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Joined:
May 2012
Posts: 55
| Not to beat a dead dog, but this original query has drifted way way from shore. Someone said......."We've discussed how Ovations have fallen out of favor since their heyday...." This is my opinion. In the '60s I watched Glen, and all the others playing their Ovation acoustics and fell in love with their looks. Eventually ordered a Folklore since those 12 fret guitars were popular with the folkies like PP&M. I loved that guitar but was immediately somewhat disappointed that although it projected extremely well and was easy to play, it seemed a little dead compared to my fathers late '60s Gibson dreadnought. Try as I might I could not live with that lack of big dreadnought sound. So I eventually sold it and bought a 12 fret Martin.
I think the early Ovation line owed their popularity to their looks and the great singing of their players, not their guitar sound. I've played many Ovations over the years, both acoustic and electrified. And I can say I never found one that sounded really good unamplified. The best one I've found and presently own is another Folklore (early '70s) acoustic that I've owned for a couple of years. It sounds as good as my 2005 D-18 Martin, but is still very lacking compared to my older D-28 and newer Recording King dreads. However, when electrified I love the Ovation sound. I own a 2008 Elite LX that I'll never let go. The kid next door has one of the very cheap Asian copies of the USA model which I own. It has the exact same electronics, and when played through the same amp, to my ears sounds identical to mine. That disturbs me. But I still like my made in the USA model because I'm all for the American worker I guess. My friends who do not like Ovations attribute this dislike to mainly three things, lack of volume unamplified, curved non-wood backs uncomfortable to play setting down, and extremely low resale value. I do not find the comfort a problem at all, but can attest to the low unamplified volume and low resale value. I have a late model Balladeer which lists for $999, discounts new to $699. It is in near new condition, sounds great electrified, not so good acoustically, and I've been "selling" it on Craig's List for months. The best offer I've gotten is $250.
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Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | What's your question?
To be really existential about it, an Ovation is what it is.
I have a 1114 that sounds great acoustically, and that is with Martin M1400 Silk-n-Steel strings on it.
I have an ancient 1121 Artist Beater with EJ26's that is probably Louder than the Folklore.
Rumor has it that Ovation guitars sound better to the audience than to the Player.
As to Asian vs USA Ovations...
If you have an OP-Pro in an LX, and an OP-Pro in an AX, they will probably sound the same through an amp.
Finally, to resale value...
Anything that you buy new... You will not get your purchase price back for Years.
If you had a nice '70's Balladeer that you bought for $250 back in '72...
You could probably get more than $300 for it now (if it is in primo condition).
Did you buy your guitar for resale value?
(I have one of them... Wanna buy a 1778-OFT? Excellent condition)
Musical Instruments are a great investment if you keep the for a decade or five.
But if you have a five year-old Balladeer...
Unless it is somehow unique it is just a Used Guitar.
Us Geeks at the OFC may know that difference between USA-made and the new stuff.
But anyone offering you money on CL is just hoping that you are desperate. (Go to evilBay)
But back to the top of the page...
Your old Folklore probably cost a Lot less than a 60's Gibson Dreadnaught or a Martin.
Back in the Day... a Folklore cost $365. A Balladeer cost $265. Less, if you could haggle.
Meanwhile, a Martin cost as much as a Volkswagon. 
Different guitars sound different.
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Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 2985
Location: Sydney, Australia | Opinions differ. I've never picked up a guitar I like better than my 2008 Collectors - beautiful tone (I prefer Adamas Silk & Steels on it) and lovely wide neck. The nicest wood box I've played is a Collings, which cost a fair bit more, but I wouldn't swap. |
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Joined:
September 2012
Posts: 811
Location: Thredbo, NSW, Australia | I’m new to owning Ovations, but have always wanted one. The reason is their acoustic volume is great, and their strong bottom end. So I’m not sure where you’re coming from Laocomo.
I have a 1980 EF360S Japan made Takamine, which is a beautiful guitar that I’ve had from new. It is no match acoustically to my Ovations, nor when amplified.
Maybe I need to get out more and try out more guitars.
Interesting discussion.
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Joined:
August 2005
Posts: 3736
Location: Sunshine State, Australia | My Folklore has the biggest, fattest and best 'big dreadnought sound' of any wood topped acoustic I've ever played.
You either had a dud, or had it set up completely wrong.
Never found an Ovation that sounds good acoustically??? WTF??? Are you serious?
"I think the early Ovation line owed their popularity to their looks and the great singing of their players, not their guitar sound." I'd hardly call Jim Croce and Cat Stevens "great singers". Reading much of what you write makes me think that you're a very ever troll sent over from the AGF.
But I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and concede that your experience of all things Ovation is at the polar opposite of mine.
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Joined:
November 2012
Posts: 135
Location: New Bern, NC | I play primarily unamplified and I love the sound of both my custom Os. I do note that my newer Custom Elite has a much bigger voice than my Custom Legend. This past summer I wandered into a music store and played several $1000+ Martins and was not that impressed. I'd take my Os over those Martins any day. |
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Joined:
August 2011
Posts: 887
Location: Always beautiful canyon country of Utah | It is the sound of the Ovations (and Adami) unamplified which so attracts me to them.. Of course there are other factors such as their looks, durability, etc. To those of us who are afflicted with the Ovation gene it is not a choice -- there is no other option! |
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Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 4619
Location: SoCal | As to acoustic...
My Martin HD28VS (vintage slothead), D12-45, and D-25K2 (all Koa wood) sit on the wall as does the Brazilian rosewood Tak and the 45th Tak.
Primary (acoustic) is the 2004 Custom Legend, 1658 and 1659 12 strings, and 2009 Koa. Third is Tak TNV 360SV
Of course, this doesn't include the Adamas guitars.
Suggestion is to go to a regional get-together, opportunity to play a lot of O's and A's as well as the ability to make a lot of friends. |
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Joined:
April 2011
Posts: 119
Location: NH | We were off topic? I like sound of my O's acoustically. I just sold my only acoustic amp a few weeks ago. |
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Getting back on topic....