Ovation has added a new figured koa top model to the value priced Celebrity line. The new addition features all the standard specifications of a Celebrity including the Lyrachord bowl, pin-less walnut bridge, and OP 20 preamp. It's figured koa top a...Price: $799.50
Customer Review: An acoustic that rocks
The short and sweet version is: the CK047 is a good guitar under any measure; I added the iDea retrofit preamp, and now I have MP3 recording (high quality) and playback (great for jamming!) right on the guitar. I have played for 20 years, and owned a few guitars. I believe I can notice subtleties that differentiate good guitars from plain average. In fact, I went to the store to check an Ovation iDea, but was immediately disappointed... I had never seen a $600 guitar so poorly finished, as the iDea was (what a flop, Ovation, what a flop...) Anyway, that is when I discovered the CK047. I compared the CK047 against a dozen other guitars on the store. The acoustic sound is superior to many brands. This guitar, however, does not have the best acoustic performance; for instance, Taylor is far superior to Ovation... But when it comes to plugged sound, nothing beats an Ovation. Koa wood gives a rich sound that is not very bright (something totally desirable when you amplify). I bought this guitar as a practice instrument for normal wear and tear, while I keep the high-end guitars for recording and occasional jamming. The tuning pegs are standard Ovation (very precise, keeps it tuned). The finish on the top is very well done; incredibly beautiful, and honors the natural warmth of the wood. This guitar is *very* precise: the first harmonic on every fret matches perfectly the note 12 frets below. The action is low and smooth. Now, a note about origin, as it seems to be a matter of interest: The CK047 is Korean. It does not have the aura that accompanies American-made guitars, but the finish is just as high-quality as you would expect from an American guitar (clarification: Celebrities are mid-level models; only high-end models are made in the USA... had I had extra$1,000 I would have bought an American Ovation). Ovation has been making guitars in Korea for a while, and it shows. I compared this guitar against other Chinese celebrities (the koa Celebrity is only made in Korea, though), and I have to acknowledge that Chinese models' finish is of the lowest quality. Warning: AS OF 2008, STAY AWAY FROM CHINESE OVATION CELEBRITY MODELS... they are hit or miss (mostly miss). Out of six Chinese Ovation Celebrity guitars I compared against the CK047, only one had decent finishing and sound. No doubt the quality will eventually increase, but in the meantime...
Customer Review: A Visual Feast
In my opinion this is the most beautiful acoustic-electric guitar made (including Ovation's own SE model). People rave about the stunning grain of the koa. Sounds good unplugged. Sounds absolutely amazing through the amp. I play a finger-picking/strumming Jimmy Buffett-style and believe that this is the perfect guitar for me. Ask someone at Sam Ash or Guitar Center or Musician's Friend. It is available through these retailers even if it is hard to find it on their websites. I expect to be playing this guitar until my fingers stop listening to my brain. I totally love it.
