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| Started here: http://www.ovationfanclub.com/megabbs/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=32...
So I got that 2077AX coming. Me being rather indecisive, I prepaid for an MT37 too, which will probably take a few weeks.
And what the heck, ordered up a Roland Micro Cube amp as well. That will save me form lugging around the big Line6 I have stashed somewhere around the house.
Hopefully they'll be something I take to out of these toys  Giving the Ovations a try finally. I rather imagine that little amp will be fun with my AS200 too. | |
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Location: Flahdaw | Welcome. Start with the micro cube, but you'll soon want an acoustic amp. If you want to stay small, try the Fishman Loudbox mini. | |
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| darkbarguitar - 2012-03-19 6:31 PM
Welcome. Start with the micro cube, but you'll soon want an acoustic amp. If you want to stay small, try the Fishman Loudbox mini.
I already have a bigger Line6 1x12 amp. It is buried in a closet, precisely because it is bigger than I want to deal with. I really tripped into the Micro Cube because it can be run off 6 AA batteries, and of course it is small. Several battery powered amps I was looking at, but the competition for me boiled down to the Rowland and the Line6 Micro Spider. Both similar in price and size, but the Line6 seemed more powerful than I really needed at 6W and a 6.5" driver, and so I should think it would eat batteries at a faster pace. The Line6 also seemed like the amp modelings were more voiced toward Rock, while the Rowland's modelings spread out across genres more. Still, a close call between them for me. | |
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Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | The Rolands are good little amps.
The MicroCube is small, but it will work in a room.
Since your Ovations are acoustic, you can just use the MicroCube as a "sound multiplier" outside.
The "Acoustic" setting is not very loud on the MicroCube, so I recommend just using the "Mic" setting.
The "R-fier" is nice too with straight volume (little or no gain).
Your Ovations will have a preamp and 3-band EQ for tailoring the sound.
You will have fun experimenting.
Disclaimer: I own the MicroCube, the MicroCubeRX, and the CubeStreet.
But I am not a paid spokesman for Roland inc.
(I look forward to pics once you get the guitars)
-edit for spelling/gramar-
Edited by Old Man Arthur 2012-03-20 1:20 PM
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Location: Flahdaw | arthurseery - 2012-03-20 2:10 PM
Disclaimer: I own the MicroCube, the MicroCubeRX, and the CubeStreet.
But I am not a paid spokesman for Roland inc.
Have you considered blackmailing them  | |
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Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | darkbarguitar - 2012-03-20 11:15 AM
Have you considered blackmailing them
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| arthurseery - 2012-03-20 1:10 PM
The Rolands are good little amps.
The MicroCube is small, but it will work in a room.
Since your Ovations are acoustic, you can just use the MicroCube as a "sound multiplier" outside.
The "Acoustic" setting is not very loud on the MicroCube, so I recommend just using the "Mic" setting.
The "R-fier" is nice too with straight volume (little or no gain).
Your Ovations will have a preamp and 3-band EQ for tailoring the sound.
You will have fun experimenting.
Disclaimer: I own the MicroCube, the MicroCubeRX, and the CubeStreet.
But I am not a paid spokesman for Roland inc.
(I look forward to pics once you get the guitars)
-edit for spelling/gramar-
Yeah, they sounded like a decent idea. Even tho the Ovations are acoustic, they are pretty directional, with the sound going away from me. So the little 'monitor' could come in handy. My hearing isn't that good either on the high side of things (tho that can be a blessing when married!). And of course, the little amp will be VERY nice for my AS200.
Only complaint I noted when looking around on those MicroCubes seemed to be a 5" driver of questionable quality. Multiple folks have replaced them, apparently, http://www.lojeck.com/brian/MicroCubeRepair.html . Will see how it sounds to me, and the volume. I like to putter, so I've some thoughts already to replace that driver. Picking a driver out with high sensitivity could increase the volume a bit. While I didn't see anyone commenting on it, Roland's choice of using a coarsely perforated metal front screen could well be messing with output volume and frequency response a little too.
If I find I **REALLY** need more volume, then that Line6 Micro Spider will be back in my thoughts, as it can deliver 3x the wattage of the MicroCube, at about the same size and weight. I can't believe at this point I would really need it, but then new toys have a way of making me want them
Sounds like the invasion begins 2maro from FedEx tracking. The red 2077AX is in that shipment. Amp is a few days further out. And the MT37 is unknown at this point, as the retailer is waiting on Ovation availability, and guessing there will be some word around end of next week. Of course that unknown delivery date is the MT37, which from my research may be the most interesting in terms of neck and fretting. Figures! | |
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| The red 2077AX arrived today. Not sure how clean the grain is supposed to be on AA. A couple thumbprint sized blotches in the grain, roughly bookmarked between the bridge and tail. Perhaps get some pics 2maro. Might be I'm too picky.
I didn't want to set up my dial indicator, so I winged the action height using a feeler gauge. Started out at about .09" at the 12th on the low E. Pulled the 2 shims out from under the saddle.... of different thicknesses actually, one is .02" and flat, and the other is actually wedge shaped, from .023" to .037" at the ends. Anyway,,, ended up at about .065 at the 12th. No buzz to my ears. Offhand, I don't see the need to twiddle with the truss rod.
I'm only very rudimentary in my playing capability, but seems to play well for me. Probably no need for me to go lighter than the 12's that are on it. Perhaps later on I'll try some 11's, but I think I might worry that the light sounding high strings would get even lighter then. If anything, I could imagine lightening toward the bass side a little and leaving the high as a 12, as this thing has no trouble getting volume on the low side. As directional as the sound is, I probably need to listen to it while someone else plays it, to get a feeling for the 'real' balance of tones and volume. Something like that.
Edited by Comedie 2012-03-21 10:14 PM
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| Well, lets see how these pics come out. Lots of reflections, especially as the blotches I see are light angle sensitive. So,,, is this what they call AA Spruce? Or did I get 'lucky' and get a couple bearclaws thrown in for free? Grain off to the sides gets a bit coarse also. 
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Location: Flahdaw | I'm just guessing here, but I think all wood has some irregularities to it, and when you apply a color to it they stand out even more. I could probably look at ANY guitar top and find SOMETHING. | |
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| Yeah. If anything I worry a little more about the coarser grain on the upper and lower thirds of the plank.
And not sure how to describe it exactly, but the surface finish also seems to be 'faceted' lengthwise. Not sure if that occurs because of the way the finish is applied, surface sanding, or a surface defect.
Lifetime warranty it seems, so I won't worry too much.
Certainly understand why natural finish seems to be missing from the Legend options tho, except for the very pricey DiMeola. | |
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Location: Texas | "I'm just guessing here, but I think all wood has some irregularities to it."
70's paneling typically had a very consistent grain pattern. That combined with the Feds confiscating and hoarding all the good wood, doesn't leave much of the good stuff left.
Black seems to be a good color these days. | |
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Location: Jet City | I wonder what grade this Sitka Spruce is? 
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Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent | Grande Grade..... | |
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Location: Massachusetts | Hmmm, another Asian made Ovation model with the saddle parallel to the bridge. I'd check out the intonation if I were you because I can probably bet the farm that your tuning will be off at the 12th fret, especially on strings 1, 2 and 3. Check out your string spacing near the nut as well. | |
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| rlovison - 2012-03-25 4:08 PM
Hmmm, another Asian made Ovation model with the saddle parallel to the bridge. I'd check out the intonation if I were you because I can probably bet the farm that your tuning will be off at the 12th fret, especially on strings 1, 2 and 3. Check out your string spacing near the nut as well.
My ears aren't all they should be, and the onboard tuner sees no difference. So I tried it out on a chromatic external tuner. Pretty close at the 12th,,,, about 2hz off on the high and low E's, and the rest look spot on. I see on the saddle that the string 'seats' are not all the same, in a straight line, so I guess they tried to compensate there. The rest for the high E is closer to the neck, and for the low E it is further from the neck, while the middle 4 look to be in a straight line.
Spacing at the nut looks OK to me. Not really sure what I should be looking for, tho.
....
Been starting to get some calluses back the last few days. Happened across a guy on youtube who puts a ton of instruction online. May not pass muster with professionals, but he's fun and makes me want to pick up the guitar over and over and over again.
Am starting to consider different strings now. Same stock with D-Addario EXP16 12-53's. A bit hard on my fingers right now, but not too bad. So good exercise I guess. I find the EXP16's to be a bit 'muddy' in the wound strings. So, I am thinking to try some other strings. Any opinions or thoughts on:
Markley Blue Steels. Possibly the TLT or CL sets
GHS Juber Signature. Lights, or possibly XL's with a 12 replacement on the top
GHS Dykes Signature.
GHS White Bronze. True Lights. Perhaps an odd choice, but I'm wondering how bright is the 'bright' some people reference
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Location: Tennessee | I am a fan of the Lawrence Juber Signature Bronze. The lights work best for me. | |
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| stonebobbo - 2012-03-26 5:06 PM
I am a fan of the Lawrence Juber Signature Bronze. The lights work best for me.
Thanks. Ordered a rather diverse range of strings. Included 2 different sets of the Juber strings, the 12-54 lights, and the 11-50 lights.
I probably ordered too many different string sets. Wonder how I will remember what sounded like what? May have to come up with some standardized way to record.
I added a winder and capo, so I can feel like the order was necessary overall | |
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Location: Massachusetts | Comedie - 2012-03-26 3:41 PM
My ears aren't all they should be, and the onboard tuner sees no difference. So I tried it out on a chromatic external tuner. Pretty close at the 12th,,,, about 2hz off on the high and low E's, and the rest look spot on. I see on the saddle that the string 'seats' are not all the same, in a straight line, so I guess they tried to compensate there. The rest for the high E is closer to the neck, and for the low E it is further from the neck, while the middle 4 look to be in a straight line.
I'm happy to hear the intonation is OK. This may indicate my problems were more a rarity than the norm. I have the same saddle as you.
Comedie - 2012-03-26 3:41 PM
Spacing at the nut looks OK to me. Not really sure what I should be looking for, tho.
Check to see that the spacing between adjacent strings right near the nut are all the same... should be about 16/64ths between each pair. My spacing varied with the space between the 5th and the 4th being 14/64ths. May not sound like very much though that lack of 2/64ths caused a lot of string buzzing when finger picking certain chords. BTW, my luthier had me try Martin Acoustic SP 80/20 Bronze lights. I love em though they may be to bright for some.
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| rlovison - 2012-04-04 9:48 AM
I'm happy to hear the intonation is OK. This may indicate my problems were more a rarity than the norm. I have the same saddle as you.
The only thing I notice by ear is that the harmonics at the 12th are a bit weak acoustically on the high strings. That could easily be the stock strings or my tinnitus at work tho, too
rlovison - 2012-04-04 9:48 AM
Check to see that the spacing between adjacent strings right near the nut are all the same... should be about 16/64ths between each pair. My spacing varied with the space between the 5th and the 4th being 14/64ths. May not sound like very much though that lack of 2/64ths caused a lot of string buzzing when finger picking certain chords. BTW, my luthier had me try Martin Acoustic SP 80/20 Bronze lights. I love em though they may be to bright for some.
Is the spacing you speak of the spacing of the centers, or of the open space between the strings? While the on center spacing would be fixed, the space between strings would change with the string weights chosen.
Slowly starting to get calluses back again. I've been away from guitars for so long that I have forgotten a lot, so I am taking the opportunity to try and relearn some things more properly. For instance, finger picking. Am trying out some metal finger picks now, and they certainly bring out the volume acoustically.
I will be travelling for most of the rest of April. When I finish that I will put on one of the new string sets. Supposedly, some of the sets I ordered are amongst the brightest. Like GHS White Bronze and Bronze Contact Cores. So I ill see if like bright or not. My tinnitus may well point me toward bright strings. | |
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Location: Massachusetts | Comedie - 2012-04-05 8:36 AM
Is the spacing you speak of the spacing of the centers, or of the open space between the strings? While the on center spacing would be fixed, the space between strings would change with the string weights chosen.
The open space between the strings. The distance should be about 16/64ths using light gauge.
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| Did a little measuring at the nut end for string spacing. Stock EXP16 strings, still. Measurements in inches
Nut measures 1.672 in width
Between strings at the nut, from Low E to Hi E: .027 , .223 , .228 , .248 , .250
On-Center spacing looks to be equal, at about .255
But now that you had me looking down at that end, I'm seeing some things, and wondering about some customization:
Nut depth on the G appears quite shallow. The strings on either side of it are riding a bit high as well. Some variation in all of them, but that G stands out the most.
Seems to be enough spacing possible to add a little distance between the strings. I have wide fingers, making things like cramming 3 side-by-side into an E chord a little more challenging than I could wish for. Looks like could add in another 1/16" total w/o causing myself trouble. | |
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| The more I look at it, the more I think the nut is significantly out of spec, both in string heights and in spread. Going to take it to an Ovation service center down the road from me for a second opinion.
Edited by Comedie 2012-04-06 12:45 PM
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Location: Route 66, just east of the Cadillac Ranch | Comedie - 2012-04-06 11:45 AM Seems to be enough spacing possible to add a little distance between the strings. I have wide fingers, making things like cramming 3 side-by-side into an E chord a little more challenging than I could wish for. Looks like could add in another 1/16" total w/o causing myself trouble.
You don't want the 1st and 6th strings to crowd the edge of the fret. Otherwise, if your attack isn't straight down, you run the risk of an unwanted "twink" when the string slips off the end of the fret. I think there's a name for that and I've heard players do it on purpose, but it's awkward when it isn't planned.
Edited by Nick B. 2012-04-06 2:40 PM
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| nickbtx - 2012-04-06 2:39 PM
You don't want the 1st and 6th strings to crowd the edge of the fret. Otherwise, if your attack isn't straight down, you run the risk of an unwanted "twink" when the string slips off the end of the fret. I think there's a name for that and I've heard players do it on purpose, but it's awkward when it isn't planned.
Yep, the thought certainly occured to me. I've done just that in the lower frets on the high E a couple times
Took it to the luthier a few hours ago. They thought it looked off too. So they are going to keep it for a week and see what Ovation has to say, while I'm traveling. If a defect, then fixed by the time I get back. If not deemed such, I'll pay them to get it right.
I ordered a Tusq nut just in case I feel like going that wider route myself when I get time in May. I still have another Ovation, an MT37, on backorder afterall. I note that the preslotted Tusq specs are indeed about 1/16" greater in spread than the one I measured on the current guitar. Been awhile, but I redid the nuts on guitars in my distant past. With time and patience I could do it again.
Since I am going to be travelling most of the next month, I looked into a travel guitar. Otherwise I'd lose what calluses I've been trying to build up. Turns out there was an option centered near me geographically called Voyage Air. What the heck,,,, bought one yesterday and am having it delivered today by one of the folks there who happens to live quite close. Interesting concept, full sized, definitely made to travel, and hopefully more than adequate a player. | |
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| Well, a few updates. I rather questioned my red 2077AX after trying to set it up. So about eight weeks back I took it to a local luthier, who also happens to be an Ovation warranty center, prior to a lot of travel. Came back from all that travel Monday and found that my guitar was ready to pick up at the luthier. Well it turns out that for whatever reason, Ovation had replaced it with a brand new one. Much nicer top grain and quality than the original one. Plays louder and easier than the original (as I remember it from 8 weeks back anyway). Still need to tinker with the setup a bit, but sure seems a lot better than what I originally received. The paperwork from the luthier did not say exactly what had been identified as warranting a replacement, other than "neck - warranty".
I had also picked up the MT-37 model and did a setup on that. Very low. Ran it past the luthier when picking up the 2077AX yesterday. Now he said it was too low, and some buzz was becoming evident. Frankly I can't hear it, but then I hear buzz constantly from tinitus anyway. Still, I really like the way it plays, as have some other people who've tried it. I think the slightly different neck profile and jumbo frets make it stand out to me. So I will add a single thin shim back in to address what the luthier heard, check/adjust the neck setup, and see where that leaves me.
And then lastly, there's that Voyage Air guitar I bought for travel. It has been to Maui, Dublin, and Johannesburg now. The darned thing travels easily as a carry-on. A lot of the new planes are not setup with the big closet locker in first/business class anymore. No problem, as this one fits in the overhead easily. On the way to Johannesburg I actually saw a guy running back and forth in the cabin with a guitar in a soft gig case, realized there was no place for it, and the crew made him check it in as hold baggage. He wasn't very pleased. Much as I like the MT37, no doubt the Voyage Air will be what I take traveling. Haven't played with the action on it at all yet. A tad high, but not bad. Sounds quite nice as a guitar, and far better than the other travel guitar options I looked over. No doubt it is headed out with me again in 10 days when I return to Joburg.
Edited by Comedie 2012-06-06 4:49 PM
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2077ax and....