Since there's been some talk of Ovations (pros and cons) in other threads a suggestion was made to start a thread specifically about them, so here it is.

Very early on when I first started playing guitar, my second guitar was an early 70s Ovation Balladeer sunburst which I bought new. I found the playability just great and loved the neck. I used silk and steel strings on it back then. The main problem I had with it was the back's curvature sliding off of my body (as I never used straps)...but as an economical and affordable instrument I think they're just fine, if you don't mind the backs or play with a strap. (I eventually sold it to get my first Martin.)