined:
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Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent
The Books have "hand-rubbed" necks. However, mine was damaged in shipping and went to the factory for repairs. While it was there, I had the neck glossed anf the bridge replaced with a carved ebony one. I must say, I like the look...A LOT!





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Patch
Posted 2010-07-09 12:03 AM (#368265 - in reply to #368238)
Subject: Re: OK ... Which one of you bought the Book Elite?



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Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent
While I'm at it, here they are side-by-side. Honestly folks, we may be splitting hairs, but Ovations simply don't come much better than these.



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Michael R. Winters
Posted 2010-07-09 12:21 AM (#368266 - in reply to #368238)
Subject: Re: OK ... Which one of you bought the Book Elite?



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Location: Seymour, Tennessee
That carved bridge looks really good on it!

The more I think about it, I am gonna have the back of the neck glossed when it goes back.

Shoot, I think an 87C would look really good with inlaid Eppies, maybe some would think that sacrelidge or something but I really like the look of those inlaid ones.
They kinda remind me of the inlaid rosette on my 68 DB and how the old O's are so readily distinguished by them.

Hmmm ideas, ideas, I don't even know if they could do it if I wanted them to.
I can hear it now, "That idiot ruined that 87C having the eppies inlaid in it".
The downside with the "exposed" eppies is, if you play 'em enough, the eppies get worn and this thing sounds too good not to play a lot!
Decision, decisions.
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Mark in Boise
Posted 2010-07-09 9:05 AM (#368267 - in reply to #368238)
Subject: Re: OK ... Which one of you bought the Book Elite?


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Location: Boise, Idaho
We did a very rough comparison between my daughter's 87C and Miles' Book at the NW Gathering in 06. The conditions weren't ideal, in Greg's backyard with a bunch of talking and other playing going on, but I sure couldn't tell any difference in the sound. I like the appearance of the 87 better, but now that I've given it to my daughter, picking up a Book for what Sligoman paid would be nice.
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fletcher
Posted 2010-07-09 9:57 AM (#368268 - in reply to #368238)
Subject: Re: OK ... Which one of you bought the Book Elite?


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Location: On the Coast - Halfway between SF & OR
Originally posted by Michael R. Winters:
Shoot, I think an 87C would look really good with inlaid Eppies, maybe some would think that sacrelidge or something but I really like the look of those inlaid ones.

Hmmm ideas, ideas, I don't even know if they could do it if I wanted them to.
Michael,
I've had the same idea on a couple of my Ovations and found out that the top would need to be replaced for the factory to inlay the eppies. Their equipment can't do it with the top attached to the guitar.
As it seems a waste to tear apart a perfectly good guitar, I'm constantly searching eBay for the same model with a damaged top - then I'd have the work done and sell mine (with the exposed eppies) to pay for it.
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moody, p.i.
Posted 2010-07-09 10:35 AM (#368269 - in reply to #368238)
Subject: Re: OK ... Which one of you bought the Book Elite?


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Location: SoCal
I agree with Fletch. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

As to glossing the neck, I prefer a glossed neck (Bobbo prefers the satin finish). But I wouldn't gloss an 87C neck. It feels good and when I play it, I can't tell the difference. And the face of the headstock on the 87C is glossed. Looks great.

One of the big problems I've always had with the Book Elite is that the face of the headstock is not glossed. Just don't like the looks of it in the least. And if it were glossed, I could probably overlook the gay outties.....
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Michael R. Winters
Posted 2010-07-09 11:02 AM (#368270 - in reply to #368238)
Subject: Re: OK ... Which one of you bought the Book Elite?



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Location: Seymour, Tennessee
Well, that takes care of the inlaid eppies, wishfull thinking anyway.

The neck does feel great but I still like the looks and the feel of glossed necks though.

We'll see, I might just keep it as originally made.

As I've said, part of me wants to get the neck reset done and sell it to finance a blue 1681 Adamas.
But, on the other hand, I've wanted one of these for a long time too.

Knowing myself as I do, I'll hang onto it and keep saving up for the Blue Adamas and for an older nylon string O.
I'm pretty lucky to have the guitars I do have and these last two are the only others I REALLY want to have aside from them.
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Patch
Posted 2010-07-09 12:16 PM (#368271 - in reply to #368238)
Subject: Re: OK ... Which one of you bought the Book Elite?



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Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent
Originally posted by Michael R. Winters:
...and these last two are the only others I REALLY want to have aside from them.
Boy, if I had a guitar for every time I've said that!

Wait a minute.

I do. :rolleyes:
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sligoman
Posted 2010-07-09 12:59 PM (#368272 - in reply to #368238)
Subject: Re: OK ... Which one of you bought the Book Elite?


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Location: Portland, OR
Patch: Very nice photos! The light wood in the middle of the eppies (maple?) on the book elite is a really nice touch.
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sligoman
Posted 2010-07-13 9:45 PM (#368273 - in reply to #368238)
Subject: Re: OK ... Which one of you bought the Book Elite?


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Location: Portland, OR
I got it today and it is absolutely dead mint. If it's been played at all, I saw no evidence of same. As to specifics, it sounds nearly identical to the N768, which was also like brand new when I got it. The 87C has it for overall sound, but this one is in better shape than my 87C. Color-wise, the 87C is a little better from my perspective, but not by much, a little deeper color and I love the walnut headstock. I agree with Paul about the gloss on the headstock. Otherwise the neck is easy to get used to. My N769 is identical in color and condition, except for 14 yrs of playing. I am really glad I got this. It is fun to play. Now all I have to do is figure out a way to tell my wife. And I'd better start thinking about either: 1.) Where I'm going to put them or 2.) Which one(s) I've got to sell.
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sligoman
Posted 2010-07-13 9:48 PM (#368274 - in reply to #368238)
Subject: Re: OK ... Which one of you bought the Book Elite?


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Location: Portland, OR
BTW, I like the outies. They are feminine indeed, but not necessarily gay. You can cite your own examples of that particular principle.
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Mark in Boise
Posted 2010-07-13 11:26 PM (#368275 - in reply to #368238)
Subject: Re: OK ... Which one of you bought the Book Elite?


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Location: Boise, Idaho
You could store them at my brother's house. I think he lives just across the golf course from you.
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sligoman
Posted 2010-07-13 11:50 PM (#368276 - in reply to #368238)
Subject: Re: OK ... Which one of you bought the Book Elite?


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Location: Portland, OR
I would be open to that if he didn't mind the occasional visit from a slightly inebriated guy singing Fats Domino Blues out there in the garage.
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2ifbyC
Posted 2010-07-14 12:09 AM (#368277 - in reply to #368238)
Subject: Re: OK ... Which one of you bought the Book Elite?
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Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast
Originally posted by sligoman:
... didn't mind the occasional visit from a slightly inebriated guy singing Fats Domino Blues out there in the garage.
Hell, KC, my cat and I would luv dat! He can do a duet better than I...
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Mark in Boise
Posted 2010-07-14 12:16 AM (#368278 - in reply to #368238)
Subject: Re: OK ... Which one of you bought the Book Elite?


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I'm sure he wouldn't mind. He doesn't have a garage.
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Damon67
Posted 2010-07-14 4:17 PM (#368279 - in reply to #368238)
Subject: Re: OK ... Which one of you bought the Book Elite?



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Location: Jet City
Originally posted by Mark in Boise:
We did a very rough comparison between my daughter's 87C and Miles' Book at the NW Gathering in 06...
Miles doesn't have that Book anymore. :D
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moody, p.i.
Posted 2010-07-14 6:10 PM (#368280 - in reply to #368238)
Subject: Re: OK ... Which one of you bought the Book Elite?


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Location: SoCal
What kind of strings (type and gauge) you guys using on your 87C's and Book Elite's?
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G8r
Posted 2010-07-14 6:46 PM (#368281 - in reply to #368238)
Subject: Re: OK ... Which one of you bought the Book Elite?


Joined:
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Posts: 3969

I've been keeping D'Add EXP26 (Custom Lights) on my 87C since I use it more than any other of my acoustics for leads and higher registers. Only a slight reduction in volume compared to regular lights, and it plays like an electric. I used it for the lead on Pretzel Logic .
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sligoman
Posted 2010-07-14 6:50 PM (#368282 - in reply to #368238)
Subject: Re: OK ... Which one of you bought the Book Elite?


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Location: Portland, OR
I use phospher/bronze either lights or bluegrass, which is a little heavier. I think the heavier strings give a broader tone.
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1617
Posted 2010-07-23 4:13 AM (#368283 - in reply to #368238)
Subject: Re: OK ... Which one of you bought the Book Elite?


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Location: Huntington Beach
Congrats on the great score. I also am the happy owner of a "book" in the same condition as yours also off ebay in January. 2 weeks ago I put on a set of Martin MFX130s. They sound great and are super easy to play (11-47). They are a lower tension string - silk and phosphor - and have a good dynamic range. I also use silk and steels on my 1617 but these appear to be lasting longer.
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MusicMishka
Posted 2010-07-24 12:48 AM (#368284 - in reply to #368238)
Subject: Re: OK ... Which one of you bought the Book Elite?


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Location: Blue Ridge Mountains
Congrats Sligo...very nice guitar! You will love it! My former Book(and formally Dave,s), resides in Oz now along with a ton of other O's and A's for good company...
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