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July 2009
Posts: 26
| I'm interested in purchasing an Ovation Classical guitar with a built-in pickup and preamp - preferably deep bowled.
What models are among the best that Ovation has ever made?
What are your impressions of the 2073LX?
Why are the 2073LX (and the medium bowled 1773LX) so expensive compared to many of the other Ovations being made today?
Thank you. |
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March 2005
Posts: 12759
Location: Boise, Idaho | These questions are too hard. Like, "Hi, I'm new here and you don't know anything about me, but tell me what I would like best."
I really like my 1713, but it is heavy, boomy and doesn't sound like a "classical" classical guitar. It especially doesn't sound like a flamenco guitar. I've played those up to a $15,000 one, but didn't like the sound of them as much as mine. If you want a true classical, go with one of those. Why do you want a preamp? That doesn't seem like it be important to someone who wants a classical guitar. Do you play classical music?
I can't answer the question about the new models, either. They're expensive because they have the LX technology, solid, high quality tops and are US made. They're cheap compared to some I've played. |
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Posts: 4389
Location: Capital District, NY, USA Minor Outlying Islands | what kind of music are you playing and what type of venue. |
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July 2009
Posts: 26
| I play a variety of music from classical...to rock...to folk...and more.
I'm not a professional performer but I do like the greater projection and dynamics of an amplified classical guitar, even when played in a home environment.
I'm not necessarily seeking an Ovation classical that sounds like a traditional, all wood, Ramirez type instrument. For example, I own an Adamas 1681 which I think is a superb sounding steel stringed guitar, both acoustically and plugged in, even though it has a distinctive sound that is much different from an all wood guitar. In my opinion, the Ovation Adamas guitars, especially the deep bowled versions, overcome the sonic weaknesses and limitations of more traditional all wooden instruments. What I am seeking in an Ovation classical is not a "duplication" of the kind of sound I would get in an traditional classical guitar, but an improvement in terms of projection, eveness and richness of tone, dynamic range, etc, both acoustically and when amplified.
I already own an Alvarez Yairi CY127CE, cut away classical with a built-in pickup and preamp. Although it is a "good" guitar, to my ears it could be richer and more even, especially when played acoustically. It is not an instrument that I feel an emotional connection with, i.e. one that I would want to keep "forever". |
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Posts: 6268
Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Just a shot outta da dark, my 1763 Classic is a sweet, sweet git. Hopefully Glen will give his impressions of this 'player'. |
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March 2005
Posts: 12759
Location: Boise, Idaho | Thanks. You inspired me to play my 1713 for the first time in months. You'd like it. Try any of the deep bowl, cedar-topped Ovations. |
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December 2006
Posts: 6268
Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | The only other classical Ovation that I would put above the 1763 is one of the original "Classic" with the shiny bowl, but no 'tronics nor CAW.
Hey Mark, pure pleasure, heh?!?  |
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Joined:
July 2009
Posts: 26
| Would it be a true statement that as a general rule, the "shiny" bowl instruments are superior to those made with rough textured bowls?
If so, is the reason for this the fact that a shiny surface reflects sound more effectively than a rough one?
If the shiny bowl instruments are superior, did Ovation go with the rough textured bowls because they are easier to hold?
Thanks. |
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September 2006
Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | by Albert190:
Would it be a true statement that as a general rule, the "shiny" bowl instruments are superior to those made with rough textured bowls?
Thanks. I think that the original shiny bowls sound better cuz they are 'hand-laid' fiberglass... Maybe :confused: |
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March 2005
Posts: 12759
Location: Boise, Idaho | That could be part of it, or it could be nostalgia. But it is generally true that a top that has been played for years will open up and sound better than a new one.
You might also look at 1613s or 1663s. They have "Spanish Pine" tops, but I understand that's just another term for cedar.
The shiny bowls do slide around more. It's not a problem if you sit properly, but I don't usually sit properly. |
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Posts: 4389
Location: Capital District, NY, USA Minor Outlying Islands | If you play a variety of stuff, plugged in, you might want to check out the Country Artist, particularly one of the older ones with the FET pre-amp. They have the creamiest sound you can imagine. The one I have, a CA1624 was made in 1976. |
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April 2008
Posts: 498
| Originally posted by 2ifbyC:
Just a shot outta da dark, my 1763 Classic is a sweet, sweet git. Hopefully Glen will give his impressions of this 'player'. PLAYER!?..... your 1763 is as close to mint as you could get other than a "closet queen" or "under bed special", but yes it is a very sweet Ovation classical guitar, but as stated above heavier bottom end than a true classical wood box and you can't compare the O classicals to other classical guitars... just a different sound compared to the wood box classicals.. and more of the "O" signature sound mixed in.
my favorites of the O's with nylon strings are the 1613, then the 1763 in that order... the 1613 that Mike hot rodded for me had a hand-laid bowl, and Al Dimeola elx and boost button/xlr... and a nice aged cedar top... and never should have sold it..but it's still in the family...
I've never played one of the old original shiny glass bowled classics... but I would probably bet that those are even louder and more articulate than the newer models...
Re: 1763, Last night I opened up the case to take her out for a spin, and while closed up the D string popped... so tonight's project is a re-stringing with some high tension composite pro-arte's and a buff and polish.
Thanks again for the loaner Johnny, she'll come home whenever you ask, or as soon as it's replacement gets here.
Best Regards,
Glenn |
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April 2009
Posts: 13
Location: Seymour, Tennessee | Though I love my 88 and my 12 string and admittedly they are both SSB's, they and other "newer" deep bowls I've played just don't sound "as good" as my old 68 Deluxe Balladeer my Dad gave me. It may just be nostalgia but I really love how the old guitar sounds. |
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November 2002
Posts: 3650
Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire | Well, forced me to pull Chet outta his box. No, I'm not being lugubrious. Chet is my 1624, and hadn't been played in the past month. Nice action, great projection, and good low-end. Didn't even plug in.
"The ants go marching" was fun to play on it. Just out camping last weekend, and had need of that tune in the repertoire! Small people are great to have in the audience- great enthusiasm, and no critical reviews. Just, "Play that one again!" Yeah, ALL 10 verses!! |
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Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 1421
Location: Orange County, California | My 1763 was my first Ovation, and the first guitar I bought and paid for entirely on my own.
Like Glenn and others have said, don't compare it to a traditional classical guitars. It's got a different, and very good character. A high school friend's mom had what I believe was a 1113, and I loved the way it played and sounded. VERY FOLKSY!!.
I like mine best with Savarez 520P1's. They are all wrapped, and weird to play (ask Moody), but really get the top moving. The othe "fun string" was JP Thomastics. Those almost felt like steel strings.
Plugged in (OP-24), it is simply amazing. Our sound guy at church (very critical, hates everything) said it was the best sounding Ovation, and one of the best guitars he'd had on his board. Sounded totally natural playing it sitting a few rows out in the chairs RIGHT under the mains (long cable). |
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April 2008
Posts: 2336
Location: Brighty in Blighty | I bought a 1763 as many people here said it was a nice one (best, better whatever).
It's lovely and a LOAD cheaper than those models you mentioned. Is it fair to compare a $1899 guitar (cheapest I can find a 2073LX) with a $750 guitar (that's what you can get a 1763 for)?
I haven't played a 2073LX but I reckon the 1763 is better 'bang for buck' or 'punch for pound' (I'm English ;) ) |
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May 2006
Posts: 4232
Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent | Originally posted by dweezil:
... 'punch for pound' (I'm English ;) ) Like it! :D |
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Best Classical Guitars Ovation Ever Made?