There have been a lot of headliners that use Ovations or Adamas's and I think what's notable is that, unlike many makers, Kaman doesn't pay their endorsees so, really, anyone you see playing with an Ovation, an Adamas or a Takamine is playing it because they appreciate the sound. And they have some big time endorsees - Melissa Etheridge, Steve Lukather, Al DiMeola, Paul Simon, Yngwie, Toby Keith and others. As I've said before, I like others too but I think a lot of people play one low end Ovation and discount the entire line for the name brand wood boxes (Taylor, Martin, Gibson, et al) and I think that's a mistake.
26 2007-09-16 15:37:40
Re: Guitar Shopping - spendthrift or cheapskate! (35 replies, posted in Acoustic)
27 2007-09-16 14:21:20
Re: ADAMAS OVATION APPLAUSE (8 replies, posted in Acoustic)
There are many differences in the Applause line including the grade of wood on the top, the bracing, the neck and fretboard. Applause guitars are fine for what they are - basic, entry level guitars - but don't expect them to compete with a US made Ovation because they won't. If you're looking for specific differences, you'd have to tell me what Ovation you're comparing it to because they're are many and they each have their own specs.
28 2007-09-14 21:36:58
Re: B chord blues (13 replies, posted in Acoustic)
Not sure if it's much easier but you can ply that same four finger trick to the B. First fret on the high E, third fret on the B, G & D (deadening the A and low E). Again, not much easier but it is one option.
29 2007-09-14 13:28:41
Re: I want to buy an Ovation (19 replies, posted in Guitars and accessories)
I've owned two Ovations (one nylon and one steel string), lb, and I'll stack either one against anything under $1,500. Very underrated because of the "plastic" and round back but it's really all very subjective. I've played and owned other brands that were very nice as well, just very different. My one suggestion would be to try and move to a US made Ovation and that one ain't it. Really - a world of difference (in play, feel and sound) if you can afford it but I would definitely go to a used US made rather than a new non-US. If you can't go US, consider a Takamine, Seagull or Alvararez. They all make nice entry level guitars as well. I know it's the standard line but make the effort to find a bigger guitar store and try them all. Once you a/b them all, you'll know what to do.
30 2007-09-14 02:18:57
Re: Gibson or Taylor or Martin (20 replies, posted in Acoustic)
Totally agree. I think Tak makes a great guitar. I had a EAN10C (cedar top) that I thought I would never get rid of (and I wouldn't have if something special hadn't come along and I needed to turn one over) but I'd buy it again. On the higher end, the Tak 75 is an incredible guitar. Definitely undervalued and a great buy.
31 2007-09-13 12:27:34
Re: Guitar Shopping - spendthrift or cheapskate! (35 replies, posted in Acoustic)
Amen.
32 2007-09-12 21:55:24
Re: Guitar Shopping - spendthrift or cheapskate! (35 replies, posted in Acoustic)
I've owned two both over twenty years old and neither one has fallen apart but I have to say that I've never had a guitar fall apart on me - regardless of make.
33 2007-09-12 20:59:40
Re: Gibson or Taylor or Martin (20 replies, posted in Acoustic)
And sometimes you have to try more than one of the same line as well. The first Lowden I played I really wasn't impressed with - the second one I played I thought was one of the best guitars I've ever had in my hands. I wanted to buy it on the spot.
34 2007-09-12 19:20:50
Re: Gibson or Taylor or Martin (20 replies, posted in Acoustic)
Fair enough - I guess the Taylor because I think the electronics and sound fit my style of playing the better than the Martin and I've really never been impressed with Gibby acoustics.
35 2007-09-12 18:49:17
Re: Gibson or Taylor or Martin (20 replies, posted in Acoustic)
Tough for me to answer because I think they're totally different animals. What style are you playing? What type of venue?
36 2007-09-12 18:46:32
Re: Guitar Shopping - spendthrift or cheapskate! (35 replies, posted in Acoustic)
Another thought, Zurf - have you tried their contour bowl? Give that a shot and see what you think.
37 2007-09-12 18:40:45
Re: Guitar Shopping - spendthrift or cheapskate! (35 replies, posted in Acoustic)
Zurf - I do play both - sitting and standing and, though I know several people say they have a hard time with Ovations, I really never have. And there are several reasons I like them - i.e. great sound for the price, they're less prone to nicks and bites and, if you're playing with others, they tend to cut right through the mix. I've owned others (and still do) but if someone is looking for a nice player at a good price, Ovation comes to my mind way in front of the Martins, Taylors and the like. they're great guitars too, no question, but if you're on a limited budget, I think you're compromising if you go for them.
Just one opinion.
38 2007-09-12 18:35:23
Re: Guitar Shopping - spendthrift or cheapskate! (35 replies, posted in Acoustic)
sumelton1 wrote:
I know - but I have to narrow it down to the big three or I''ll go mad trying to choose.
Maybe that's where I lost it long ago but everytime I go shopping to buy, I play everything I can in the price range, new and used, and it takes me a while to choose everytime but what do I care?
39 2007-09-12 00:41:23
Re: Incredible Fingerstyle Guitarist!! (5 replies, posted in Acoustic)
very cool.
40 2007-09-12 00:37:35
Re: Guitar Shopping - spendthrift or cheapskate! (35 replies, posted in Acoustic)
I know I could get skewered by some purists but take a look at Ovations. If you can get by the plastic/round back thing, they're great guitars for the money. IMHO, Martins, Taylors, and Gibsons are great guitars but there are others. Takamine makes a great, reasonably priced guitar as well. Play a lot of them and, if you're on a budget stay away from the McPhersons or anything on that level - there is a difference but you'll pay for it too.