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| They were all nice guitars, some nicer than others.
Lace LF-150SCE ($699.90): http://lacemusic.com/acoustic_series/LF ... 150SCE.php
Martin ($719): DX1RGT: http://www.americanmusical.com/Item--i-MAT-DX1RGT
Rainsong OM-1000: http://www.rainsong.com/models/om1000.asp
($2,995)
Takamine EG530SC ($629): http://www.takamine.com/?fa=detail&mid=889&sid=69
Crafter PK ROSE ($899): http://www.gatormusicsupply.com/cart.ph ... ct_ID=1251
Ovation 2009 FKOA ($3,599): http://www.ovationguitars.com/?fa=detail&mid=2384
Washburn D80SW ($2,449): http://www.adirondackguitar.com/accoust ... /d80sw.htm
Washburn EA36K ($799): http://www.amazon.com/Washburn-Festival ... dReplace=1
Walden D-570 CE ($499)
Gibson Heritage, circa 1969 ($1,250)
The first nine guitars I tried at a store in Hudson Falls, NY. I played all of them without asking about the price, and found that I liked the Ovation Collectors the best out of all of that set.
It wasn't until I was about to leave that I asked "What was the most expensive one that I tried?" Of course, the salesman said "the one you liked the best -- the Ovation. That one goes for $3,599". I guess I have champagne tastes on a beer budget! :D I did not know the prices of the others until I got home and researched them.
BTW, he really likes Ovations, not like the previous salesman I had at another store. I liked the deep contour bowl of the collector's edition.
I was in Woodstock on Monday and went to a little music shop there. They didn't have much of interest there (they did have an Ovation Celebrity though), but there was a sad looking Gibson that I just had to try. It definitely looked like a beater, but the tone was gorgeous!
So far, my choices in guitars are between the Ovation collectors and the Gibson.
However, I cannot afford the Collectors guitar. What Ovation model would be the closest in tone to the Collector's edition?
My budget is really tight ($500 - $700. I could go as high as $1,250, but I don't really want to).
Michelle |
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Location: Brisbane Australia | She's got GAS :D
Michelle, welcome to the "Darkside"
AJ |
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| Originally posted by AussieJames:
She's got GAS :D
Michelle, welcome to the "Darkside"
AJ Thank you! I think I've been living on the dark side for a while. I do love Ovations, you know.
Michelle |
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Location: Brighty in Blighty | Haven't tried a 09C but perhaps a 06 Collector?
Ebony neck
Contour bowl
KOA top
and can be had for < $1000!
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Location: Michigan | I think our tastes differ a bit if I remember a previous post of yours right.
But I'll offer my 2 cents but please don't whip me.
I tried the 09 collectors but the sound didn't do anything for me. Seems like that KOA top just didn't let the sound come out and it seemed very heavy to me. It sure was purdy though.
If you liked the contour body I think you really need to try a 2771LX. It would be in your price range and it has a contour bowl.
Here's what I remember, you said you tried a 1771LX but didn't like the sound. I have one and love its my go to guitar most of the time. The only think I don't like about it is I just wish it had a little stronger bass response for what I play unplugged.
The 2771LX is basically the same guitar with the contour bowl but I think with that bowl the sound is just a tad nicer but string choice could make a little difference to and I didn't have them side by side so I had to rely on my somewhat diminished memory. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.
But you asked.
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Location: south east Michigan | The LAV Koa gets most the praise but I've liked the '06 ever since we got a sneek peek at my first factory tour.
I don't have many "wants" guitar wise, but someday I hope to have some sort of koa Ovation. |
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Location: Brisbane Australia | Wally, I agree, I have a 2771LX and I really like it, great value guitar.
Not as nice as my Adamas' but nowhere near the price either.
I like the contour bowl.
Zannie, take notice of Birdog, I think he likes to be whipped :D
AJ |
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Location: Sydney, Australia | Michelle, I think an 07C would be worth considering and can be had within your budget. Nice enjoyable guitar and looks purdy too. |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | If you like the sound of koa, dweezil's idea is a good one. Koa has a different sound than the typical spruce top. You may or may not like it. Sounds like you do, so you probably should find an 06 Collector at a decent price. |
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Location: Brighty in Blighty | Yup the 06 and 07 sound VERY different!!! Almost opposites in some respects despite very similar spec.
What one should should really do is have a 06 AND a 07 as then you have the ying and yang!
One day I'm gonna have me a Lav KOA. |
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Location: New Jersey, USA | I see this a little differently. You tried ONE Ovation among those various others, and it happened to be a koa topped model. So you have decided you want a koa Ovation.
But perhaps you just want an Ovation, period. I'd follow the advice of others here and look for an ebony board and either deep or contour bowl, but with a spruce top. Find one to play before you decide for sure on the koa top.
I had a LAV koa model for a while and I found it to be a little flat and one dimensional in comparison with the best spruce topped O's. I also owned a Taylor T5 with a koa top and based on those two data points, I've decided I'm not a fan of koa as a tonewood. |
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Location: SoCal | Originally posted by rpguitar:
I see this a little differently. You tried ONE Ovation among those various others, and it happened to be a koa topped model. So you have decided you want a koa Ovation.
But perhaps you just want an Ovation, period.
This brings up an interesting point. While all Ovations have a similarity in tone, they are all different. In my bedroom, I've got 3 six strings, the 87C, the rebuilt Legend, and the OFC guitar (ding! slothead Adamas). All have similar tones, but all sound unique. In any other guitar line, say Martin, it would be like comparing a D size to an OM and a 000. Similar, but different.
Try some different Ovations/Adamii and see what you think.... |
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| Originally posted by rpguitar:
I see this a little differently. You tried ONE Ovation among those various others, and it happened to be a koa topped model. So you have decided you want a koa Ovation.
But perhaps you just want an Ovation, period. I'd follow the advice of others here and look for an ebony board and either deep or contour bowl, but with a spruce top. Find one to play before you decide for sure on the koa top.
I had a LAV koa model for a while and I found it to be a little flat and one dimensional in comparison with the best spruce topped O's. I also owned a Taylor T5 with a koa top and based on those two data points, I've decided I'm not a fan of koa as a tonewood. RP, the guitars I listed were just for the two trips I've made to guitar shops recently. I've also tried a low end Martin, a low end Taylor, an Applause, a Fender acoustic, a Seagull, two Celebrities,a 12 string ME Adamas and a Standard Balladeer 1771LX.
I didn't state that in my previous post. However, out of all the guitars I have tried, I have liked the KOA Ovation and the Gibson the best. I liked the deep, rich sound the Gibson has, but it doesn't have the volume of an unplugged Ovation, IMHO.
I'm not done shopping yet, though. I do want to go to a store nearby that sells Larrivees and Santa Cruz guitars.
However, I get the feeling that I will end up with an Ovation simply because I have yet to find a guitar that has as comfortable neck as an Ovation. Also, I have found that I love the deep bowl, especially the contour bowl.
As I am typing this, I am realizing that as much as I liked the koa Ovation, I might want a tonewood that would deliver a deeper tone than the koa wood top. Like you said, I might be better off with a spruce top.
Michelle |
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Location: closely held secret | Originally posted by Slipkid:
The LAV Koa gets most the praise but I've liked the '06 ever since we got a sneek peek at my first factory tour. The LAV Koa IS the '06 Collectors... 
...that should have been. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Dweezil has an Adamas 1681 for sale.
Maybe you could work something out. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Tubby just posted a couple of nice ones in the for sale section that would fit your budget nicely. |
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Location: Agawam MA | Annie I would add my praise to the 07 collector. I have seen them new on ebay in your price range.
Good luck with your search.
God bless,
Steve |
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Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent | You're still welcome to come and test drive some of mine if you like. No two of them sound exactly alike. Also, there used to be an 05 Collector's for sale nearby within your budget. I don't know for sure if it's still there though. Shoot me a PM and let me know.  |
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Location: Michigan | If you get a chance try either the Blueridge BR-40 or BR-43. For the money they are the best "new" guitars I have tried (that I can afford). They can be had for less than $400 and sound is simply wonderful. I played them next to some Martins and Taylors costing 3-4 times as much and the BR held its own and in some cases impressed me more. That said I love my Legend and would not trade it for anything (well maybe a 1680). |
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Location: Hot Springs, S.D. | Michelle, I understand. You have only so much money to spend, and you want to make sure you choose the right guitar. Take your time. Try as many different ones as you can. If you see something interesting on this board, you might just want to go for it, knowing that the long-standing members here are a very trustworthy bunch. They will describe the sound, or even call you on the phone so you can hear it compared to any other O's in their stable. Usually anything you buy from one of these people will be so reasonably priced that if you change your mind, you will be able to sell it and make your money back. |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | There are too many options, whether we're spending other people's money or our own. By all means, if you have GAS for Ovations, get an Ovation. If you may not get another guitar for a long time, you'd probably be very happy with the 07. If you want something just a bit different, the 06 would be great. Personally, I like the sound of spruce more than koa, but there are plenty of spruce guitars hanging on my walls and the koa gives me a bit of variety.
How about a Patriot? I could be talked out of the one I haven't paid for yet, within your budget. It would be worth it to me to get out of the doghouse with SWMBO. It has a bunch of Jim Croce songs in it. |
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Location: Michigan | It has a bunch of Jim Croce songs in it. :) Don't they all? |
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Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent | Originally posted by Mark in Boise:
How about a Patriot? I could be talked out of the one I haven't paid for yet, within your budget. It would be worth it to me to get out of the doghouse with SWMBO. It has a bunch of Jim Croce songs in it. From everything you've said thus far Michelle, this one's right up your alley. Croce played either a Custom Balladeer or a Legend (not sure which). The Patriot is structurally a Custom Legend with a unique finish and stencil. (Some love the art, others don't. I think it's great myself.)
It should have the tone you are looking for, and fit in your price range, and hold its value over the long term because you are paying a used price. The only thing I'm unsure about with this one is whether or not it's acoustic/electric. I'm also not sure if this matters to you. Keep at it and good luck. |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | This one is acoustic only. That suits me fine, since I don't have a need to plug in, and if I did I'd have several other options. Mine's not in as good a shape as Patch's, but I've been playing it a lot and it's right in there with any Ovation single hole that I have as far as sound. |
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Location: Location Location Location | Sounds like you're doing all the right things Michelle. I'm not fond of Koa, but it's just a personal preference. It's a unique sounding tonewood, and many prefer it.
It seems that for your budget you should be able to get something nice. Let's just hope that all those Ovation bashers and others 'too cool for the room' don't wake up to what great guitars they are! At least until you get the one you want. Good luck! |
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| RP, I have also tried the following guitars:
A low end Ibanez A/E
A middle end Ibanez A/E
A Walden 555
A Yamaha A/E
Honestly, I think I should writing down a list of guitars I've tried recently. The ol' memory is starting to fail. They say it's the first thing to go. :D As long as I don't forget to buy a great guitar, I'll be fine!
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Location: Reisterstown, Maryland | Michelle,
Just keep on searching dear, you may find that that right O for you just might find you when you're least expecting it.
I like to search out the older O's in need of a little TLC.
When you meet your guitar you'll know it.
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| Originally posted by ladylaw:
Michelle,
Just keep on searching dear, you may find that that right O for you just might find you when you're least expecting it.
I like to search out the older O's in need of a little TLC.
When you meet your guitar you'll know it.
Anita Anita, I'll definitely find one sooner or later. I wish I had your talent of being able to fix them up.
I never imagined that it would be harder to pick out a guitar than it would easier than picking out a car (I had to get a car last year). But shopping for a guitar is so much more fun than shopping for a car!
Michelle |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | Michelle,
You really should find someone like Patch who has a variety of newer and older Ovations that you could try out. That was the only way I could try out anything other than Celebrities. Or host an OFC gathering and make sure everyone brings something different.
I know you Easterners have a different sense of geography than many of us from out in the sticks, but to me it seems so simple to go a couple hundred miles on a weekend to try out some nice guitars. |
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Location: Nashville TN. | THis might be what your looking for,
http://www.elderly.com/vintage/items/20U-12321.htm |
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Location: Upper Left USA | M,
Stop wasting your time with all of those Music Store imposters. This is what you need:
A soft and tender voice, exotic looks and is the only one like it. A bit pricy, but you'll never need another once you've held this one close.
M(It was a long, dark and stormy night)Woody |
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| Wow Woody! That is gorgeous! What model is that one?
Michelle |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | That one was always one of my first loves, (customized 2001 Collector in redwood) but when it was for sale I had the bubinga, then when I sold the bubinga, this one wasn't for sale. I guess I need to stop buying so many guitars. |
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Location: Upper Left USA | That is a 2001 Collector Redwood that had top damage so when the Factory repaired it they put in the inlaid Epaulets just like the LX series and present Elites. Its the only 01 Collector I know of with inlaid Epis!
It is lovely and well voiced.
My point in interupting was that rather than agonizing over the paltry offerings in local Music Stores you need to attend a Gathering and get exposed to several flavors of Ovations and Adamas'.
Often you will get to play several one-of-a-kinds or rare models.
This one won't go cheap but it can be had. No Disapointment with it, I'm sure. |
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Location: SoCal | Here's the guitar you want Legend on the \'bay |
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Location: Maryland | I am new to ovations and I picked up a used 2771lx last week and have a new one that will be delivered tomorrow. I am not sure if it is me with ovations or this one I have has issues. the tone is great
I will be returning it to the Guitar center in Rockville MD. I think they may be able to ship it to you or transfer to a closer store near you
I got it out the door with a hard shell case for 450.00 the new one is 550.00 I found another new one for 650.00 if you want that info it's on ebay now for 999 and it's black the one I am returning is natural. i'll let you know if I feel a difference in the way they play when I get it tomorrow it just feels hard for me to push down on the strings. The case is also a road runner and not a ovation it fits but it fits like an after market car part. I love the contour bowl to match my contour belly and I am a sit down player |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | Showoffs. This is what I think you need:
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Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Originally posted by Mark in Boise:
This is what I think you need:  |
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Location: Maryland | I got my new 2771lx today and there is a day and night difference. you do not want the one from the guitar center there must be something wrong with it
but I recommend a 2771lx and to get a new one |
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Location: Reisterstown, Maryland | Organized Confusion,
I live in Md too, where do you live? I have a bunch of older O's if you ever want to try them out.
Anita |
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Location: Maryland | Anita thanks for the offer. I am the type of person who probably would like the sound of them and end up going out and buying more guitars.
If I were to own any more guitars I think my wife would kill me. I am going to own just the one for now and be happy with it and if I get Sirius about playing I may invest in other gutars. In the past I have gone 6+ months at a time without playing a note
I am in Burtonsville, MD. |
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Location: Huntington Beach | Michelle,
Here's what I did. Needed a replacement for my 1617 that I bought new in 1978. Couldn't find anything in my price range that I liked locally so started buying on ebay. The first 2 purchases were misrepresented and went back for full refund - 1621 and 85C. This is a little time consuming but you get to try different versions and they can be sent back if specified in advance or resold for the same or more money - usually. Ask many very detailed questions and go for an original owner instrument. I ended up with a '90 1768 Elite that looks like new and was hardly played for $350. The vintage Os are so cheap now that you can keep buying and dating and selling until you find one to love. Good luck. |
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Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent | You're still welcome to check out some of my O's in Poughkeepsie if you like Michelle. Just look at my signature line and tell me which ones. |
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| Originally posted by Patch:
You're still welcome to check out some of my O's in Poughkeepsie if you like Michelle. Just look at my signature line and tell me which ones. How about as many as you can fit into the back of a van? :D
I'll have to take you up on that some day. I would probably want to try the Legend. The Patriot looks nice too.
Michelle |
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Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent | Just shoot me an email, we'll arrange a time. I usually have about a half dozen in my office anyway, so it's not hard to make sure the ones you want to try are here.
Originally posted by Guitarzannie:
How about as many as you can fit into the back of a van? :D
Michelle BTW, be careful what you wish for, it can make for a LONG day....
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Location: Capital District, NY, USA Minor Outlying Islands | keep looking. Have you tried Alto music in orange county? |
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| Originally posted by Patch:
Just shoot me an email, we'll arrange a time. I usually have about a half dozen in my office anyway, so it's not hard to make sure the ones you want to try are here.
Originally posted by Guitarzannie:
How about as many as you can fit into the back of a van? :D
Michelle BTW, be careful what you wish for, it can make for a LONG day....
Patch, I tried nine guitars in two hours. That must be some kind of record!
Michelle |
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| Originally posted by an4340:
keep looking. Have you tried Alto music in orange county? No, I haven't. But I have heard of Alto music, as I think they were listed on the Walden website.
Michelle |
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Location: Right now? | i bought a few guitars this month, and I am pretty happy with my selections. One 'got away' and no, it wasn't that over priced one that went on evilBay. Hopefully a future opportunity will present itself ~ then I am finished for awhile ~ and the guitar budget is empty.
I also put a deposit down today on the '09C FKOA ~ beautiful tone and stunning to look at, I think. I will collect HER in the next week or two. I'm sweating from the panic attack, but excited ... photos coming soon ... |
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Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Originally posted by WillaMuse:
I also put a deposit down today on the '09C FKOA Whoa! Way to 'jump in' Willa...  |
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Location: Right now? | It was a scary thing to do, but I'm happy! I'm glad you approve, iffy ... |
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Location: CA | Since nobody had mentioned the Elite T series, I'll do that now. Terrific sound plugged or unplugged. Nice slender maple neck. US made . . . and right in your price range. Once voted best bang-for-the-buck Ovation on this very site. Still have my Red 1778T (mid-bowl) for sale for $600 including OHSC and shipping. See pics here: http://ovationfanclub.ning.com/photo/albums/ovation-elite-1778t
FWIW, the best-sounding guitar I ever played in a store is the Eric Clapton Martin 00028EC. But as you say, $3500 is a bit steep for this old picker. |
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On Friday and Monday, I tried a bunch of guitars