Ovation Elite 1778 TX Acoustic-Electric Guitar Black

Again I spend a bunch of money on a brand new guitar and Guitar Center searches the state and sends me on that has been on display so long the strings are rusted and dings on the guitar.

I've played ovations since 1976. A custom legend, traditional sound hole but in true stereo with outputs for mono or stereo. Every other string goes to opposite channel. An interesting sound when emulating some of the early popular fusion players. Unfortunately mine succomed to the infamous Ovation cedar top splitting. I was able to stop the process, but it's value greatly decreased. Since 2008, I believe I've been playing the Al Dimeola model. Great sound and exclusive Al inspired features. I saw and heard the elite 1778 TX. It seems to be the best of many worlds. Even better action than the Dimeola model, very comfortable mid depth contour and ultra easy access from th back for neck adjustments. I plan to add a quality secondary pick up using the end pin jack method. Either a mic system or a 3 contact system like the k and k or whatever I discover better.I hope to once and for all replace the plastic compensated saddle with a custom built bone or other. Very playable,plenty of bass for a mid depth and sound holes placement. With the additional pickup I can create a stereo sound and fill out the sound palette. The tone as is, not quite as plastic when amped up. Plus the lyrachord enhances it's tonal stability.

I used this guitar in my performance last Saturday night. I played it for about 2 hours and my fingers were a little sore, but I haven't had a gig in a while and was a little out of shape with the fingers.. I ran it through the settings in my Blackstar 100 and it sounded great. I had just turned a Yamaha acoustic back in to GC because it just didn't cut through the mix. This guitar did just that and with a rich bottom end as well. I even had to take a little off the lower end EQ so as to keep it from being too bold. Although it claims to have a 1 11/16ths" nut. I find my fingers touching other strings down by the nut on the basic E,A,D chords and barring the F down there seems a little hard to hold down, even changing the string gauge before hand from the 12's that came with it to an 11 gauge. It just seems a little harder to play down there than my Breedlove, but I pulled it out today and spent some time with it and I think it just takes some getting used to. I've had another Ovation a few years back and I remember having the same problem. I'm 6' tall and have a larger hand, so take that for what it's worth. I've read from some reviews that there were those who claimed the highs weren't to present with this model because of no sound holes down by the cutaway like other Ovations. However I didn't have any problems playing out with it and the graphics were in the middle and the graphics on my amp were pretty much neutral as well. Although this guitar has man made material for the back and sides, it still has a wooden top so I'm gonna keep my humidifier in my case during the winter months. All in all a good guitar for the price. I would recommend. Pro's Rich Bottom End Highs are present Well built guitar Smooth neck, easy to play Con's A little tight down by the nut for finger space but manageable. Paul Brook Park, Oh

Purchased for my son while he is deployed. Liked the built in tuner. More guitar than he needs but I am certain he will love it. Sounded great through my Swart Space Tone amp!

I walked past this guitar a number of times because of its flashy look. Then I hear someone else strumming a guitar, turn around, and Lo! it's this Ovation. Incredible sound. The low- and high-range are both solid, but the mid-range is where the punch is. It is so rich! I like to play rhythm, so I'm demanding on my mid-range Couldn't be happier with my purchase. They say you play much more when you have an instrument that you appreciate: absolutely true. I easily play twice as much because every time I sit down I'm impressed with the tone of this guitar. Whether or not you like the aesthetic style is up to you, but don't pass it up just because it looks unorthodox. Now this guitar is a conversation piece with every other guitarist I play with. Everyone that strums it comes out impressed.

I waited to do my review so that it would be and honest eavauation of the guitar. I purchased the guitar about 2 years ago from Guitar Center, ( great folks), and have been playing it reguraly ever since. It's very durable and dependable, all the components and hardware are very high quality, and the instrument sounds wonderful. I use it mostly plugged but have miked it with great results. I really do love this guitar and would buy it all over again. I've been an active musician since the early 70's so I have played and owned a lot of differant guitars. I have a few keepers and the 1778 is definitely one.