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Joined:
February 2007
Posts: 57
Location: North Oregon Coast | For those of you who own, or have owned Celebrity models and the other standard models (Legend, Elite, Balladeer, etc.), what is the difference? Why are Celebrity's cheaper? Now I know why the Laminated wood Celebrity's would be cheaper and probably wouldn't sound as good, but what about the Celebrity models that have solid wood tops? What is the biggest reason for such a big price difference? Construction? Cheap materials? Playability (if so, why?)?
Thanks! |
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Joined:
November 2006
Posts: 3969
| Originally posted by 'O'Well:
What is the biggest reason for such a big price difference? Same as for any manufacturer like Martin/Sigma series, Takamine/Jasmine series, etc.
1. Labor costs
2. More automation/less handwork = lower QC checks
3. Simplified construction (e.g. 1-piece vs. 5-piece necks)
4. Cheaper hardware
5. Less pricey woods |
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Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6268
Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | 6. Unplugged tonal quality
The Celebs fit a needed niche. But IMO they do not possess the true 'Ovation' quality, tone and craftsmanship. No, I'm not an 'US O' snob; just an owner of two of 'em, in fact my first two Kaman guitars.
If a Celeb catches your eye and is within your budget, then go fer it. But keep in mind that in the present market, you have a great chance of purchasing at least twice the instrument by buying a used 'US O' at comparable prices.
Just my  ... |
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Joined:
June 2007
Posts: 3084
Location: Brisbane Australia | Well I just bought a new Celebrity CSE44 here in Oz for a super good price.
It's a solid spruce top, mid bowl, OP30 preamp.
I have an Idea preamp on it's way from Al (thanks mate) and didn't want to "chop up" one of my current guitars to fit it in.
It is due to arrive today so will be an interesting comparison.
As for the price difference?
What G8R said.
AJ |
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Joined:
September 2008
Posts: 1281
Location: Ohio | From watching the conversation here for a while, it seems like the "I want to drive an american made card and not an import."
I have a Celeb Deluxe and I LOVE it. Ruby burst, flamed maple( I know, laminated top)
I play mostly folk, fingerpicking, and some pick, and for my use, a great instrument. I don't have the disposable cash like is seems some of the member do to collect instruments (saving for a sailboat and ALMOST there). What I have, I play, There will be a 12 string added later on, but not sure what. I just played an Ibanez 12 that knocked my socks off, but we'll see.
Personal preference....yes, Play what sounds good to you!
Steve |
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Joined:
May 2008
Posts: 4996
Location: Phoenix AZ | I could care less where it's made. I own guitars from America, Japan and Texas.
The one comment I would make about celebs in general, other than the sound, is that the fret work is usually pretty shoddy. I'm generally not attracted to guitars that draw blood.
Whether or not you like the sound of a celeb is personal preference. |
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Joined:
November 2006
Posts: 3969
| Originally posted by Gallerinski:
I could care less where it's made. I own guitars from America, Japan and Texas. Likewise (except no Texas yet - does that mean Texas is a foreign country?), and add Canada for me. Play what sounds good to you and what you can afford. |
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Joined:
February 2009
Posts: 262
Location: VENISE-EN-QUEBEC CANADA | I wouldn't say Snob but quality=$$$, I understand that a 3000.00$ guitar is worth that because of it's quality.Im from CANADA and here whe have Boucher Guitar's hand made in Quebec(wow)i went to STEVE Musique in montreal to try one,get this medium string that were going to carve my soft finger but no this thing play'd so eazy I was amaze but (2700.00$)i owne 3 Ovation for that price and my Elite 1778LX as very good playability and it sound's awsome.and my KOREA celeb. CS257 when plug in doe's the job, E.Z. to play and sound great to, so if you try a guitar and it feel's good and sound good buy it it's for you
that my 2 cent's Canadian fund :D
Daniel |
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Joined:
July 2003
Posts: 3111
Location: Nashville TN. | Celbs are a alot of guitar for the money.
But ultimately you get what you pay for. |
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Joined:
March 2007
Posts: 843
Location: CA | I may be wrong but it seems to me the line may be blurring. With this new 'tone machine' or whatever it is in the Ovation tour video that 'measures' top vibration — thus allowing builders to build more efficient bracing — you could get a lot better sound out of a Celeb than you used to. I always sample the Ovations at GC and I have to say some of the new Celebs sound REALLY good. Even laminated ones. Plus the abalone sound hole ring on the center-holers looks so much more classy than that ugly plastic thing that the US models still get. |
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Celebs vs. other models
