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Joined:
February 2011
Posts: 14
Location: Philadelphia | I am looking to buy a new Ovation Legend or Custom Legend. I have three guitars from which I'm choosing. I have to buy the damn thing on line however, because there is no place in the Philadelphia area that actually has these guitars in stock. I've played the Celebrity Series only.
I am an amatuer singer/songwriter. I play guitar well enough to accompany myself. I tend to be a loud singer and need a guitar that will hold up to my voice. I don't "back off" as many other vocalists do on acoustic versions of rock songs.
Up until this time, I've played a Rosewood Martin DC16. I've grown tired of the bassy, bordering on dark sound of that guitar and it is for sale. I fell in love with my 12 so I am switching to Ovation.
I have three guitars I am choosing from. I believe that these are all contour bowl guitars. I would like to buy new to get the warranty. I think I need the biggest bowl I can get:
Legend 2077LX
http://www.ovationguitars.com/guitars/product/legend_2077lx
Elite 2078LX
http://www.ovationguitars.com/guitars/product/elite_2078lx
Custom Legend 2079LX (if i want to spend a couple hundred extra)
http://www.ovationguitars.com/guitars/product/custom_legend_c2079lx
My question is this, since I can't find one to actually try out, what is the difference sonically between the elite and legend model? As an aside, does the custom legend sound better than the legend or is it just prettier?
Which one is best for a big strummer like me? I like a guitar that has a big sound and projects the bass without overpowering the higher notes.
I trust the advice I get here. Thanks in advance
rick |
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Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Have you contacted AL _@_ LostArtVintageGuitars?
He is one of the moderators of this forum.
I don't think he is that far from Philly and has a tremendous selection of Ovation/Adamas to choose from.
Bought many guitars from Al and never been disappointed. |
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Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 5881
Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | You are so in luck, Rick! See Stephen's message and contact Al. He is an authorized Ovation dealer so he carries both new and used, and most of his guitar inventory appears on his website. Like Stephen, I've purchased through Al on numerous occasions, all new, and never been disappointed. In fact, there's one coming for me on the truck as I write this. Personally, I go more for the Elite style over the round hole models, and typically with the Adamas line, but like a lot of other members on these forums, my interests in guitars extends far beyond Ovation. Keep us posted how it works out for you. |
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Joined:
March 2008
Posts: 2683
Location: Hot Springs, S.D. | The 2077LX is one of my favorite guitars. It doesn't have a booming bass, but it has the most bell-like, sparkling trebles I have ever heard. Even when strumming, each note is heard individually. I've been playing Ovations since the 70's, and out of all the wood-tops, this is my favorite of all time.
If you want to spend a bit more, Al Pep has some 1581 Adamas' at incredibly low prices. These guitars are perfectly balanced. The bass is deep and rich, and the trebles are bright and clear. It is also the LOUDEST guitar I have ever owned - louder than any Martin or Gibson. Another good thing about the Adamas is they are as rugged as a guitar gets, and will hold up to any gigging situation AND weather situation you are likely to find. If you get one of these you will never need another guitar. (You may WANT more guitars, just like the rest of us, but it will serve all of your six-string needs forever.)
Go take a ride and see Al. You'll get to try a bunch and make a good choice. |
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Joined:
May 2006
Posts: 4236
Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent | I'll agree with the others. If you want to try before you buy, it's worth the trip to Lost Art Vintage Music (Al's store). That way you can decide for yourself.
BTW, thou shalt post pics of whatever you end up with right? ;) |
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Joined:
February 2011
Posts: 14
Location: Philadelphia | I went to see Al. I wrongly assumed that he had an actual retail store. Not the case. I learned that after driving all of the way there. My bad... argh. |
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Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | Well... That's too bad but don't give up on Al.
He's got more Ovations in stock than you can shake a stick at.
And, when you DO hook up you'll have a chance to play some Adami that sooner or later, you'll own.
Good idea looking for a cannon that can work with your voice.
It's not like you can just turn a knob on an amp. |
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Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | I have to admit I laughed a little when I read it.
Sorry. |
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Joined:
September 2004
Posts: 777
Location: East Wenatchee, WA | I have a 2078LX I bought used (looked like new) and it is my main go to guitar now. Very clear and loud with strong bass and treble. I leave my 2008 Adamas collector at home a lot to preserve it, but the 2078 is so good, that I don't really miss the 2008. It is a narrow neck vs. the wide nut of the collector if that matters.
This will generate some cat calls, but I like the 2078 as much as my former 1537. Not quite as mellow or woody sounding, but the Op-pro is wonderful and the guitar plays like an electric action wise. I have grown to love the contour bowl. It is way heavier than the collector, but I can live with that. |
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Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 4536
Location: Flahdaw | Originally posted by rickypaul:
I went to see Al. I wrongly assumed that he had an actual retail store. Not the case. I learned that after driving all of the way there. My bad... argh. Whether he has a store or not, he's got the guitars on hand that you're NOT gonna find in a store. And they are fully warranted. Look at his inventory on line, make an appointment, go see him, and buy the one or two that slays you. |
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Joined:
February 2011
Posts: 14
Location: Philadelphia | Thanks for all your advice. While I would like to have gone to see Al, it is a bit out of the way for me. I am also generally opposed to buying a guitar a la ebay where I don't get to play it. I ended up buying a 2005 1771lx Standard Balladeer (pre fender, american) that sounds amazing.
My wife said she was partial to my Martin, however in a blind test when asked which sound she preferred, she picked the ovation.
Anyway, it is in perfect condition, the neck is amazingly suite and a joy to play. It is a Cherry Burst and it came with the hardshell case and all the case candy for five bills from a local music store. (haggled him down from six). Thats where my budget was and I got an amazing guitar for a third of the price that I paid for my Martin.
r |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15680
Location: SoCal | Congrats! I love a story with a happy ending.
Oddly enough, a lot of people, when they listen with their ears instead of the preconceived notions, like the sound of Ovations a lot..... |
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Another Newb Question - Need Advice
