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Joined:
April 2007
Posts: 1
Location: Arkansas, USA | Hey, first post, please go easy on me. I play a Fender Strat now but would like to jam with a bluegrass group,,they don't allow electric, so I'm in the market for a flattop. I have decited on a Balladeer 1861 or 4861 that way I have the best of both worlds. I live in the boonies and it's 200 miles to an Ovation dealer, so I'm shopping on Ebay.
I know these two guitars are the same style except the 4861 is made in Korea.
I can't find many specs. on the 4861 to be able to compare them. Is there a big difference in the quality and sound? Would someone tell me the difference between the two,,is the 1861 USA worth the higher cost? Thanks Don |
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Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | This is the current USO Balladeer;
Ovation 1861 It is new, and has new electronics, a tuner, and a USA Warranty.
You can send it back for repairs.
I have one of these... It may be nine years old, maybe older;
Balladeer 4861
My Korean Balladeer has a Solid top, and it works well. Especially considering its age. I think that its age adds seasoning and character to the tone of the top. It has EQ in/out, pre-shape, mid-shift, No Tuner. No Warranty.
Almost everyone on this site will tell you to get the US Ovation...
I own three Asian O's. But I am poor. If given my druthers, I'd go for the New USO 1861. But it will not have the aged mellow sound of MINE! ;) |
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Joined:
February 2002
Posts: 1817
Location: Minden, Nebraska | Guitar for guitar, the 1861 is better.
Dollar for dollar, depends on the relative prices. |
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Joined:
January 2007
Posts: 672
Location: New South Wales, Australia | Welcome Toolman. Like Arthur and Paul say, the 1861 is the one to go for. If, however, you're limited by finances, then you gotta go with what you can afford. I'm sure you'll enjoy it whatever your decision.
I own a ssb 1860 which has a different pre amp system to the 1861 but I've always been happy with it.
Just a thought....when you say these bluegrass guys don't allow electric, does that mean you'll be playing totally unplugged. The shallow bowl on mine doesn't put out a lot of volume but it sounds great plugged in. |
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Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | That's what I was going to say, Oz.
Toolman, if you have to play unplugged, I would go with the 1771 or 171LX. The s/s bowls are great guitars, but sound a little thin (pun intended)unplugged and don't project enough to compete with other acoustic instruments.
Look for a mid or deep bowl.
Oh, and welcome! |
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Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13997
Location: Upper Left USA | Welcome Don!
Budget is a big deal. If you do your research and get a good price on the instrument but it doesn't "do it" for you the resale on the USA models is more dependable. Definately get an LX if at all possible. The responsiveness is worth it.
It budget is really holding you you might want to Ebay for some Takamine's as well. Many a good deal and bang for the buck. |
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Joined:
August 2006
Posts: 2804
Location: ranson,wva | im biased...get a folklore..you wont regret it..lol jason |
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Joined:
February 2002
Posts: 1817
Location: Minden, Nebraska | Jason -- a Folklore for bluegrass? Just checking... |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15682
Location: SoCal | A Folklore for bluegrass mades some sense. It's got more bass and a bigger more reasonant sound the a 14 fret Ovation. Isn't that why people like D28's and all the derivative guitars?
Last summer at a jam, I played my FD14 next to somebody who had a D28 style Santa Cruz. Man, that SC was nice, but the FD14 had it's own big voice. I felt good playing it... |
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Need advise, Balladeer 1861 vs 4861