Yea, the Celebrity line seems like a good value. I had only owned one Ovation before...a nylon string, no cutaway, no preamp. This one is a shallow bowl, and I have been using it every night, playing instrumentals (4 or so a hour-alternating with the arranger). When I got it, I noticed the strap buttons, which I had never seen on a nylon string. First time I tried to play it sitting on my arranger bench, it slipped right off my lap! Didn't have a strap with me that night, but it works fine sitting with a strap adjusted a little higher than ideal.

Anxious to see the Celebrity double. It's been back ordered for over three months. The authorized dealer is a little shady. They first told me that the unit was "in stock", whatever that meant. Musician's Friend had the model in stock, but the dealer says that the one they had (they're back-ordered, too) was a proprietary model...slightly different red. Now they have my deposit and don't know when they'll have the guitar. I try to buy from local dealers, but if I don't get delivery before Musicians Friend has the unit, I'll cancel the order from the local jerks and get it there. Have had great luck with Musician's Friend, but have always felt better if I could inspect a wooden instrument before purchase.

The local dealer also carries Yamaha keyboards, and I'll be buying a digital piano soon. It won't be from them. I can't understand why taking care of customers and earning additional business instead of hussling is such a hard concept.

Oh well, it's THEIR Loss!


Russ