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Location: Keene, NH | Hey everyone.
First time posting here - just found this site a couple days ago. I'm looking to get an Ovation Acoustic/Electric.
Right now I'm looking at a Std Elite Prototype:
II'm unfamiliar with Prototypes in general in terms of pricing, perhaps someone has some insight on what this might be worth in pristine condition?
Any and all thoughts on Elites vs Applause vs Celebrity's are welcome and encouraged.
Thanks! |
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Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire | B&L, Elites are better. Buy USA model. |
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Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire | And, do your homework. There's plenty in the archives.
"Life requires perspiration" |
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| Welcome - interesting looking guitar. Are those inlaid epaulets? Does the label say "Prototype" and what does the special 12th-fret inlay say? It almost looks like a 1993 Collector's Series.
Protos are worth whatever a collector (most of them are here) are willing to part with. Depending on how old, a mint Standard Elite would probably fetch ~$500 give or take in today's economy.
As far as your last point: Elites = solid top, better quality woods, US-made (pre-2008). Applause and Celebs = laminate tops (for the most part), lesser quality neck & fretboard woods, Pac-rim made. 'Nuf said.
Edit: C^2 - no coffee yet? :D |
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Location: Keene, NH | G8r - on the 12th fret it says "1993" :)
I'm not sure about whether or not they are inlaid epaulets or if the label says Prototype.
Is the 1993 a special guitar in and of itself?
I'm trying to find a good Elite that I can play for many years to come. This particular guitar is not in my same state - I'm confident enough in Ovation Elites that I would even buy it without having played it.
A side note - I am in New Hampshire. If anyone knows of anyone who has an Ovation Elite that I might be interested in, please let me know. |
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| OK, then it's not a prototype, it's a '93 Collector's ( specs here ). Have to admit, I've never seen one in the Autumn/Honey Burst. Maybe it was re-done at the factory. I'm not as fond of the Slimline pickup as I am of the Original Patented Pickup; the former has a more pronounced piezo "quack."
A mid-bowl Elite will sound and play very nice. |
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Location: Vernon CT | I found the guitar 9thAnimus is looking at. IT IS a prototype as the seller has shown pic's of
more then what is above including the label that states prototype. (FET 3 electronics)
I own a mid bowl elite LX andlove it.
Welcome by the way and good luck! |
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| Kewl - a '93C proto... |
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Location: Keene, NH | Open-ended question to everyone - if you had to guess price on this guitar, what would you say is fair? As in what would you sell it / buy it for? In pristine condition. |
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Location: NW Washington State | If I'm looking at the same one BT found, it looks like it might have the original pickup, not thinline, but I'm no expert. Very pretty, but appears there might be a couple of dings at the bottom edge near the binding.
Looks like it's been listed for a week, maybe they will take a little less. I don't know what these are worth- what would you experts pay for a 93 Collector's?
-Steve W. |
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Location: Utah | $27.
I have no idea what a '93 is worth. Check eBay history. The prototype may add a bit of value, but I would think $50 or something small. The dings definitely hurt value more than the proto helps IMO.
9th, Welcome aboard! You'll find many outstanding guitars available here in the for sale section. The established members are trustworthy x10. I bought a 6778LX from a new member and it turned out perfect, though in general I shy away from low post count sellers. If you can be patient for a few weeks there is likely to be something turn up here that you would love and could trust the seller.
An elite is probably worth around the $500 mentioned by someone else. The market is variable right now, and a lot depends on the particular model and it's condition. From $300 to $1000 you could find any one of many different excellent used Elite models. |
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| Yeah, now that I look at the original pic more closely, it's definitely the original PuAssy, which you'd need for the FET pre-amp. Very interesting guitar. |
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Location: Flahdaw | Well, it's not a prototype, but I tried to get $600 for my '99 Collectors Edition on craigslist and didn't get a single response. It's not a good market to sell, but a great market to buy. |
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Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | The prototype designation may add some additonal value to some people. It certainly would to me under certain circumstances, i.e., it had features I prefer. I've paid from $600 to $1400 for my prototypes. |
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| Found the ad. Should be a sweet guitar if it's in good shape. The proto aspect would only really appeal to Ovation homos like us, so minimal added value for that. If you can inspect it in person to check for actual finish shape and any neck/brace issues, then just lowball it. The worst the seller can do is say no, and you can negotiate from there. I wouldn't necessarily go as high as his asking price, but that's just me. YMMV. |
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Location: NW Washington State | G8R- which pickup is that? Do most people prefer the OPPuassy? Is FET-3 preamp a plus or minus? |
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| I've only ever played 4 Ovations with a Slimline, and was underwhelmed or disappointed at the plugged-in tone in each case (different pre-amps in each), but again that's just me. The PUP in the proto picture is definitely the OPP.
I haven't used the FET-3, but it's the immediate precursor of the OP24 (I think), which I always found to be a good pre-amp. |
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Location: New Hampsha | The $600 asking price is fair for an Elite in that condition IMHO. The "prototype" flavor add a bit of exclusivity, and it has the OHSC.
If you can get it for less it would be a great deal. As it is it would be a good deal. |
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Location: Keene, NH | Wow you guys are all awesome....this place is great.
Thanks for all the info. |
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Location: Utah | Let me just add that I hope the seller won't take a penny under $800 so I can put my 6778LX back on the market. I've tried several times in the $600 to $700 range and gotten no bites except for a new member here from overseas (who I believe has dropped off the OFC since then).
It would be nice for sellers for the prices to go up. I've been a buyer and really need to move out some stuff that doesn't get the love it deserves.
9th, the price is ultimately what you are willing to pay. If you want a proto and a collector's edition, the $600 for a very good condition or better guitar is "in the ballpark". I would not feel ripped off at that price in this market as long as the guitar isn't beat or broken. If you want a nice Ovation but aren't stuck on that particular guitar, you could find one for less than $500.
No one has said the obvious. Buy this one! But beware that it won't be your last Ovation. |
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Location: Keene, NH | My only concern is that I can't see it and play it and visually inspect it myself. I suppose it comes down to trust between me and the seller. I'll likely ask for more photos - it's in New Jersey, I'm in New Hampshire. |
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Location: Budd Lake, NJ | Where in Jersey is it? It's bound to be close to somebody here, seeing how large our state is... ;)
--Karen |
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Location: SoCal | Back in November of '05, I bought a pristine 1718 Elite prototype from 1991 (Garris, slim line p/u) from a guy who said it had been in his dad's basement. $1,000 sight unseen. Well worth it.
The 1718 prototype is a 'plain Jane' compared to my Custom Legends but it does sing. Prototypes can be significantly different (i.e., electronics or bracing) than the production run.
A prototype serial number is actually the date, followed by an X. |
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Location: Vernon CT | Hey 9th, Did you see this one in Boston?
http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/msg/1431239594.html |
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Location: Seymour, Tennessee | I'm with some of the other guys here, buy from somebody on the site.
You can find some really nice guitars on the For Sale side.
So much stuff gets moved around here that somebody will let you know if it's a good deal and if the seller is somone who is trusted
People who screw folks around don't last here.
Welcome to the fold.
As I always say thoug, buying an Ovation is like getting a tattoo, get one, ou'll get more. |
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Posts: 602
Location: Hanau, Hessen, Germany | Originally posted by Michael R. Winters:
(...)
As I always say thoug, buying an Ovation is like getting a tattoo, get one, ou'll get more. You are so right, Knochenbrecher ;) I didn't believe that, when I joined. Now I am broke but I do have a FUD and an UTE :D |
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Location: Keene, NH | I did see that one. But this one I'm looking at is beautiful and I want it. I don't particularly want to do sight-unseen. The guy is Morgan Visconti in Manhattan / Flatiron. Not sure if anyone by some odd chance knows him or of him? |
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Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | Knowing your price range and option desires would really help.
There are a LOT of choices out there, but I wouldn't make a recommendation unless I knew what you really want in a guitar.
What type of sound do you like?(deep, even accross the board, etc.) Will you be playing more unplugged, plugged, or both? Do you need a wider neck or do you like a narrower one? Do you like a traditional looking guitar, a color burst, solid color, etc.? What kind(s) of music do you (or would you) like to play? Lots of variables here, so you may want to offer some specifics. IF you don't know what you like, use the "LINKS" section above and check out some of the excellent instruments on some of those web sites. |
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Location: Keene, NH | Originally posted by bvince:
Knowing your price range and option desires would really help.
There are a LOT of choices out there, but I wouldn't make a recommendation unless I knew what you really want in a guitar.
What type of sound do you like?(deep, even accross the board, etc.) Will you be playing more unplugged, plugged, or both? Do you need a wider neck or do you like a narrower one? Do you like a traditional looking guitar, a color burst, solid color, etc.? What kind(s) of music do you (or would you) like to play? Lots of variables here, so you may want to offer some specifics. IF you don't know what you like, use the "LINKS" section above and check out some of the excellent instruments on some of those web sites. I'll be playing more unplugged than not, but that isn't to say I won't plug in fairly often. The look of the guitar I posted really caught my eye - I've never seen an Ovation or Adamas that looks like this (not saying much as I am only 23 and haven't had a ton of interest in getting a nice guitar until just recently). I'm fairly sure I prefer the narrower neck - it's what I've played :)
The music I play mostly is from GGD, Nirvana, Incubus, MB20, ... there's way too many to list.
Even across the board sound is appealing to me.
I'm really in the beginner stage of finding the 'right' guitar.
And ps - the seller is going to hold it for someone locally. Apparently shipping is too much of a hassle and he's quite busy. I can't help but be annoyed that he would turn down a buyer who's extremely interested in paying right now to have it shipped...but what do I know.
So I am still looking for my new Ovation. The one feature I really want is the way the F-Holes (correct term?) are shaped on the picture I posted in the original post. Other than that...I'm just looking. So if anyone has anything, tell me please! |
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Location: Vernon CT | Originally posted by 9thAnimus:
I did see that one. But this one I'm looking at is beautiful and I want it. I don't particularly want to do sight-unseen. The guy is Morgan Visconti in Manhattan / Flatiron. Not sure if anyone by some odd chance knows him or of him? |
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Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | Well 9th,
There are a ton of the Elite style guitars out there that you are interested in. So don't be bummed out about that particular guitar. If you hang out here for a while, educate yourself on the different options/choices, and take your time and choose wisely, I am confident that you will have "the guitar" you are looking for. I noticed you didn't comment about what your price range is. I can see how some people would be hesitant on throwing out information about how much they are willing to spend. On the other hand, knowing that can save a lot of time in helping you. |
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Location: Keene, NH | Ahh, bvince I forgot about that (I'm at work, after all ;) . Price is something I'm open to. This past week I started off wanting to just buy an ovation at around $300. I quickly realized that this is a low end ovation. If I'm getting a new guitar, I want something I can use for (knock on wood) a long period of time. I was willing to pay $600 for that Ovation (more like $700 with shipping) if i had to guess....I would say $800 is my absolute maximum. And that's not something I'd like to reach. Between $500 and $600 is comfortable and affordable for me. |
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Location: Texas | 9th,
It's not surprising that the seller of the one you wanted chose to sell locally despite your interest, that's the general concept of Craig's List; local face-to-face sales for cash.
We all understand your disappointment. One of the major symptoms of GAS is loss of any semblance of patience when it comes to acquiring the guitar(s) you want.
IMO, you should be able to find a nice Ovation in your price range if you have a little patience.
Some folks here rotate their stable of guitars more often than their tires, and nice guitars are offered for sale on a regular basis. If you buy from a member of the OFC, you will get a straight deal.
You will also learn more than you ever thought you wanted to know about Ovation and Adamas guitars by reading through the archives here. Of course, you HAVE visited Ovation\'s Site haven't you?
Another option is to send an email to Al, one of the founders of this asylum. He's an official Ovation dealer and purveyor of both new and vintage guitars. Tell him the specifications you are looking for and your price range and see if he can offer any suggestions. Whether new or used, you can not go wrong buying a guitar from Al. Look through the archives, you will find nothing but well-deserved praise for Lost Art Vintage . You can find his email by following that link.
…and finally, welcome to the OFC! |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | Looks like this Morgan Visconti has an interesting musical history. The guitar might have some good mojo, except for the "outie" epaulets (what you may be calling the f-holes).
We must have some Manhattan or nearby members who would pick this up for you if he doesn't want to hassle with shipping. I realize that it's not that easy to get around Manhattan, but we have OFC members that are pretty easy to convince when it comes to checking out Ovations. |
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Location: Hot Springs, S.D. | Even across the board? Well, you want either a round hole, or if you really like the epi's, make sure that you get one with epi's on both sides. The ones with the holes on bass side only are very bass-y. If you get an Elite style, you should order some "air-locks" from Al. They are little feedback busters that plug the holes. If you use them on the treble side only, your even across the board sound will become more bass-y, if you should happen to play a song or two where you want more bass.
And I would HIGHLY recommend something with LX bracing. Oh what a clear and beautiful sound! Standing is right - call or e-mail Al. If you can afford to buy new you will get the lifetime warranty and the extra added benefit of knowing you are doing your part to keep Ovation strong. |
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Location: Keene, NH | If I could find someone on here that would be willing to check out the guitar in my stead and let me PayPal them the $600 to go pick it up for me (assuming it's in excellent condition as it appears to be)...I wouldn't know what to say.
By nature I'm a very patient person - but if I can open up to you guys a little...I think I've fallen for this guitar ;) I am considering driving to New Jersey this weekend to test it out.
But I hear what you're saying Standing - I should shoot an email over to Al (in the short time I've been here I see that he's the go-to-guy).
So yeah I'm not sure quite what I'm doing yet in terms of this guitar - if there is someone here who knows someone or is someone who lives in New Jersey and would be willing to go over and call me while they're there and tell me what they think, that would be incredible. This is clearly a community and a strong one - I know a guitar needs to be played in order to know how you like it, but I have loved every Ovation I've ever played and if there's someone on here who's trusted by the community, I would trust their opinion. |
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Location: Hot Springs, S.D. | 9th, there are LOTS of Jersey members. Karen once went and checked out a guitar for me and she is hosting a ladies of the OFC gathering this week-end. If it is somewhere near her, maybe a BUNCH of OFCers could go check it out for you. Just post on here where it is located and I'll bet you'll find someone to help. |
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Location: Keene, NH | Alison - Thanks for the heads up!
I'm still trying to get in touch with Morgan. I suppose I'll just make a new post if no one says anything on this one by the time I get in touch with him...but if anyone who has read this would be able to potentially help me out, that would be so greatly appreciated. |
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| Hi 9thAnimus welcome to the OFC....
my buddy Al Segen aka Slydog has a 6868 Vintage burst just like the one you are looking at except no inlay at the 12th fret. it is a SSB.... super shallow bowl, and very comfortable to play, and great for gigging and especially so if you are predominately an electric player.
it has the FET3 preamp, OPP pickup and is in excellent near new/mint condition. natural finished neck and is absolutely stunning and a joy to play.
He's looking for $500 plus shipping and includes the original case also in excellent condition.
I have many more pictures of this guitar, and I will send them to you if you'd like.
it's a definite beauty and a keeper.
Regards,
Glenn |
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Location: Keene, NH | Concerning the bottom epaulets fewer in number on the guitar posted above this post and the one I'm looking at originally - will this give the guitar's higher notes less presence? Opposed to the Adamas I've seen whose epaulets are equal in size/frequency/however you might say that?
Glenn: I need to find a SSB Ovation so I can remember how it feels compared to a medium (Stanard?) depth bowl. That is a nice looking guitar and definitely one I'll keep in mind. |
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Location: Keene, NH | DON'T I FEEL SILLY!
The guitar is in New York.
Any New Yorkers? I may just make that drive (it's just 4 hours, right?) but if someone lives there that'd be great. I have the address and phone number to reach him. |
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Location: Bluffton, SC | Where 'bouts in NY, Chris...? |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | Manhattan/Flatiron area, wherever that is. I suspect it's mid or uptown. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Flatiron district is roughly between Union Square and 23rd plus/minus Broadway |
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Location: Bluffton, SC | Yep. The wife's got a cousin in that area but you wouldn't want her buying a git for you.
Just trust me on that one. |
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Location: Tennessee | Wow. This is an interesting guitar. I know it says it's a proto, but I'm thinking more like it's actually an mongrel. I mean, why would it not say 93C proto or something like that on the label instead of Standard Elite Proto? Plus ... that neck is walnut! Huh? The 93C did not have a walnut neck. And the body is a dead ringer for the one Glen posted up ... I wonder if this one is a shallow bowl. The whole thing reminds of that Johnny Cash tune about one piece at a time. That said ... it looks like a really cool guitar. 6868 body and paint, Adamas walnut neck, 93C fretboard, electronics from the bin nearest the door ... :cool: |
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Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | Just for the sake of discussion (and to start an argument :) I am going to say that the older, USA Elite guitars (any model) are better than the standard elites and LXs selling today. I'm NOT saying the newer ones are mediocre guitars, just not the same quality of the oldies. The LX bracing does have its merits, but that's only one aspect of the new ones I like. |
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Location: Texas | Originally posted by bvince:
Just for the sake of discussion (and to start an argument :) I am going to say that the older, USA Elite guitars (any model) are better than the standard elites and LXs selling today. I'm NOT saying the newer ones are mediocre guitars, just not the same quality of the oldies. The LX bracing does have its merits, but that's only one aspect of the new ones I like. Well, you might as well throw the electronics into the mix, do you think the older ones have superior electronics, too? |
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Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | Nope. But electronics can be upgraded, where the guitar itself can't.
Tough decision. But if I had to choose between them - and I do gig twice a week, so plugging in is important - I'd still choose the older models. But of course I'm an older model myself, so there may be a conflict of interests. I HAVE spent some time sitting down in the music stores, playing the newer LX models, and they play and sound fine, but there's something about the vintage instruments that seem to make a difference to me. I haven't played one of the standard Elites and felt like taking one home with me. 'Guess it's just that personal preference thing. |
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Location: Utah | We're back to the ice cream flavor arguments. I really like the LX guitars. Not that there's anything wrong with the older guitars at all. One thing that I have come to enjoy is swapping around the preamps. VIP, Studio, iDea, OpPro. They all fit in the same cans, but you have to have an LX.
Some of the newer bursts are so attractive. Autumn Burst and New England Burst really are unique. The older ones are classics. Depends on the mood you want.
Then there is the Deep Contour Bowl. I'm on the side that loves it. There's nothing wrong with the other bowls, but you can't get a Deep Contour on an original A brace Ovation.
Vince brings up the love of vintage. You can't get that with the new LX, true.
For my first Ovation, I am glad it was the 6778LX. That sets a very nice baseline to work from. |
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Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | When all is said and done the deciding factor will be which one is the best deal for the money. Anyone who has been on this forum will attest that once you buy a quality Ovation or Adamas guitar, you WILL be hooked, and one won't be enough. So my advice is to start finding things to sell now to support your new guitar collecting hobby.
I still feel though, that if you are just starting out and have a limited budget, buy used. Check what a particular model is going for new then try to get a used one at 50%-60% of the new cost. That way down the road, if you want to upgrade, you'll turn a profit on the sale of the old one and help finance the next. |
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Location: Keene, NH | The guitar in my first post ('93 Prototype Elite) I'm told (by the seller) was worth $1200 new. I'm ok with 50% off.
As long as no one thinks it's a bad deal for me to get this guitar, I think I'm going to do everything I can to get it. |
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Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | If that is the one you truly want, then that's the one you should have. Good luck in getting her. |
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Buying a new guitar