Need some advice: anybody ever play any high end Ovations?

[That90'sGuy]

Namely the 1771LX model? I've been looking for a good acoustic to write material on unplugged and use plugged in live. I was originally set on an Alvarez AJ60SC, but the electronics system was garbage.

Ovations look like killer "plug in and play" guitars. I'm serious enough to spend around a grand for a good acoustic, but I'm not dedicated enough to spend anywhere the amount a good Taylor with the Expression System would cost (like the 814CE).

I was wondering if anyone has ever played some highend ones because I got money in my account and I'm ready to pull the trigger on one I've also got a new band underway (found a killer singer) and we'll be doing acoustic stuff, so I am going to need something durable and high quality.

Thanks

 

[Im_in_Disguise]

Re: Need some advice: anybody ever play any high end Ovations?

I own an Ovation S771, which comes out a similar family- the USA made balladeer styles. I have to say, I really enjoy it. It takes a little getting used to comfort wise, because of the odd back, but the necks have a wonderful feel to them, kinda like a chunky strat neck. The sound is pretty decent unplugged, but plugged in they are absolutely amazing, especially with the OP preamp system. it's a guitar I'm more than satisfied with, and I'm pretty sure it's staying around for a while.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Need some advice: anybody ever play any high end Ovations?

Used Taylor with the the old style graphic EQ is where I'd lean.

 

[That90'sGuy]

Re: Need some advice: anybody ever play any high end Ovations?

I own an Ovation S771, which comes out a similar family- the USA made balladeer styles. I have to say, I really enjoy it. It takes a little getting used to comfort wise, because of the odd back, but the necks have a wonderful feel to them, kinda like a chunky strat neck. The sound is pretty decent unplugged, but plugged in they are absolutely amazing, especially with the OP preamp system. it's a guitar I'm more than satisfied with, and I'm pretty sure it's staying around for a while.

Thanks... that helped immensely I have two friends that own Ovations and they really like theirs, but they aren't Balladeers (one was a Tangent and the other a Celebrity Deluxe), so I'm glad to hear that you like yours I'm_in_Disguise. The systems looked really fascinating and the reviews I've been reading seem to show that they're doing something right.

If I was a dedicated acoustic player, I'd probably get a Larrivee or a Taylor or something, but if an Ovation will give me a good plugged in sound, I think I'll take the chance and order one. I always seem to have good luck ordering blindly online

 

[That90'sGuy]

Re: Need some advice: anybody ever play any high end Ovations?

Used Taylor with the the old style graphic EQ is where I'd lean.

Have you checked out the new Ovations GJ? There is no doubt that Taylor makes good stuff, but electronics wise, wouldn't a new Ovation be superior to an older Taylor? I have heard excellent things about Ovations OP preamps, and don't really know much about Taylor's non Expression System stuff (so any info would be helpful)

 

[Hoss]

Re: Need some advice: anybody ever play any high end Ovations?

i don't think i've heard any guitars that have better electronics in them than the Takamine's...find a store with both in them and test them side by side and see what you think...(you can't go wrong with either!)

btw...i've yet to try their new tube preamp...it may blow everything away!!!!
http://www.takamine.com/?fa=cooltube
they have a good range of options on different preamps in their guitars! (8 of them!)
www.takamine.com

 

[Hellion]

Re: Need some advice: anybody ever play any high end Ovations?

I own a 12 string Balladeer, an Adamas type electric and a Celebrity model 6 string. Truth to tell, there's not a lot of difference in playability between the three. The difference is in the amount of ornamentation on each, and the electronics. I like Ovation guitars. They sound to me what an acoustic guitar should sound like.

 

[That90'sGuy]

Re: Need some advice: anybody ever play any high end Ovations?

Thanks Hellion.

Takamines are definitely good guitars Hoss.

Arrggghhh... why can't there be a simple answer to who has the best electronics system for the money? :laugh2: So many acoustic guitar brands, so many preamps :smack:

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Need some advice: anybody ever play any high end Ovations?

I've always liked Ovations. Years ago when I did a single for a living my Ovation Custom Balladeer was my main guitar, both onstage and for song writing. You might also want to look into a Takamine for onstage use: great onboard pickup - maybe the best. Like the Ovation, they too are a Kaman product.

My Ovation is now residing in Escondido, CA. I gave it to a friend and it gets the love and attention it deserves and most of all: it gets played.

I'd say play a bunch of them and buy the best one. That's what I did. That guitar NEVER let me down. Great tone too.

 

[Hellion]

Re: Need some advice: anybody ever play any high end Ovations?

Thanks Hellion.

Takamines are definitely good guitars Hoss.

Arrggghhh... why can't there be a simple answer to who has the best electronics system for the money? :laugh2: So many acoustic guitar brands, so many preamps :smack:

Probably because everyone's ears are different and hear things differently. Get what sounds best to you, not necessarily what's most expensive.

 

[That90'sGuy]

Re: Need some advice: anybody ever play any high end Ovations?

Sadly the problem is that there are no dealers in my area that sell the line of Ovations I'm looking at, so I have no way to really compare besides what reviews and clips I can get ahold of.

All the signs seem to point to Ovation for me, but since I've never played that particular model, I don't know for sure. I like the construction and the feel. The tone seems to be pretty good all the way around and from what I've gathered, they can stand temperature changes like nobody's business (I'm sure due to the fact that the back isn't wood at all).

 

[That90'sGuy]

Re: Need some advice: anybody ever play any high end Ovations?

I've found a place that has a good return policy (I get 72 hours to inspect it), so I'm going to take the plunge and if it's as good as the reviews are saying for Ovation's entire LX line, I think I'm going to love it

 

[JOLLY]

Re: Need some advice: anybody ever play any high end Ovations?

Used Taylor with the the old style graphic EQ is where I'd lean.

Or even better....a used Taylor with no electronics and get a Seymour Duncan Mag Mic.

 

[That90'sGuy]

Re: Need some advice: anybody ever play any high end Ovations?

After some thought, I've decided to see if I can dedicate a day to really checking these guitars out before purchasing one.

By the way Lew, thanks for telling me about your experiences with them

Is there anyone else with experience on these guitars?

 

[fatigueofheart]

Re: Need some advice: anybody ever play any high end Ovations?

actually the preamps on the ovations now and the import lower cost import models are junk. I've played a al dimeola sig ovation. If it's good enough for al dimeola, then it's good enough for me and you.

 

[Blueline]

Re: Need some advice: anybody ever play any high end Ovations?

i love my standard ballader (DEEP BACK)
the deep back is a must for acoutic playing
granted, unplugged its great, but no taylor
plugged in - i love it
its a tank - 3 hour gigs, rarley retunning
pre amp is a dream

 

[That90'sGuy]

Re: Need some advice: anybody ever play any high end Ovations?

Thanks for the reviews guys, that's what I was looking for.

I'm not just ignoring other acoustic companies or looking for "positive" feedback on Ovations. Pretty much I'm an electric player that wants an acoustic that will last through temperature changes. I'm not interested in babying an acoustic and that's why I am turned off by Taylors (the 410 CE is very temperature dependent). I realize there are tons of nice acoustics out there, but I want something that will sound amazing plugged in, pretty good unplugged and will last without having to put lots of extra attention into it.

It's good to see that the money I'm thinking of investing in a top of the line preamp is going to be worth it. I know the lower end Ovations used to use the OP-24 I believe. I read some cool things about the Pro that look like they're useful. I like the eq shaping tools and I like how the preamp/pickup system was designed to eliminate feedback more than the previous models.

The new Balladeer LX is just a mid back, but it's supposedly designed to deliver the tone of the deeper back ones while resting better on a performing player (better balancing). The protective covering on the back was redesigned so that players sitting down won't have to worry about it sliding out from under them.

Whether or not this stuff is perfectly accurate is beyond me, but it should be interesting . Seems like some of you guys really like yours and I'm not exceptionally picky when it comes to acoustics so I have a feeling I'll love it (I really dig cheap Alvarez guitars like one I got for my cousin for $100).

As fatigueofheart said "If it's good enough for Al Dimeola"... it should be good enough for a 20 year old intermediate player

 

[Mincer]

Re: Need some advice: anybody ever play any high end Ovations?

I own an Adamas SMT with a graphite top, and this thing is awesome for temperature changes. I gotta say this thing sounds amazing plugged or unplugged. The Adamas tend to favor highs and lows more than mids- it is much more balanced than any wood guitar I have played. On most wood acoustics, if you play, say a Gmaj7, a lot of the middle strings blur together- on the Adamas, they are all very clear and individual...but a lot of guitarists don't like that balanced sound. I love it.

 

[strat_master]

Re: Need some advice: anybody ever play any high end Ovations?

welcome to my world chris! Im saving up to buy a nice high end acoustic as well. right now i have about just over as grand and come summer ill have well over 2 or 3 grand. I dont plan on blowing that much but probably about 1500 to 2000 at most. IM going with a taylor for sure, probbaly and possibly with no electronics. My plan is to get a cheaper high end taylor with no es system as it costs an extra 500 or so for that dam thing. Then go buy yourself a nice seymour duncan woody or tube pick up for your acoustic beauty! The good thing is no installation is required its simple clip on and play! Something that really appeals to me.

 

[strat_master]

Re: Need some advice: anybody ever play any high end Ovations?

oh and forgot to add, my reason for not really looking into ovations is because of the fact they are not made of real wood. I wnat a guitar that will age wellf or that price and will sound better 5 years from now. I looked and tried otehr brands as well. Martins were ok at msot, they did not really impress me, guilds we surprsingly good guitars worth checking out! Epiphone elitist models are actually quite good as well. the fender acoustics were terrible. Ive played a few taks as my uncle is a Tak user, but they didnt really impress me too much. So far Taylor is the clear winner and i would definately igve them a chance man, they are worth every penny!