Ovation?

[taggmike]

Looking to buy a classical/ nylon guitar. Does anyone have experience playing the Ovation Legend?

[jrethorst]

Isn't the Legend a steel-string model?

[taggmike]

They have a nylon model. Maybe its not a legend. Its the only nylon guitar that i see for Ovation.

[taggmike]

Its the 1773ax

[Nymuso]

Yes, the Legend is a steel string and is one of my gigging guitars. However, back in the day I did have an Ovie nylon and it was tremendous.

[dkstott]

There's lots to consider here, but the bottom line depends on what sound you are looking for out of the guitar.

Are you looking for a gigging plugged in nylon string guitar?

Or are you looking for something with a more classical sound unplugged?

Next comes the questions about neck width preferences;

Do you want something similar to steel string? ie.. crossover style nylon 1.75" at the nut and a radiused fretboard?

Or do the 2 inch width at the nut with a flat fretboard seen on classicals?

Dave

[taggmike]

These are all the things im considering. The wider neck doesnt bother me, i play at local open mics, so i think im leaning towards more of a cross over type guitar.

[dkstott]

Then, I suggest you consider looking at the Cordoba Fusion series.... they're great plugged in and have a nice sound unplugged.

Yamaha crossovers are nice amplified, but seem dead to me when played acoustically. Same for the Taylor's

I have zero experience with Ovation nylon string guitars, but was never a fan of the curved backs on their acoustic..

[taggmike]

Originally Posted by dkstott

Then, I suggest you consider looking at the Cordoba Fusion series.... they're great plugged in and have a nice sound unplugged.

Yamaha crossovers are nice amplified, but seem dead to me when played acoustically. Same for the Taylor's

I have zero experience with Ovation nylon string guitars, but was never a fan of the curved backs on their acoustic..

I like what i see with Cordoba Fusion line, i will have to go try them out.

[john bange]

you will get many, mixed opinions about the Ovation classical and nylon string guitars. I like them. they have some of the most playable necks you can find.

the deep body models: 1113/1613/1713, 1116/1616, long and short scale classical's have a 2" nut. they are very loud and usually at an reasonable price...1/2 k or so. almost all of them will have finish cracks...nature of the beast.

the country artist series 1124/1624 and others have a 25.5 scale length, a 1 7/8 nut and are a crossover type...maybe the first crossover...the most unique feature on these mid-depth bowl guitars is that they retain the flat fret board of the classical rather than going to a radius...not as loud as the classical with a deep bowl but still a nice guitar...same price range.
There are Korean made country artist models too. I know nothing about them.

any used Ovation approaching $1000 or so, better be Dead Mint!, as new.

I have not seen a nylon string Ovation with a warped neck. the tops crack and can get wavy. the guitar should come in a hard Ovation branded case. these chip up with time and wear.

original pick-up's can be scratchy when the knobs are turned...if they work at all.

I'm a fan of nylon string Ovations. these days, they are good value for the money if you are careful.

[taggmike]

Originally Posted by john bange

you will get many, mixed opinions about the Ovation classical and nylon string guitars. I like them. they have some of the most playable necks you can find.

the deep body models: 1113/1613/1713, 1116/1616, long and short scale classical's have a 2" nut. they are very loud and usually at an reasonable price...1/2 k or so. almost all of them will have finish cracks...nature of the beast.

the country artist series 1124/1624 and others have a 25.5 scale length, a 1 7/8 nut and are a crossover type...maybe the first crossover...the most unique feature on these mid-depth bowl guitars is that they retain the flat fret board of the classical rather than going to a radius...not as loud as the classical with a deep bowl but still a nice guitar...same price range.
There are Korean made country artist models too. I know nothing about them.

any used Ovation approaching $1000 or so, better be Dead Mint!, as new.

I have not seen a nylon string Ovation with a warped neck. the tops crack and can get wavy. the guitar should come in a hard Ovation branded case. these chip up with time and wear.

original pick-up's can be scratchy when the knobs are turned...if they work at all.

I'm a fan of nylon string Ovations. these days, they are good value for the money if you are careful.

Thank you for your insight.

[taggmike]

Played a few guitars today. I really liked the Cordoba fusion 12 with maple back and sides. Really nice guitar!