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Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 36
Location: South Eastern Arizona | I am looking for an Ovation 12 string. I only play unplugged. After lurking on eBay and reading information here, I have narrowed my choices to either a Pacemaker 1115 or a Standard Balladeer 1151. Two obvious differences are the head and the number of frets. Are there other choices that I have missed and is there any significant playing differences between the Pacemaker and the Balladeer? Thanks in advance for your valued input. |
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Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 2246
Location: Yucaipa, California | I have a Balladeer 6751 and LOVE it... it sounds just as good unplugged as it does when plugged in... good action, easy playability, nice natural gloss finish... see my pics on the member's page...
tim |
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June 2002
Posts: 6191
Location: Phoenix AZ | I am a huge fan of 12 frets and slotted headstocks. Dave |
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Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 1196
Location: Lafayette, Louisiana | I have a Pacemaker 12 string that was made in 1981. It is a great sounding guitar, and the action is nice and low. The only problem is changing strings with the slotted headstock. It is kind of a pain. I think you can't go wrong with either Ovation you are looking at. They just make great 12 strings. |
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Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 6191
Location: Phoenix AZ | Paul, Doesn't your roadie change your strings for you? Dave |
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Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 171
Location: Indiana | Ditto on the 12 fret slotheads...
I have an 1116 like Tom's and will have the FD-14 very soon...I sent the payment in today :) My playing isn't to the point where I am ready for a 12 string yet but one day maybe...
The Ovation 12 string I mentioned in another thread that Brian May was playing was a 12 fret slothead. They showed some good closeups...nice guitar!
mark |
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Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 1196
Location: Lafayette, Louisiana | Dave, I change my own strings. I don't want the roadies to scratch the headstock! (LOL) |
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Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 4619
Location: SoCal | I have a very limited experience with the different models of Ovation 12-strings . I started with a CL back in '80-81 (accoustic slothead). Other than a Martin D-18 and a Takamine F-389, I have played a number of others, but only for a couple of minutes each. So, I have stayed with what I know and have two CL 12's and looking for a slothead 1158/1658. Sound, quality, appearance, etc., are all very important and I have found that with Ovation. However, what is also important to me is the feel of the neck.
I have seen some excellent examples of the GC, legend, balladeer, elite, and pacemaker on eBay - very tempting. Problem is that it is almost impossible to find an older guitar of those models to play long enough to feel comfortable making a judgement. Haven't found in guitar stores that hadn't been abused.
The necks on the 6-str Ovations (CL, Collectors, and Balladeer) that I have are different. Not as critical for me as they would be for a 12-str. IMHO, the CL and Adamas 12's are easier to play, especially if playing a 6 and a 12 in the same performance.
I would appreciate some feedback on my observations concerning the neck issue as to the other models...as I previously said, there have been some excellent examples of other models on eBay that have been tempting, especially the slotheads. |
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Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 36
Location: South Eastern Arizona | Please look at the photos at the attached eBay link. The trim around the sound hole looks to narrow. Thanks again.
eBay web page |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15651
Location: SoCal | On the Balladeers, the rosette has been narrow for a number of years. |
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Ovation 12 String Choices
