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Location: Thredbo, NSW, Australia | From another thread.
Re: Custom Legend
damon67 - 2015-03-11 10:37 AM
FWIW Alison, this guitar is a prime candidate for a preamp upgrade with the placement of the knobs. That's why I put the OP50 in that Legend I sent your way.
It would make an already awesome guitar more awesomer
I love the wide-neck (1 7/8") on my Folklore, and I'm using it more and more for finger style playing, but I would like a little more control of the sound at the guitar itself.
What do people think of adding a newer preamp? And what model preamp would be 'ideal'?
I must admit though, that I'm a little bit hesitant to modify a 33 year old guitar. So a newer model wide-neck could also be an option. (He says looking for an excuse to buy another guitar.)
Ideas people? |
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Location: Hot Springs, S.D. | That OP50 Damon mentioned is FANTASTIC! I don't know why they didn't stick with that. The OP 24 is my favorite. I don't know if either of these would be available now though.
I would suggest that whatever you decide on, get one without the built-in tuner. Even if you never use the tuner they eat batteries like crazy. Just get yourself a Snark. |
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Location: Jet City | CanterburyStrings - 2015-03-10 4:36 PM I don't know why they didn't stick with that. I had the Al DiMeola... I was unemployed... sumthin had to give. |
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| BanjoJ - 2015-03-10 6:26 PM From another thread. Re: Custom Legend damon67 - 2015-03-11 10:37 AM FWIW Alison, this guitar is a prime candidate for a preamp upgrade with the placement of the knobs. That's why I put the OP50 in that Legend I sent your way. It would make an already awesome guitar more awesomer I love the wide-neck (1 7/8" ) on my Folklore, and I'm using it more and more for finger style playing, but I would like a little more control of the sound at the guitar itself. What do people think of adding a newer preamp? And what model preamp would be 'ideal'? I must admit though, that I'm a little bit hesitant to modify a 33 year old guitar. So a newer model wide-neck could also be an option. (He says looking for an excuse to buy another guitar. ) Ideas people? Banjo, I am getting a 1114 (1614 w/o electronics) back this week from Ovation with an OP Pro Studio installed. I would not hesitate a minute to put electronics in a favorite guitar and, particularly the 1114s and 1614s which will never have serious collector value, if that is your worry. [Will *any* Ovations?] I am considering selling my 6774 (later wide-neck steel string) but I'm not sure if I'm going to sell it singularly or with its nylon string twin (i.e., "Twin Sons of Different Mothers") as a pair. |
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Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | Reasley - 2015-03-10 7:34 PM
particularly the 1114s and 1614s which will never have serious collector value,
 I beg to differ. 
(This thread did inspire me to dig-out my 1114  )
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Location: Thredbo, NSW, Australia | Reasley - 2015-03-11 2:34 PM
Banjo, I am getting a 1114 (1614 w/o electronics) back this week from Ovation with an OP Pro Studio installed. I would not hesitate a minute to put electronics in a favorite guitar and, particularly the 1114s and 1614s which will never have serious collector value, if that is your worry. [Will *any* Ovations?] I am considering selling my 6774 (later wide-neck steel string) but I'm not sure if I'm going to sell it singularly or with its nylon string twin (i.e., "Twin Sons of Different Mothers") as a pair.
Reasley, thanks for your input. I've been keeping an eye out for an Ovation preamp, but they don't come up too often here in Australia.
There's a 6774 for sale over here at present. The owner says 'The nut width is 1 13/16”', not 1 7/8".
How wide is the nut on your 6774?
I already have a 2773 LX, and don't feel the need another nylon stringer.
arthurseery - 2015-03-11 2:52 PM
(This thread did inspire me to dig-out my 1114 )
I'm with you OMA, my 1614 is very special to me. It was a wall hanger when I got it, as both of the main X braces were broken. I repaired it myself well over a year ago, and it sounds great!
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Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | BanjoJ - 2015-03-10 8:18 PM
There's a 6774 for sale over here at present. The owner says 'The nut width is 1 13/16”', not 1 7/8".
How wide is the nut on your 6774?
The nut should be 1 7/8".
Depending on how you measure it, it might measure funny.
OH, but if it is a 6774LX it should be 1 3/4" which also could measure funny.
Edited by Old Man Arthur 2015-03-10 11:59 PM
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Location: Thredbo, NSW, Australia | No it's not a 6774LX. It's older.
It has an OP-X preamp.
 (Folklore 6774.jpg)
Attachments
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 Folklore 6774.jpg (88KB - 0 downloads)
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Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | I got one too.
The nut is a bit larger than 47mm.
So it is 1 7/8 inches, more-or-less.
(old photo... that brown blob near the neck is a tuner, long since removed) |
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Location: Thredbo, NSW, Australia | arthurseery - 2015-03-11 6:02 PM
I got one too.
The nut is a bit larger than 47mm.
So it is 1 7/8 inches, more-or-less.
(old photo... that brown blob near the neck is a tuner, long since removed)
Wow! You never cease to amaze me OMA! I suspect that a list of the O and A guitars that you haven't owned would be shorter than those you've owned and loved.
But more importantly, how does the 6774 compare to your 1114?
ps Thanks for the metric measurement, but I'm old enough to well remember feet, inches and fractions of inches. So now I'm bilingual! |
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Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | BanjoJ - 2015-03-11 1:16 AM
But more importantly, how does the 6774 compare to your 1114?
The 1114 has a deep bowl and a nice sound.
The 6774 has a more comfortable bowl, a nice sound, and it plugs-in.
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| But more importantly, how does the 6774 compare to your 1114? The 1114s/1614s are significantly heavier than the 6774. The 1114s/1614s also differ on the following: significantly "thicker" necks with a different profile, necks are glossy instead of satin, 1/4" jack is at back of guitar instead of side like 6774. Obviously different pre-amps, too. I am guessing shipping b/t US and Australia is cost-prohibitive for you but just for a frame of reference, the OP Pro studio is $350 USD installed on the 1114, meaning that this includes routing the bridge for the wider saddle pickup. Guessing that the 1614 conversion might be cheaper? OMA, thanks for the vote of confidence in the ascending value of the 1114s/1614s. Since I now have 3 of them, guess I can go ahead and plan my retirement? :-) I love Ovations as much/more than anyone but I don't see them as a brand becoming serious collectibles with correspondingly high values, with possibly some rare exceptions. But I do see them as an incredible utility value in the marketplace. And as long as the 1114s/1614s can be bought in the typically $200-$500 range here in the US, I'll probably buy a few more as they spring up from time to time because it's cheaper to have a backup with a carastrophic failure on one as opposed to having a repair done. |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | I don't play my 77 1614 as much as I used to when I just played finger style stuff. It used to be the guitar I played every day. Now when I take it down to play, it still makes me smile. It's got a slight bit of wear on the frets, but otherwise it's in perfect shape for a guitar that's almost 40. And the sound is pure Ovation. |
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Location: Jet City | Reasley, are you speaking of your 6774LX or a 6774 like Banjo's? |
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| damon67 - 2015-03-11 12:00 PM Reasley, are you speaking of your 6774LX or a 6774 like Banjo's? Yes, I''m talking about the 6774LX which looks exactly like the 6774 in Banjo's picture, including the OP-X pre-amp. I'm pretty sure that the one in his picture is a 6774LX, too, though I could be wrong. I've already been wrong once in this thread to my great benefit, though, because I now know that I can go ahead and retire on the proceeds of the eventual sale of my three rapidly-appreciating 1114s/1614s because OMA told me so. :-) |
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Location: Hot Springs, S.D. | damon67 - 2015-03-11 7:00 PM
CanterburyStrings - 2015-03-10 4:36 PM I don't know why they didn't stick with that. I had the Al DiMeola... I was unemployed... sumthin had to give.
What I meant was why didn't OVATION stick with the OP50. I've only seen it on that Legend I bought from you and one other guitar. It sounds SO good, I would've thought they'd have used it on everything. |
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Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | 6774
6774LX
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Location: Jet City | Reasley, the 6774LX came with an OP-Pro
Either you don't have an LX, or your LX doesn't have an OP-X, or something completely odd is happening... especially since the OP-X was a couple preamp versions prior to the LX coming out.
Have a close look at OMA's pics to figure out which guitar it is that you really have. In addition to the look, the LX has a sort of matte finish on the neck whereas the non-LX has an oil rubbed finish. I used to have the 6774 as well as an LX. |
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Location: Thredbo, NSW, Australia | It's great to be among such fine company in my love of Ovation wide-neck guitars.
Are there any recent models with a 1 7/8" nut? Or is the 6774 the last?
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| damon67 - 2015-03-11 3:25 PM Reasley, the 6774LX came with an OP-Pro Either you don't have an LX, or your LX doesn't have an OP-X, or something completely odd is happening... especially since the OP-X was a couple preamp versions prior to the LX coming out. Have a close look at OMA's pics to figure out which guitar it is that you really have. In addition to the look, the LX has a sort of matte finish on the neck whereas the non-LX has an oil rubbed finish. I used to have the 6774 as well as an LX. Thanks. Checked earlier tonight and mine says 6774 Folklore and it is a a 1996. It does have an OP-X preamp but I know that some also had OP-50s, I believe. Interesting that the model listing on this site doesn't distinguish between the 6774 and the 6774LX -- that's probably why I thiught that mine was/is? an LX because I thought that LX meant USA made, which I believe that mine is, with a 5 piece neck. Here's the link to the model ID page referenced above. Note that the 6774LX row specifies years as 1995--->, encompassing my guitar. http://www.ovationfanclub.com/megabbs/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=32476&posts=1&start=1 |
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Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | If your Folklore rosette has weird flower petals on it, it is a 6774.
If your Folklore has a Tortoise-shell rosette, it is a 6774LX
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Location: Boise, Idaho | The LX neck and whatever else came with the LX designation came out in 2005. It was part of all the innovations that year like the contour bowl and lighter bracing. The 2005 Collector really showed off those innovations. It's hard to believe Ovation went from that high point to gone in 10 years. |
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Location: Jet City | Reasley - 2015-03-11 9:38 PM Here's the link to the model ID page referenced above.... I guarantee that's not the only error on that chart. BTW, I used to have one too. I found the nut to be a bit too wide for my taste. I prefer the 1 3/4" LX model 
Edited by Damon67 2015-03-12 1:35 PM
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| Damon, I just got a Seagull Peppino Signature model and it has a 1.9" nut. I love it! Also,mmy tiny college daughter can play it well, too. If you want to hear a great pickup system, go to youtuve and type in "Peppino review" and click on the 3:27 review. Listen to the end where the guy mixes the internal mike with the under saddle in the empty nightclub-- incredible. Mine sounds just like that . . . |
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Location: Texas | crazy |
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| amosmoses - 2015-03-12 11:16 PM crazy Jay, I saw that guitar on craigslist not too long ago. I'm not sure if it signifies anything or not (e.g., heat, moisture?) but look at how the label is curled up inside the case. I would most definitely want to look it over (actually, look it under) with a bright light and an extension mirror inside the body . . . |
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Location: Texas | Hmmm...all I see is the shadow from the fretboard...but the $ makes you wonder what gives...other than, in the past year, I have seen a lot of good O's go silly cheap. I picked up a mint, if not new 1777LX for 350 shipped for my boy 6 months ago. Looks like it had never left the case. |
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Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | If you wanna find stuff that will break your heart or piss you off...
Go looking through SOLD listings in eBay.
You can see that Classical 1613 that went for less than $375, and that 1627 GC that went for less than $300. You never know when you will see that bargain.
My GCXT cost me $299.
My 6774 cost $249.
My 1114 cost $252 with shipping and case.
My first Orange Flamer cost me $300 (and sold for $777).
These prices don't mean that Folklores or Flame T's are not worth much.
It just means that the seller was broke and it was a buyers' market.
Which is what is happening nowadays, which is why I ain't listing on eBay at this moment.
I don't know if any of this is helping BanjoJ decide on a preamp... 
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Location: Thredbo, NSW, Australia | arthurseery - 2015-03-13 6:44 PM
I don't know if any of this is helping BanjoJ decide on a preamp...
Probably not OMA, but its all good fun.
I remember you making a post a while back about putting in an OP-30, I think, for busking. If so, why did you choose that particular preamp?
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Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | I like OP-30 preamps because they have a more powerful output, out of the cable.
I also like the three little buttons (EQ in/out, Mid-Shift, Pre-Shape).
I use a battery-powered Roland CubeStreet and the OP-30 is louder than the OP-Pro.
That might not matter as much when plugged-into house current.
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Location: Jet City | Instead of cutting into the bowl you could use an external preamp/pedal like a Boss AD8 or Fishman Platinum or Aura
I usually have most my settings flat on the guitar and it runs through my Roland AC60 to shape the sound before running into the mixer. The Boss AD8 is roughly the exact same thing minus a power amp and speakers. I rarely use my AC60 on it's own so I've contemplated streamlining my setup with the Boss. The Fishman stuff looks good too, I just am unfamiliar. |
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Location: Thredbo, NSW, Australia | Thanks OMA. I'll keep an eye out for Op-30s as well as Op-pros.
I currently don't do any busking, but that may change.
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Location: Jet City | Besides, you'll have to cut a hole, and then plug the hole from the old knob. I upgraded to the OP50 on the 1667 because the stacked knobs were in the waist. There was already a hole there, so we just made it bigger to accommodate the new preamp (when I say 'we', I really mean MWoody). There were no leftover holes to plug up. I don't know that I would have upgraded it had the knob placement been like your 1614 |
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Location: Thredbo, NSW, Australia | damon67 - 2015-03-14 8:16 AM
Besides, you'll have to cut a hole, and then plug the hole from the old knob. I upgraded to the OP50 on the 1667 because the stacked knobs were in the waist. There was already a hole there, so we just made it bigger to accommodate the new preamp (when I say 'we', I really mean MWoody). There were no leftover holes to plug up. I don't know that I would have upgraded it had the knob placement been like your 1614
Thanks Damon. If I do it, then I'll probably leave the old knob in place. Cutting the hole for the new pre-amp won't be a problem for me, as I'm pretty competent with that sort of stuff.
But I'm still undecided on doing it, or should I just wait for a 6774. I think I'll just see what comes up. I'm in no real hurry.
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Location: Jet City | Did you check with Al? I thought he had an LX in his shop |
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Location: Thredbo, NSW, Australia | Thanks for the tip Damon.
I just had a look on Al's website, and you're right there is a 2773LX listed. It has a 1 3/4" nut, and I'm after a 1 7/8".
If I were to go for a 1 3/4", then I'd open up my model preference beyond Folklores. I'll keep looking and thinking.
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Location: Jet City | I went with my own advise and picked up an AD8 today. I've been wanting one. |
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Location: Thredbo, NSW, Australia | damon67 - 2015-03-14 6:09 PM
I went with my own advise and picked up an AD8 today. I've been wanting one.
Please excuse my ignorance, but I had to Google AD8.
According to the Washington University AD8 is a dementia screening test. So how did you go? ;-)
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| Banjo, I have received my Folklore back from Ovation with the OP Pro Studio installed. It is simply phenomenal -- best pre-amp I've ever played on an Ovation. I play it through the battery-powered Crate Limo (if any members use this portable PA, I have a great improvement for it. Let me know if interested.). Note the addition of "Studio" to the name -- it's different from an OP Pro. I would highly recommend it -- so much so that I'm giving some thought to putting one into the '97 Collector's Series that I have and keeping it -- that would make a sweet little combination. Much better than the one-off and gimmicky "finger-sliding volume control" that was standard on that guitar. I've included a description of the pre-amp for you below . . .
http://www.ovationguitars.com/accessories/preamps/op-pro-studio-pre...
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Location: Thredbo, NSW, Australia | Thanks Reasley.
I have the OpPro Studio in two of my guitars, and quite like its performance.
I'll keep an eye out for one.
Enjoy your new 1114 OpPro Studio!
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| I know that this will be sacrilegious for some Ovation owners, but I just left my guitar tech's shop and was showing him the Seagull Artist Peppino Signature that I just purchased that has the QII system -- which has an USP and an in-body mike that you can dial in. The sound is quite incredible. Anyway, he told me that he can purchase this system for $219 USD and I am seriously thinking of putting it in one of my other 1614s that has the old VT only preamp. If you have not heard these things, you really should give them a listen. Go to YouTube and type in "Peppino review" and click on the 3:27 video at the top. Listen to the tail end of the clip where he is playing it in the empty nightclub -- the sound just blew me away and mine sounds just like that. |
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Location: Thredbo, NSW, Australia | It sounds pretty impressive on the Youtube review.
I'll look into it, thanks Reasley.
An Australian guitar manufacturer are doing something similar with their top-end models. They have an AP5-Pro pickup, which has both piezo and a mic
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LxomE28MlM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XULpXqmz2Hg
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| Just listened to both videos. I love the understated selling of the designer: "I think you oughta have a listen to it," "I think you'll think it's pretty good." As compared to the typical American puffery in ads: "Greatest thing ever!," etc.
What I didn't understand on the video demonstration is that the piezo sounded like the mike and the mike sounded like the piezo. Do you think the guitar shop sales guy had them backwards? Also, the mike was much softer (unless he had turned the volume down). |
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Location: Thredbo, NSW, Australia | I couldn't say if the sales guy had it backwards. But I think that I'll go and check them out. The music store where that was filmed is only a few minutes from where I live.
I've been playing around with using a mic in front of my guitar as well as the internal pickup, and like the sound that I'm getting. So having the internal mic would be nice.
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Location: Canberra, Australia | BanjoJ - 2015-03-18 3:40 PM
The music store where that was filmed is only a few minutes from where I live.
That particular music store is the only one in town that stocks Ovations, even if all they currently carry are Celebrities.
I wouldn't be here if I hadn't spotted a CE-44 there  |
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