The Ovation Fan Club
The Ovation Fan Club
Forum Search | Statistics | User Listing Forums | Calendars | Albums | Language
Your are viewing as a Guest. ( logon | register )

Random quote: "Ovation Guitars really don't get the respect they deserve!" - Alex Pepiak



Jump to page : 1
Now viewing page 1 [25 messages per page]
Mid vs. Shallow

View previous thread :: View next thread
   Forums Archive -> The Vault: 2002-2003Message format
 
Alina
Posted 2002-10-07 12:49 PM (#217535)
Subject: Mid vs. Shallow


Joined:
October 2002
Posts: 56

When I registered on this site (this morning) I was sure that I wanted a shallow-body. I read lots of articles in the forum archive, and now I am not so sure. Here are a few questions: [Please realize that I am not looking for the finest quality, best sounding, professional guitar on Earth. I am looking for something that sounds decent and is easy to play - just for personal enjoyment an a few tunes for my wife and kids.]

1) Everyone says that the shallow-body does not sound great unplugged. Can someone try to quantify? What sounds different? I been playing the same noname junk guitar for over 15+ years. Would it take a "real" musician to hear the difference between shallow and mid, or it there something really strange about the sound of the shallow?

2) I am looking for nice low action. Does the body size have any impact on this?

3) Are the shallow-bodies more prone to neck problems? (One of the posts in the forum archive mentioned this.)
4) The mid-body is 5 1/2" and the deep is 6". This does not seem like enough of a difference to warrant making a whole different series of guitars. What am I missing? (PS. Shallow body is 4")

5) Should I be concerned about buying a NEW guitar without being able to play it first (catalog/online)? How about a USED one?

6) Is the quality much lower on the Celebrity line (Korean made)?

Sorry for all the questions. This is a great forum. Thanks for all your help.

Alina
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Norseman1
Posted 2002-10-07 1:14 PM (#217536 - in reply to #217535)
Subject: Re: Mid vs. Shallow


Joined:
May 2002
Posts: 1026

Location: Back in the Valley of the Sun Mesa Az.
The resonance is not as great with a shallow vs. mid. If you are used to a lower end guitar, either will sound great. I personally like the deep bowls, with medium strings for a full, rich tone.

The Korean made CS257's (Celebrity) play very nice, and have a low action like an electric solid body. I would be concerned about the quality of an Applause, just from what I've heard (never played one). If I were you, I would look for a USA made Ovation, or if I was going to go with a Celebrity, I would pick the CS257. This is just personal preference though.

Whatever you decide, I would play a few different style Ovations for sure, and definitely play the one you buy before buying! I have went against my own advice buying one on e-bay, and am very happy with it, but I sweated bullets until I actually played it!

Ovation is a quality product. If your considering buying used to keep within your budget(as I did) I would look for a USA made "O" for sure.

Good Luck!

Norse(I'm sure you'll be happy with an Ovation, whichever model you choose)man1

[ October 07, 2002: Message edited by: Norseman1 ]

[ October 07, 2002: Message edited by: Norseman1 ]
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Paul Templeman
Posted 2002-10-07 1:50 PM (#217537 - in reply to #217535)
Subject: Re: Mid vs. Shallow


Joined:
February 2002
Posts: 5750

Location: Scotland
The supershallows are intended as electro-acoustics. If you play mainly plugged-in at high volume buy a super-shallow, but don't expect the same acoustic performance as a mid or deep-bowl.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
alpep
Posted 2002-10-07 5:13 PM (#217538 - in reply to #217535)
Subject: Re: Mid vs. Shallow


Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10582

Location: NJ
mid is best for un plugged sound.
if you have a good relationship with a vendor there is no reason not to buy mailorder etc.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Rich
Posted 2002-10-07 11:27 PM (#217539 - in reply to #217535)
Subject: Re: Mid vs. Shallow


Joined:
July 2002
Posts: 150

Location: Minneapolis, MN
Alina,
This site really is a good source for information for all things Ovation- I've learned quite a bit from the folks that hang around here.
I have a shallow bowl CS-257 and a deep bowl Balladeer(an old one)... for unplugged sound, I prefer the Balladeer. From what I understand, Ovation doesn't make deep bowls anymore, just mid-depth (correct me if I'm wrong here fellow Ovationists). So you'd have to go used if you're in the market for a deep bowl- used USA made deep bowls on ebay, for example, are usually cheaper than any of the new korean/japanese made Ovations.
As for my CS257 Celebrity (which I haven't managed to part with yet ;) ) is more comfortable playing, and when it's plugged in it's terrific... I just happen to do most of my playing unplugged. Just my humble opinion, hope it helps!

**Just realized you wanted to know about MID vs Shallow :D Chalk this one up as one for the archives LOL**

[ October 07, 2002: Message edited by: Rich ]
Top of the page Bottom of the page
TK17
Posted 2002-10-08 10:31 PM (#217540 - in reply to #217535)
Subject: Re: Mid vs. Shallow


Joined:
August 2002
Posts: 110

I own a shallow bowl cs257. It sounds great and is very easy to play. Although deeper bowls would sound fuller, a shallow bowl wouldn't disapoint you. My advice is: buy whatever you like, BUT make sure it's an Ovation~!
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Woz
Posted 2002-10-09 8:59 AM (#217541 - in reply to #217535)
Subject: Re: Mid vs. Shallow


Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 389

Location: RI. That small State out East
It's always nice to play something first. That said... ebay has had some real nice guitars that make you go against your better judgement. A "nice" used Ledgend or above can be found on ebay for $400 to $500. Add $100.00 for your local guitar repair shop who will adjust the action, clean it, and put a new set of strings on it. Don't forget to add the anxiety, the waiting, and worry...
I'm a mid & deep body fan. The Ovation feel is the best. You can't go wrong.
Woz
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Brian
Posted 2002-10-09 3:46 PM (#217542 - in reply to #217535)
Subject: Re: Mid vs. Shallow


Joined:
August 2002
Posts: 41

Location: Boston MA
You should try to play them find what you like then look on ebay mid vs s/s the mid to deep bowls have a full sound, but you have to get use to the bowl s/s are closer to your body, try both, I have a mid Elite and the sound is nice and deep unplugged. Think that what ever you get should be an Ovation!!

Brian
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Jump to page : 1
Now viewing page 1 [25 messages per page]
Jump to forum :
Search this forum
Printer friendly version
E-mail a link to this thread

This message board and website is not sponsored or affiliated with Ovation® Guitars in any way.
Registered to: The Ovation Fanclubâ„¢ Copyright (c) 2001
free counters
(Delete all cookies set by this site)