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Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 7
Location: out west, up high, in the snow | Hi everyone,
I have a few questions about Ovations. First of all, I'll admit I prefer to play all wood guitars, but I am not here to bash Ovations. I've enjoyed listening to them in live situations with artists like Rennaisance and Al DiMeola. My brother and a frew friends have them, and love them. Different instruments do different things, I'm OK with that.
I guess the main question is this, how much variation in the acoustic sound is there between the various Ovation models? I assume the bodies are all of the same material and vary only in depth, and dimensions of the upper and lower bouts and waist so that most tonal variation comes from the top material and bracing configuration, is that right? Are the differences then mainly cosmetic or is there a real difference in (unamplified) tone among the various models?
Second, what is the nut width on these guitars, and are they available with 1-3/4 width?
Third, how do they stand up to life in rough conditions? I'd like a beater guitar that I don't have to worry about travelling with, something that can take hot and cold, wet and dry with no problem. I assume an Ovation with a laminate top is a pretty rugged beast?
And last, but related to number 3, maybe 25 years ago a friend of mine claimed he had an Ovation which actually had a plate of thin steel for a top, instead of wood. He said the tone was just decent, but that the great thing was that it was just about indestructable. I've never actually seen mention of such a thing anywhere else though. Does such a guitar actually exist, or was he just pulling my leg or mistaken?
Well, thanks for taking some time to answer these for me. |
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Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13997
Location: Upper Left USA | FDGU,
Welcome!
I have no doubt you will get some answers here, and maybe a little more. Before the floodgates open I just want to say thank you for stepping up and asking!
Secondly I would ask you to just get your hands on a couple of Ovation guitars and play for yourself. You will be surprised! |
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Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Every different model of Ovation is unique. I don't know alot about the newer models but on the older ones that I have, everyone has an absolutely distinctive tone that I could identify with my eyes closed.
There is also definate differences between the shallow, mid, and deep bowl models, both in tone and loudness/projection.
There are differences in the sound between the round center holes and the multi-hole ephaulets.
Woody is right. Try to go where there is a good variety of O's, especially a shop that has a good selection of USA made models and you will be amazed by the tonal variations between models. |
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Joined:
February 2002
Posts: 1817
Location: Minden, Nebraska | Welcome to the club. There are a lot of opinions in different threads comparing the sounds of different guitars.
Yes, there are Ovations available with a wider nut width. The Country Artist and the Folklore are two which immediately come to mind. Some of the 1997 Collectors' were produced with a wider nut. And if you really get inspired by Ovations, you can probably get a different model custom built. |
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Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 4394
Location: East Tennessee | Hi,
Welcome to the club. You will find a wealth of information on this site. I suggest, as the others have said, try several different models and styles. Play both acoustic and plugged in. You will see that Ovation makes quality sounding instruments at an affordable price.
I don't know what $ amount you're looking at and if you're not in the market for an expensive guitar, some of the celebrity model are an excellent buy. There are also, for time to time so older USA models available from other member of this club.
Happy hunting!!
" A day looking at new guitars is like Sunday down on the farm." |
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