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Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 5
Location: Las Vegas | Hi all,
I'm looking to pick up my first "real" guitar and I'm researching Ovation. I'm really wanting an accoustic/electric and have set my sites on the Celebrity KOA.
I'm not that experienced....can strum a few chords but want to re-learn, so to speak. I'm looking at the Celebrity b/c the LX is out of my price range (economy and all), but I don't want to grab, what seems to be, an inferior Ibanez, etc. I plan on playing it unplugged 75% of the time.
Thoughts on my proposed selection? I've read that KOA is not as rich/warm/deep as other woods. (I haven't heard a Koa guitar yet - not in stock locally). Again, I'm a newbie to Ovation so please be gentle :)
PS: The Ultra 2178 is priced aggressively right now. Would this be a better option than the Celebrity? I read a few reviews on MusiciansFriend which aren't so favorable when playing it unplugged. No idea if these ppl are credible or not but would appreciate ya'lls input on the matter.
Thanks in advance. Cheers |
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Joined:
June 2006
Posts: 7307
Location: South of most, North of few | Well,....personally,...I would look for a used US made Balladeer or Folklore (1114) depending on your preference of neck width. You can find some real deals on the older used models, and they really sound better than a lot of the newer stuff coming out in the celeb or ultra line. (disclaimer: just my .02)
Oh, and by the way, Welcome! |
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Joined:
August 2002
Posts: 8307
Location: Tennessee | The Celebrity Koa is a laminated top so it's more for show than the Koa tone. I personally think the 2178 is a killer guitar for the money. I bought a round hole version (2171) and it sounds just fine unplugged. To my ears, the 2178 blows away any lam Celebrity I've heard.
Welcome! And let us know how it turns out. |
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Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6268
Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Thad,
 to the Ovation family!
Most here do not 'favor' the Celebrity. Use the search above and you'll find many recommendations and a load of preferences. The 2178 has been popular here and surpasses the Celeb.
Have fun... |
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Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Call Alpep. |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | Wot Thay Sed. |
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Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12750
Location: Boise, Idaho | The Folklore is usually a bit higher priced on the used market than the Balladeer, and a beginner might prefer the standard neck, so I'd go with the Balladeer. Do you like bass? If so, go with a deep bowl. I've played one of the new Ultras (I think it was the 2178) with a solid top and it sounded really good, but I'd prefer an older deep bowl Balladeer. |
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Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6268
Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Originally posted by Mark in Boise:
but I'd prefer an older deep bowl... ...Ovation. I lov 'em all!  |
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Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 5
Location: Las Vegas | Wow, wasn't expecting such a quick response from all of you. Thank you for that and the warm welcome.
Follow up question: where would one search for used Balladeer's and could you ballpark a price -- understanding full well that condition is a key factor. I'm just not knowledgeable enough to know if this is in my budget or not (nor where to look outside the standard Used GuitarCenter site).
In the meantime, I'm going to check out a 2178 over the weekend. I found them new running around $500, and at this price it might be too much of a good deal to pass up.
Thanks in advance, yet again. :) |
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Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | Originally posted by Thad:
Hi all,
I'm looking to pick up my first "real" guitar and I'm researching Ovation.
PS: The Ultra 2178 is priced aggressively right now. Would this be a better option than the Celebrity?
Thanks in advance. Cheers Welcome Thad.
Let me jump on the USO bandwagon here.
I have owned many Celebrity's in my day, but I got them all used...
Before you pay $400 or more dollars for an Ultra with no case, you should consider a used US Ovation.
You can get a really nice Used Ovation for the same money, with a case and a nicely aged top.
Understanding that a Used guitar may have it's share of dents and dings, but then you don't have to worry about that first "oops!" (as much) :p
But you can get a guitar that would normally cost $1000 new for less than half the price.
Good Luck in your search.
edit--- Here\'s a Special Balladeer S771 for under $400
Here is another newer one for alittle bit more |
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Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Originally posted by Thad:
Wow, wasn't expecting such a quick response from all of you. Thank you for that and the warm welcome.
Follow up question: where would one search for used Balladeer's and could you ballpark a price -- understanding full well that condition is a key factor. I'm just not knowledgeable enough to know if this is in my budget or not (nor where to look outside the standard Used GuitarCenter site).
In the meantime, I'm going to check out a 2178 over the weekend. I found them new running around $500, and at this price it might be too much of a good deal to pass up.
Thanks in advance, yet again. :) I have a 1967 shiny bowl Deluxe Balladeer listed in the For Sale section. You won't find a better playing or sounding O and it's right in you're price range. Search the forum for "Shiny Bowl" and you will find the high praise these guitars get. |
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Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Thad, grab the one from Jeff and don't look back. For the money it is a great deal and it will be smothered in Jeff's MOJO! |
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Joined:
November 2006
Posts: 3969
| Originally posted by stephent28:
...smothered in Jeff's MOJO! eeeewwwwww!
Welcome Thad. All kidding aside that is a seriously great guitar Jeff's offering. Or find another US Ovation - there are some really fine O's available dirt cheap right now. |
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Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Originally posted by g8r:
Originally posted by stephent28:
...smothered in Jeff's MOJO! eeeewwwwww!
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Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Sheesshh....try to be nice for a change |
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Joined:
October 2007
Posts: 283
Location: Portland, OR | Ovation's been making great solid top a/e's for many years. There are too many to recommend and I wouldn't know them all anyway. But I would recommend a deep bowl, solid top in the used market. This forum is the absolute best place IMHO to look because people are in contact. Ebay has the feedback rating but for a purchase in the hundreds, it's better to have a tight knit group. My $.02. |
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Joined:
August 2006
Posts: 3145
Location: Marlton, NJ | Thad - I have a Custom Balladeer that I'm thinking of selling. It's a model 1112 with some upgrades. I installed an OpPro preamp. The guitar has also been back to the factory for a top refinish. It is absolutely beautiful. When they refinished the top, I had them install a carved bridge and an abalone rosette. The only remaining flaws are a finish crack on the neck and a couple of small dings on the neck and headstock.
The serial number dates it to 1979.
PM me for pics and price if you are interested. |
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Joined:
August 2006
Posts: 3145
Location: Marlton, NJ | Also posted in the For Sale section. |
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Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 5
Location: Las Vegas | Hey everyone,
I know a few of you recommended Balladeer's as a good first Ovation, for a beginner like myself. While "shopping" for one, I found a 2003 Legend 1867 for $450. I've read a few folks mention that Legends play nicely. I'm very interested in keeping the "ease-of-play" factor high in my decision.
My other option right now is to pick up a new 2771LX for 550.
Thoughts on the Legend?
Thanks in advance |
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Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | Do either of them come with a Case?
The 1867 is a shallow-bowl with is easy to play, plus it has "A" Bracing which sounds real nice.
The 2771 has a contour bowl which is easy enough to play...
But I would go for the Legend... Tell them to give you a case. |
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Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4025
Location: Utah | Thad, all Ovations will be high on the "ease of play" factor. Tweak the truss rod, add or remove shims, and get the nut filed just right. You'll be able to get any Ovation to play great.
I'd say get the guitar that you really want. Get the one that has the features and the looks you like. You'll be able to get it to play the way you like. |
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Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 5
Location: Las Vegas | Hi everyone,
Just a short note of thanks to all of you for your advice and assistance in the purchase of my first Ovation. I picked up a mint Legend 1867. It sounds amazing. My brother picked it up for me while in SLC this past weekend (a mix of good luck/timing and the power of craigslist). He called me on Sunday from his hotel room while playing it. "How did you find out about this? This sounds amazing. I want one"
I was a little worried I just lost the guitar...now he's on the hunt for his first. I had to remind him a few times this week to swing by and deliver my guitar.
To think I was going to pick up an Ibanez two weeks ago.
Anyhow, thanks again. |
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Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6268
Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Congrats! We do require pics after ya get it, ya know...
Another satisfied 'infected' member! ;) |
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Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12750
Location: Boise, Idaho | Good job. This board is great at suggesting how to spend your money, so get your brother on here. It helps a bit to have an idea of what you want, otherwise you might get overwhelmed with suggestions. Several of us are perfectly willing to take a look and try out something you might be interested in. "If you don't buy it, I will" may be the response you want to hear. |
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Joined:
October 2007
Posts: 2711
Location: Vernon CT | Thad,
Enjoy! (when you get it) |
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First time buyer question
