Guitar Question - buying one for our daughter for Christmas

[Tripper11]

My wife already put one on layaway, it's an Potomac PVO-28 Rosewood Acoustic Guitar. Pretty standard acoustic, costs about $227.00 marked down from $550.00
Then we got a catalog from guitar centre and they have an Ovation Applause Series AE148 Super Shallow Acoustic-Electric for $249.00

Question is, she is just starting out, but has musical aptitude as she currently plays the violin, which would be better for her?
Is it simply personal preference(trying to surprise her, so asking her is kind of out of the question).

Frankly I like the look of the Ovation. I like that it's shallow bodied, and is both electric and acoustic. I know looks aren't everything, but I'm also thinking as she progresses too and our wallets!

We'd appreciate any advice...thank you.


Potomac



or Ovation

[hifiguy]

1. The shallow-body Ovation would be easier for a beginning

player to handle, I think. That it can be plugged in is a bonus.

[Capn Sunshine]

2. from a practical standpoint

if she takes to the guitar, sooner or later she'll want to plug in. With the ovation, having that option, and you can get a little pignose amp (the size of a pack of cigs) to complement it.

[Amerigo Vespucci]

3. I LOVE Ovations.

Had to sell mine a couple of years ago for financial reasons (broke my heart). When I can swing it, I WILL be buying another.

Second choice would be a vintage Martin, but those are basically "second mortgage" guitars.

:toast:

[Electric Monk]

4. I would go with the Ovation

[Tripper11]

5. Hey thanks for the quick replies...

Well, that settles it then. It's going to be the Ovation.
I really do like the look and the shallow body does seem practical.
As for an amp, her birthday is in February so if she starts twitching about that, we can do that then!

[Throd]

6. I own a similar Ovation. It is a good instrument.

[HopeHoops]

7. Unless she's doing a lot in the upper range (near the double dots), go with the Potomac

The Ovation has a curved back and that not only makes it harder to hold, but it messes with your feel of orientation. It is meant for playing standing up with a strap, not sitting down. If she already knows violin, guitar will be a snap. Save the Ovation for when she's already mastered the standard guitar.

I have a 1974 Giannini craviola - best sounding guitar on the planet (IMHO). My dad bought it new when I was a kid and it is mine now. As for the Ovation, that's quite similar to what Anne Wilson (Heart) plays in "Dream of the Archer". Another consideration - if it has electric capability, she'll be wanting an amp and speakers soon. Unless you already have them (I do), you're setting yourself up for another expense.

[astral]

8. I think a nice wood guitar is better than an Ovation.

It should be a nice guitar that is really, really easy on the fingers. You know a thing like this would be better gifted with the daughter in on the decision rather than just springing the guitar on her, I think

[Capn Sunshine]

9. BTW Little baby amp for 26 bucks

Any music store carries these, this one is at guitar center

[Tom Ripley]

11. L'il Smokey!

[DFW]

10. I'd go with the real guitar

Even the guy who made my guitars experimented with a plastic model back in the late 70s, and gave it up
as a soulless imitation of an instrument. His name is Božo Podunavac. He is over 80 today, and ANY guitar
handmade by him these days is a five figure item unless it has been mishandled. He couldn't resist trying
plastic because Ovation seemed to be such a rage back then, but the thing had no character.

If you haven't made a purchase yet, look on the website of Heritage Auctions in Dallas. www.HA.com They have a
HUGE selection of used instruments there, and if you pay attention to what condition they are in, you can sometimes
find a bargain there. I know one guy who bought a used Fender acoustic for his daughter in decent shape for $160!

[dimbear]

12. She'd be very surprised by a gift certificate.

Something about someone else picking out a guitar doesn't strike a chord with me.

Just sayin.