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Posts: 10
Location: Richmond, VA | Hey everybody. I just joined tonight. I'm a huge fan of the Ovation sound. My guitar ability is limited to about two chords and I don't know much about playing, but I want to learn.
I am dead set on buying an Ovation - soon. I had thought I wanted to keep my budget around $600, but if it makes sense, I might be willing to spend up to $1,000 for a nice one.
I am thoroughly confused about the options. I stopped in Guitar Center tonight and they told me the Celebrity is made in Korea. I think I'd prefer an American made model, but it's not set in stone.
The Guitar Center guy said the center sound hole is more for strummers than pickers, while the side hole epaulets are more for pickers. I really like the look of the epaulets more, though I'll probably be more of a strummer. Just because it's different. And I like the ones with honeyburst or red or even the blue like Melissa Etheridge plays. Don't really like the plain wood grain.
Anyway, I am completely baffled as to what to look for and what I should buy. I will probably never be very good, but I want to enjoy my purchase. I want it to look as beautiful as it sounds.
Any advice or recommendations based on what I've told you? I've looked extensively on Ebay and saw lots that I liked, but it's hard to tell what's what.
Thanks a bunch in advance.
Rupe |
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Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Another VahGianYan! Welcome.
Go for a used Elite LX. |
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Posts: 1126
Location: Omaha, NE | That's good advice...stick with something that says "LX", and the rest will take care of itself. |
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Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Or maybe this one . |
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Posts: 972
Location: PDX | Or for that kind of money you could buy my 1537. :)
(pics in my gallery) You could of had my Adamas 1681 but that sold recently.
_____
gh1 |
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Posts: 1889
Location: Central Massachusetts | Buy Greg's 1537, it's a great guitar! |
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Posts: 5331
Location: Cicero, NY | The LX is a nice grab but I would do the 1537 if it was within reach.
And I have. |
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March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | Call this number (ANYTIME - Day or Night!)
856-933-0374
Ask for "Al".
Tell him "Cliff sent me"
He'll take care of you.
but, . . . whatEVER you do . . . DON'T ask any "questions" . . . . y'hear? |
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Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | That's, 856-933-0374
(though the 1537 gh1's offer'n would sweet) |
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February 2005
Posts: 1132
Location: Parrish, FL | BUY THE 1537. Contact gh1 TODAY. May as well start out with one of the best, and in a snazzy black finish too!
You can't go wrong here. It will always be worth what you paid.
Blues |
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Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | That IS a good deal . . . . |
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Posts: 8307
Location: Tennessee | Rupe ... welcome! One thing you are bound to get here are a lot of opinions, and a lot of them will be different. Here is mine ...
First of all, a lot of GC guys talk out of their butts because they are not all that educated about Ovations. You'll definitely want to go for a USA model, because they are just built better and have better materials. It won't make any difference whether it's a round hole or with epaulets ... both are just fine for strumming AND picking. If you want to be a fingerpicker, then usually a wider neck model is the better bet.
Second, you probably won't be playing way up the neck anytime soon, so you don't necessarily need a cutaway guitar. That give you more options.
It'd be good to know where you are in life and what kind of music you want to play. Are you an old conservative fogie like some of us here or are you younger and more adventurous? This will impact what you want to get.
Someone posted in the for sale section about a 2001 Collectors on ebay. Here is the auction: 2001 Redwood . The top is redwood, it is a limited edition, and it's got great sound. Definitely not plain wood grain. You could also look for a 1718, which are great guitars. Or, as mentioned above, the 1778LX Elite would make a nice guitar for you. But if you are adventurous, check out the Red Flame 1778T that Al has at Lost Art Vintage ... I love those guitars.
Good luck. Stick around. |
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Posts: 8307
Location: Tennessee | P.S. The 1537 is a great guitar! Like the 1718, but a notch up on the food chain. |
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March 2005
Posts: 5567
Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | Welcome to the Club...great bunch here but kindly over look the pretentiousness: here is a great guitar for a little money; start with something like this and I am sure that the Guitar Acquisition Syndrome (GAS) will hit you as well and you'll be able to seek and buy even more guitars. Here is the link: Go here first!
Again welcome to the club!
Blessings... |
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Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | Center Hole or Side Epaulets? Mmmmm...
With side epaulets, you don't spent so much time retrieving your pick outta that hole! :rolleyes:
Plus they look cooler!
Welcome Rupe! |
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Posts: 4389
Location: Capital District, NY, USA Minor Outlying Islands | USA made is better.
The guy at GC doesn't know what he's talking about when it comes to holes.
Not already mentioned is the 1778T: a dynamite gigging machine. |
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Posts: 4394
Location: East Tennessee | An ELITE T Model 1778T would be a great guitar if you don't grab the 1537.
Black not the Lusty Red. :cool: |
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February 2002
Posts: 1817
Location: Minden, Nebraska | Welcome to the club. As you can see, recommendations are all over the place. We do have favorites, and up to a grand offers a lot of options.
I'm always for buying a great used guitar rather than spending on a new one that immediately depreciates, and the recommendation on the 1537 is worth serious consideration, imho. |
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Posts: 7307
Location: South of most, North of few | Welcome Rupe! If you have the 1k to spend, you won't do any better than the 1537. It is one of the most sought after Ovations out there. If you only want to spend about 3-400, then check out a US made balladeer (used). But remember, the 1537's don't come around that often for sale, so if you can find your way clear to spend that much, you won't go wrong with that choice. |
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Posts: 354
Location: Flushing, MI | With side epaulets, you don't spent so much time retrieving your pick outta that hole!
Have you ever dropped a pick into those little side holes? You'll spend a LOT more time trying to get that out! Yeah, I've done it. Don't ask how... |
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Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | It's also a royal pain-in-the-ass t'get cashews out (especially if y'don't have an access door) . . . |
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Posts: 3410
Location: GA USA | I like Mike's suggestion of the 6778LX for you. Welcome! |
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Posts: 318
Location: Slightly northwest of Trader Jim | Welcome Rupe! My Ovation Obsession started with a $350 standard Balladeer 1661 in gloss black from eek bay. Nothing fancy but awhole lot of sound. ;)
as far as epaulets or center sound holes being for pickers or strummers.....naaawwww. |
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July 2007
Posts: 10
Location: Richmond, VA | Wow!! You guys really helped. I thought I might find maybe one or two replies today.
I really like that 6778 on ebay!!! I like the 1537 also, but would prefer something other than black. Super deal though.
Now, what's the deal with that phone number you guys told me to call? Is that like one of those deals where the bartender tells you to go see somebody upstairs "and he don't play that scene either?", LOL?
As to where I am in life... Well, I just like to play and listen to classic rock. I'm 47 and grew up on that. Doobies, Eagles, and the like.
You guys have really been helpful. Way more than the guy at GC was!
Thanks!
Rupe |
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July 2007
Posts: 10
Location: Richmond, VA | After looking over all the suggestions (many thanks to all of you!), I took the plunge tonight and bought the 6778LX Mike recommended on ebay. It looks like it's everything I'm looking for - epaulet holes, pretty finish, American made, comes with a case, like new condition, and, most importantly - it's an OVATION!
Thanks for all the tips, gents. I feel like I found a good deal on a great guitar for me.
Rupe |
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March 2005
Posts: 12759
Location: Boise, Idaho | If I had a grand to spend and could find a good 1537, that's what I'd get. But I already did that.
Oops. I'm too late. |
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March 2005
Posts: 5567
Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | Congrats Rupe; you should be happy for a long while and when you get the urge (as you will....) there ae some great buys out there of other Ovation and Adamas guitars...for now, enjoy!
Blessings... |
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Posts: 5567
Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | and let us know how the new guitar is and how you like it!
Blessings... |
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Posts: 22
Location: Ky | the GC salespeople wouldn't know a sound hole from their own butthole |
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October 2005
Posts: 4071
Location: Utah | Rupe, you got a great guitar! I was going to recommend the 1778T, but you already took the plunge. You won't be sorry with what you bought.
Next you'll be asking about strings, so I'll go ahead and recommend Martin Marquis Phosphor Bronze, light guage. None better! |
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Location: GA USA | Congrats. You did well. |
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Posts: 5567
Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | the GC salespeople wouldn't know a sound hole from their own butthole Good one Tim...
(From GC Sales instructional manual):
O - soundhole
O - butthole
Blessings... |
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July 2007
Posts: 10
Location: Richmond, VA | I ask again - what was that number I was given earlier to call?
And another question - what is the significance of "Adamas"? I see that a lot in reference to Ovations.
Thanks for the string recommendation. What is your reasoning behind that? Is that recommendation "guitar-specific", or general in nature? What quality do they possess that others don't?
Sorry - I'm very new to all of this.
I loved the GC soundhole quip! LOL!
Rupe |
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Posts: 5331
Location: Cicero, NY | The number you were given was Al Pepiak's, among other colorful titles wears co-founder of this site, is an authorized Ovation/Adamas/Hamer dealer and is a great resource for new, used and collectible gits. He's also an all around nice guy but we try not to say that too often. Give him a call - you'll be glad you did.
Adamas is the upper line of the Ovation brands. Try to find one in a music store in your area, if you can. A step up in price from some of the Ovations but absolutely fantastic guitars.
On strings, you'll get a ton of different opinions here (as well as anyplace else, I'm sure). Highly subjective. Get a few opinions, try what you think sounds good and experiment from there. On being new? We were all there at one point - hang out here and you'll learn! |
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Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | 856-933-0374 |
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Posts: 4071
Location: Utah | Originally posted by Rupe:
Thanks for the string recommendation. What is your reasoning behind that? Is that recommendation "guitar-specific", or general in nature? What quality do they possess that others don't? My daughter has a 1778T Red Flame, which is similar to the guitar you bought. We tried a variety of types of strings, guages, and manufacturers. The Phosphor Bronze had a better, fuller, clear sound. The 80/20 varieties were too brassy to my ears on her Ovation.
Between different brands of Phosphor Bronze, the Martin Marquis just sing and have a richness that others lacked.
As has been mentioned, you'll get a variety of opinions on strings for your O, many of which will differ from mine. The best thing to do is buy a variety of brands/styles/formulations and try each for a couple of weeks. You'll quickly learn whether you prefer Phos/Bnz or 80/20. You might really like coated strings, or you might find them sounding a bit dead on your guitar.
Picks also affect the sound a bit, but not nearly as much as different strings. I would suggest starting with a plain pick, like the ubiquitous Fender medium or the Tortex medium. After a little while you will have a baseline and then experiment with different thicknesses, materials, and styles.
Then you'll be ready to add more guitars. Then an amp or two, some effects boxes, fancy cords, a few straps, some stands, a wall hanger or two, etc. I hope you make good money now, 'cause you're on the road to bankruptcy! |
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Posts: 2241
Location: Simpsonville, SC | Have fun with the new guitar Fred! Let us hear back from you, once you have had a chance to play it a while.
Visit often and watch out for the GAS! |
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Posts: 4389
Location: Capital District, NY, USA Minor Outlying Islands | The only recommendation I have when it comes to strings, is that if you're new to acoustic guitar, start with extra light strings for a month, then move up to custom lights for two months, than to regular lights, usually 12-52 give or take 1 100's of an inch. More than 13-54 you're getting into medium territory. And less than 11-51 gets wimpy. This is to get your hand strength up. Then play a bunch of different brands till you find the one you like. |
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July 2007
Posts: 10
Location: Richmond, VA | BegginJM, my name isn't really Fred. That's just a goofy name I sometimes use when I answer the phone at work when it's someone I know calling, just to freak them out. I decided to make it my handle on Ebay. Try it some time. Answer the phone "Fred Jackson" and see how they respond. Sometimes they think they've dialed a wrong number.
Thanks for the info on strings. Man - so many decisions and options. I can SEE where this could get costly and obsessive, almost to the point of esoterica. I've been there and done that in stereo systems. Luckily I'm done with that crazy budget busting phase.
The guitar has been shipped and it's on its way. I guess I saved about $300 buying it used. Looks like the best deal on Ebay for a similar new one is around $1000.
I'll be around...
Rupe |
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Joined:
July 2007
Posts: 10
Location: Richmond, VA | I finally got my guitar! Fed Ex required a signature and I wasn't home, so I had to gp pick it up this morning. The guitar was described as "like new", but did have a 1" gouge in the bowl right next to the pre-amp which disappointed me. Other than that, it was perfect. Thanks for the help.
Rupe |
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New here and need help