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Joined:
July 2005
Posts: 17
| I've been itching to learn to play guitar all my life, however, I've found excuses along the way to keep from diving in. Well, no more excuses, I want to start now. I have a few questions about choosing a guitar and wanted the advice and opinions of Ovation fans.
This will be my first guitar, but I'm able to spend a bit more to get a quality instrument rather that buy a cheapie student guitar. My thought being that learning on a quality instrument would be a benefit as I get better at playing. Also, if for some unforseen reason, I decide that I can't dedicate the time to playing, I could sell the nicer guitar for as much as I paid for it.
Here is the guitar I'm considering. It is a L718 Elite lefty. It was described to me as gently and carefully played. Purchased in 1999, but the serial number dates it to 1995. Comes with case, extra strings, an additional gig bag and some other things. I think I could get this guitar for $400. Is this a good price? Is anyone familiar with this model?
Also, what should I look for when I examine the guitar? I'm going to try to get a friend of mine who plays to come with me, but he is a busy guy.
Also, do you think that the guitar will hold it's value, or should I not even be looking at a $400 guitar as a starting instrument. Is my logic sound?
Thanks,
Altaf |
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Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Check the Neck. it should be straight and square to the body. When you fret strings they sould not buzz. Check varoius strings over various frets along the entire length of the neck.
Also take tuner along and tune open strings to standard (EBGDAE) then fret the strings at the 12th fret to see if they hold the tuning (...same notes, just one octive higher)
The sound board should be flat with no significant waves dips bulges cracks...especially around the bridge.
Check the tuning machines. They should be smooth and hold to where you turn them under the stress of the string.
Plug it into an amp to check the electronics.
And bring that friend who knows guitars... |
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Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 2150
Location: Orlando, FL | Yeah, what Jeff said...
Definitely bring your friend, he'll be able to tell pretty quickly.
It's always best to learn on a quality instrument, it'll be easier to play and you'll enjoy the experience more.
Good luck and let us know how it goes! |
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Joined:
July 2005
Posts: 17
| Thanks for the replys so far. Any insight as to this particular model? Like I said, it caught my eye because it is a lefty. Is this the lefty equavalent to the 1718? If it is indeed in fine condition, is the price reasonable? Is it a bargain or close to what one would expect to pay? Thanks. |
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Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Yes, it is the lefty 1718 Elite. Elites are fine guitars. There are not many other guitars of that quality at that price. You're in the right price range. |
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Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 863
Location: Central Florida | Considering everything mentioned above pans out okay, I think $400 is an excellent price for that guitar--worth every penny and more. I just bought a used, albeit mint, lefty Elite a few months ago that was also built in '95 and paid almost double that price for it and I don't regret it a bit. Hope it works out for you.
Jeff |
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Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 1071
Location: Carle Place, NY | matics:
You are right in choosing a quality guitar to start on rather than a cheap learner's model. The 1718's are great guitars. That model is very similar to the much heralded 1537 Elite, a guitar that many on this site think is the ultimate in wood-topped Ovations. Bring your friend to look at it, do everything that Jeff recommends, and if it checks out BUY IT! If it's in good shape it's worth a lot more than $400. |
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Joined:
July 2005
Posts: 17
| Well, I'm going to go see the guitar tomorrow morning, however, the friend I was going to take to check out the guitar will be out of town. So, I'm going at it alone. I trust the person selling it, however, she is not a musician and the guitar belonged to her deceased husband. Looks like the blind will be leading the blind. I also don't have an amp to plug into to check out the electronics. I feel like I'm a bit over my head, but I think I really want this guitar considering its described condition as well as its reputation as an exceptional sounding Ovation. Any further advice? I talked to a local luthier who gave me some advice as to what glaring things to look out for. He also said he could check it out for me Sunday night. Just a little nervous I guess. Any last minute advice/encouragement? |
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Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Explain to the woman that you need to check out the electronics, etc., and ask for a 48 hour approval period.
Then talk to your luthier and have him look it over and check it out. |
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Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 2150
Location: Orlando, FL | Yeah, see if you can give her a deposit and let your luthier look it over, just like taking a used car to a mechanic before you buy it.
Good luck! Keep us posted. |
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Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | See above.
This guitar is worth it. |
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New member, new to guitar, need advice L718 lefty