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July 2007
Posts: 10
Location: Richmond, VA | Hey everybody. I just joined tonight. I'm a huge fan of the Ovation sound. My guitar ability is limited to about two chords and I don't know much about playing, but I want to learn.
I am dead set on buying an Ovation - soon. I had thought I wanted to keep my budget around $600, but if it makes sense, I might be willing to spend up to $1,000 for a nice one.
I am thoroughly confused about the options. I stopped in Guitar Center tonight and they told me the Celebrity is made in Korea. I think I'd prefer an American made model, but it's not set in stone.
The Guitar Center guy said the center sound hole is more for strummers than pickers, while the side hole epaulets are more for pickers. I really like the look of the epaulets more, though I'll probably be more of a strummer. Just because it's different. And I like the ones with honeyburst or red or even the blue like Melissa Etheridge plays. Don't really like the plain wood grain.
Anyway, I am completely baffled as to what to look for and what I should buy. I will probably never be very good, but I want to enjoy my purchase. I want it to look as beautiful as it sounds.
Any advice or recommendations based on what I've told you? I've looked extensively on Ebay and saw lots that I liked, but it's hard to tell what's what.
Thanks a bunch in advance.
Rupe |
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November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Another VahGianYan! Welcome.
Go for a used Elite LX. |
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November 2005
Posts: 1126
Location: Omaha, NE | That's good advice...stick with something that says "LX", and the rest will take care of itself. |
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Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Or maybe this one . |
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April 2006
Posts: 972
Location: PDX | Or for that kind of money you could buy my 1537. :)
(pics in my gallery) You could of had my Adamas 1681 but that sold recently.
_____
gh1 |
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December 2003
Posts: 1889
Location: Central Massachusetts | Buy Greg's 1537, it's a great guitar! |
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October 2005
Posts: 5331
Location: Cicero, NY | The LX is a nice grab but I would do the 1537 if it was within reach.
And I have. |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | Call this number (ANYTIME - Day or Night!)
856-933-0374
Ask for "Al".
Tell him "Cliff sent me"
He'll take care of you.
but, . . . whatEVER you do . . . DON'T ask any "questions" . . . . y'hear? |
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Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | That's, 856-933-0374
(though the 1537 gh1's offer'n would sweet) |
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February 2005
Posts: 1132
Location: Parrish, FL | BUY THE 1537. Contact gh1 TODAY. May as well start out with one of the best, and in a snazzy black finish too!
You can't go wrong here. It will always be worth what you paid.
Blues |
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March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | That IS a good deal . . . . |
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August 2002
Posts: 8307
Location: Tennessee | Rupe ... welcome! One thing you are bound to get here are a lot of opinions, and a lot of them will be different. Here is mine ...
First of all, a lot of GC guys talk out of their butts because they are not all that educated about Ovations. You'll definitely want to go for a USA model, because they are just built better and have better materials. It won't make any difference whether it's a round hole or with epaulets ... both are just fine for strumming AND picking. If you want to be a fingerpicker, then usually a wider neck model is the better bet.
Second, you probably won't be playing way up the neck anytime soon, so you don't necessarily need a cutaway guitar. That give you more options.
It'd be good to know where you are in life and what kind of music you want to play. Are you an old conservative fogie like some of us here or are you younger and more adventurous? This will impact what you want to get.
Someone posted in the for sale section about a 2001 Collectors on ebay. Here is the auction: 2001 Redwood . The top is redwood, it is a limited edition, and it's got great sound. Definitely not plain wood grain. You could also look for a 1718, which are great guitars. Or, as mentioned above, the 1778LX Elite would make a nice guitar for you. But if you are adventurous, check out the Red Flame 1778T that Al has at Lost Art Vintage ... I love those guitars.
Good luck. Stick around. |
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Joined:
August 2002
Posts: 8307
Location: Tennessee | P.S. The 1537 is a great guitar! Like the 1718, but a notch up on the food chain. |
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March 2005
Posts: 5567
Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | Welcome to the Club...great bunch here but kindly over look the pretentiousness: here is a great guitar for a little money; start with something like this and I am sure that the Guitar Acquisition Syndrome (GAS) will hit you as well and you'll be able to seek and buy even more guitars. Here is the link: Go here first!
Again welcome to the club!
Blessings... |
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September 2006
Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | Center Hole or Side Epaulets? Mmmmm...
With side epaulets, you don't spent so much time retrieving your pick outta that hole! :rolleyes:
Plus they look cooler!
Welcome Rupe! |
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May 2003
Posts: 4389
Location: Capital District, NY, USA Minor Outlying Islands | USA made is better.
The guy at GC doesn't know what he's talking about when it comes to holes.
Not already mentioned is the 1778T: a dynamite gigging machine. |
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December 2004
Posts: 4394
Location: East Tennessee | An ELITE T Model 1778T would be a great guitar if you don't grab the 1537.
Black not the Lusty Red. :cool: |
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February 2002
Posts: 1817
Location: Minden, Nebraska | Welcome to the club. As you can see, recommendations are all over the place. We do have favorites, and up to a grand offers a lot of options.
I'm always for buying a great used guitar rather than spending on a new one that immediately depreciates, and the recommendation on the 1537 is worth serious consideration, imho. |
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June 2006
Posts: 7307
Location: South of most, North of few | Welcome Rupe! If you have the 1k to spend, you won't do any better than the 1537. It is one of the most sought after Ovations out there. If you only want to spend about 3-400, then check out a US made balladeer (used). But remember, the 1537's don't come around that often for sale, so if you can find your way clear to spend that much, you won't go wrong with that choice. |
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July 2005
Posts: 354
Location: Flushing, MI | With side epaulets, you don't spent so much time retrieving your pick outta that hole!
Have you ever dropped a pick into those little side holes? You'll spend a LOT more time trying to get that out! Yeah, I've done it. Don't ask how... |
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March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | It's also a royal pain-in-the-ass t'get cashews out (especially if y'don't have an access door) . . . |
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July 2005
Posts: 3410
Location: GA USA | I like Mike's suggestion of the 6778LX for you. Welcome! |
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April 2007
Posts: 318
Location: Slightly northwest of Trader Jim | Welcome Rupe! My Ovation Obsession started with a $350 standard Balladeer 1661 in gloss black from eek bay. Nothing fancy but awhole lot of sound. ;)
as far as epaulets or center sound holes being for pickers or strummers.....naaawwww. |
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Joined:
July 2007
Posts: 10
Location: Richmond, VA | Wow!! You guys really helped. I thought I might find maybe one or two replies today.
I really like that 6778 on ebay!!! I like the 1537 also, but would prefer something other than black. Super deal though.
Now, what's the deal with that phone number you guys told me to call? Is that like one of those deals where the bartender tells you to go see somebody upstairs "and he don't play that scene either?", LOL?
As to where I am in life... Well, I just like to play and listen to classic rock. I'm 47 and grew up on that. Doobies, Eagles, and the like.
You guys have really been helpful. Way more than the guy at GC was!
Thanks!
Rupe |
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Joined:
July 2007
Posts: 10
Location: Richmond, VA | After looking over all the suggestions (many thanks to all of you!), I took the plunge tonight and bought the 6778LX Mike recommended on ebay. It looks like it's everything I'm looking for - epaulet holes, pretty finish, American made, comes with a case, like new condition, and, most importantly - it's an OVATION!
Thanks for all the tips, gents. I feel like I found a good deal on a great guitar for me.
Rupe |
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New here and need help
