What was your first Ovation?
SusanV
Posted 2005-11-29 7:22 PM (#127882)
Subject: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 42

Location: New York State
So tell me...what was your first Ovation?

Mine was a new, early 80's Custom Balladeer in black. Loved that guitar, and put a lot of miles on it gigging 2 or 3 nights a week. I played with a lot of folks who loved flatbacks, and they sometimes ribbed me about my plastic guitar. I told them I played the Ovation because any time a drunk got too close for comfort, i could just swing that roundback from the stage, and THWACK them in the head with it without hurting the guitar :) ...... I went through a couple of Martins that way before i got smart, and got the Balladeer.

So... what was your first Ovation?

Susan :D
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Omaha
Posted 2005-11-29 7:33 PM (#127883 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 1126

Location: Omaha, NE
My Matrix. Purchased in 1977 (more or less...I really don't remember when exactly).

I still have it. It still plays reasonably well. My kids beat the crap out of it, and it just keeps coming back for more.

Cheers!

Jeff
Top of the page Bottom of the page
moody, p.i.
Posted 2005-11-29 7:33 PM (#127884 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15654

Location: SoCal
1972 Artist.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Slipkid
Posted 2005-11-29 7:34 PM (#127885 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?



Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301

Location: south east Michigan
Just for you Susan I get to tell the story yet again. :rolleyes:
About 35 years ago I shopped for my first acoustic guitar. The science and engineering behind the Ovation design is what sold me at the time. For 33 years it was my only acoustic. Last year I did send it to the factory to have the neck reset. I can handle that once every 33 years.
I just love that guitar. We got a lot of history.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
OldLiverJones
Posted 2005-11-29 7:35 PM (#127886 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 803

Location: Avondale, AZ
We had a thread like this before. My first O is my Viper. I bought it new in 1979. It is the longest relationship I ever had.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Jeff W.
Posted 2005-11-29 7:39 PM (#127887 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039

Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub
Funny, I *vaguely* recall being THWACKED by a women wielding a Martin on a couple of ocassions...


My first "O" was an "A"....Ruby SMT 1897. Sexy thing.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
moody, p.i.
Posted 2005-11-29 7:42 PM (#127888 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15654

Location: SoCal
There's a long thread on this in the archives.... but I didn't want to be accused of not being friendly to newcomers.

Besides, it's a fun topic. And interesting to see if people tell the same story they second time around ("I voted for the $80 billion before I voted against it")
Top of the page Bottom of the page
BIG O
Posted 2005-11-29 7:44 PM (#127889 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?
Joined:
August 2005
Posts: 33

1975 Custom Legend #1119-4
Top of the page Bottom of the page
SusanV
Posted 2005-11-29 7:49 PM (#127890 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 42

Location: New York State
"And interesting to see if people tell the same story they second time around "

Like guitars... good stories usually grow better over time :)

Susan
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Standingovation
Posted 2005-11-29 7:52 PM (#127891 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?



Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 6192

Location: Phoenix AZ
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Beal
Posted 2005-11-29 7:56 PM (#127892 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?



Joined:
January 2002
Posts: 14127

Location: 6 String Ranch
#6
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Capo Guy
Posted 2005-11-29 8:09 PM (#127893 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?



Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 4394

Location: East Tennessee
Mine was a 1115 Pacemaker 12 string.

I still have it and it still plays great. :cool:
Top of the page Bottom of the page
an4340
Posted 2005-11-29 8:12 PM (#127894 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
May 2003
Posts: 4389

Location: Capital District, NY, USA Minor Outlying Islands
Celebrity cc057. Recently sold. Good bye old friend!
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Weaser P
Posted 2005-11-29 8:14 PM (#127895 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 5327

Location: Cicero, NY
I bought my 1616 around '77 (I needed something to do as I was dodging my National Guard duties...oops). :rolleyes:
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Northcountry
Posted 2005-11-29 8:24 PM (#127896 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?
Joined:
February 2004
Posts: 2487

I bought an Old Classical O from a musician friend in the late 70's. I missed it when I sold it back in 1982 or so? I Have one that is close now.

Dave that bridge on that O is very strange? Not sure if I have ever seen one like that. I love these older Ovations it is fun to see how the thinking process changed from year to year at the factory!


It was Just a look at an Adamas 1 just like the 1688-7 I have now that made me do a triple take. And after I got over the initial puzzled shock I was drawn like the proverbial moth to the flame to these guitars for ever! And that was just the looks. Then I heard one and played one and finally bought one!


Randy
Top of the page Bottom of the page
BIG O
Posted 2005-11-29 8:25 PM (#127897 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?
Joined:
August 2005
Posts: 33

Weaser, Your Tak EAN10C is one sweet machine. I played around with one and was amazed.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Mark in Boise
Posted 2005-11-29 8:29 PM (#127898 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12750

Location: Boise, Idaho
Hey, Omaha! Me, too. Matrix, bought in July 1977 for our wedding in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. $245 was a ton of money. My wife got that instead of an engagement ring. I sold 2 other guitars to pay for most of it. Both are still here in spite of me.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Tony Calman
Posted 2005-11-29 8:31 PM (#127899 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?



Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 4619

Location: SoCal
A 1158 Custom Legend 12-fret slothead acoustic, dark sunburst with abalone that blinded you...was a NAMM guitar (1980).
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Omaha
Posted 2005-11-29 9:17 PM (#127900 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 1126

Location: Omaha, NE
Mark:

I recall mine was in the $250 range as well. That was a big hit to me at the time. I think I must have been 15 years old, because I distinctly remember my mom driving me home from Hospe's music here in town in our Oldsmobile station wagon (oops...I meant "Custom Cruiser").

I was operating on paper route/part time Burger King money at the time. $250 was huge.

In my high school, most of the guitar players were playing Ovations. Most had higher end units, but I decided if all I could afford was a Matrix, that would be fine. I played that thing like crazy. The first position frets are pretty shot by now.

All things considered, it really sounds pretty good.

Cheers!

Jeff
Top of the page Bottom of the page
BrianT
Posted 2005-11-29 9:35 PM (#127901 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
January 2004
Posts: 338

Location: SE Michigan
Mine was a 1974 (or so) Balladeer model 1111. I bought it from Grinnell Brothers Music in Harper Woods Michigan. I think it was around $300. I begged my mom to put it on her charge card and I paid her back over time.

It was light as a feather and rang like a bell, had great action and a neck like a violin, no electronics. I sold it many years ago, sometime in the 1980's.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
ignimbyte
Posted 2005-11-29 9:49 PM (#127902 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
July 2004
Posts: 812

Location: Hicksville, NY
I purchased my balladeer in the spring of 2003, at a local shop in Flushing, Queens. At that time, I just dropped off my niece's flute for repairs, when I discovered it -- or should I say, it discovered me! It took me ten years (no kidding!) to own one, and I finally did it. While some OFC brothers and sisters may have mixed feelings about super shallow bowl O's, I happen to love mine very much. So far, it's the one and only U.S. made Ovation that I own ... its picture is on the OFC map :) .

A few months later, I got an Applause ... it sounds nice, but I must admit that it's not an Ovation. Right now, I'm trying to save up some money for a custom balladeer or that Al DiMeola model, but Mrs. Ignimbyte's not being supportive lately ... she prefer that I save up for an HD-28! *hide* :eek:
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Jeff
Posted 2005-11-29 10:05 PM (#127903 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 863

Location: Central Florida
A Standard Balladeer, model K1111-4, bought in 1971.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
SusanV
Posted 2005-11-29 10:22 PM (#127904 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 42

Location: New York State
" she prefer that I save up for an HD-28! *hide* "


heh heh heh.... she has good taste in guitars ::::ducking and running :::::

susan
Top of the page Bottom of the page
moody, p.i.
Posted 2005-11-29 10:29 PM (#127905 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15654

Location: SoCal
Susan, nobody here would dispute that a D-28 is a good guitar. Have you ever played a 1537 Elite, or an 87 Collectors, or a FD14, or a textured top Adamas? I own the first 2 and have played them next to Martins. Never felt a need to change.

But all that means is that there are different flavors of ice cream, enough to keep us all happy. Enjoy your Martins & Gibsons. But try different flavors and different brands. You'd be surprised.

By the way, looking back now, my first 2 Ovations were both pretty marginal, sound wise. I learned about good Ovation sound back in 1993 when I got my 1537. Everything I've purchased since then has stayed up to that level of quality.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
tdeej
Posted 2005-11-29 10:42 PM (#127906 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
November 2004
Posts: 286

Location: Idaho
Launched into acoustic electric world in 1984 with a 1547 new for just over $800. That seemed like a fortune at the time. Told my wife I would never have to buy another guitar after playing it. I no longer buy guitars, just invest in one now and then.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
SusanV
Posted 2005-11-29 10:47 PM (#127907 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 42

Location: New York State
I love good guitars that have beautiful voices and beautiful looks. That includes Ovations as well as a bunch of other production guitars and handmades. I wish i could own one of each. That scares my husband ;)

susan
Top of the page Bottom of the page
pipemaker
Posted 2005-11-29 11:03 PM (#127908 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 33

Location: vienna, west virginia
my first ovation was this breadwinner i bought in 1975... i was a junior in high school playing guitar in the jazz ensemble...
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Mark in Boise
Posted 2005-11-29 11:51 PM (#127909 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12750

Location: Boise, Idaho
Susan, I'm glad to see that GAS is not gender based. Most of us old guys bitch about our wives not giving in to our GAS pains. Are there any couples out there were both are Ovation fanatics?
Top of the page Bottom of the page
SusanV
Posted 2005-11-30 12:39 AM (#127910 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 42

Location: New York State
In my case, my husband is a musician (cellist), who is very appreciative of my little gaggle of guitars. To him of course, guitars are ridiculously cheap.... a decent cello is worth many times more than all my guitars put together! In fact, a decent bow runs into the thousands $$$. ACK :eek:

susan
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Earthbound Misfit
Posted 2005-11-30 1:01 AM (#127911 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 123

Location: Braman, OK
Originally posted by Omaha:
My Matrix. Purchased in 1977 (more or less...I really don't remember when exactly).

I still have it. It still plays reasonably well. My kids beat the crap out of it, and it just keeps coming back for more.
I traded a Fender Jaguar for a Matrix about that same time. I was on the road a lot and didn't want to drag an amp around. In the late 80s I even got it autographed by Nuno Bettencourt (lead guitarist for Extreme). Unfortunately, it was stolen about two years ago :mad:
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Omaha
Posted 2005-11-30 3:22 AM (#127912 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 1126

Location: Omaha, NE
Susan, your husband's cello is my wife's flute. Decent professional models start at something like $10k and you have to wait quite a while to get one made.

By those standards, guitars are cheap.

Wanna talk about GAS? We went to see Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers a year ago. I think Petty and Mike Campbell changed guitars at least every other song. They had racks and racks of them back stage, and there were roadies constantly swapping them out. Whatever floats your boat, I guess. And who am I to offer guitar playing advice to either of them, but I would think that would get distracting.

Cheers!

Jeff
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Omaha
Posted 2005-11-30 3:26 AM (#127913 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 1126

Location: Omaha, NE
Originally posted by pipemaker:
my first ovation was this breadwinner i bought in 1975... i was a junior in high school playing guitar in the jazz ensemble...
Love the shirts. :D

Cheers!

Jeff
Top of the page Bottom of the page
cholloway
Posted 2005-11-30 5:49 AM (#127914 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 2791

Location: Atlanta, GA.
My 1st was a (Made in USA) Celebrity CC11. Still have it. Good tone and great volume for an acoustic.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
bvince
Posted 2005-11-30 6:34 AM (#127915 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?



Joined:
September 2005
Posts: 3618

Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :)
My 1537 which I purchased at a pawn shop in Savanna GA in 1987 for $500. I still have it and will keep it until they pry it from my cold dead fingers and give it to my daughter.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
cliff
Posted 2005-11-30 6:39 AM (#127916 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 14842

Location: NJ
1976 CustomBalladeer. Bought new.
Still gig with it every weekend.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Artist
Posted 2005-11-30 7:11 AM (#127917 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?



Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 793

Location: Texas
1977 Legend 1117, bought new, sold years ago to a friend that still has it.
It was the only Ovation in the store with the Legend "look" that I was after.
So many memories with that guitar that now I have a 1977 Glen Campbell 1627 acoustic/electric, which is what I wanted in the first place.
It is still my favorite steel string Ovation. ;)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Waskel
Posted 2005-11-30 7:33 AM (#127918 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?



Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840

Location: closely held secret
1994 black Ultra Deluxe 1517D. Found it in Apple music in Portland, and fell in love with the sound. I'd never sat and played a guitar that sounded so dark and lovely. Wound up giving it to a guy who lost his Martin while in prison and I have been accumulating O's ever since. Acoustically, all I really still want is a 1581.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Stevechapman
Posted 2005-11-30 7:58 AM (#127919 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
April 2003
Posts: 2503

Location: Fayetteville, NC
Glen Cambell 12 String that my Dad helped me buy in 1978. Wish I still had it or one like it..Sure do miss it.I had always planned to get a glen Campbell 6 String but never got one...Maybe someday.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Buckaroo
Posted 2005-11-30 8:30 AM (#127920 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 400

Location: North Texas
Balladeer Special. $200. with case. I've worn down the frets so much it needs a makeover. My Matrix is similar in tone and is getting played a lot lately.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
MWoody
Posted 2005-11-30 9:50 AM (#127921 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?



Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13984

Location: Upper Left USA
With the help of a High School friend who was a complete Ovation Nut I found my Custom Balladeer 1112-1. It was bought for a Son that went into the military and didn't have an interest in playing any more, so it had sat in a closet for 3 years. Since it was made in 1974 and I got it in 1980 it was in primo condition. I think I paid $300.

I took that guitar everywhere including on a weekend canoe trip once, in the case of course.

Didaling-ding-ding-ding ding-ding-ding.

Still have it!
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Waskel
Posted 2005-11-30 10:49 AM (#127922 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?



Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840

Location: closely held secret
Originally posted by MWoody:
I took that guitar everywhere including on a weekend canoe trip once, in the case of course.
In the case, of course?
Or in case, of course?
...like, in case you lost a paddle...
Top of the page Bottom of the page
MWoody
Posted 2005-11-30 11:06 AM (#127923 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?



Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13984

Location: Upper Left USA
Are you up to semantics again?
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Waskel
Posted 2005-11-30 11:13 AM (#127924 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?



Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840

Location: closely held secret
No, just trying to determine if you were protecting it or bringing it along as a backup paddle...
Top of the page Bottom of the page
wtw84
Posted 2005-11-30 11:16 AM (#127925 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
November 2004
Posts: 81

Location: Poplar Bluff Mo
My Elite 1778 LX BCB. But I've wanted an Ovation for about 30 years!


wtw84
Top of the page Bottom of the page
JeffreyD
Posted 2005-11-30 12:26 PM (#127926 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
September 2004
Posts: 777

Location: East Wenatchee, WA
I had always had pretty cheezy cheap acoustics until 1994 when with a new job and new income burning a hole in my pocket I answered a nickel saver ad for a Ovation. The ad started at $600, but over four or five weeks went to $400.

I needed an acoustic electric as I was starting to play in a worship band (always used my cheezy cheap electrics for that up to this point).

I went and talked to the Hispanic pastor that owned the guitar, played it and bought the 1537 on the spot for $400.

Took it home and was crushed when my wife said "YOU PAID HOW MUCH for a DEFECTIVE guitar". Defective in that it didn't have one hole in the middle. As I looked at a backup on ebay and other locations, my wife now says, "Whatever you buy, it better not have just one hole in the middle". I think she has been won over. It has been my only Ovation and other than a couple of finish cracks and one pin head dent, she is still like new, and sings like an angel.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Mark in Boise
Posted 2005-11-30 12:58 PM (#127927 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12750

Location: Boise, Idaho
That's just wrong, Jeff. Having a 1537 as your first Ovation, for $400, would spoil you.
A friend came over last night and "jammed". Mostly I watched him play because he was so much better than me. He played my whole collection before he got to the 1537 and then didn't want to put it down.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Steve
Posted 2005-11-30 1:05 PM (#127928 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
July 2002
Posts: 1900

1971 Balladeer with case, from dad on my birthday. Receipt said $265...
Top of the page Bottom of the page
MrDano
Posted 2005-11-30 1:40 PM (#127929 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
May 2004
Posts: 338

Location: Toronto
Sunburst Elite 1768 bought new in 1997. Recently lent it to my mom - who decided to learn how to play at the age 68, started gigging at 71 and is now 'in demand' on the Legion/Retirement home circuit (she is an amazing yodeller).

I took my 2005 home a while ago to see if she would let me have my elite back but she wouldn't even consider it!
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Erniewan
Posted 2005-11-30 1:46 PM (#127930 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
June 2004
Posts: 375

Location: Rocky River, Ohio
Elite 1718-1 1989 model, loved it...sold it, wish I still had that one..
Top of the page Bottom of the page
fillhixx
Posted 2005-11-30 1:48 PM (#127931 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?



Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 4816

Location: Campbell River, British Columbia
So long ago, I can't remember clearly.

Played a friends Balladeer about '70-'71 (he still has it) and fell in love with....the volume! Loudest acoustic I'd ever heard. :eek:

First Ovation I found in a shop, I bought. Can't remember the model. It was a deep bowl, and had a thicker neck than the Balladeer, but it was loud. I was the loudest acoustic at any guitar-pull I showed up to....very important for a leadplayer wanna-be. ;)

Took it to Europe when I did the long haired hippie going to find himself thing. 40lb. pack and a 30lb guitar/case. Played with gypsies on the beach in Southern France and A Pink Floyd cover band in Dunkerque. Busked in the streets all over England & France.

I've collected a few different Os since then, but I actually miss my hair more than the guitars. Still have the case though!
:rolleyes:
Top of the page Bottom of the page
jumper
Posted 2005-11-30 3:37 PM (#127932 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 14

Location: Canada
Now this is interesting stuff. I only picked up the guitar over the last two years. I started with a cheap Segovia and have been moving on ever since. Not as bad as MrDano's mother starting at 68, but just goes to show you.....age has no boundries for guitar playing. I recently bought my first O. A Celebrity Deluxe CS245 12 string that I cannot put down. I have seen it bashed here and there and for the life of me cannot figure out why. I keep testing different 6 string O's, but cannot find anything I like better than my Godin.

Al ~ Tune In, Strum On ~
Top of the page Bottom of the page
bones
Posted 2005-11-30 5:55 PM (#127933 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 16

Location: fremont
My first OVATION was a CUSTOM BALLADEER but I had to trade it in for an OVATION 1990 COLLECTORS SERIES SHALLOW BOWL which I still have and its in brand new condition,but the action is way low .I need to have it adjusted.
DANTE""
:cool: :p :rolleyes:
--------------------
1990 collectors shallow bowl
Martin HD 28
Gibson Les Paul Custom
Gibson Les Paul VOODOO
Gibson SG 1961 Reissue
PRS Custom 22
American Strat Plus
American Custom Strat
EJ Strat
Warwick Corvette Stnd
Epiphone Lp Junior
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Stuart Rysdale [aka Driftwood]
Posted 2005-11-30 6:23 PM (#127934 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 140

Location: Spain
Celebrity C165 12 string had it since july 1998 gigged to death re-fretted once bridge is cracked and starting to lift and yet it still sounds great . Just got home from yet another gig to find my adamas ME is finally on it,s way damn Im looking forward to playing it!!!!!
Top of the page Bottom of the page
SusanV
Posted 2005-11-30 7:43 PM (#127935 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 42

Location: New York State
I'm loving reading all these stories. I already told about my first Ovation, but as for my first guitar....

When i was in 7th grade, another girl moved into my neighborhood and she and her entire family played guitar and sang. All the boys went ga ga over her and forgot i existed, so.... i did the only thing i could. Got a cheap-o guitar ( $12 at Western Auto!!!), and learned to play "House of the Rising Sun" and a couple others well enough that my Dad agreed to get me a "real" guitar ( a $40 Kent I had my eye on ). When we went to American Music Store in Jacksonville to get the Kent, The guy handed me a Gibson B-25, and even my Dad could hear and see the difference in it and the Kent. We left with the Gibson ($200 that my dad really shouldn't have spent), and I still have that '65 Gibson. As material possessions go, it's probably the dearest thing i own.

Susan
Top of the page Bottom of the page
BluesSailor
Posted 2005-11-30 7:45 PM (#127936 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 1132

Location: Parrish, FL
SusanV

.......you win!
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Weaser P
Posted 2005-11-30 7:52 PM (#127937 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 5327

Location: Cicero, NY
Great story, Susan, and your first song was mine as well. The guys in my neighborhood had a pretty decent band and I made up my mind that if I didn't learn to play something either real fast or real good (still woring on the real good part), all the girls would be taken and I'd be left with my snot nosed little brother. Well, the thought of hanging with Joey the rest of my life scared me straight into an Epiphone hollow body that I painted my dad's house for. Learned House of The Rising Sun, joined the band and raise holy heck in every garage that would let us in. The next year I traded that Epi for my first O and have it to this day. Ahh, good times.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
BluesSailor
Posted 2005-11-30 7:53 PM (#127938 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 1132

Location: Parrish, FL
Like CardinalFlyer my first O was a 1537. Bought from StephenT28 last July. Truely a fantastic instrument. That guitar convinced my wife enough that she didn't even flinch when I brought the Adamas II last month. On top of all that, I'm not all that great a player having just picked it up again after 20+ years. Hope to keep on playing for years to come and sample other flavors of O's (and others) along the way.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
ignimbyte
Posted 2005-11-30 8:20 PM (#127939 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
July 2004
Posts: 812

Location: Hicksville, NY
Originally posted by SusanV:
In my case, my husband is a musician (cellist), who is very appreciative of my little gaggle of guitars. To him of course, guitars are ridiculously cheap.... a decent cello is worth many times more than all my guitars put together! In fact, a decent bow runs into the thousands $$$. ACK :eek:

susan
I agree with you there Susan. My wife plays the violin, and just like your hubby's cello, her instrument costs more than all my guitars put together and that's not including the bow. She's been wanting to upgrade her current violin ... but

Lately, however, she took me to the shop where she's been GAS(ing) for an HD-28. Now I tried both the the D and the HD. Other than the aesthetics, I really couldn't tell the difference ... except for a few extra hundreds more for the added capital letter "H" Correct me if I'm wrong please?

At this point, I think I'm beginning to bend over the wife's wishes as I put mine on hold ...
Top of the page Bottom of the page
SusanV
Posted 2005-11-30 8:36 PM (#127940 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 42

Location: New York State
Originally posted by ignimbyte:

Lately, however, she took me to the shop where she's been GAS(ing) for an HD-28. Now I tried both the the D and the HD. Other than the aesthetics, I really couldn't tell the difference ... except for a few extra hundreds more for the added capital letter "H" Correct me if I'm wrong please?

[/QB]
The HD 28 has scalloped braces, which are supposed to let the top vibrate more freely. Also, the herringbone trim as you mentioned. Resale value will be more for the HD. The sound difference may well not be evident until it has some age on it? Not sure about that, or if the degree of difference is worth the price.

susan
Top of the page Bottom of the page
ignimbyte
Posted 2005-11-30 8:56 PM (#127941 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
July 2004
Posts: 812

Location: Hicksville, NY
Thanks for the immediate reply Susan. I might take a bashing from some members here, but I'm beginning to like that darn guitar too. Now, it'll just be a matter of time when she and I will come up with the funds to be able to make the purchase ...
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Old Applause Owner
Posted 2005-11-30 9:32 PM (#127942 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
July 2003
Posts: 1922

Location: Canton (Detroit), MI
From my experience playing them at Elderly and GC, the Martin HD-28 sounds significantly better than the D-28, even new. You can tell it has the scalloped braces.

FIRST OVATION???? It was the "old Applause" of my moniker...a 1976 Applause AA-14-4...purchased on January 31, 1977. Picture is in my gallery. I wanted an Ovation, and it was what I could afford right after I got out of college. I didn't realize for 26 years that it was built by the same company....I thought it was a "knock-off" (well, it was, but by the SAME COMPANY).

I like cwk2's first Ovation. No one can top that!!!!

Roger
Top of the page Bottom of the page
tragocaster
Posted 2005-11-30 10:13 PM (#127943 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
July 2005
Posts: 354

Location: Flushing, MI
My first "O"? It was an Applause. I remember that I was 18, so it must've been in 1979. I lugged that thing around caseless without mercy for a couple of years before trading it in and getting a cheap Yamaha.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
bones
Posted 2005-12-01 1:16 AM (#127944 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 16

Location: fremont
Hi Susan,
You have an awesome collection of vintage guitars and plus your 62 RI STRAT and MARTINS are just incredible instruments.I'm just wondering on how you are customizing your HD-28,
are your having MARTIN do this for you like made to order guitar,take care of those guitars''.
DANTE
:cool: :p :rolleyes:
---------------------------
1990 collectors shallow bowl
Martin HD 28
Gibson Les Paul Custom
Gibson Les Paul VOODOO
Gibson SG 1961 Reissue
PRS Custom 22
American Strat Plus
American Custom Strat
EJ Strat
Warwick Corvette Stnd
Epiphone Lp Junior
Top of the page Bottom of the page
dragonboy
Posted 2005-12-01 2:05 AM (#127945 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 111

Location: Southern California
It only took me 30 years after seeing my first Ovation to finally get one... I just welcomed a Melissa 12 string to the family :p

(I wish I could figure out how to paste a picture in this message... can anybody out there tell me how?)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
SusanV
Posted 2005-12-01 8:39 AM (#127946 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 42

Location: New York State
Originally posted by bones:
Hi Susan,
You have an awesome collection of vintage guitars and plus your 62 RI STRAT and MARTINS are just incredible instruments.I'm just wondering on how you are customizing your HD-28,
are your having MARTIN do this for you like made to order guitar,take care of those guitars''.
DANTE
Hi Dante,

You have a pretty awesome collection yourself. As for my Martin... I'm building it myself. I bought all the parts from Martin while at their factory, and handpicked my wood and other goodies. I had to take a break from working on it for a few years, but i'm about to get back to it now. I have a beautiful Engelmann spruce top, and I'm going to scallop the braces for the "HD" sound, as well as doing some custom inlays. Still planning... See more from me about this in the "Building your own guitar" thread, recent entries.

To keep this Ovation oriented.. :D ... I just sold my only Ovation, an Elite 12-string. I have no doubt though, (especially hanging around here) that i'll have another Ovation (or 2 or 3) in my future. I love them.

susan
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Slipkid
Posted 2005-12-01 9:19 AM (#127947 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?



Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301

Location: south east Michigan
Who is building my custom Martin???? Why....me........who else would do a thing like that???
....nice....

Okay....I admit that I paraphrased the quote.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
SusanV
Posted 2005-12-01 9:28 AM (#127948 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 42

Location: New York State
You mean... " Who else would do a crazy thing like that!"

ha!!! :D

Susan <---- has more nerve than sense
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Slipkid
Posted 2005-12-01 9:44 AM (#127949 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?



Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301

Location: south east Michigan
Susan....ya gotta think hard about attending the next factory tour. Your can't be to far away and it would knock your socks off.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Steve
Posted 2005-12-01 9:47 AM (#127950 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
July 2002
Posts: 1900

...Susan!, that brings back memories...I also had a 'Kent' guitar when I was a kid, terrible action but gave me great callouses...
Top of the page Bottom of the page
bones
Posted 2005-12-01 1:19 PM (#127951 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 16

Location: fremont
Susan,
You got great ideas on customizing your own
guitar.That'll turn out a one of a kind HD-28.

thanks""
DANTE
:cool: :p ;)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
SusanV
Posted 2005-12-01 3:00 PM (#127952 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 42

Location: New York State
Hey Steve... I swear i think I BLED, learning to play that 2x4 of a neck. Can you imagine how a small Gibson neck felt to me after that? maybe we should start a Kent fan club... or maybe not :cool:

Dante... Thanks. Looking forward to getting back to working on it.

Brad... When i went on the tour before, I was living in Florida, and on a working vacation up here... however.... now I live just a couple hours away! We're hoping to get over there very soon. I've never been to the Ovation Factory, but I did get a chance to tour the Taylor factory outside of San Diego. THAT was an awesome experience, too. It made such an imression that within 6 months I had bought a Taylor 712C.

susan
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Slipkid
Posted 2005-12-01 3:41 PM (#127953 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?



Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301

Location: south east Michigan
Susan, Susan, Susan....I did not mean the Martin tour. I meant the OFC factory tour! :D
Take a look in my photo gallery for some pics from last year.
BTW....I did the Martin tour last year on my way to the Ovation tour. It was interesting but the OFC tour is a completle different animal (as in llama). :rolleyes:
Top of the page Bottom of the page
SusanV
Posted 2005-12-01 5:23 PM (#127954 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 42

Location: New York State
Originally posted by Slipkid:
Susan, Susan, Susan....I did not mean the Martin tour. I meant the OFC factory tour! :D
ooooo sheesh.... :rolleyes:

yes, of course i knew that ::: clearing throat ::::

I would LOVE to see the Ovation factory. Of course that would mean I'd get the bug to own another one. Wouldn't that be just awful?

susan :p
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Beal
Posted 2005-12-01 7:04 PM (#127955 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?



Joined:
January 2002
Posts: 14127

Location: 6 String Ranch
Better than a Taylor......
Come on over in May, You'll like it!
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Jeff K
Posted 2005-12-01 8:48 PM (#127956 - in reply to #127882)
Subject: Re: What was your first Ovation?


Joined:
August 2005
Posts: 130

My first Ovation was/is a Breadwinner Limited.



with an Ebony truss rod cover by MWoody:



It sounds wonderful, but the neck and my fretting hand never worked well together. I'm sending it in to the Mothership tomorrow (didn't get to the local FedEx handler last night) for a checkup and tuneup before I offer it to the Xmas crowd.

When the need for an acoustic arises, the first thing I'll look into will be an Adamas.
Top of the page Bottom of the page