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Joined:
August 2004
Posts: 604
Location: Tampa, FL | Of those in this august group that have had the opportunity to play one of the early shiny bowl Ovations, how would you compare them to contemporary models?
Do they age well?
Are they merely historical curiosities?
Is there good reason to go out of one's way to get one as player?
Or should I shut up and go read the latest post on P's thread du jour? |
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Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 6202
Location: Phoenix AZ | I've posted often on my feelings about the shiny bowls. Some people love them, some people don't. Seems like no middle ground. The combination of sound, looks, historical significance, cool-factor, whatever ... just attracts me to them. But you'd never know THAT by looking at my collection, would you? Next years re-issues should be interesting. Dave |
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March 2002
Posts: 15682
Location: SoCal | I own 2 shiny bowls, a 67 Deluxe Balladeer and a 68 GC DB. The problems with the shiny bowls is that by now they are all closing in on 40 years old. Almost all guitars of that age need help. With the shiny bowls it's usually split tops, rosettes that are pulling away from the top, and high action necessitating a neck reset (bowl bend in Ovation speak).
As to sound, they have their own voice. Think of the new LX's with an edge to them (a little less refined). I love them, but that's just me..... |
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December 2003
Posts: 13997
Location: Upper Left USA | "Think of the new LX's with an edge to them (a little less refined). I love them, but that's just me"
I think I understand Paul. Although not a shiny Bowl the 1112-1 is a 74 and not too far off the material and seasoning of years. It is the lightest of all my guitars and has it's own distinct feel and sound.
Are the Shiny Bowls and early Balladeers that far apart in how they were made?
I have heard you mention how the early CB's compared to Legends as well.
M(it's good to talk about guitars again)Woody |
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August 2003
Posts: 4619
Location: SoCal | I have the small soundhole 1968 12-str Balladeer...basically, at least to me, it plays and sounds similar to my GC 1118 and my two Custom Legend 1658's - all slotheads. That means it is a great guitar.
As to attraction, shiny bowl and age. |
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Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 6202
Location: Phoenix AZ | Simple analogy (maybe). 66 Mustang vs. 05 Mustang. |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15682
Location: SoCal | More specifically, a 64 1/2 Mustang fastback with a 289 vs. a 2005 Mustang GT. The 2005 is a better car in every way shape and form. But the 64 1/2 puts a huge smile on my face every time.
I want one of each. |
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August 2003
Posts: 4619
Location: SoCal | Ok, I can relate to that...
as far as the new Mustang...front end good, rear is a "what??" failure. haven't seen any reason to abandon the '98 GT convert. guess I like a rounded tail. ;) |
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Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 6202
Location: Phoenix AZ | '68 GC shiny bowl vs. '05 Collector. Actually, to me they sound surprisingly similar. '05 Collector cost me less money. Dave |
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Joined:
August 2004
Posts: 604
Location: Tampa, FL | I'd like to thank all for their opinions. One of the great things about this place is that availability of impressions from others with no vested interest and only a 'slight' :rolleyes: bias. |
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Shiny Bowl Question
