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Joined:
August 2008
Posts: 16
Location: Connecticut | So I am at the homestretch of purchasing my first Ovation (I HOPE) and I have been looking at these particular models. I have played the an 1878t (super shallow?) and loved it. I have now come to all of you to give me your wise words on these guitars. Thanks and when I do decide I will let you know. |
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Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4061
Location: Utah | There are some differences between the 1778T and the GC178LX that are significant. The 1778T is a non-LX guitar, while the GC178LX is mostly an LX guitar.
The 1778T is a great guitar, and many folks here rank it as "the most bang for the buck" Ovation, which is saying a lot! It has a great sound and is really easy to play. IIRC it has the Op30 preamp, which a lot of folks like. Maybe Op40, basically the same thing as Op30. The downside of the T is the appearance if you don't like the industrial look. But the textured top is a critical ingredient to the unique and great sound of the T.
The GC178LX is Guitar Center's custom spec'd guitar that is almost a 1778LX. Go look at the price of that guitar and you'll see that the GC178LX is an excellent price indeed. The LX series have a different bracing pattern under the wood which is supposed to give a fuller, freer, clearer sound. The tone will be different than the 1778T, but not at all necessarily "better". The GC178LX has the OpPro preamp. Personally, I really like that preamp. Again, one is not necessarily better than the other, but each member here will have varied opinions on which is the best. All are excellent. THe OpPro has a nice tuner with a big bright display that I (middle aged eyes) prefer to the small lettering on the Op30 style preamp.
One significant item is that the neck on the GC178LX is the same as the neck on the 1778T. It is not a fully LX neck. Again, one is not better than the other, just different. Since both the guitars you are looking at have the same neck, it is not a factor. If you were to look at a fully LX guitar you will see that the neck is made a bit differently. But the T neck is a fine neck that will last a lifetime so don't think it is somehow lacking. For the price difference between the GC178LX and the regular 1778LX, the only thing that seems to be different is the neck.
The GC178LX may have an ebony fretboard and bridge, I can't remember, whereas the T has a rosewood.
IMO, the mid depth bowl is superior to the shallow bowl unless you are only going to play plugged in. The shallow bowl has a thin and unsatisfying acoustic sound, but is fine plugged in. Both the 1778T and the GC178LX have the mid bowl. If you played a shallow bowl you will like the sound of the mid a lot better.
If it were me, I'd choose based on price if there is a substantial difference. If they are within $50 or $100, I'd choose based on appearance preference. The tone will be a bit different between the two, but not startlingly so. Both will sound great. As always, the retailer is important too, so keep in mind what kind of after the sale service you might expect. Give Al a call at Lost Art Vintage. |
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Joined:
August 2008
Posts: 32
Location: Glendale, AZ | Yep. The GC178LX has an ebony fret board with no position markings on the face of the fret board. Just some small dots on the top side of the fret board.
Like several other new members here, I bought the GC178LX and I have been very happy with it. I have never played the 1778t and I can’t help you compare them. |
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Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | T's have Ebony fretboards... At least all my new ones do.
And I'm pretty sure my older one does, or it is so old and dirty that is Looks like Ebony. :p |
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Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4061
Location: Utah | OMA, right you are! I just looked at my daughters' guitars, a new 2078T and a 2 yr old 1778T-RedFlame, both have ebony fretboards. |
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Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | is mostly an LX guitar.
I don't get that. Are there hybrids out there??
Why only use part of the features?
An ebony fretboard is a "must have" option for me. |
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Joined:
August 2008
Posts: 16
Location: Connecticut | Thanks for the great comparison Flysig, and the rest of you!!! |
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Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4061
Location: Utah | Originally posted by Slipkid:
is mostly an LX guitar.
I don't get that. Are there hybrids out there??
Why only use part of the features?. |
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Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13994
Location: Upper Left USA | What makes an LX, an LX?
GS Bowl
ANS (Alternative Neck System) or Bolt on with Routed Pocket
Dual Truss Rod
Inlaid Epaulets or Soundhole Ring
Scalloped braces and "LX" bracing.
The Celebs and the "T"'s have Quintad bracing and single action truss rods.
My Quintad T sounds every bit as Thumpy as an LX and I can live with a single action Truss Rod because the necks are so good to begin with.
Take a look at the 2003 Collector and you will see the Quintad, single action Truss Rod, Inlaid Epaulet and a bolt on neck. |
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1778t vs. GC178LX
