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Joined:
September 2014
Posts: 16
| Hello All!
I've been playing guitar for a number of years but have never owned an Ovation.
I've played a few. Years ago I played a 70's non-cutaway a friend had as a caretaker for another friend and recently a few of the newer Celebrity models but I don't know which model numbers. I was not impressed with the Celebrity's I played.
OK so I'm looking to purchase an Ovation, preferably USA and used, for around $700 or less if possible. Here's what I'm looking for.
Wood top Natural-- I'm not a fan of colors…unless it's a really nice sunburst
Center hole, unless certain models with numerous smaller holes can produce similar volume/tone.
Cutaway
1 11/16" at the nut
I guess I'd like a medium feel on the neck, not a baseball bat and not too thin.
I want a guitar to have a good acoustic sound when I sit down alone to play it but do not want a deep bowl. If I need to reconsider the deep bowl I can as long as it's comfortable to play but I'd prefer a more shallow bowl.
Fast, easy to play neck because I want to do a semi-suedo Pop/Rock/Jazz group doing material like Santana, Allman Bros, Bruce Cockburn, Steely Dan, Kenny Rankin etc. Playing lead and rhythm, with vocals as well. Taking a tune like "Moondance" or "Just The Two Of Us" with vocals and improvised solos on guitar, piano, and another instrument, plus bass and either percussion or drums. I have a good PA and guitar amps and NEVER have a loud stage volume.
The important criteria are 1 11/16" nut, then acoustic sound, and comfort and of course trying to hold a budget.
Any help on specific models/years?
Thanks
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October 2005
Posts: 4042
Location: Utah | The LX mid bowl cutaway would be a good choice and would be within your price range. For stage use the depth of the bowl really doesn't matter because you are plugged in.
The original deep bowl is more comfortable than you might imagine if you've only played the mid bowl. The newer contour bowl actually feels a bit deeper to me because it is squarer, and thus perhaps less comfortable than the old original deep bowl. It depends on your shape plus why you find the deeper bowl less comfortable. For example if you have a shoulder issue which makes arm position important.
The key to playing an Ovation without it rolling around is to not hug it with your right elbow. Once you learn to relax and not grip it, they are quite comfortable to play even with the deep bowl.
BTW, you will only find the cutaway on mid bowl, shallow bowl, or the modern contour deep bowl. The original deep bowl was not offered in cutaway afaik.
The older Legend and Balladeer models can be found for around $400, even less if you're willing to accept some cosmetic problems. Look for an 80's with A bracing for what most people find to be the best tone, though all of them from that time period have good tone even with other bracing patterns. |
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Joined:
September 2014
Posts: 16
| Thanks for the response.
I tend to wear my guitars higher than some where the top of the guitar body is on my ribs and I'm thin, not large framed, nor do I have long arms or large hands hence the shallow bowl. But, I really haven't used one standing or for any extended period.
I'm reading where some really like the O's without the center hole. There's a '92 1868 USA Elite Natural near me in Mint Cond. w/OHSC for $450. From what I see on feebay that seems like a decent price. How would you rate these against a cutaway legend? Dings, scratches, etc. don't bother me if everything else falls into place. |
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Posts: 6994
Location: Jet City | FlySig - 2014-09-08 11:44 AM BTW, you will only find the cutaway on mid bowl, shallow bowl, or the modern contour deep bowl. The original deep bowl was not offered in cutaway afaik.... How so? What's not deep and cutaway about: 1667 and 1669 1767 and 1769 Or an Al DiMeola version? |
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Location: Jet City | Gorquin - 2014-09-08 12:42 PM There's a '92 1868 USA Elite Natural near me in Mint Cond. w/OHSC for $450. From what I see on feebay that seems like a decent price. How would you rate these against a cutaway legend? Dings, scratches, etc. don't bother me if everything else falls into place. The 1868 is a shallow bowl. If you're concerned with acoustic sound, stick to a mid or deep. If you need loud volume when in acoustic mode, then you're down to the deep. The guitar you mentioned in your first post (1767) in the welcome section actually fits everything you've asked for... except bowl size. Center hole mid depth sucks in the acoustic sound department in my opinion. Your results may vary. For mid depth, I like the multi-holed Elites. Look for a 1778LX
Edited by Damon67 2014-09-08 5:44 PM
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Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | Made in USA. Period. |
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Posts: 486
Location: Suisun City, Ca | I was thinking of the 1778LX too.
I had a GC778LX that I (idiotically) let get away that was a terrific piece! Mid bowl, 2-piece maple neck, black with spalted maple epis. Played like a dream.
Probably get one around $500...
The one on the right...
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September 2014
Posts: 16
| You're right. I've seen one on line just like the black one for $500. |
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Posts: 16
| OK, so if I include deep bowl O's which models besides the 1667, 1669, 1767, 1769 with a cutaway should I consider? |
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Location: south east Michigan | AstroDan - 2014-09-08 8:30 PM
I had a GC778LX that I (idiotically) let get away that was a terrific piece! Mid bowl, 2-piece maple neck, black with spalted maple epis. Played like a dream.
I have one of those. I call it my "overachiever".
It ain't goin' nowhere.
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Location: Jet City | Gorquin - 2014-09-15 8:34 PM OK, so if I include deep bowl O's which models besides the 1667, 1669, 1767, 1769 with a cutaway should I consider? Those are the bulk of 'em, yes. There might be a couple variations on the Customs, plus there's the Al DiMeola signatures too, but those 4 are it for the most part. |
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Posts: 6994
Location: Jet City | There might be some balladeers that fit the bill.
1661, 1761 and 1762 are a few
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September 2014
Posts: 16
| Thanks for the input ! I'm looking here and at: feebay, AGF, Reverb, Gbase, GC's used website, and Craigslist. Anywhere else I should check for used O's ?
They are almost none existent in the local music shops except for the Asian models and then they are usually in pretty bad shape. |
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Posts: 6994
Location: Jet City | there's a 1762 at GC's used site |
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September 2014
Posts: 16
| Thanks Damon67.
OK members please give me your opinion on these since I can't play them.
My main focus is which one will sound the best.
Thanks
1762 Balladeer - $320
1761 Balladeer - $400
1767 Legend - $550
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Posts: 486
Location: Suisun City, Ca | <p>Legend, but all would be nice</p>
Edited by AstroDan 2014-09-18 4:24 PM
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Location: sitting at my computer | Gorquin - My main focus is which one will sound the best. Obviously, what sounds "best" to someone else may not sound "best" to you. I like each of the Legend models I've bought and I still own 'em, so my 2¢... get the 1767 (if it's in good condition, and comes with an O case), then put a fresh set of your favorite strings on it, and see what ya think. Resell it if ya don't like it, though I doubt that'll be the case.  |
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Location: Jet City | 4¢ worth of Legend advise now. |
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Posts: 16
| I know "Like" and "Best" are subjective but experienced input does help narrow the field. Thanks guys. |
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Location: Sydney, Australia | Gorquin - 2014-09-19 5:13 AM
Thanks Damon67.
OK members please give me your opinion on these since I can't play them.
My main focus is which one will sound the best.
Thanks
1762 Balladeer - $320
1761 Balladeer - $400
1767 Legend - $550
From that bunch it's easy - Legend. I got reaquainted with my 1117 Legend at a wedding the other week (my nephew has it). Apart from a desperate need for a refret, it's an absolute beaut. |
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Posts: 1034
Location: Yokohama, Japan | Like TAFKAR, I would say Legend. My just repaired 1117-4 is just incredible, but if you are looking for more simplicity, I would say the 1761. The 1761 is a deep bowl cousin of the 1861; and my 1861 has a beautiful voice. The 1761 (like the '90s 1861s) also comes with the X-bracing (although I would check physically to make sure), and IMHO, the '90s X-braced Balladeers just sound awesome. |
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September 2014
Posts: 16
| I purchased one of two 1767 Legends I was considering and it should arrive later today. I also purchased a K&K Mini pickup because I've never liked the "quack" one gets from UST's.
I'll let the forum know how things turn out.
Thanks for all of the input ! |
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April 2012
Posts: 25
Location: SoCal | I am not sure which one that you picked up but I would say the Legend first. I have a Baladeer as well and they do play nice as well. |
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New to Ovations and I need help choosing one.