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Thread: Ovation Tenor Guitar Prototype

  1. #1
    Work in Progress Ed Goist's Avatar
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    Default Ovation Tenor Guitar Prototype

    This is pretty cool. I wonder if it ever sold? NFI

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  2. #2

    Default Re: Ovation Tenor Guitar Prototype

    Ewww. What a bad idea!
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  3. #3
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    Default Re: Ovation Tenor Guitar Prototype

    Quote Originally Posted by Michael Eck View Post
    Ewww. What a bad idea!
    I'm too new at this to understand why this is a bad idea. Can you fill me in?

  4. #4

    Default Re: Ovation Tenor Guitar Prototype

    Just not a fan of Ovation instruments personally. The sound had always left me cold and I've seen sooo many with cracked tops that they never seemed like a safe bet to me. I know some folks love them. I'm not one of them.
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  5. #5
    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: Ovation Tenor Guitar Prototype

    I agree with Michael, a bad mix. In addition to the reputation of Ovaion guitars, the bridge on this one is so close to the sound hole, it can't sound good.
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

  6. #6
    the little guy DerTiefster's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ovation Tenor Guitar Prototype

    Folks have more experience than I do, but I can't help wondering... Something like the, "Vas you dere, Charley?" from Baron von Munchausen. Now, Charles E., that isn't pointed as directly at you as it might seem. I'm actually trying to quote words from the character and can't guarantee I remembered them correctly. I guess I'm trying to say, "Give it a listen." I wouldn't mind learning what the tenor guitar sounds like. Ive been on the fence about an ovation mando for 'lectrified use, and I've also been really curious about the (possibly very few) mandocellos they have made. But I don't have time to learn to do all these things myself.

    But there are reasons for things to remain prototype-only. Sometimes market, sometimes the item. Maybe the seller would point you to some sound clips or info. You never know, even on a nearly 2 yr old post.
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  7. #7
    ISO TEKNO delsbrother's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ovation Tenor Guitar Prototype

    The idea of an Adamas-type tenor is quite appealing to me - remember, most flattops that have survived are hardly the epitome of lutherie.

    I'd be curious to know how many mandocelli they made, as they seem to pop up quite often. I know they also made quite a few ukes in both soprano and tenor sizes, which are generally thought of in a similar way to how we look at the mandos - good for plugging in and not much else.

  8. #8
    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: Ovation Tenor Guitar Prototype

    Michael, I like to think I have an open mind about things but will admit I have strong opinions when it comes to tenor guitar.
    When I see an instrument such as the Ovation, I see that they have stuck a tenor neck on a six string body with little thought to the concept of a tenor guitar. Gibson did this as well. I have seen many of these tenors and even owned a few, they all came up short in the sound department. The problem is that the bridge location, because of the short scale length, ends up being very close to the sound hole instead of the middle of the body. This is not good for acustics. Just making an educated guess.
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

  9. #9
    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ovation Tenor Guitar Prototype

    as a signal source for amplified playing why not?

    [other than the way they don't sit in your lap without a strap]

    The Adamas wood/carbon fiber laminate would go a long way to top stability..

    (just hope they glued the bridge down well )
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  11. #10
    Oscar Stern s11141827's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ovation Tenor Guitar Prototype

    It could use some improvements. Ovation instruments are nowadays less prone to cracks because the top is coated in a protective lacquer to prevent that.

  12. #11
    Registered User PT66's Avatar
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    Default Re: Ovation Tenor Guitar Prototype

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    I don’t think the bridge location is a lot worse than the typical Martin Dreadnought.
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