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Location: closely held secret | Web, I'm afraid I have to agree with Dave. Whether it's the 1537 or not (mucho money, but a killer first guitar) you should buy used.
When we say that Ovations hold thier value, that doesn't necessarily mean when bought new. Very few things in life hold the 'new' price. They may regain that value over time, if they are a more rare item that is sought after (the 1537 is such an animal). Generally, a used Ovation has stabilized at a value. You might commonly see the same model offered for the same price. That is the value it should hold.
That said, I should point out that I (as well as Dave, and probably every other member here with more than 2 guitars) have bought new before. I don't expect to get back what I paid for my 6778LX, for instance, even though I got it for less than the street price. There are currently too many out there. Perhaps in 20 years, who knows?
The upsides of buying used are that you're not paying all the 'overhead' associated with a new guitar, you're getting a guitar that has stood the test of time, and you can get lots (sorry Al) of qualified opinions (Ok, and BS, but you sound smart enough to tell the difference) from the members here, some of who have more guitars than would fit in my house. (Of course, if I had that many guitars there would be fewer people living in my house. Me, for instance).
A bonus of buying from a member here is that you have some protection, of sorts. Many of the members here would not sell a noobee a bum guitar just to make a buck at the risk of damaging thier reputation. Nor are they that kind of people in the first place (Well, most of them. The others know who they are... so do we).
So, IMHO, your best option is to buy used, from an OFC member in good standing. You'll get a fair price on a solid instrument, and hopefully be around here for a long time to come. (Many of us have more than one guitar to sell.)
Good luck on your choice. Whether new or used, Ovations are a great value!
Well, that's a lot of typing early in the morning. Time for the hot tub. |
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Posts: 6202
Location: Phoenix AZ | Originally posted by stephent28:
Are you saying he should NOT consider a 1537 if it is within his price range? Just because your price range is $900 does not mean that spending all $900 of it is the best move. Especially if you do not play and may not stick with it. Yeah you could always re-sell the 1537 for what you paid for it. Same could be said for a pre-war martin or a slothead. My point is/was you can get a great used instrument for half that amount. And spend the rest on lessons, or traveling to meet others who play, or buy a small acoustic amp to play in your church band, etc. Of course I love the 1537, that's why I own one. But in this case, if it was my son for example with $900. in his pocket and asking for advice on what to buy to start learning, I'd give him the same advice. Plus buy a ukulele, of course. Dave |
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Posts: 6202
Location: Phoenix AZ | Web, If you're uncomfortable buying used and may be interested in either of the two ebay guitars I posted earlier just let me know. I'd be happy to buy either of them for you and if you don't like it for some reason I would take it back in a heartbeat as long as you pay the shipping cost.
By the way, another guitar you should look at is the Taylor Big Baby. It's $400 brand new and a great 1st instrument. Far superior to the Celebrity, although it's acoustic only (no pickup). This actually IS the guitar that my son with $900 in his pocket was advised to buy and thankfully he followed his Dad's advice for once. Honestly, there isn't a better value in that price range in my opinion. Dave |
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February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | Originally posted by Standingovation:
I'd be happy to buy either of them for you and if you don't like it for some reason I would take it back in a heartbeat as long as you pay the shipping cost. That's a hard offer to beat. Nice one, Dave! |
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Posts: 4389
Location: Capital District, NY, USA Minor Outlying Islands | Listen to Dave about the Balladeers. If you don't, get yourself a used CC057. You will not go wrong. |
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Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | OK, I am beat down. I was looking at it from the standpoint of what his budget was and what potential resell would be.
I still believe you get the best you can comfotably afford, whether cars, guitars, or wives! That way you should never be second guessing.
However, if $400 is the realistic amount, then the Ovations on ebay would be great. I have played the Taylor you mentioned and for the money it is a great value. |
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July 2002
Posts: 1900
| Webwbr, Bid on the ebay guitar moody suggested. It looks to be in excellant condition for an '82. The top is 14 years old and will sound incredible. This guitar will sound better now than when it was new! |
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Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 6202
Location: Phoenix AZ | Originally posted by stephent28:
I still believe you get the best you can comfotably afford, whether cars, guitars, or wives! You sure 'bout that? Seems to be that if you get the cheapest wife you can find, that'll leave the most money left over for guitars !!! |
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March 2005
Posts: 12759
Location: Boise, Idaho | Originally posted by Standingovation:
Originally posted by stephent28:
I still believe you get the best you can comfotably afford, whether cars, guitars, or wives! You sure 'bout that? Seems to be that if you get the cheapest wife you can find, that'll leave the most money left over for guitars !!! |
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Posts: 389
Location: RI. That small State out East | Good subject...
I also like the moody p.i. "special" listed on ebay... I believe a can't miss...
One more thing (IMHO ) Always plan on spending $50.00 on a set up when you get a used guitar. It will get some love from a "good" tech person. I believe a lot of guitars sold on ebay were listed because they didn't play / feel all that good.
Another $50 and bam... Something special.
Woz |
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March 2006
Posts: 14
Location: Chicago | Wow, you are all so helpful! Here is where I stand today:
Standingovation:
Thanks… you’ve given me something to think about…
New vs. Used:
I hear the tide going towards used, which is fine. My only concern is buying without touching. Maybe I’ll run past the auctions I find to you guys and get your input over the next couple of weeks. Otherwise, I see if any stores in the area re-sell guitars and happen to have an Ovation in stock
Budgeting:
I’m open to spending more than $300, but if I buy used, then my budget can max in the $400-500 range, if I buy new and can finance over 12 months no interest, then I can go up to $900.
Entry Level Guitar:
The Celebrity CC057 seems to be OK, but everyone is pretty consistent with the idea “spend a little more and you’ll really be better off.” I agree.
Ovation USA
I’m feeling I should start somewhere in this area. If I leave the Celebrity series behind then I’m left with,
Elite
1778T - $880 NEW (handled at Guitar Center)
--Can finance for 12 months
--Everyone seems to love this guy for the money
--I think it is rather ugly
-- Seen it used on e-mail, but for the small savings and lack of financing over 1 year, I may stick with new
Balladeer
S771 - $780 NEW (handled at Guitar Center)
--Can finance for 12 months
--Many have commented well on this guitar, might go this way to save $100, I like the look more than the 1778T and sound for sound they seemed close to my ear
-- There look to be four on e-bay right now… with some savings, but I’ll just have to get over my e-bay fear if I pursue those (and I only fear e-bay because I’m buying a musical instrument, not for other items, FYI)
1771 – $980 NEW (did NOT try at Guitar Center)
--Recommend in this thread, but may be just too pricy
--Couple on eBay, but for the small savings and lack of financing over 1 year, I may not bother
1861 – $830 NEW (did NOT even have at Guitar Center)
--Recommend in this thread, could be an option, would love to find it in a store to try
--Couple on eBay… all less than $400, I may watch these auctions and take a leap of faith, but ONLY if I find it in store soon and can hold one.
Legend
One person mentioned the Legend line
--Cheapest NEW is $1,180 for a 1777 LX, too much
--37 today on eBay and I’m too overwhelmed with the choices/options… I may pass unless I play a Legend in store and love it more than the others
Tech Love:
Thanks for the tech tip, if I buy used, I’ll get it to someone to “tweak” it a bit
OK… so if I lock myself down to these instruments… any other advice? I’ll keep a CLOSE eye on the for sale posting on this site… as one posted put it, I’d rather buy from the “community” here as you all seem to have reputations that could be hurt if you screwed over a newbie (like me). These are my favorite kind of sites on the web…
Thanks again,
Webwbr |
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March 2005
Posts: 12759
Location: Boise, Idaho | When you see one on ebay that you might be interested in, search for that model or name on this board. Most likely you will find some opinions on it. I think our GC has an S771 much cheaper than yours. Check Musicians Friend prices. GC owns them and should match the price. |
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Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Mark has a good point. All GC's will match internet pricing on in stock items at the internet store.
Based on your choices, which would be more comfortable for you.....buying a new guitar but financing over 12 months or buying used.
I think Dave made you a fantastic offer of buying one on ebay, checking it out and then selling it to you. If it gets Dave's approval, you can be sure it is an excellent guitar! |
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December 2003
Posts: 1071
Location: Carle Place, NY | This past weekend I bought jyam4's Elite LX .
Got too many guitars now, so I offered my near mint condition 1862 Custom Balladeer to Web for $350. |
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January 2005
Posts: 167
Location: Waxahachie, Tx | Well, as a Guy that has been learning for only about 18 months I have to say the GCS771LX-C is the way I'd go. My number one reason, is it just sounds great. It comes with a Warranty (life time). It has many features of the LX series, did I say it sounds great. I had the tech at GC play the cedar top 771 and then play the U681 as just a comparison so I could sit in front and listen and I'll be honest the tone from my brief moment of listening was on par. The Cedar top guitar is unique. It will help you want to play more, practice more. you have to like what you play. If you don't you won't pick it up. my suggestion is to play the guitar your thinking of buying. Don't mail order.
Make a list of what you want to be important.
1. looks
2. play-a-bility (is that kinda like Rock-a- billy)
3. resale value
4. does it have a case
5. will it be something you will like 6 months down the road
6. do you want it to have a warranty.
I purchased an Elite 1778LX in December I found a discrepancy with it and had to send it back to the factory they did a Neck reset? Huh.( it is still their not only did they have to do neck reset, they had gooberd up the bridge route out for the Saddle) The first Ovation I purchased a 1771Lx had playing issues I sent it back they did a neck reset? Huh.
So, you see if you think about it, spending the kind of money your talking about I'd buy New.
Anyway just my suggestion.
Oh yeah, I'm still an Ovation enthusiast I'm addicted to the sound. Everybody has a bad day I'm just unlucky in guitar buying via mail order. |
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Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | GC will go better than that, if you press them.
I walked in there with a page printed from a Guitar Factory ad offering the 6778LX for $150 less than GC or MF. They verified the ad, then matched it. Including the freebies - a set of strings, a strap, a cord, and they threw in one of thier t-shirts because the ad offered one. I wound up giving that guitar to a friend and went in a week later and they did it again. And I didn't even feel bad about it. |
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December 2003
Posts: 1071
Location: Carle Place, NY | Originally posted by Waskel:
And I didn't even feel bad about it. Why should anyone feel bad about buying two guitars from the same store? Rest assured that GC did not lose money on those sales. |
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September 2005
Posts: 3619
Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | Take a look at this one! I have one of these and it sounds and plays great. And your wife would like it too (: Ebay Listing |
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Posts: 3619
Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | Here's another nice deal .. Ebay Listing |
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September 2005
Posts: 3619
Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | Here's another one to compare against the CUSTOM Legend Ebay Listing |
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September 2005
Posts: 3619
Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | Ok. Here's the last one I'll put on here ...
Ebay Elite Standard |
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November 2005
Posts: 4832
Location: Campbell River, British Columbia | I think there's a bunch of excited guys trying to ease their GAS (guitar acquisition syndrom) pains vicariously here!
A lot like sending your single buddy over to pick up the cute chick at the bar.... eh?
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Not that the advice isn't good and valid, I just think all those guitars would look better on MY wall! ;) |
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March 2005
Posts: 12759
Location: Boise, Idaho | Too many good choices? Mitch's 1862 would be a good deal. Mine is not as easy to play as my others, but it is still a great guitar and has great sound, even with a shallow bowl.
The neck reset issue can be spotted in advance by measuring the string height at the 12th fret. I'm sure Mitch could tell you what the measurement is and how many shims are under the saddle. Unfortunately, I found this out recently a little too late. You're probably not going to get that kind of info from an ebay sale.
I knew it was common in used guitars, but not on new LX models. If you really like what you got, you could always buy more. Treat this like it's your first guitar, not like it's the last guitar you will ever buy. By that I mean, there are many different varieties, even just in the Ovation line. If you get a nice one that you like, you will find others that you like, too. A year ago I had 2 guitars. I've bought and sold or given away 5 or so. The following are my keepers. |
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Posts: 3619
Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | Just tryin' to help. I've probably put his head in a spin now.
Those are ones I'd look at if I were in the buying mood right now. |
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March 2005
Posts: 12759
Location: Boise, Idaho | You got us figured out fillhixx. I could have mentioned the 3 Ovations I talked someone else into buying recently, just for vicarious enjoyment. |
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