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Location: Parrish, FL | I've been reading through several different threads that have all mentioned the sound of the Elite 1537 favorably comparing to or exceeding nearly any other Ovation or Adamas that has been made. The last was a comment comparing the 1537 to a W597.
Are these comparisons made with respect to the value (sound quality per $ spent) of this model compared to more expensive models or 'best' regardless of cost. A notible exception mentioned was the FD-14.
My 1537 is a remarkable guitar. It definately runs high in the quality/value/sound for the $$ category IMHO. I've not had the opportunity to play or hear it's higher pedigreed cousins. Those that have an impressive stable or have had a chance to make the comparison are encouraged to respond.
This thread may not enlighten me and may end up a discussion of ice cream flavors, but will be interesting nontheless.
BluesSailor |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | For me the reference is (sorry) Martin. My D18VS 12fret slothead is the reference against which all others get measured and it's the "definition" of what I think a guitar should sound like. Think CSN&Y or James Taylor. The 1537 has a great woody sound and is very martin-like. The FD14 even more so. That's why I love them. The AI and AII (and re-issues and U681) take this to another level. The U681 may be the best of the lot. Dave |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | 1537 will hold its own on all counts with any other O or A and any other guitar at 3times the price.
I've walked into a room with folks playing the 1537, Thinking they must be playing my U681T...an quell surprise...it's the 1537
I really have noticed, now playing the Lowden alot, how much more the sound is out front in an O or A. They sound very different from behind, as opposed to the Lowden which sounds much more similar front to back.... |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | The 1537 is just plain good. Not to get into the ice cream thing but it's in the premium, sold only by the pint range, regardless of the flavor. |
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Location: Parrish, FL | it's in the premium, sold only by the pint range, umm, that would make it the Starbucks coffee flavor of guitars
Blues |
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Location: Parrish, FL | The AI and AII (and re-issues and U681) take this to another level. Dave,
Can you expand on this comment? How are the AI/AII/reissues/U681 comparable/different/better/inferior(?)
Thanks,
Blues |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | I think he is refering to the use and application of plastic.... |
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Location: Tennessee | Not to be contrary, but I don't think my 1537 sounds like a Martin at all. It sounds like an Ovation to me. Maybe an unbelievably great Ovation, but an O nonetheless.
For me, I the whole scene depends on what I'm playing. A lot of the stuff I've played on my O's over the years don't sound right on the Martin. On the other hand, I'm playing stuff on the Martin that has never been the forte of the O's. And to be honest, the phenomenon occurs between Ovations, too. For those with multiple Martins, Taylors, Collings, Santa Cruz, etc., I bet the same thing happens.
Every guitar model seems to have it's own unique voicing. Knockoffs can imitate that sound and that's why a Takamine can be compared to a Martin, but a D-18 has a different sound than a D-28 or D-35.
The place to get to is to make each guitar sing sweetly by playing the things that accentuate the tone and voicing, and stay away from those things that the guitar is not up to. We all get bigoted about other guitar makes when we play our favorite songs and it just doesn't sound good on a highly-touted or high-priced guitar. It's like trying to play "Walk Don't Run" on a Les Paul ... no matter what you do it will never sound like it does on your Strat. That doesn't make the Les Paul an inferior instrument.
This is all the more reason to have more guitars. :) And since it is premium ice cream, sign me coldstonebobbo. |
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Location: Zion, Illinois | Originally posted by stonebobbo:
Not to be contrary, but I don't think my 1537 sounds like a Martin at all. It sounds like an Ovation to me. Maybe an unbelievably great Ovation, but an O nonetheless.
For me, I the whole scene depends on what I'm playing. A lot of the stuff I've played on my O's over the years don't sound right on the Martin. On the other hand, I'm playing stuff on the Martin that has never been the forte of the O's. And to be honest, the phenomenon occurs between Ovations, too. For those with multiple Martins, Taylors, Collings, Santa Cruz, etc., I bet the same thing happens.
Every guitar model seems to have it's own unique voicing. Knockoffs can imitate that sound and that's why a Takamine can be compared to a Martin, but a D-18 has a different sound than a D-28 or D-35.
The place to get to is to make each guitar sing sweetly by playing the things that accentuate the tone and voicing, and stay away from those things that the guitar is not up to. We all get bigoted about other guitar makes when we play our favorite songs and it just doesn't sound good on a highly-touted or high-priced guitar. It's like trying to play "Walk Don't Run" on a Les Paul ... no matter what you do it will never sound like it does on your Strat. That doesn't make the Les Paul an inferior instrument.
This is all the more reason to have more guitars. :) And since it is premium ice cream, sign me coldstonebobbo. You know, I talked you into buying my 1537 by saying it sounding like a Martin. As you now know, I lied. I am so sorry. I just ain't no good! I'm a baaaaaaaaad boy!
Please ship it back to me and I'll refund every dime! |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | and we all know that black 1537's sound better than the natural ones :D |
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Location: Tennessee | Jeez, I'm sorry Bradley. I'd love to, but lady stonebobbo would never hear of it. She has told me on many occasions I must keep the 1537 because it is just so beautiful, especially since it's natural and not black. ;) |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Stoney, I think she said "in spite of the fact that it is natural and not black" :rolleyes: |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Originally posted by BluesSailor:
How are the AI/AII/reissues/U681 comparable/different/better/inferior(?) To my ears I am hard pressed to hear any difference between AI and AII. Differences are cosmetic only. I have not heard the AI or AII re-issues but my bet is that they sound every bit as good (if not better) than the originals. I have played the U681 side by side with several AII and it has a much sweeter sound - more open and ringing, more delicate, and louder - all at the same time. To me, the U681 is the best sounding Ovation I have ever played. Others will disagree with me, that's OK. In a broad sense, I've never played a textured top Adamas (AI, AII or U) that I didn't like. As far as wood topped Ovations, there is no competition for the FD14. Yet. Dave |
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1537 Sound
