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September 2002
Posts: 32
| I spent a frustrating 2 hrs. at my local Guitar Center sampling their selection of Ovation guitars. I was not impressed with what they had. Tangents, Viper's, a Celebrity, and a 2002-AC. I was especially disapointed with the 2002-AC. It is gorgeous, but it was 'flat' - no personality (tight), no depth, nothing like what I experienced with my wife's early Glen Campbell. Both our eyes lit up when we first heard that one.
I have limited local stock to choose from and am now uncomfortable ordering on-line without knowing what the different models sound like, especially expensive Collector's (Ltd.) Editions. I respect the long time Ovation users on this forum, and their comments about the Elite 1778T piqued my interest. But, I truly hate that bare-bones/stark appearance. Can you guys point me in the direction of a current OR past model that has superior tonal qualities or personality? I like a classy appearance, but prefer the natural wood colors and figured grain over a splashy paint job. Like I said, I would have bought that 2002-AC on sight if it had some bass - it was all mid. to upper frequencies.
I will take any suggestions seriously and call around trying to find any current models recommended to sample. Older 'ebay' models will have to wait until I have a firmer grip on the models and their 'personalities'.
I started out with the erroneous assumption that the 'Ovation Sound' existed in all models. I've been set back on my heels to discover that this is not necessarily true - not even in their most expensive models. All help will be appreciated.
**UPDATE**
I just got an e-mail from Mark Lamanna at Ovation Cust. Serv. with answers to my questions.
1. The Legend single center sound hole gives more bass than the Elite multi hole.
2. Highly figured wood (especially hardwood) is stiffer than a piece of 'clear' wood and produces less bass.
With this info, I can see why my memory of the old Glen Campbell vs. 2002-AC left me a little confused.
I now know (without any doubt) that my guitar will be a #1779, deep bowl Custom Legend with a Spruce top.
I want to thank those of you who helped me on this quest of knowledge.
[ December 09, 2002: Message edited by: Donald1800 ] |
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March 2002
Posts: 15674
Location: SoCal | Donald:
I'm assuming that you went to either the Guitar Center on Azusa or the one in San Bernardino. Neither has a great selection of Ovations. You might take a Saturday and go into Hollywood. The GC on Sunset tends to have a better selection of older Ovations. Look for a Legend or Elite from the mid 1980's. Both have good balanced sound, with good bass, midrange and highs. They also occassionally have a used older Adamas or collector's series. I've played some fun guitars in there. They probably have the best selection of used Ovations in So Cal (that's a sad comment). |
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Posts: 7230
Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | 2001 Collectors is my favorite sounding Ovation acoustic. |
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September 2002
Posts: 32
| Thanx guys for the suggestions. I'll try to get into the Hollywood store, but finding a whole day that is free has been difficult.
I'll keep an eye out for the older 2001-FR - I've heard good things about that one.
Right now I'm leaning towards on older Legend or Custom Legend with a Deep Bowl. I have a suspicion that the 'Glen Campbell' sound I'm looking for is a result of the Deep Bowl with the less rigid 'A' bracing. I have a feeling that the stiffer Quintad bracing and stiffer hard wood top of the 2002-AC and similar designed models might be the cause of the lack of 'personality' I sensed.
Any other suggestions or comments are appreciated. |
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March 2002
Posts: 15674
Location: SoCal | Well, the Glen Campbell model was a shallow or mid depth bowl. A legend or custom legend should give you the sound you're looking for. Don't get one older than early 1980's. You want the A bracing. |
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Posts: 613
Location: Zion, Illinois | Mr. Ovation writes:
2001 Collectors is my favorite sounding Ovation acoustic.
Even better than an Adamas? I promised my wife no more guitars! Now I'm going have to shop around.
Darn GAS
Bradley |
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Posts: 10583
Location: NJ | the 2001 is stellar it is differnt than an adamas both have great tone but are different. someone posted about the "ovation" sound well there is none really the guitars are unique |
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Posts: 32
| moody, p.l. - It's been over 25 years since I last saw my 1st wife's Glen Campbell Special. I do remember that it always seemed awkward/clumsy sitting on my lap. At the beginning of this year, I started looking at the Ovation when the desire started eating at me, I remember that the bowl looked different and felt just fine in my lap - no awkwardness/clumsyness. It was then that I began to think that she has a deep/shiny bowl GC. I bought it for her during Glen's 1st or 2nd year on the air.
Now, with a better referance to what 'Ovation Sound' I was referring to and looking for, 'yous guys' that have handled and played many Ovations can help me clarify and concentrate my search by considering this question.
If two identical guitars were built with a deep bowl and AAA Spruce soundboard, one had the Legend sound hole and 'A' bracing, the other the Elite sound hole and Quintad bracing, which would have the most bass, volume, and clarity (high freq., lowest distortion)? I know that tonal balance is a personal preferance, so I chose to make the question as objective as possible.
I've had a sampling of the Elite/Celebrity hole/bracing sound. Tomorrow I'm going to try to find a Legend to compare it's sound. I will use your comments with my sound tests to help me decide which models to pursue.
Thanx for all your help. |
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Posts: 3005
Location: Las Cruces, NM | Donald
You are approaching the nirvana of personally checking out the sound and feeling of guitars you are interested in. If we all would listen to your example, there would be fewer of us wondering why we bought a $2000 guitar on someone elses opinion. |
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December 2001
Posts: 7230
Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | "Even better than an Adamas?"
Now that's a good question. Not sure "better" is the right question. The Adamas sounds like an Adamas.. full rich all that... the 2001 has a different tone, I like maybe a little more. I guess the proof of the pudding will be in 30 years. I guess the real test will be in 30 years to see what the 2001 sounds like then. |
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September 2002
Posts: 32
| For those who go to the bottom of a thread for the latest, here it is:
I just got an e-mail from Mark Lamanna at Ovation Cust. Serv. with answers to my questions.
1. The Legend single center sound hole gives more bass than the Elite multi hole.
2. Highly figured wood (especially hardwood) is stiffer than a piece of 'clear' wood and produces less bass.
With this info, I can see why my memory of the old Glen Campbell vs. 2002-AC left me a little confused.
I now know (without any doubt) that my guitar will be a #1779, deep bowl Custom Legend with a Spruce top.
I want to thank those of you who helped me on this quest of knowledge. |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15674
Location: SoCal | Don, my man, I think when you find this Legend, you are gonna be one happy camper.
I'm thru L.A. and Orange Counties a ton and always hit the Guitar Centers and other stores. Want me to keep my eyes open for you? |
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September 2002
Posts: 32
| You bet. I really appreciate your help. You obviously know that I would prefer mint/near mint condition. Case is not important as I have access to a new #9158-0 for $104 if/when I need it.
I just missed a mint model 1657-4 10th anniversary Legend (carved bridge) that sold for $625 today. I was pissed that I missed bidding on it. Your help is really appreciated. |
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March 2002
Posts: 389
Location: RI. That small State out East | I feel like I have to defend the 2002-AC. Now we know every guitar can be set up or feel / sound... I think my 2002-AC would turn your head. Don't give up on that one... Find another and play it hard. I have had mine since April. Love it. I also have 1756-4 a deep 12 and a 1688 Adamas so I agree with the "different" sound answers... I think you should find another 2002-AC to try. You might have found a dog.
Woz |
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Better 1778T ? **UPDATE**
