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Joined:
August 2005
Posts: 43
| Hi - I'm sort of new to Ovation. What I mean is I'm looking for one and don't know the current market and offerings.
I had a shallow bodied Balladeer in the 90's but traded it when I got on a "purist" kick - had to have all solid wood - you now know the worst thing about me.
Just recently I have realized just how much I liked that guitar, and I'm looking for an Ovation.
I have some questions:
Is the "Kaman Bar" still used?
What models are USA made?
Are the LX models the best thing now?
I'm interested in used. I don't care for top-of-the line or real frilly stuff, so middle of the road is good. I want a solid top, prefer USA made, and I'd like electronics (preferably with external battery access).
I thought the Kaman bar neck was a great thing, so is there something better?
Any advice?
Thanks,
Chris |
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Joined:
January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | The K-Bar was great. The new LX designs are better, they're lighter and the guitars sound better in general. Looking for used you'll have to be the judge on how it plays, feels and sounds. It's all ice cream. |
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Joined:
July 2003
Posts: 1922
Location: Canton (Detroit), MI | The LX models are the first ones to ELIMINATE the K-bar...so if you WANT it, DON'T get an LX.
What would be good is if you can find a 1861 or S861 Balladeer. Shallow bowl, with an OP-30 pre-amp, a good-sounding guitar with solid electronics. The whole pre-amp module comes out for battery change, no messing around through the sound hole.
http://www.ovationguitars.com/index.cfm?fa=detail&mid=67
http://www.ovationguitars.com/index.cfm?fa=detail&mid=18
An 1868T Elite T would be good, too.
http://www.ovationguitars.com/index.cfm?fa=detail&mid=759
If you want U.S.-made, ignore anything that says "Celebrity" or "Applause" on it. The LX models are supposedly the "best thing", but I am not convinced they are for everybody. If you find something else you like, go for it!!!!
Roger |
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Joined:
August 2005
Posts: 43
| Thanks. Found a used Ovation Parlor guitar locally - very interesting. It has a brown top, wood (look) edge binding, 14 fret neck join, and a battery hatch separate from the controls on the same side. Only thing about the model # I remember is that it was 4 numbers ending in 9. (Not a 1997 model) Priced under $600. Anybody klnow about that? |
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Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 1673
Location: SoCal | search the threads for model# 5741-9 |
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Joined:
August 2005
Posts: 43
| Thanks - I did so just after posting. Seems to me a retail price on this used 5741-9 should be about $400.
It's in good shape, missing one slider knob. The sound is really surprising - a good bass articulation and bigger sound than I expected.
Might see if I can talk them down in price -
I won't pay the $599 they are asking if that's what Mars was selling them for new. |
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Joined:
January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | The small bodies will give an interesting variation on sound, plus they are comfortable to play. |
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Joined:
August 2005
Posts: 43
| Well, I went back and pointed out the history of the guitar, but the salesman got out the "Blue Book" (yeah, right!) and found that model number listed as a Pinnacle series worth $641 used retail. Didn't want to budge, so I passed it by. Not worth the $599 they want. |
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Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | You made the right choice.
$600 can get much more guitar elsewhere. |
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Advice for "new" guy
