Hard to say without knowing what sort of price you're looking at. With that information it may be possible to propose alternatives.

I'm not wild about Ovations myself, though the faithful seem to want nothing else. That back creates a problem. The guitar can slip around unless you're playing with a strap. Ovations have a distinctive sound that some may like and others may not. I don't think the electronics are that good. Once they were state of the art, but they haven't kept up. You may do better by fitting after market electronics (Baggs or Fishman) to another guitar.

They're certainly not the only game in town.

RE your Epiphone. If the neck was properly repaired but you're not happy with the guitar post-repair, maybe it just needs a setup. A good setup and good electronics fitted to a guitar you like may be a better financial proposition.

X-rated Bob wrote: Hard to say without knowing what sort of price you're looking at. With that information it may be possible to propose alternatives.

I'm not wild about Ovations myself, though the faithful seem to want nothing else. That back creates a problem. The guitar can slip around unless you're playing with a strap. Ovations have a distinctive sound that some may like and others may not. I don't think the electronics are that good. Once they were state of the art, but they haven't kept up. You may do better by fitting after market electronics (Baggs or Fishman) to another guitar.

They're certainly not the only game in town.

RE you Epiphone. If the neck was properly repaired but you're not happy with it, maybe it just needs a setup. A good setup and good electronics fitted to a guitar you like may be a better financial proposition.

The Epi was repaired well, and the guy that did the it set it up fine, it plays well and looks good. It used to sound 'sweet' and mellow, and now I can't help but think there's more of an edge to it, sort of a metalic sound. No fret's buzzing or anything.

I can have the ovation for R2k, and I'm happy to spend that sort of money on what is essentially a hobby I'm bad at ? I usually sit down when I play, but I do use a strap and tend to set it very high. I'm trying to get used to a lower setting though, and try to stand when playing the electric, it seems to make it more comfortable to play closer to the body. The electronics aren't a deal breaker to be honest, more of a nice to have.

Bob said it well. I'm not particularly fond of that Ovation sound either but some folks do like it. I also find that rounded body very uncomfortable. A strap helps but then you don't want to don the guitar with a strap over your shoulders every time you feel like a quick bit of noodling. Sometimes (most times) you just want to pick up the guitar and run through a few quick exercises or a song or two. Bit hasslesome if you then have to first sling it over your shoulders.

Wait for some more responses as mine is obviously biased but I'd say you can get a better guitar for R2k.

petermoffat wrote: The Epi was repaired well, and the guy that did the it set it up fine, it plays well and looks good. It used to sound 'sweet' and mellow, and now I can't help but think there's more of an edge to it, sort of a metalic sound. No fret's buzzing or anything.

Aha! So it plays OK but sounds different? Did he fit a new saddle? Saddle material can effect tone.

I can have the ovation for R2k, and I'm happy to spend that sort of money on what is essentially a hobby I'm bad at ? I usually sit down when I play, but I do use a strap and tend to set it very high. I'm trying to get used to a lower setting though, and try to stand when playing the electric, it seems to make it more comfortable to play closer to the body. The electronics aren't a deal breaker to be honest, more of a nice to have.

Well at that price there's not a lot more need for discussion.

I agree to all said here, not a fan myself either but they are well made - the Legend is an USA-made model, similar to what Paul Simon used on the famous "In Central Park" reunion show.

Round-backs don't work too well if you have a boep hey... ?

R2k sounds like a good deal.

deefstes wrote: Bob said it well. I'm not particularly fond of that Ovation sound either but some folks do like it.

Indeed. It's Joan Armatrading's signature sound.

I love that Ovation 'waxy' sound,
not too crazy about the roundback as it is uncomfortable to play,
The Ovations I've played have had the most incredible necks and action,
does this one come with a case?
regardless, at R2K I'd snap it up.

The neck snapped on the Epihpone, right at the headstock. was repaired by drilling and inserting carbon fibre rods (IIRC) and gluing the wood. I swear those rods vibrate inside..

Ovation comes with its original hard case, my uncle bought it new in 1984, and sold it to my boet when he started playing seriously. He has since replaced it with something that has better electronics for their performances. It's taking up space and he doesn't play it, and he knows I'm looking for something else, so offered it to me, he paid R2k for it, and he's happy to get his money back. I'll be down there at the end of April, so will give it a play and see if I like it. I've recently played an Ovation copy (Handax??) and quite liked the round back.

OK, this is what the Epiphone sounds like, really tinny to me

http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?sbltpxkfuiizpb1

I would buy that Ovation

I have heard some Ovations that sound pretty good unplugged as well as plugged in.

The tone is always adjustable with EQ or various other effects

There are lots of Ovation players and they get some good sounds. Adrian Legg comes to mind.

This model is quite a good one.

OK, this is just a thing of beauty..

I think R2k for that is very reasonable indeed, particularly with the case.

I saw Mike Rowe perform not too long ago at TJ's and he played an Ovation (dunno which model) and he's an outstanding player, got some decent tone out of it.

Dont delay,buy it