Ovations have certain advantages: for one thing, you don't get sentimentally attached.
I was too many years getting an Appolonio 12 - probably the last serious 12-string player in Maine to do so.
What can I say? There are voices in there that you won't get in any other 12-string. Somehow Nick has managed to build guitars that sound full and transparent at the same time - a truly unique sound which allows a huge amount of tonal subtlety. The double compensating saddle system he uses has the guitar playing in tune all the way up the neck. As far as price goes Nick's guitars are the most affordable handmade guitars anywhere and are a good bit less expensive than any kind of factory made 12-string that is worth playing.