Better Guitar

player opinions

Name: Jason Roffman
Band: Scope Creep
Model Year: -----
Price Paid: $636
Performance
Very Easy to play. Stays in tune very, very well. Pickup and EQ are great. The shallow bowl roundback is very comfortable sitting down. Extremely light weight, so is comfortable to play standing up (comfort is half the battle to achieving perfection and enjoyment.) Tone is bright and clear.
Performance Rating: 10
Sound Quality
Ovation sound is unique and, without a doubt, has both fans and naysayers. Ovation projection and volume is virtually unmatched due to the non-wood (actually its a high quality/durability plastic) round back design. However, this creates what some consider a “tinny” or “plasticy” tone, others, like myself, would consider it “bright” and pleasant. Plugged in, this instrument’s sound is beautiful, due primarily to the great OP-24+ Pickup / EQ and the materials. A great performer's Acoustic/Electric cutaway.
Sound Quality Rating: 10
Construction
Materials are of very high quality, especially for this price range. The solid Sika Spruce top, Mahagony Neck, Rosewood Fingerboard, and Chrome Hardware all add up to an instrument that’s easy to play, sounds beautiful, stays in tune, and is built to last. I’m the only guy I know with a brand new Balladeer, everyone else has had theirs for years. That’s actually the true test of quality. I plan to keep this guitar forever, Ovation’s reputation suggests that this shouldn’t be any trouble.
Construction Rating: 10

Name: Brian Reaves
Band: -----
Model Year: -----
Price Paid: $600
Performance
Excellent! Ovations naturally have their own sound (what some would call “tinny” sound). Excellent for fingerpicked songs, but strumming sounds good too with some adjustment of the equalizer.
Performance Rating: 10
Sound Quality
Sounds great through an amp or sound system. However, played on its own it lacks a bit due to its body style (see below). If you’re playing through a system or amp, I highly recommend it. If you’re playing in intimate settings or such, then I suggest something else. I have a Fender that I keep around for those “unplugged” sessions with friends since the Ovation just doesn’t necessarily have that “oomph” I want, and fingerpicking is basically too low to be heard well through it unplugged. But then again, you buy this guitar for the pickups, so it excels with that.
Sound Quality Rating: 10
Construction
The product is great! To pick up an Ovation is to feel like you haven’t picked up anything. Light as air and sounds great. It’s solid and holds its tuning through rough playing. The body style is a bowl style, so conventional acoustic players might not appreciate it, but I like it.
Construction Rating: 10