Info/Opinions RE: Ovation,Takemine,Yamaha

Subject: RE: Info/Opinions RE: Ovation,Takemine,Yamaha
From: Big Mick
Date: 24 Mar 08 - 08:42 AM

Pete,

I have just dropped a line to the Takamine folks. They are pretty good about these kinds of requests, so I should have an answer for you later.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Info/Opinions RE: Ovation,Takemine,Yamaha
From: Midchuck
Date: 24 Mar 08 - 08:56 AM

The "S" suffix, in Pacific Rim guitars, generally means a solid wood top, which makes it substantially more desirable (and proportionately more expensive). (As opposed to Martin coding, where the "S" suffix means a 12-fret to the body, slothead, neck, like a classical. Go figure.)

Donno what the "F" means.

Peter

Subject: RE: Info/Opinions RE: Ovation,Takemine,Yamaha
From: Big Mick
Date: 24 Mar 08 - 09:41 AM

Yeah, Peter, that was my first reaction, but then I noticed, in scouring the Takamine site, that they have a design motif called "Santa Fe", and in another discussion forum that the "S" is not always included in the Tak's. So I thought I would just ask the folks that know.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Info/Opinions RE: Ovation,Takemine,Yamaha
From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego
Date: 24 Mar 08 - 11:13 AM

I am working with my second Takamine classical, a replacement for an identical guitar that was stolen several years ago. These instruments, once set up well and with decent strings, sound quite acceptable for song accompaniment when played acoustically, though they obviously lack the depth and projection of higher end concert guitars. For the money, I am very happy with Takamine.

Some months ago, I came into possession of an Ovation 12-string acoustic-electric. I had hoped for much more than I got (it was a gift, so I can't really complain). This guitar sounds rather thin and almost "tinny" when played acoustically, though the neck is true and not hard to handle for me. Plus, I can't get comfortable with the rounded plastic back - it seems always to want to slide off in one direction or another. I think I'll save up for a Guild.

Subject: RE: Info/Opinions RE: Ovation,Takemine,Yamaha
From: Big Mick
Date: 24 Mar 08 - 11:17 AM

TJ, the Ovation has never been touted as a great standalone acoustic. But it has always been known for having a great action, and sounding spectacular when played as an amplified acoustic. I also don't care much for the rounded back.

Mick

Subject: RE: Info/Opinions RE: Ovation,Takemine,Yamaha
From: kendall
Date: 24 Mar 08 - 11:59 AM

My dear departed friend, Fred Pike had the only good sounding Ovation I ever heard.

Subject: RE: Info/Opinions RE: Ovation,Takemine,Yamaha
From: Big Mick
Date: 27 Mar 08 - 11:36 AM

OK, I heard back from the Takemine folks. The SF stands for Satin Finish.

All the best,

Mick