|
|
Joined:
September 2009
Posts: 144
Location: SW Washington | Hi there! I am David and I am beginning the research/shopping for my first O... Well technically not my first, I had a nice Thunderhead in the 70's but didn't know how to play it and ended up trading it for a Takamine 12 string...hindsight, ya know? Anyhow, my finances are super tight at the moment...guitar poor, :-) But, I am not sure exactly what I am looking for and I need some help deciding. I know I want the multiple soundholes in the bouts with the epaulets and a deep body. Color is not really an issue, but black and sunburst are my least favorites. I would rather have natural if possible, but green red or blue would be okay too. Obvioulsly, sound and playability are the major factors. So, I know the features I want, can somebody tell me what models I should be looking at? And what is the least I can reasonably expect to pay for this combination of features? I have seen some CS257's going on ebay for around 200 to 250 recently but I don't know if they have the deep body or not. Actually the deep body is not really essential, just preferable for sound. Any thoughts you can share with me would be appreciated. Thanks!
David :D |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2006
Posts: 3969
| Welcome. The Korean-made Celebrity models (like the CS257 you mentioned) are generally considered good values for the money, but they're intended as entry-level guitars. The US-built models are usually regarded as having better tone and build quality.
If you don't mind used, there is a US-made Standard Elite on Craigslist in South Florida with an asking price of $300. Perhaps someone on this board in that area could look at it for you (we do that a lot around here).
Your location puts you in a great place to hook up with some other members here who have fine collections of Ovations. Stick around, you'll enjoy it. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 2246
Location: Yucaipa, California | ...welcome! Don't forget to check the For Sale section here on this Board... lots of good deals by good folk! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
July 2005
Posts: 3411
Location: GA USA | Welcome David. I've had great experiences buying guitars from members here. You will generally get a guitar that's been well loved that way, and represented honestly. Good luck! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
October 2007
Posts: 2711
Location: Vernon CT | Welcome David!! There a also a few members in Washington (not sure exactly where) that you may be able to hook up with to try some guitars. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2009
Posts: 144
Location: SW Washington | Wow, that seems like a great price on that Elite! I need to find a store around here that has several Ovations so I can do a more thorough determination of sound comparisons between deep, shallow and super shallow bowls. The one I played recently was a deep bowl Balladeer and I LOVED the resonance from that deep bowl. If there is not that much difference between the deep vs super shallow bowl I may be interested in that Elite or something similar. Right now, 300 is really at the top end of my budget and I never thought I would find an Elite in that range. Do any of the Elites have the deep bowl? Or are they all shallow and super shallow?
BTW, thank you so much for all your help! I really appreciate it!
David :-) |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2006
Posts: 3969
| Hay David - there are several Elite models with deep bowls. The 1768 is a deep-bowl cutaway, the 1778 is a mid-bowl cutaway, and the 6718 is a deep bowl non-cut.
There is a definite difference unplugged between the super-shallow bowls and the mid- and deep bowls. The SSBs will have less volume and projection, and generally a bit less bass. If you play mostly plugged in, that wouldn't make a difference. Also, if you stand to play the SSB is more comfortable to hold.
Understandable that money's really tight, so you may want to stick with a lower-priced model for now and trade up later.
The O's you'll find in most shops (especially the big box chains like GC) will likely be exclusively the Korean-made Celebrities. If you really want to compare a variety of O's hit up somebody like Old Man Arthur or MWoody in your area. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4082
Location: Utah | If you like the deep bowl, you probably won't like the super shallow bowl. It is quite a bit thinner sounding when un-plugged. The mid bowl is pretty close to the sound of the deep bowl. The deep contour is a good compromise, with the deep bowl bass response but a more ergonomic design than the deep round bowl. Some folks don't like the fit of the contour, but many do.
The 6778 is the standard version of the Elite (multi-hole), the 1778 is the upscale version with a bit more bling and such. Both are the mid bowl. The sound is very good, on par with typical nice wood guitars. Not thin or deficient. The deep bowl and the deep contour bowl do give a bit more bass response.
You said you don't favor black, but the Elite T is one great guitar for the money. You might find a used one at the upper end of your price range, and it would be far superior to a foreign built new Ovation.
Check eBay, there are some older used Ovations going for crazy low prices. You might get lucky and snag a classic for $300 or less. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12761
Location: Boise, Idaho | Assuming you're in Washington State, how close are you to Portland. We have a bunch of members there. Also, my daughter is in Tacoma and has a CS247, which is a mid bowl. Doesn't sound as good as a deep bowl or a USA made Ovation, but not bad. It was in your range when I bought it for her a few years ago.
I've got a nice Custom Balladeer up in the Seattle area somewhere with daughter's ex-boyfriend. If you find it, I might make you a great deal. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2006
Posts: 3969
| Originally posted by Mark in Boise:
I've got a nice Custom Balladeer up in the Seattle area somewhere with daughter's ex-boyfriend. If you find it, I might make you a great deal. Make sure you have plausible deniability... |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13997
Location: Upper Left USA | Welcome David!
I'm in Kitsap County and we have occasional get togethers to play, swap and inspire each other.
You don't have to give away your location but it will make it easier to dispatch the Flying Monkeys/Black Copters. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12761
Location: Boise, Idaho | Yeah, some of us,...or maybe one of us, has been known to show up at your house to play guitars. Sometimes I bring some. Just make sure you have a strong screen door if fillhixx is coming over. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2007
Posts: 57
Location: North Oregon Coast | Hey David, glad you showed up! I told you there was a lot of nice people here!
Good luck!
Ray |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2009
Posts: 144
Location: SW Washington | Hey Ray, Is Aurora a deep contour? Somehow I am thinking she is...but I don't know. I did notice it felt a bit awkward playing her when standing. But I loved that booming bass resonance! It was much like playing a jumbo body maple guitar. For that kind of sound, I can deal with a little awkwardness. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2002
Posts: 806
Location: Seymour, Tennessee | Welcome to the board but beware O's are like tattoos, you get one, you'll get more, they just keep costing more too :)
I have a Shiney Deep Bowl and i's dowright powerful.
My super-shallows, like folks here say, give up a good bit to the deepies but they still sound really good and are very comfortable to play.
Good luck in your hunting, there are no bag limits! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2009
Posts: 2
Location: Canton, Connecticut | Hi All .. Just joined from a suggestion from one of the Sales reps at Ovation in New Hartford. I'm the original owner of a 1968 Ovation Glen Campbell 12-String. Needed a neck adjustment and some cosmetic touches that I just didn't want to do. I was treated very nicely at the factory. Looked into a window and saw some new Guild guitars getting ready for their new owners. Something sweet to see. I understand I just missed the club's tour of the New Hartford facility. Can anyone tell me when the next tour will be scheduled? I really need to see this place. Also, very pleased to see this web site available to the Ovation owners. This will be fun to find others with the same interests. Many thanks for putting this site together.
Stephan Cheney
Canton, CT |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2005
Posts: 3620
Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | Welcome David (and Steven),
David, if your budget is that prohibitive, you may want to look at the many early models on Ebay or here if they come up. I usually search under the topic of vintage ovation. Here's what looks like a great deal on one that has an easily-fillable crack below the bridge. with a little matched wood filler put in the crack and wiped off, it would probably look fine. Looks to be in really good condition. (currently at only 60 bucks!)
Ebay Ad |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12761
Location: Boise, Idaho | Stephan, they haven't had a tour for a couple years and no word on the next one. You can see pics and threads of some of the previous ones in the archives. It would be nice to be so close.
The official story is that they had too many changes in the works after the Fender buyout in 08, but I suspect they heard I was finally going to show for one, so they cancelled it. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4082
Location: Utah | Stephan, welcome aboard. There are no tours scheduled or expected for a while. The change in ownership and the resultant changes to manufacturing at the factory made it impossible to have a factory tour this year. Many of us remain anxious for the next one to be announced. Maybe next fall? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2009
Posts: 144
Location: SW Washington | bvince,
Thanks for the tip! If that were a cutaway, I would be all over it, if nothing else for a great deal for one of my students. When my students are looking for a good starter guitar I pretty much insist they spend a couple extra bux for a cutaway. Right from the outset I teach them to use the whole neck. Also, for me personally, I use the upper frets a LOT so I really need a cutaway. I recently leveled and re-crowned the frets on two of my guitars and everything below the 5th fret hardly needed to be touched...above that though, there were a lot of deep grooves, lol. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2009
Posts: 715
| Hello David and Stephan! Welcome to the OFC!
The only O I have is my 02 Collectors, and I am very happy with it. I bought mine from Patch, and would not hesitate to buy from him again.
Mine is a mid-depth and had a nice bass range to it.
I hope you can find what you are looking for. Even the search process can be fun.
Michelle |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2009
Posts: 144
Location: SW Washington | Michael...
I had already pretty much figured I was going to be starting a 'collection' lol I already have the beginnings of a guitar collection but I am leaning toward specializing in Ovations, (But I still want a Breedlove too) Hey anyone know anything about Ovation Preachers? There is one on Ebay that looks sweet! What kind of humbuckers did they use in those? I had never seen one of those before. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2002
Posts: 806
Location: Seymour, Tennessee | Yeah, my "Collecting" days are in a definative holding pattern but ooooh if I can get a good deal on re-financing my house, turn criminal, or catch that lottery, I'm gonna get me an Adamas! One of these days, one of these days!
There is a 1988 Collector's Series on e-bay right now with 2 days, 2 hours, and 20 minutes left (weird # combo huh) it's at $219.50 with $70 for shipping.
I know it's a super shallow bowl and you want a deepie but tit is an Elite and a Collector's Series and that's a crazy price.
It looks really nice.
I don't know how to do the attachment thing here for e-bay that everybody else seems to be able to do but if you just type in the description, it's the only one on there. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13997
Location: Upper Left USA | Take a run thru the links in my signature line, especially the Ovation UK.
Paul D. did a great job at explaining the solids! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2009
Posts: 144
Location: SW Washington | Hey Woody!
I was just looking through Paul's description of the Preachers and he has the scale length listed as 39-1/2 inches? That sounds like a scale length for a bass. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13997
Location: Upper Left USA | Oops, must be a typo or or a mistache...
M(spellchucker)Woody |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6996
Location: Jet City | Hey there David,
Welcome to the forum. I might have something for ya depending on your budget. Send me a note.
How bout a 6778LX in brand new condition with all the hang tags and case keys and hex wrenches for less than $500?
I have a few guitars available at the moment, and we're not too far apart. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2009
Posts: 144
Location: SW Washington | Hey Damon, I may be interested...I didn't think there was any way I could go that high, but I may (may) have a buyer for my Ibanez so that bumps my ceiling up a little, but not much... Anyhow that sounds like a decent price and I would like to see a couple pics... And how much is 'less than $500'? $499.99? :D Anyhow, you can email pics to me at Thanks!
David |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6996
Location: Jet City | Nope, more like the gas station, $499.99 and 9/10ths
:D
Naw, $480. And I have a Flame one too that's a bit more. Sendin' pics of both. |
|
| |
Hi gang, I'm new here and have lots of questions