Hi Roger, thanks for the nice comment.
I had a chance to lay hands on one of the "copies" you might be referring to, an Applause by some chance? Still an Ovation product hecho en Chine, I believe. I just have to say it.... just because it's not made in America, doesn't mean it's junk! They are all made of trees, and there are skilled woodworkers all over the planet. I was quite impressed, and in a blind test it would be difficult to perceive one from the other. Sound was good, fit and finish very good, set-up spot on, very minor cosmetic things like no gold plating on the tuners, and some irregularity in the neck binding where a fret or two weren't filed flush to the wood before the binding was applied. All in all a good value and quite playable..... for a really long time!
One of the reasons I chose an Ovation, is stability. Up here in the Northwest we are Hot/Cold, Wet/Dry, four distinct seasons annually. Everytime the wind changes direction you have to adjust your set-up to compensate. Not so much with this composite guitar..... always in tune and nearly indestructable.
The only complaint that I have about mine is the shallow bowl doesn't resonate as well and seems a bit weak in the bass. Strung up with D'Addario Bluegrass this last time around and it is better by a good bit. Still very good amplified, but I would consider the deep body seriously if you intend to play mostly acoustic in anything other than a very small room, or prepare to thrash it with a heavy pick to get volume.
PS: Almost forgot to mention, we have been musical companions for going on six years now and I've never had to put it in the shop for ANYTHING! Strings, batteries for the pre-amp, the usual cleanup and polish with a bit of Orange Oil for the fingerboard. An "easy keeper" for sure.
Take Care;
Doug
"what is this quintessence of dust?" - Shakespeare
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