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Joined:
July 2011
Posts: 6
| ive decided to buy a used ovation guitar (due to a shortage of funds, and have decided on an elite as they seem to have the best balance of low price with high quality.I have found it hard to find any unbiased reviews, so, My question is- should i get an elite, an elite "standard" (whatever that is), or an elite T, or even the new elite "d scale". Any kind of guidance here would be helpful especially as to whether the older range of elites (with two sets of wood inlayed soundholes), or the newer Elite T series (simple black/grey finish with only bass side soundholes) is better/not much different?And anyone know anything about how good the elite T d-scale is? Thanks a lot! |
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Joined:
April 2010
Posts: 1227
Location: Connersville, Indiana | I have a 6868 Elite Standard, SSB. I know it's not one of the top end guitars. But everywhere I have played it people ask about it because it looks an sounded so good. I have used it when recording most of my songs. I love it and will never get rid of it. Hope that helps. |
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Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | I'd suggest you avoid the shallow bowl. There are some gems out there but bye & large they sound pretty thin. (thin...get it?)
The d scale is interesting. There's one hanging in the shop around here.
With so much production recently moving off shore I don't have a feel for what is what anymore. |
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Joined:
May 2009
Posts: 364
Location: Bellevue, Washington | As far as elites go, it seems the cheapest ones around are always the elite T models. Personally I'm not a huge fan of them as far as sound goes but I know a lot of folks on here love them. Talk to Old Man Arthur about them, he may even offer up a sweet paint job! ;)
Otherwise personally I'm a big fan of the 80's elite models which can usually be found in the 600 dollar range.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Ovation-1718-Elite-12-Sound-Holes-w-Original-H-...
The 1718 is a very nice guitar for the money, that sunburst on eBay is a pretty decent deal for a "vintage" elite model. I may have a natural 1718 for right around the same price range if you're interested in one of those and can't snag this one! |
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Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 1249
Location: Texas | I just sold a mint 2005 LX on ebay for 600 here
I prefer the older (70'ish) ovations, but I would have to admit that this mid depth had a very nice ring and depth to the sound.
If you have the cash...it is a great time to be in the market. good luck |
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Joined:
September 2005
Posts: 3619
Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | 1. 1537 (Deep Bowl)
2. 1987 Collector's (Deep Bowl)
3. 2007BCS Collector's (Deep Bowl)
4. 1768 (Deep Bowl)
5. 1996 "Book" (Medium Bowl)
In order ... Just MY opinion. |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15676
Location: SoCal | Originally posted by bvince:
1. 1537 (Deep Bowl)
2. 1987 Collector's (Deep Bowl)
3. 2007BCS Collector's (Deep Bowl)
4. 1768 (Deep Bowl)
5. 1996 "Book" (Medium Bowl)
In order ... Just MY opinion. I'd put the 87C ahead of the 1537 and the book was a deep bowl, but the top three on that list are, in my opinion, the top 3 Elite configuration Ovations.
I'd look at an Elite T. They have surprisingly good sound for a mid depth bowl and a top that's been covered in spackle. Very good guitars..... |
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Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4065
Location: Utah | I have a 6778lx. Two daughters have 3 Ts between them.
I really like the LX. For the money it is a bargain. After having owned a number of Ovations I still own and play the 6778lxx.
My daighter's guitars are seriously excellent guitars. There are some differences to be aware of. The T guitars have maple necks with ebony fretboards. The LX has the 5 piece neck with rosewood fretnoards. The T top has a textured top. It is a bit industrial and some people don't like it. The texture is one of the ingredients of the superb tone of the T.
They are all good. Just find the flavor most appealing. |
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Joined:
December 2005
Posts: 247
Location: Seacoast NH | I've had my Elite 6768 (deep body model) since I bought it new in 1994, and I absolutely love that guitar. It's been through hell over the years, and aside from a few dings or scuffs it still sounds and plays as well today as it did 17 years ago. I have also received many compliments on this guitar over the years from educated players. The deep bowl makes a huge difference on projection and low end in my opinion. You can probably find one of these used for under $500. I can't say enough good things about this particular model... |
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Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4065
Location: Utah | Look for a USA guitar if you're buying used. Don't rule out the Balladeer traditional round hole guitars unless you are determined to have the Elite style. You can find early Ovations for stupid low prices. |
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Joined:
February 2002
Posts: 5750
Location: Scotland | My personal recommendation would be to avoid any new offshore-made Ovation product. They are vastly inferior to their US-made counterparts and a used US-made example can be bought for around the same or less than a new import. Or spend a little more and but a NOS USA guitar from a reputable dealer. Why support a company like Fender while they continue to purchase USA brands in a predatory manner, and the evidence suggests their sole motivation is to shut them down. Just research their track record - Hamer, Ovation, Tacoma , Charvel, Jackson, Gretsch, SWR, etc etc.... |
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Joined:
November 2004
Posts: 367
Location: Eaton, Indiana | I agree with Paul. American made Ovations are the best. Experience speaking here.
scott lamperd b c (before computers) |
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Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 2985
Location: Sydney, Australia | Of the elites I've played, the 2007 BCS Collectors floats my boat the most. Look for US made (they are just better), deep or contour bowl (fuller sound) and then get the one out of those that looks nicest (helps with the bonding process). |
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Joined:
July 2011
Posts: 6
| thanks guys this helped- its clear that whilst the older elites are considered a little better in terms of sound, there isn't much difference. I think I'll save up and get ean elite T! :) |
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Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | Uh... You really haven't read what people are writing, huh?
The older ones are considered much better in terms of sound as well as construction.
But get what you want.
The point that many were making, and I learnt the hard way, is the you might be able to get a Used USA Ovation for the same or less than you would pay for a New Korean Ovation...
Real Elite T's are getting scarce...
You can find a factory 2nd TX for <$500... But it isn't a T. |
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Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4065
Location: Utah | Originally posted by Old Man Arthur:
Uh... You really haven't read what people are writing, huh?
The older ones are considered much better in terms of sound as well as construction. I think the bottom line from what is posted is that there is a large variety of really good used USA guitars at really good prices. The more variety of O's and A's that I play the more I believe that they each have their own strengths. I couldn't say one was better quality than the other. |
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Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | When I say Older I mean before 2008½ :D |
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Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4065
Location: Utah | Originally posted by Old Man Arthur:
When I say Older I mean before 2008½ :D Now that is 100% true. |
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September 2005
Posts: 3619
Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | USA ... All the way... better play... lower pay
...Smarter purchase at the end of the day.
(: ... but it's your decision anyway. |
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Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 5567
Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | I have owned and played Elites for over 25 years...cross section of many different models including most of what is listed above as the top 5...I have owned both deep bowl, medium bowl, and SSB models and most have been outstanding guitars...I still play out with a 30th Anniv 12 SSB and it gets rave reviews from most all who hear and see it. I moved up a few years ago to Adamas models as my main stage guitars and am very spoiled with them...however, you cannot go wrong with a USA made Elite. Best wishes with your decision. |
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Joined:
August 2009
Posts: 1137
Location: Germany, where delicious wine is growing (Rheinh) | Originally posted by bvince:
1. 1537 (Deep Bowl)
2. 1987 Collector's (Deep Bowl)
3. 2007BCS Collector's (Deep Bowl)
4. 1768 (Deep Bowl)
5. 1996 "Book" (Medium Bowl)
In order ... Just MY opinion. I agee, I never had a 87C, 1768, or "Book", also never played one of them, but I've two good fiends who are owning 2007C's, really good guitars and I'm the lucky owner of a 2010C. (2078LE-AS). In MY opinion it must also be placed in this top-5 list. In MY opinion it sounds better as a 2007C and my 1537.
As said: My opinion!!
Bernie |
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Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6995
Location: Jet City | Originally posted by bvince:
5. 1996 "Book" (Medium Bowl)
If you're referring to a 1768-7LTD, the "Book" is a deep bowl.
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Joined:
July 2005
Posts: 1609
Location: Colorado | 1537 - or 1547 if you are lucky....sunburst! |
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need help choosing an elite
