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| A friend of mine deals with customers and development ideas. He says he loves single short statements of what people want from as many current and potential customers as possible. So, that being said….. In case American Ovation rises from the dead, what's ONE thing you really want to see? In a single sentence! For me..
1. Something in the logo or an inlay that signifies American made, and it begins to broadcast the difference between American and Overseas models perhaps placed in the hands of some artists or TV shows that people can see. |
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Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | That is two things. 
Remember, in the Good Ole Daze most artists that you saw playing an Ovation bought that Ovation with their own money. If you turn-on any network TV show people are always playing Takamine and Taylor acoustic guitars. (an occasional Gibson) You rarely see any weird brands. If you go out in "public" you see ALL kinds of guitar brands. So product placement has it's limits.
But if you see Bob Seger or Nancy Wilson or John Denver or Bob Marley or anybody playing a weird guitar with multiple sound-holes you might wonder "What kinda guitar is That?"
What would I like to see?
"Affordable" USA-made Ovations.
example-- When Ovation offered to make a Signature DJ Ashba guitar, DJ specified a Celebrity because his knew that his fans could not afford a $1700-or-more guitar.
Likewise... poor folks like me can (barely) afford a $600 Elite-T or Standard Balladeer. I am only gonna buy an Adamas on the secondary market.
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Location: Hot Springs, S.D. | I'd like to see Ovations in a broad price range actually in music stores so people can try them!
I'm not sure why it was so hard to find a USA Ovation in stores in the recent past but if we can get them into the hands of prospective customers again like we did in the old days, they will sell themselves. |
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Location: Utah | I've got a bunch of things I think would be great additions to the electronics, and would be innovative in the guitar market.
USB: 1) Have a USB output so the guitar can be plugged directly into a laptop for recording.
2) Phantom power via the USB to power the preamp. Thus one could plug into a computer and play along with songs, and power the preamp if needed.
3) Recharge an onboard battery pack via USB. (This may be an expensive option, requiring a NiMH battery and the associated battery control electronics)
4) USB input so one can play along with music from an MP3 player etc.
5) USB connection to a computer to reconfigure the preamp. Download new VIP images, or special effects. e.g. reverb, echo, compression, or multiple presets of EQ and effects. Sort of an infinitely configurable digital pedal board in a preamp module.
BlueTooth: 1) Bluetooth receiver to allow one to broadcast from their phone/MP3 player into the preamp module for play-along.
2) Bluetooth broadcast. This would allow the use of wireless bluetooth headphones or a wireless bluetooth connection to the PA system (does such a PA receiver exist yet?)
Headphone/earbud output jack: Obviously allows one to listen, especially when using the USB or bluetooth input to play along with recorded music.
Cell phone and tablet apps: Use bluetooth or usb to record while on the run. There are tons of possible apps.
New preamp mounting can which is backwards compatible with all previous kidney shaped preamp modules. Have multiple small tabs in the can which will mate to either the 7 or 8 pin modules. Add some additional spare tabs for future growth. Encourage swapping of modules, and offer some special modules on the aftermarket. Partner with someone like Fishman for an Aura module, etc.
Edited by FlySig 2015-05-09 1:48 PM
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| FlySig - 2015-05-09 1:35 PM
I've got a bunch of things I think would be great additions to the electronics, and would be innovative in the guitar market.
USB: 1) Have a USB output so the guitar can be plugged directly into a laptop for recording.
2) Phantom power via the USB to power the preamp. Thus one could plug into a computer and play along with songs, and power the preamp if needed.
3) Recharge an onboard battery pack via USB. (This may be an expensive option, requiring a NiMH battery and the associated battery control electronics)
4) USB input so one can play along with music from an MP3 player etc.
5) USB connection to a computer to reconfigure the preamp. Download new VIP images, or special effects. e.g. reverb, echo, compression, or multiple presets of EQ and effects. Sort of an infinitely configurable digital pedal board in a preamp module.
BlueTooth: 1) Bluetooth receiver to allow one to broadcast from their phone/MP3 player into the preamp module for play-along.
2) Bluetooth broadcast. This would allow the use of wireless bluetooth headphones or a wireless bluetooth connection to the PA system (does such a PA receiver exist yet?)
Headphone/earbud output jack: Obviously allows one to listen, especially when using the USB or bluetooth input to play along with recorded music.
Cell phone and tablet apps: Use bluetooth or usb to record while on the run. There are tons of possible apps.
New preamp mounting can which is backwards compatible with all previous kidney shaped preamp modules. Have multiple small tabs in the can which will mate to either the 7 or 8 pin modules. Add some additional spare tabs for future growth. Encourage swapping of modules, and offer some special modules on the aftermarket. Partner with someone like Fishman for an Aura module, etc.
Hello,
Wouldn't all of those applications make a guitar overly complicated to simply plug in and play. In addition adding about a million more things to go wrong ? Who would be able to service a guitar like that ? |
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Location: south east Michigan | Keeping to the "one thing" caveat....
I want DW's first release to have a wide, mass marketable appeal even if it does not meet my personal specs.
A quality, affordable USA guitar worthy of the name. A working mans guitar.
This has to come first if we ever hope to see textured top Adamii, suspension rings, and hand laid bowls. Hmm... that's more that 1 sentence. Well, we Ovation fans have never been much for rules anyway. |
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Location: Frozen Tundra of Minnesota | Brad Durasa - 2015-05-09 2:45 PM
Keeping to the "one thing" caveat....
I want DW's first release to have a wide, mass marketable appeal even if it does not meet my personal specs.
A quality, affordable USA guitar worthy of the name. A working mans guitar.
This has to come first if we ever hope to see textured top Adamii, suspension rings, and hand laid bowls. Hmm... that's more that 1 sentence. Well, we Ovation fans have never been much for rules anyway.
+1  |
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Location: closely held secret | FlySig - 2015-05-09 11:35 AM
BlueTooth: 1) Bluetooth receiver to allow one to broadcast from their phone/MP3 player into the preamp module for play-along.
2) Bluetooth broadcast. This would allow the use of wireless bluetooth headphones or a wireless bluetooth connection to the PA system (does such a PA receiver exist yet?)
There's a reason why you don't see Bluetooth used. It's called lag (delay).
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Location: Munich, Germany | Just one thing: Get good distributors for or in foreign countries!
Here, in Germany, Musik Meyer was a great partner to deal with, and they even had a small and very good repair department. When Fender overtook the distribution, german Ovation (and Takamine) owners were left alone. That sucked big time.
So, please, find good distributors! |
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| I like USB as an option, I have a full studio at my house and my son has recorded more songs on his laptop and Iphone than my studio... |
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Location: Utah | SpareRibs - 2015-05-09 1:33 PM
FlySig - 2015-05-09 1:35 PM
I've got a bunch of things I think would be great additions to the electronics, and would be innovative in the guitar market.
USB: 1) Have a USB output so the guitar can be plugged directly into a laptop for recording.
2) Phantom power via the USB to power the preamp. Thus one could plug into a computer and play along with songs, and power the preamp if needed.
3) Recharge an onboard battery pack via USB. (This may be an expensive option, requiring a NiMH battery and the associated battery control electronics)
4) USB input so one can play along with music from an MP3 player etc.
5) USB connection to a computer to reconfigure the preamp. Download new VIP images, or special effects. e.g. reverb, echo, compression, or multiple presets of EQ and effects. Sort of an infinitely configurable digital pedal board in a preamp module.
BlueTooth: 1) Bluetooth receiver to allow one to broadcast from their phone/MP3 player into the preamp module for play-along.
2) Bluetooth broadcast. This would allow the use of wireless bluetooth headphones or a wireless bluetooth connection to the PA system (does such a PA receiver exist yet?)
Headphone/earbud output jack: Obviously allows one to listen, especially when using the USB or bluetooth input to play along with recorded music.
Cell phone and tablet apps: Use bluetooth or usb to record while on the run. There are tons of possible apps.
New preamp mounting can which is backwards compatible with all previous kidney shaped preamp modules. Have multiple small tabs in the can which will mate to either the 7 or 8 pin modules. Add some additional spare tabs for future growth. Encourage swapping of modules, and offer some special modules on the aftermarket. Partner with someone like Fishman for an Aura module, etc.
Hello,
Wouldn't all of those applications make a guitar overly complicated to simply plug in and play. In addition adding about a million more things to go wrong ? Who would be able to service a guitar like that ?
It would still have plug & play. Plug in your 1/4" cable to your amp just like now. Or plug in the XLR cable to the house system just like you do now. The USB would be an additional jack which could be used if you want to.
As far as reliability, it is all microelectronics these days except for the physical output jack. The digital preamps utilize basic analog I/O surrounding a DSP core. DSP is programmable so it has nearly infinite flexibility. Using a common physical layout on the panel of the preamp (volume control, eq sliders, a rotary selector switch), the basic units could be common hardware differentiated by the programming of the DSP.
I was not aware bluetooth is laggy, so maybe that interface isn't viable. |
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| Yea Bluetooth has lots of latency |
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Location: SoCal | Reading all this, all I can think is, I want a great sounding / looking / playing guitar...... |
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Location: SoCal | If it was sized to fit the existing can (OP-50, OP-Pro, Studio, VIP, iDea) then DW could probably sell a lot of them just for upgrading existing guitars. I don't see the iDea amp as one used for performances but it has a USB (mini) I/O port. |
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Location: Utah | And the iDea also has a mini-jack for earbuds. There was a lot of potential in the iDea but it just fell flat for some reason. |
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Location: New Hartford CT | DW has in place a first rate artist program. And when it comes to running a business they have a proven track record of success. I am really enjoying all the speculation and suggestions for the ideal first model.
They have various series of drums both foreign and domestic. Their top lines are made in USA and the variety of shell and finish options are unlimited. Everything is completely customizable with high end USA drum sets. It's not inexpensive but their prices are comparable to other manufacturers. Their non USA items are well thought out, simplified versions of USA kits.
So, provided things move forward and this actually happens, it's incredibly fortuitous that through a roll of the dice...and Karma? Drum Workshop arrived.
Edited by Geostorm98 2015-05-09 9:15 PM
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Location: Orlando, FL | I have no doubt that excellent instruments will be made. Otherwise, I want to see something that identifies it as NEW and USA made so all the people who tried lesser quality, poorly made imports with rusty strings hanging in the corner of Guitar Center can see this is something new. |
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Location: Yokohama, Japan | Brad Durasa - 2015-05-09 4:45 AM
Keeping to the "one thing" caveat....
I want DW's first release to have a wide, mass marketable appeal even if it does not meet my personal specs.
A quality, affordable USA guitar worthy of the name. A working mans guitar.
This has to come first if we ever hope to see textured top Adamii, suspension rings, and hand laid bowls. Hmm... that's more that 1 sentence. Well, we Ovation fans have never been much for rules anyway.
...couldn't have said it better! +1 |
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Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | "Otherwise, I want to see something that identifies it as NEW and USA made so all the people who tried lesser quality, poorly made imports with rusty strings hanging in the corner of Guitar Center can see this is something new."
That was one thing that Fender did right...
They changed the logo so that people could tell Fender crap from real Ovations. 
Edited by Old Man Arthur 2015-05-09 10:57 PM
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Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | Well said, Slipkid. |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | well said OMA |
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Location: SoCal | There needs to be something a lot more than the slight change of the logo and rosette. Prospective buyers see the bowl and say it is an Ovation...U.S. or off-shore.
As they have heard "tupperware", "plastic bowl", "lousy sound", etc., (versus Martin, Gibson, Taylor) from others and even store employees...they walk on by. Sure, we can tell but over the past decade or two it is harder for the customer. As to snob appeal, there are specific companies that can put their logo on laminates and sell them (i.e., Martin).
If they are looking for an inexpensive guitar (maybe their first), we have to admit that an off-shore with an Ovation logo looks great on the wall but doesn't even come close to a U.S. Ovation. In a busy store, it doesn't even sound bad. Plugged in, pretty good. When they show up with it for their guitar lessons, the instructor says "oh, you brought a plastic guitar".
The needs to be a lot of work to change the false impression that even the base level U.S. Ovation (i.e., Balladeer) is an excellent guitar as acoustic or a/e.
Frankly, unless they can change the current image of the Ovation branding of off-shores (i.e., Takamine v. Jasmine, prior Ovation v. Celebrity), there will continue to be the problem and confusion. Confusion creates loss sales now or when the customer wants to upgrade as their skills improve.
If DW can't define the difference between their U.S. models and change the name/logo of the off-shore models, they may have to change the name of the U.S. guitars ("DW" is already used by Peavey as well as Lombardi).
Course, they could use the old Ovation logo and place it vertical between the tuners as Takamine does. Makes the guitar more identifiable, especially on stage or video.
This will require a heck of a good marketing campaign that I am sure that DW (specifically Bill Xavier, Scott Donnell, and Larry Winerman) recognizes.
Edited by Tony Calman 2015-05-10 1:58 PM
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Location: Sydney, Australia | Given that the Adamas name has already been blurred by the introduction of (a small number of) wood top Adamas, maybe "Adamas" can be the brand for all US made guitars? Even Fender never made any crappy Adami (we never did sort out the plural of Adamas), so the brand name Adamas still rings quality.
I know that an Adamas Legend might seem a little strange at first, but the wood top Adamas was basically a Custom Elite with a suspension ring, hand-laid bowl and "Adamas" written on the headstock. You could do the same with the centre hole guitars and an easy distinction is made between the US made and Asian made. A Lexus is still a Toyota, but they spend a lot more time on luxury and quality. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | BINGO !!! |
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Location: south east Michigan | YATZEE !!!! |
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Location: SoCal | richard.parker - 2015-05-10 3:51 PM
Given that the Adamas name has already been blurred by the introduction of (a small number of) wood top Adamas, maybe "Adamas" can be the brand for all US made guitars? Even Fender never made any crappy Adami (we never did sort out the plural of Adamas), so the brand name Adamas still rings quality.
Adamii ---- two ii's.....
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Location: SoCal | Or as simple of a change similar to "USA" in the old Hamer logo:
Edited by Tony Calman 2015-05-10 6:47 PM
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Location: Campbell River, British Columbia | immoody - 2015-05-09 4:19 PM Reading all this, all I can think is, I want a great sounding / looking / playing guitar...... with four frets. |
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Location: SoCal | Anything more is just bragging....... |
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Location: moline,illinois | Tony Calman - 2015-05-10 6:45 PM
Or as simple of a change similar to "USA" in the old Hamer logo:
I think adding USA to the logo would be a great step in identifying the new models,as has been mentioned here it will be very helpful to new US sales for people to distinguish them from the Asian models but for the overall growth and resurgence of ovation i think some focus should be put on improving quality control of the imports with a greater attention to them making a guitar that looks and plays good,most potential buyers are more likely to see and try an import model and if they're turned off by that guitar the chances they're going to want to look for a US guitar greatly diminish.We all take shots at the Asian models but in overall sales and production they will probably outpace US models significantly so to develop a good overall reputation improving the quality of imports could go a long way to bringing ovation back. |
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Location: Nashville TN. | I can't do just one...... but here are some thoughts some may be sacrilege..... but bare with me.
1)I like to see different bracing patterns come back. 1970 & 80s a Balladeer with x bracing sounded a lot different from Legend with A bracing. When the LX models were introduced they sounded different as well.
2) I like to see so variability in not just the depth of the bowl but variable in top sizes. There was limited run in parlor sized guitars at one point. I have always wondered what jumbo sized Ovation would sound like. Give people a reason to buy more than one.
3) a design idea I had take 1719, deep no cut, make it in pearl black, abalone around the body, for epaulets white mother pearl like on Mellisa 6 string, and maybe a star inlay pattern on the neck. It would be stunning.
What ever you choose people to see the guitars in stock where they can play them. The road show was not a bad idea but they sold down rather than up selling them. One of problems you overcome entry level buying import Ovation but when to move to better guitar all the store has Martins and Taylors.
In many cases they think moving up means an all wood guitar.
Since you already know Ovation can make a spectacular all wood guitar as they did when Guild was being made there, why give up that market to another company? The acoustic Viper was not a round back and was all wood. There is enough is enough uniquely Ovation feature besides the rounded back. You have the head stock, neck profiles, pickups, preamps, bracing patterns etc. Its worth some market research. Personally I sit down with my Ovations, because some the roll up on me. So if playing standing I'll play a Martin or Guild. The contour bowl was supposed to address that issue. Except it did not ring like a round back. I did not think most of them did not sound that great imho. I bought over 20 Ovation and Adamas guitars and still have all of them except the contour body I bought.
Also if you going to reopen a US factory make a it a tourist destination. Martin and Taylor both do exactly that. It's great way to show off craftsmanship and to have people try your guitars. Example when saw Hamer on OFC tour I wanted one because of the care making them. I did buy and not even on my radar. To be honest I was never a Corvette guy but I had GF in Bowling Green and had to get out of Nashville before 3pm in order to get there. After my factory tour I now want one. |
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Location: Jet City | PEZ - 2015-05-12 3:48 PM
1719.... for epaulets white mother pearl like on Mellisa 6 string...
Um... Epaulets on a Legend? |
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