Conference napalm::guitar

    You should be able to find something fairly decent in that price
    range either way. I don't know much about the Korean instruments,
    but the some of the Japanese instruments, notably Fernandez, are
    very fine, and right in that range (I believe Ibanez is probably
    higher these days).  I think you'd probably be hard pressed to find
    anything used that's substantially better in that price range. 
    By that I mean any instrument that will be either a better investment,
    or an intrinsically superior instrument, will most likely be higher,
    and otherwise, will not be any better, or even as good as some of
    the better imports (ie: there were some years/models from gibson,
    fender,etc that were simply dreadful).  Spend lots of time visiting
    stores, breaking chops, trying everything!  Like a special friend,
    when you meet, you'll know it right away!
    						joe

    I believe that an Ibanez RG340 would fall into that price range and
    description (new).  I've heard good things about Tokai as well (but
    haven't played one myself). 
    
    There is a wealth of used equipment which would fall into that price
    range.  You may be able to find used Charvels, Kramers, or Fender
    models.  As Joe suggested, just look around.  I doubt you'll have any
    trouble finding something you like and can afford. 
    
    Greg

    I had a jazz guitar made by Norma(Japanese company)a few years ago.
    If you can find a guitar like that might be suitable for kind of
    music you play. 
                  HOSSEIN BEYZAVI
    

    
    Hi!
    
    I'd like to hear your opinions and recommendations about this offer that I
    just got:
    
    	Ovation Custom Balladeer (Sunburst)
    	Acoustic/electric 
    	Excellent condition in both acoustic and electric components
    	comes with hard case (also in excellent condition)
    	
    	Price: $489
    
    Thanks all,
    
    - Philip

    
    re -.1
    
    Well, if you are a first time guitar buyer, and therefore haven't been
    playing very long, I wouldn't spend that much on an acoustic guitar,
    and I wouldn't see any need for an acoustic/electric....in fact, I'd
    stick with just getting a plain old acoustic, that way your $$ is being
    spent on a good guitar, and not any added electronic features.  Plus,
    you may find after time that you don't like the guitar.  You can get a
    really good acoustic guitar for $250, and a good variety of choices.
    
    My first guitar was a Yamaha 6 string that I paid $135 for, learned to
    play with, and then replaced 2 years later.  That was a GOOD guitar!! 
    I think to start with, a simple acoustic guitar and a pick is all you
    need.
    
    And personally, I generally dislike Ovations........so my opinion or
    recommendation is don't get it.
    
    If you aren't a beginner, just ignore me........
    
    Dave
     

    
    re. -1
    
    Thanks for the reply Dave. No, I'm not a beginner :) I just happened to
    ask the question in this topic. I did start on a acoustic YAMAHA, and
    still use it regularly.
    
    And,.... I did get the Ovation. What are your reasons for disliking
    them (just so that I'll know what to look out for :))?
    
    - Philip

    
    Phillip,
    
    Its really a personal choice for not liking Ovations.  The first time I
    played one, I was impressed with the playability of it, but I didn't
    feel comfortable with the rounded back.  After playing more of them, I
    found I also didn't care for the plastic sound.  I play more than half
    the time without a pick, and don't really like the tone I get when
    using just my fingers.  Thats NOT amplified....when amplified, they can
    sound pretty good.  I've played some of their higher end models, and
    though I've been impressed, I haven't liked them as much as a regular
    all wood acoustic guitar.
    
    They DO have excellent pickup systems, but I still don't personally
    like them that much....
    
    I wish I could tell you more useful information about the guitars, but
    all I have is my selfish opinion ;^)
    
    They're good guitars, just not for me..... congratulations on your
    guitar upgrade, enjoy!!
    
    Dave

	I also have an Ovation (12 string Glen Campbell / electric acoustic).
	I know what you mean about the sound, but what the player hears and
	feels is not what the audience hears. The Ovation's fiberglass body
	does not transmit sound or vibrate in the same manner that a wood 
	guitar body does & consequently, they feel and sound kind of strange
	if you are not used to them. Now if you were to have someone else
	play the guitar & you stood in from of them and listened, you'd
	find that it sounded quite normal. The construction is the cause
	for the difference. As far as listeners are concerned, the guitars
	sound good. 

	I use mine mostly when I do acoustical songs in my Duo & don't
	play it much at home, prefering a wooden bodied guitar to screw
	around with. It does sound wrong to me also, but only when I
	play it, not when someone else does. When amplified thru the P.A.
	system, it sounds great.

	They are very good guitars & as usual, each player gets thier own
	biases & will like/dislike various things (I can't stand the narrow
	frets on a Strat or the Scale Length, where I'm at home on a
	Gibson with wide frets). I'll mention that if you put lite guage
	strings on the Ovation, the Piezo transducers in the bridge don't
	react to low frequencies right (Ie, no bass reponse when amplified).
	Otherwise, I wouldn't trade my Ovation for another 12 string,
	it's really a nice playing guitar.

								Jens