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Location: 6 String Ranch | Opinion time, to help clarify a nagging question could our members give their thoughts on just how good these models are? I think there are several who have them.
Thanks. |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | One of the very best guitars I have ever played. They sound spectacular. They play wonderfully. I recently posted in another thread...that if I could have only one guitar, the FD14 would be the one...even in front of my Lowden.
One of the truely incredible characteristics is that it responds very well to fingerstyle, but you CANNOT overplay it strumming agressively with a pick. It will take everything you give it. |
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Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | To be be honest, I don't even know what an FD-14 is. |
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Location: Cicero, NY | I've only seen them in pictures but I know everyone here who has played one can't say enough good about them. I'm really hoping that there's one at the Tour so I can play and hear it for myself (as well as a Ute, 1537, a 12 fret, a few A's, etc...). |
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Location: NJ | The only one I ever played was the one (that TonyPD eventually WON) on the first OFC Tour.
Killer Guitar!
THIS woulda' been the the guitar to make the ultra-trad Martin/Taylor fops shut the f@ck up . . .
Making just a limited number was a mistake on Ovations's part (imho). |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Cliff,
Having one of the few, it does feel sorta special...but, I agree with you...this should be a standard available model. Everyone who wants one should be able to have one.
...And Weez...you can bet that there will be at least one FD14, one 1537 and one (if I can convince Schroeder to bring it) Ute at the tour... |
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Location: NJ | I guess I will be the contrarian here. I have played probably 5 or 6 examples of this guitar. I thought it was very good but could have been much better.
the u681t was much better IMHO for that type of guitar. |
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Location: NJ | Al;
I heartily agree with you on that.
But, in my warped sense of thinking, they're two different "animals". Given a choice of the two, I'd take the Ute . . .
My comment was geared towards a more traditional, small-bodied, roundhole, wood-topped guitar . . . |
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Location: Connecticut | I've played more Ovations than most people will ever see and the FD-14 has the best acoustic sound of all the Ovations that I have played.That is the reason that it is one of the few that I have kept over the years of the many O's I have owned. I don't ever play plugged in so all of the electronics mean nothing to me but added weight. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | As FDR once said "March 7, 2003 is a day that will live in infamy". Check the vault and you'll see that this is the day I aquired my FD14. And I bought it without ever hearing it first!
The general reaction from the members was WTF is THAT? I have always been a hyge fan of the Josh White and when I saw the first FD14 and read Ovations press release about it, I just KNEW that this guitar had all the right incredients to be a superstar. Little by little others heard the same call and I would say that now the FD14 is legendary.
It is THE best sounding wood topped Ovation guitar I have ever heard. PERIOD. I have played it side by side with all the contenders. Better than any 1537. Better than any Custom Legend. Better than any LX. Better than any Shiny Bowl. It's just THE best.
Al, with all due respect, compares it to the U681 and he likes the U681 better. That's fine, but I would venture to say that is because he relates better to the Adamas type of sound (they have their own unique voice, and the U681 is top of the heap). The FD14 does NOT sound like any Adamas. It sounds like a wooden guitar, very much in the Martin sense of the word. The clarity and voice are crystal clear and it can be delicately fingerpicked or thumped on with full might. It never breaks up. If you have not done so already, drop it into DADGAD. Warning, empty your bowels first or the FD14 will do it for you!
With all due respect to Charlie and all the wonderful inventions like round backs, fiber tops, multi-holes, blah, blah, blah ... The FD14 is THE most significant acomplishment that Ovation has ever achieved. And I mean this from the bottom of my heart. The FD14 is THE last Ovation in my collection that I would ever part with.
Dave
http://www.ovationfanclub.com/cgi-bin/ubb/non-cgi/ultimatebb.php?ub... |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Owning both the Ute and the FD14, I've had ample opportunity to play both. They are very different guitars and both are fabulous...
I think most folks would choose the Ute, given the choice, but I'll stand by my earlier post...If I could only have one guitar...It'd be the FD14...
When I first got the FD, initially I wasn't all that impressed by it, but over time I've come to love it.
EDIT...RE initial impressions- it took some time to find the right strings for it |
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Location: Canton (Detroit), MI | I was lucky enough to be able to play the one that Elderly Instruments had on two occasions before they sold it. I was unlucky enough for my wife to veto my getting it before it got away. I was a bit of a newbie on guitar playing at that point, but even so, I knew it was the best sounding guitar I had ever played. It still is.
My wife vetoed it because it looked so PLAIN, as far as rosette, and the top was not glossed. A fair viewpoint, compared to the fancy Custom Legend that was there at the time, which was around the same price. The FD-14 didn't seem to live up to the price in anything but SOUND.
I haven't played a U681T, it might be as good or better. My richest-sounding guitar is my 2005 Collectors, with new strings(sound quality falls off as the strings age, fairly rapidly).
Added by edit: A thought...why can't one order a Folklore with a cedar top, etc. and get all the features of an FD-14???? It wouldn't be one of the 50 FD-14s, but it WOULD be equivalent in quality.
Roger |
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Location: SoCal | The current Folklore is a 14 fret slothead, the FD14 a 12 fret.
Jeff, what strings did you end up with on your FD14?
Currently, this guitar stands alone on my short list of guitars that I really want to own. I've been authorized by my wife to grab it when one becomes available.
I'm not a fan of the tortise shell binding and rosette. If I could have one to my specs, I'd put wood binding around the body, gloss the neck and headstock, and I don't know what I'd do regarding the rosette. Heck, I don't even know if I'd want electronics in it. It's not a guitar that I'd be taking out to plug in.
But I'm a huge fan of the sound. When I get one, it will be my "front porch" guitar. My "go jam with friends" guitar. I will feel like my collection is pretty damned complete. |
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Location: Germany | It sounds very different compared to all the other Ovations I have played. Somehow it's a merge of an O and a high-end wooden guitar. Very suitable for finger picking style with a tremendous acoustic sound.
But I prefer a different O for (acoustic) strumming: the Deluxe Balladeer.
Karl |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Paul,
I've got Elixir 13s nanowebs. The guitar sounds exactly like I want it to sound...
I am a fan of the Tortoise shell rosette and binding. I think it is a very elegant guitar.
Might I add, it has the best neck of any Ovaton (very similar to the Ute) I have played. |
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Location: SoCal | Karl, what strings did you put on your DB? |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Bill,
You ask this question like there's something on your mind???? Pray, tell! |
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Location: Cicero, NY | I thought the same thing, Jeff. With any luck, we're being baited here... |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | I have to say that Dave and Jeff covered all the bases perfectly.
The FD14 is the best sounding wood top Ovation has ever made.
Since I have never had the opportunity to play one of the original slothead Adamas guitars, I would have to vote for the U681T as the best sounding Adamas. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Jeff, I normally play 12's. How heavy do the 13's feel and did you have to make any adjustments when you put them on? |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Stephen,
The 13s take some gedtting used to, but I hardly notice any more. I can go from the Lowden, which has lights, to the Fudd and hardly notice. I didn't need to make any adjustments, the 13's went right on without problems. |
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Location: Germany | Paul, I still play the Elixir 12's you put on the DB. No need to change them, they seem to last forever (well, nearly ...).
By the way: Did you see the DB picture in the "Merry Christmas Everyone" thread?
Karl |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | Baiting? ME??!? mais non! (well maybe........) |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | you're evil. |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | It's for a very good cause, you'll see. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Bill is going to give his FD14 away to the first 2 OFC members that join as annual charter members at Workshop Live! :D |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | I think that the DS768 longneck has 13's but with the longer neck and lighter tension, I wonder if the feel equates to 12's on a regular neck. |
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Location: Cicero, NY | Originally posted by cwk2:
It's for a very good cause, you'll see. Boy, if I had a nickel for every time I've used that line...(or one for every tme it didn't work)... |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | S28, I don't have one of these, they were just after my time. |
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Location: Canton (Detroit), MI | ....and if he gave it away to the first TWO members, how do you resolve THAT....cut it in half?????
But he doesn't have one, anyway.....
Maybe we're going to see "The Return of the FD-14"????? Might get me to give up my GCS-771C.
Roger |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Nah.....the co-owners :cool: would just pass it around to deserving members of the OFC family. ;)
Everyone should have the opportunity to get a taste of an FD-14. :D |
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Location: SoCal | Yes, everyone should have the opportunity...I did, buying one from Al. Glad I did.
Wonderful sounding guitar. Wasn't playing it enough while others were trying to find one. So, released it to an OFC'er.
It shows what Ovation can do.
However, I have a number of Adamas and Ovations that are, to me, "overall" better guitars.
Of the Ovation 6-strings - I won't part with one of my 30th Anniv CL's, the 1537, 1718-X, one of my Patriots, 1969 1127, and the 1968-1969 Dlx Balladeer.
I have fond memories of the FD-14, just not enough "hook" to be a keeper. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | and if I am not mistaken, the one that I currently own has a trail that ultimately leads back to you, my friend! :) |
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Location: SoCal | yep |
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Location: SoCal | Here's a question - what is the best O that you have? Factors are appearance, voice, playability, and cost.
For the 6-string, the 1619 CL ($350, a/e, eBay) or the early 1127 ($500, acoustic, best of four that I have had, eBay).
For the 12-string, the 1659 CL ($385, a/e, eBay)
All three above in excellent condition, well balanced, gorgeous sound, wonderful price.
As most know, my personal best is the 30th Anniv CL but at $1,700 when I bought it new.
Patience is the virtue to get a great guitar at a great price. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Tony, you're giving me a headache! My rule of thumb is that as soon as I get a guitar I must immediately forget how much it cost. Otherwise I'll drive myself crazy! Plus, if I have honestly forgotten what I paid then I'm not telling a lie when the wife asks and I just say "I don't remember what it cost ..."
OK, you asked so I'll answer (and force mysewlf to restrict it to Ovatons): As previously stated, the FD14 is the best sounding and playing Ovation. But it's a Plain Jane. Anyone who has seen the 20 inch spinners on my Kia knows that Davey likes some bling. Plus it's priced too low to get any respect. So using your criteria of appearence, voice, payabiity and cost I would have to say C2079 Custom Legend Contour Bowl. It wasn't cheap.
Dave |
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Location: NJ | ". . 20 inch spinners on my Kia . ."
Is that what we're driving to Moody's house next month? |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | I'm trying to come up with a geeky, bespectcled bookworm who turns out to be a knock-out at the prom mediphore for the FD14...
But it ain't working...
...I really do like the understated look. Form follows function..it's all substance. Doesn't hide behind flash. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Originally posted by cliff:
". . 20 inch spinners on my Kia . ."
Is that what we're driving to Moody's house next month? Hey, don't laugh until you've seen it! Do you wants to go to LA or NOT ??? Believe me, we'll fit right in ...
Btw, in the "day jobs" thread I see that OFC member Abendicum sells "PT Cruiser Performance Parts". You two should hook up.
Dave
PS - Truth is that wifey has a brand new MB roadster. Only problem is that if take that to LA we sure ain't going to be bringing any guitars along unless we strap them to the bumper. Of course we COULD fit a few ukuleles ... |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Originally posted by Jeff W.:
I'm trying to come up with a geeky, bespectcled bookworm who turns out to be a knock-out at the prom mediphore for the FD14...
Hey, when I was in high school I used to tell my friends, "Don't feel too bad for me because I've got a plain looking girlfriend until you know what she can do once the lights are out".
Unfortunately, most of them already knew ... |
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Location: NJ | . . I can attest to that. |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | me too... |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | I can always count on you two clowns, can't I.
Here's a bad (clean) joke. A professional athelete gets done having relations with a sports groupie and is feeling all proud of himself. "So how was I", he asks her. She thinks for a minute and then responds "Well, you were better than Arthur Ashe, but not quite as good as Magic Johnson".
Dave |
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Location: Cicero, NY | Originally posted by Jeff W.:
me too... Not me, Dave. I hate waiting in lines. |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Re...sis....ting.....
....multihole design....
....no waiting....
(let it be known, I'm weak and feel terrible about myself) |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | and to think I woke up to this and thought I would be reading more intelligent hype on the FD14. |
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Location: Cicero, NY | And in a show of support, we feel terrible about you too, BB. |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | I've made an appointment with a counselor. |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | Back on topic. Or at least on Tony's topic.
Best voice with great playability and decent looks--1537 ($1000 from Noah)
Close second in voice, playability and looks but best in price--1713 ($375 music store)
Appearance with OK sound--99 Collector's ($500 local)
I'm still dreaming of a red CL Christmas. Maybe next year. |
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Location: NJ | s/b Legend-12: $500.
Buying from Al and NOT having to deal with the eBay/PayPal/UPS/FedEx fuckwits: Priceless. |
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Location: closely held secret | Cliff, if you'd like a black 1866 to go with that natural... |
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Location: Central Florida | Seeing as how I've come to the recent realization that I've missed out on much of the very best that Ovation has ever had to offer due to my being left handed, I can only answer your question, Tony, within the parameters of those limitations. I've never had the opportunity to even play, let alone own, a 1537, FD14, CL30 or an Adamas of any kind. So, with that said, my "personal best" Ovation that I currently own is my '81 Custom Legend (1619-4). It's tonally and visually stunning.
I've had a few players ask me upon seeing my CL, "Is that one of those Anniversary models?" I usually smile and reply, "No, mine's just the one Ovation used as their benchmark for the Anniversary model." :D |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Jeff, couldn't you grab a 1537, flip it over and recut the nut and bridge? They look the same either way and the plugs are kinda in the middle of the bowl on the back.
Am I way off base here? Is this not doable? |
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Location: Central Florida | Stephen,
The only problem with what you're suggesting is the position of the volume and tone knobs. They're located in the waist of the guitar, so flipping it over would put them out of reach and would make it virtually impossible to play seated. Were it not for that, it would be doable. The fingerboard extention would be upside down, but that'd be no big deal because I almost never play that high on the neck anyway.
As an aside, I wonder if there's any way to find out if there were any left handed 1537's built? |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Ahhhhh...then you should concentrate on scoring a FD14 since there are no knobs located anywhere.
Someone was selling one with a replaced bridge on the OFC board a while back. Might be worth looking into and then sending into the factory to convert to left handed and replacing with an original bridge assembly. |
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Location: RI. That small State out East | I did play the Elderly FD14 when they had it.
It was "nice" but... It didn't blow me away.
The W681TA that made the Guitar Player Mag. review does turn heads when played.
I think the "under stated" looks of the FD14 kept it a secret.
I also believe if we had 10 of the same model to play / "taste"... One or two might stand out even more.
Sooo, when I hear about Dave's guitar I believe he has one of the best of the best.
Woz |
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FD-14; How good are they, Really?