First acoustic: Ovation? Something else?

lonewolf121188 · #1 05-25-2008, 11:38 PM

I've been playing Ibanez electrics for 5 years now, but I'm looking to get my first acoustic guitar. I've always loved the Ovation sound (and look!), but I played one a few months ago and found the neck very...strange. Especially coming from my 7 string Ibanez, the neck felt tiny (thin). I like having a fat, full neck, and the Ovation just seemed to be lacking that. Also, the neck seemed very plasticy, like an SG neck (something I really hate). I like the natural feel of my RG1527 much better. Was it just the one I played, or are all Ovations like that? If so, what other brands should I consider that have a fatter, more natural neck?

My price range is around $500-$600, so I guess I'd be looking at an Ovation Celebrity Deluxe.

**elcid** · #2 05-26-2008, 01:15 AM

in that price range I like Seagulls, or maybe you can find a used Martin 15 series.

CityofBlindingLights · #3 05-26-2008, 01:47 AM

I'm not a fan of Ovation acoustics. They sound only about halfway decent plugged in, and that's a stretch. Unplugged, they sound like absolute garbage.

Depending on how much you want to spend, you could probably get a used Martin, as Elcid mentioned, or I personally like Takamines.

What I did when I needed a new acoustic was, go to your local guitar shop when you've got at least two hours and play EVERY single acoustic that's within your price range, checking for tone and the feel of the neck, and if the guitar seems to "click" with you. Chances are you'll find something you like.

Hikey Mikey · #4 05-27-2008, 01:13 AM

BlindingLlights has some great advice.

finstah · #5 05-27-2008, 09:16 AM

I had an Ovation Celebrity for years worked fine. Electrically they are decent. Unplugged, eh not so much.

I bought an AN-10 Takamine for $600 that blew the Ovation away.

IMHO Tak's are the best buy for the money. Great, great guitars.

AleTheNervo · #6 05-27-2008, 10:03 AM

had an ovation elite: great sound but not the classical acoustic sound, they are in my mind quite an half way between nilon guitars and acoustic.
Definitely a one of a kind acoustic

jb4674 · #7 05-27-2008, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CityofBlindingLights

I'm not a fan of Ovation acoustics. They sound only about halfway decent plugged in, and that's a stretch. Unplugged, they sound like absolute garbage.

Depending on how much you want to spend, you could probably get a used Martin, as Elcid mentioned, or I personally like Takamines.

What I did when I needed a new acoustic was, go to your local guitar shop when you've got at least two hours and play EVERY single acoustic that's within your price range, checking for tone and the feel of the neck, and if the guitar seems to "click" with you. Chances are you'll find something you like.

Quote:

Originally Posted by finstah

I had an Ovation Celebrity for years worked fine. Electrically they are decent. Unplugged, eh not so much.

I bought an AN-10 Takamine for $600 that blew the Ovation away.

IMHO Tak's are the best buy for the money. Great, great guitars.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lonewolf121188

I've been playing Ibanez electrics for 5 years now, but I'm looking to get my first acoustic guitar. I've always loved the Ovation sound (and look!), but I played one a few months ago and found the neck very...strange. Especially coming from my 7 string Ibanez, the neck felt tiny (thin). I like having a fat, full neck, and the Ovation just seemed to be lacking that. Also, the neck seemed very plasticy, like an SG neck (something I really hate). I like the natural feel of my RG1527 much better. Was it just the one I played, or are all Ovations like that? If so, what other brands should I consider that have a fatter, more natural neck?

My price range is around $500-$600, so I guess I'd be looking at an Ovation Celebrity Deluxe.

Consider the kind of Ovation in question. I've had an Elite for over 15 years and it sounds great. I didn't buy the guitar to be plugged in but the pickup is a nice plus. IMO, if you've got 5-600 bucks, there are other alternatives out there to be considered. Ovations aren't the best in their entry level models.

Jimmy

**moebius** · #8 05-27-2008, 11:45 AM

I could never get used to the rounded back on ovations. They always want to slide away from me.

ken_r152 · #9 05-28-2008, 07:14 AM

My first acoustic was a Takamine, which was well worth the money. I haven't been shopping for acoustics for a long time, but Ibanez probably also has some decent ones in your price range.

The very best acoustics that I've ever played were a Yamaha and a Taylor. The Taylor in particular. However, you will pay a lot for these guitars.

lonewolf121188 · #10 05-28-2008, 10:10 PM

I went to a local guitar store yesterday and played some Ovations (Celebrity models), some Seagulls, Art & Lutheries, and Takamines. I REALLY liked the Seagulls. The neck just seemed...right. It fit so well. And played damn well for $400. I think I might go with that...

I also got to play a few 12 strings and rather liked those. Now I can't decide if I want a 12 or a 6. I mostly play songs that are written on 6 strings, but the 12 just sounded so cool! The Seagull 12 string was $440, I think, which is well within my price range. It didn't have any electronics on it though...I definitely want something that I can plug in. Is it an option on all Seagulls? How much extra does it cost?

The other thing is that the Seagulls didn't have built-in tuners. The electronics seemed pretty basic, especially when compared to the (sorry) Ovations.

**elcid** · #11 05-28-2008, 10:47 PM

My Martin has a built in tuner and it's great, but I wouldnt let a built in tuner make or break which guitar I bought.

CityofBlindingLights · #12 05-29-2008, 12:03 AM

You're seriously going to put down not having a built-in tuner as counting against an acoustic? You should NOT base your decision off of this, in any way, shape, or form. Buy a chromatic tuner. Korg and Fender both make great tuners for pretty inexpensive prices.

You should buy the acoustic based on FEEL and TONE, not on whether or not it's got a built-in tuner.

lonewolf121188 · #13 05-29-2008, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CityofBlindingLights

You're seriously going to put down not having a built-in tuner as counting against an acoustic? You should NOT base your decision off of this, in any way, shape, or form. Buy a chromatic tuner. Korg and Fender both make great tuners for pretty inexpensive prices.

You should buy the acoustic based on FEEL and TONE, not on whether or not it's got a built-in tuner.

Of course. It was just a comment on the electronics, more than anything.

DannyB819 · #14 05-29-2008, 04:51 PM

Take a look at the Carvin Cobalt series as well. They're great for the money. I had a 980TMW for a while and loved it before it was damaged beyond repair in an unfortunate drunken barbeque incident.

The 980T is $599, but they have other less-expensive options as well. While these Cobalts are "great," I'd conisder them "way above average" for their price range, considering how they sound and play.

Cheers,
Danny