Ovation Collector 2002-AC

Model 2002 Specifications:

Body Type: Mid-depth cutaway
Top: Figured African Cherry
Bracing: Quintad
Scale Length: 25 1 / 4 "
Scale:
Fretboard: Ebony
Fret Inlay: 12th cargo mother of pearl
Bridge: Ebony
Rosette: Multi Soundhole 5-Piece Epaulet
Pickup: Ovation Tru-Balance
Nutwidth: 1 11/16 "
Machines: Gold Ovation
Case: 9158

UTILIZATION

What struck me first I admit, the look is off the table in cherry Africa!
Enlarge the photo is worth a oeuil frankly, Aesthetics is a gem!

The handle typical electric guitar with a width of 0.43 is slightly larger and rounder than the 2003 collector so need a little more effort, as the action a little high to Douzima box j ' rgl did the handle to lower the maximun action that I found a bit hard for my little fingers since I am much more comfortable and she sduit more.

SOUNDS

Any owner of Ovation will tell you, though in his case with pure acoustic mid-bowl is usable thanks notament projection perfectly clear and right and good Submitted serious is that the electrification gear is the most efficient rvle.

The OP40 and micro-references are true balance on the market with pramp Fishman, comes this pre-amp maturit possde large capacity and rglages allows good swing and warm up the sound a little dry typical ovation. Plugging directly into a mixer gives rsultat stupfiant if we have good speakers ...

Select Adamas strings or D'Addario EXP16 (.012 -. 053) Phosphorus Bronze for the best performance, for example, the Elixir POLYWEB excellent yet not well suited this type of guitar.

OVERALL OPINION

An opportunity not to be missed!

Descriptive elements have been given in the previous opinion. Guitar made in USA.
The microphone, piezoelectric type, are located under the bridge, on small strips that can be adjusted downwards by removing the string height.
Mechanics that seem good quality gold plated.
The handle is of type 5 rooms in mahogany, oval, but very pleasant to the touch as the game (see use). Omega pearl adorns the twelfth fret, single hut with inlay.
The guitar is kind of Adamas with roses placed on top of the table, either side of the lower "cut" of the handle.
Supplied in hard case Ovation (model 9158), which fits the guitar perfectly, without moving a hair.
The guitar is pure beauty, African cherry table that light literally waving aesthetically very successful: a must see! The head is also very beautiful (as printed on the back), with a small plate of the same wood as the table to hide the end of the rod adjustment sleeve, and a plate of glossy black look great on the front of the head.
The most beautiful Ovation Collector's after me (the most beautiful Ovation ?...).

UTILIZATION

The mahogany neck is indeed thicker than a Fender electric for example, but not too much (oval type) and holds well in hand, and especially the press (like the bridge) is an ebony black deep, giving a soft and smooth, very nice.
Access to the treble is very good because the guitar has a cutaway.
The string height was perfect upon receipt of the guitar: a priori no further adjustment to make.
The fact that the table is a half box Ovation facilitates maintenance when playing seated, and avoids the impression of being pregnant (e) when playing standing. And I find it slightly.

SOUNDS

The sound of the guitar is not plugged round with a pretty good projection, less brilliant than some other Collector's (2003.2005), with many mediums present. That's exactly what I was looking for, against platitudes often heard on Ovation guitars ("sound too dry", "metal"), general which can be applied to low-end Ovation, but no way to model and Collectors in general.
Once connected (for me on electric guitar amp: Marshall Valvestate AV20 or Carvin Vintage 16), 2002 Ovation Collector delivers its full potential, thanks to the pre-amp of good quality, with simple settings, but many (one booster and another of severe acute setting to eliminate feedback at high volume ...), and a handy built-in tuner. A well balanced, as in folk rock.

OVERALL OPINION

I did that for several days, but I am absolutely delighted: the most beautiful guitar in my modest collection.
I really like, not love his look, one of the most beautiful guitars I have seen.
The little less, since we find one, perhaps the sound when the guitar is not plugged in, the less polished and with less deep bass than my Martin. But without doubt this is partly due to the ropes with which I have been waged, Elixir Nanoweb light, which seem to stifle the sound. And it's the kind of sound I was looking for: more "masculine" than "feminine" (if you know what I mean), round and mellow with time.
I tried a few models Collector's (2001, 2003, 2005), and 2002 is the one sound-and look! - I liked the most. Absolutely nothing to do with models or even Celebrity Applause, we're with the Collector's in another dimension, both at the finish (perfect) than the sound ...
Bought second hand (in a state like new) a bit expensive, but the guitar is worth the price paid: below 1500 euros, including case and in perfect condition, excellent value for money from me. A guitar to keep (only 740 produced worldwide), as its name suggests!