Developed starting in 1966 and introduced as the 'Balladeer' in February, 1967, Ovations reached the height of their popularity in the 1980s, where they were more often than not seen during live performances by touring artists if acoustic guitars were being played.
Using his background in aviation engineering, Charles Kaman designed a rounded-bowl back, intended to improve the flow of sound through the guitar, and developed a new top bracing system.
Ovations have a distinctive chime in their acoustic sound. Once plugged in, they are subject to tone alteration as any other electric.
But that bowl that makes up the back and the bracing it allowed Kaman to dabble with...what a stroke!
It was the album, 'My Goals Beyond,' that brought these guitars to me. Seething jazz that was laid upon droning Indian music. McLaughlin was deep in his spiritual phase when he recorded this masterpiece. And he made his guitar sing. The way he was able to craft that authentic tone was awe inspiring.
Al DiMeola also played an Ovation very early on. He taught me to imitate those I admired...Hold my pick the same way, move my wrist in the same fashion, even if I didn't recognize the reason behind the behavior.In time I would come to understand. Maybe it was then that the seed was planted.
1972 I was sixteen and got my first guitar, I was fascinated by the finish. It was artwork to me. If could have slept with it, I would have. I may have, once. But as I grew older, finish became an ornament I could do without.
In some cases, to my great surprise, it was a boon. My SG is a 'Faded' model - think pre faded jeans.
(Although in a guitars case it makes the model cheaper rather than more expensive as in jeans/fashion - go figure)
A new guitar that appears old and worn out of the box.
The guitar has a very fast neck and never needs polishing. The finish is a satin. It is an application of three coats rather than eight, thus the cost saving and lack of glossy finish.Wax it once or twice a year at most.
When I started looking for an acoustic I knew an Ovation would rank high on my list - excellent guitars for much less money. Korean made plus the composite backing...much less wood and finish is needed.
On my short list was a model called the Ovation Celebrity Deluxe. They have a wonderful cherry red finish that is warm and very deep.
I have tried all the major vendors in the past, Guitar Center, zZounds, MusiciansFriend and have had relatively good experiences with them all.
I had not tried SweetWater, however. I have no idea why not. In their favor, they list the exact guitar you are buying. You can peruse through six different cherry finished guitars and decided which one you want. They are listed by serial numbers..."I'll take that one."
This, is not normal for online vendors. You model may vary from the picture...et cetera.
I am now in serious window shopping mode.
Oh, good grief...A "Trans Blue" finish...[rolling my eyes] it looks purple in half the pictures and blue in the rest. Ah, I see...transparent/transforming. An either or finish.
The 'Paduak' is a au natural finish of a reddish wood, doesn't move me.
Then I scroll to the "Blue Burst Quilted Top."
Game over.
In the last thirty years the finish on a guitar has done nothing for me. After all, I spend more time in which I can't see what they look like. The audience can see them, but I can only hear them.
The Strat has a nice Sienna burst that I like but it never excited me.
And blue is probably the LAST color choice for me; but something in this top spoke to me.
Makes me want to touch it.
Makes me want to play.
And now, I must practice exquisite patience and savor the anticipation - like a beautiful fall tableau...and wait for the FedEx truck to arrive.
Sad Update - Sweet Water is more like Brackish Water...
Trent from Sweet Water calls and leaves a message. That particular guitar is not in stock...even though the website says otherwise. Do I want to remain "in line" for two or three weeks?
I call back and get Trent on the phone. Trent speaks over me. Trent tells me the website says out of stock - it, in fact says, "Limited Availability." - and plainly explains they have it on hand. Trent uses well crafted phrasing as to not commit to anything other than he'll call and let me know when the guitar is available. Trent has turned a mild disappointment into a distasteful encounter. The word, 'smarmy' comes to mind.
Sweet Water is offering me nothing in the way of service. They had charged me $2 to have Fed-Ex obtain my signature as proof of delivery? (Had I declined and the box stolen before I had taken delivery, Sweet Water wants me to assume responsibility?)
No-thank-you.
GO-DPS (via Amazon) has it in stock...and get this - $52 cheaper?
It will ship tomorrow. Oh, and get this - I sent an email through Amazon asking GO-DPS to try and pick out a particular look I am after out of the five guitars they have in stock - I realize how subjective that kind of request can be, nonetheless I think I was able to convey my desire.
I also know in this day & age service is more often than not what a particular person brings to the experience, not a corporate culture instilled from the top down. So my hopes weren't high.
Four hours later I have an email in hand which read,
"Hi Ernie,
I will look in the morning for you. They are beautiful guitars. This is a great choice.
Hope you enjoy it, and remember us for your future music needs.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Thanks for the order.
Joe"
Joe - this is the epitome of good service. You can be certain, I will.
Vendors - all you have is service to offer...most retailers keep strict pricing intact.
So practice what you preach.
The face that Trent put upon Sweet Water soured my experience completely.
And what Joe did, renewed my faith in mankind.
;)
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