Product: Ovation K-1114 Josh White
Price Paid: GBP 1200
Submitted
08/16/2008
at
05:21am
by
Graham
Email: berenbaby<at>aol dot com
Features
:
9
The Josh White Re-Issue is a deep bowl, 12-fret(to the body), slot-head, straight acoustic, from Ovation.
Made in 2006 to commemorate Ovations 40th year.
Body Type: Fiberglass Cloth, Non-Cutaway
Top: AA Grade Solid Sitka Spruce
Bracing: Ovation X Bracing
Neck: Mahogany, with Maple strips
Scale Length: 25 ?????
Nutwidth: 1 7/8???
Fretboard: Deluxe Grade Ebony (18 frets)
Fret Inlay: Dots and Diamonds
Bridge: Brazilian Rosewood
Rosette: Ovation Oak Leaf
Machines: Vintage Side Mount
Overall Finish: Gloss
Came with an Ovation Case: 9158-0 (light-flight style)
Sound
:
10
Unlike most other Ovations I have played, this one doesn't sound like it was built as an electro. It's a pure acoustic. And with it's 12-fret design, deep body and quality materials, it has a big, warm sound, with loads of character, that would surprise many, more tradional guitarists, with their all-wood guitars. I am one of those guitarists, who derided, the synthetic back and sides of Ovations.
However, this guitar has a full, rich tone. My main guitar is a Stanford RD5Vin. A very traditional, slope-shoudered dreadnought, with spruce/rosewood and a lovely full sound. The surprise for me, was how similar the Josh White was in sound and playabilty. Both are powerful, yet responsive, rich yet capable of delicacy.
The Stanford has a little more ring and vibrant separation. The Ovation has more harmonic undertones. It has a thicker sound, that is not muddy but rich in texture.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
9
Like most USA Ovations I have seen, the Josh White is engineered to (or very close to) perfection.
The neck is so solid and accurately constructed. The body too is made for strength and tone. No hint of shoddiness or finish imperfections. Low, solid action makes it so playable.
Reliability/Durability
:
10
This is a US Ovation. Built for life on the road and a lifetime of playing. It's a professional instrument for pros and amateurs alike.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
N/A
Overall Rating
:
9
I've been playing for well over 35 years. My last Ovation was a Matrix, back in the 70s. I've always had an acoustic for songwriting, although it's only become my main instrument over the last 4 or 5 years. My preference has been for all-solid wood guitars, with quality woods and little ornamnetation.
The Adamas style guitars, with loads of flash colours, synthetic backs and mulitple soundholes at the shoulder, did nothing for me. Yet when I saw and played the Josh White model, I realised there was more to Ovation than had met my eye, thus far.
With it's 12-fret and 1 & 7/8 width at the nut, this guitar won't be for everyone. I love this design in more tradional guitars and now I love it in this Ovation.
The large, slick bowl back can feel a little slippy at first. I play standing up 90% of the time, so it doesn't bother me. It does bother some though.
Overall then, a fantastic guitar, made to high standards, with a great, full sound. If it's your style, you will not be disappointed.
