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Ovation T357 Tangent Super-Shallow Bowl Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar
Low profile neck. New sound ports.
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Description
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From Our Catalog
Following Ovation's 35 year tradition of "doing something different," Ovation's new Tangent Series brings the traditional Ovation Roundback to a new level and direction. These guitars are visually different from the standard Ovation models, yet have the sound and playability that Ovation is known for. T357 has advanced electronics, a super-shallow cutaway bowl with new sound ports, a cutaway body, and a low profile neck to fit electric players. Other features include a black top, black peghead, gunmetal machine heads and pearloid fingerboard inlays.
Why The Round Back
A long time ago, conventional wisdom said that the world was flat. Not very long ago, acoustic guitar purists believed that guitar backs should be flat as well. Enter the upstarts at Ovation.
When Charlie Kaman set about to build a better guitar 35 years ago, he had no preconceived notions about instrument design. After much analysis and experimentation, a parabolic "bowl" shape proved to give the best projection, volume and tone. Ovation gained its fame with its round back and today makes roundbacks in three body sizes Ö super shallow, mid-depth, and deep. Whichever one you choose, you'll get clear projection and rich, full tone.
Guitarmaking is an Art. So What's with All the Science
No other maker has applied Ovation's level of technology to instrument design. Using extremely sophisticated equipment and Kaman's aerospace research resources, we've been able to determine precisely which specifications affect which part of the guitar's tonal spectrum.
Pioneers of the Plug
Nowadays, purely acoustic guitars are a rarity on stage. Over the last 2-and-a-half decades, Ovation has maintained its acoustic/electric leadership position. Today, more than 95% of all Ovations sold around the world are acoustic/electrics. They now offer systems to suit almost any particular taste and application.
Megadeth was Ovation's first choice to receive and test its new Tangent Series
In mid-2001, Ovation made some prototypes of guitars with new cosmetics, designed to appeal to its core user base: electric guitarists. These guitars would become part of new "Ovation Tangent Series." The guitars features black tops, black pegheads, gunmetal machine heads, and pearloid fingerboard inlays, together with Ovation's trademark black super-shallow cutaway bowl. To make sure that the instruments were "right" for the target audience, Ovation wanted to place them with players who put their guitars through the rigors of the road.
The first choice for Ovation to test the appeal of these new guitars was Megadeth, known worldwide for their demanding standards in their instruments. After receiving the first Tangent Series (T257-5) prototype, guitarist Dave Mustaine was blown away by the guitar's incredible looks and sound. After seeing and hearing Dave's new Ovation, bassist Dave Ellefson and guitarist Al Pitrelli decided that they would like to have similar instruments for writing purposes and to present a common front in the band's all-acoustic set. Now all 3-band members have all-black Ovation guitars and are using them extensively.
Ovation is proud to be working with Megadeth, and looks forward to providing them with the best tools for their trade.
Why The Round Back
A long time ago, conventional wisdom said that the world was flat. Not very long ago, acoustic guitar purists believed that guitar backs should be flat as well. Enter the upstarts at Ovation.
When Charlie Kaman set about to build a better guitar 35 years ago, he had no preconceived notions about instrument design. After much analysis and experimentation, a parabolic "bowl" shape proved to give the best projection, volume and tone. Ovation gained its fame with its round back and today makes roundbacks in three body sizes Ö super shallow, mid-depth, and deep. Whichever one you choose, you'll get clear projection and rich, full tone.
Guitarmaking is an Art. So What's with All the Science
No other maker has applied Ovation's level of technology to instrument design. Using extremely sophisticated equipment and Kaman's aerospace research resources, we've been able to determine precisely which specifications affect which part of the guitar's tonal spectrum.
Pioneers of the Plug
Nowadays, purely acoustic guitars are a rarity on stage. Over the last 2-and-a-half decades, Ovation has maintained its acoustic/electric leadership position. Today, more than 95% of all Ovations sold around the world are acoustic/electrics. They now offer systems to suit almost any particular taste and application.
Megadeth was Ovation's first choice to receive and test its new Tangent Series
In mid-2001, Ovation made some prototypes of guitars with new cosmetics, designed to appeal to its core user base: electric guitarists. These guitars would become part of new "Ovation Tangent Series." The guitars features black tops, black pegheads, gunmetal machine heads, and pearloid fingerboard inlays, together with Ovation's trademark black super-shallow cutaway bowl. To make sure that the instruments were "right" for the target audience, Ovation wanted to place them with players who put their guitars through the rigors of the road.
The first choice for Ovation to test the appeal of these new guitars was Megadeth, known worldwide for their demanding standards in their instruments. After receiving the first Tangent Series (T257-5) prototype, guitarist Dave Mustaine was blown away by the guitar's incredible looks and sound. After seeing and hearing Dave's new Ovation, bassist Dave Ellefson and guitarist Al Pitrelli decided that they would like to have similar instruments for writing purposes and to present a common front in the band's all-acoustic set. Now all 3-band members have all-black Ovation guitars and are using them extensively.
Ovation is proud to be working with Megadeth, and looks forward to providing them with the best tools for their trade.
Electric feel, acoustic tone. The Tangent T357 features a rounded super-shallow back that projects the sound straight up to the unique multiple soundholes in its spruce top. Thin-Line piezo pickup and OP30 preamp. Dark rosewood bridge and fretboard. Gun Metal Gray hardware.
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Ovation T357 Tangent Super-Shallow Bowl Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar Reviews
10 out of 10
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
"A Sweetie - with attitude!"
Feature:
The OP-30 preamp is easy to use - and very useful. I haven't messed with the 3-band EQ (I like the tone the way it is), but tone is easy to tweak. The built-in tuner is a snap to use, mutes the sound while you're using it, and is pretty much foolproof. "Preshape" mode in preamp is also useful for a variety of tones, and you can boost the midrange as well. It's all very well thought out. I'd still like a pick guard of some type, but that's a minor quibble. One other thing is lacking, and that's some form of stress relief for the amp cable where it plugs into the back. I loop the cable through the strap of course, but I'd still like to see the cable plug in at an angle.
Quality:
Can't speak to reliability yet - I haven't had the instrument long enough. Feels very solid and well put-together, and plays that way. Finish is nearly flawless, the "bowl" isn't going to break unless you run over it with your car, and the neck, tuning machines, &c. are very sturdy. The weak link is probably the preamp connection if you have to remove the unit often to change batteries - mechanical "insert/remove" connections almost always eventually warp, twist, or wear to the point where replacement is necessary - but given the features and the quality of the guitar as a whole, I wouldn't expect any problems for many years.
Value:
For a hobbyist or beginner, this is a pretty expensive instrument, but it has so many of the good features that draw both electric and acoustic players I'd have to say it's among the best deals in the market right now.
Desirability:
One of the other reviewers was probably right on the money - you either love the look or you hate it. I love it. I also am impressed with the combination of technology and old-fashioned aesthetic appeal. It looks great, and performs to match its looks. I wanted one - just based on the looks - for years. Playing it is even better.
Sound:
Sound quality is extraordinary. Not as "boom-y" as a big dreadnought (I also have a 40-year-old Goya 12-string, so I'm speaking from experience), but extremely crisp and clear without being at all "tinny." Plugged in, much depends upon the amp you're using, but when you can dial in FX to go with the tone that's already there, it's pretty special. Warm and inviting without too being fuzzy or opaque. Easily the best tone of any acoustic I've played in nearly 40 years, and there's nothing to complain about when plugged in, either.
Ease of Use:
Beginners and pros alike should love it. The neck is nearly as thin as my Strat's, and the action a nice compromise between high and low, so playability is excellent. I can't give a 10 here, however, because the included documentation is almost totally inadequate. Much of the electronic stuff is pretty intuitive, but not all of it. You'll find better instructions at Ovation's website - but you shouldn't have to go online to find out the best way to remove the preamp to change the battery.
Support:
Don't know - haven't had to deal with the factory.
Overall:
I've been playing guitar for more than 35 years, and I regret that the Tangent wasn't available when I was much younger. It's far easier to play than any of the purely acoustic guitars I've owned, and has a warmth to its tone that my Strat can't match. I looked at dozens of acoustic-electrics at different dealers on the web, and none of the other guitars match the combination of looks and performance the Tangent offers.
The OP-30 preamp is easy to use - and very useful. I haven't messed with the 3-band EQ (I like the tone the way it is), but tone is easy to tweak. The built-in tuner is a snap to use, mutes the sound while you're using it, and is pretty much foolproof. "Preshape" mode in preamp is also useful for a variety of tones, and you can boost the midrange as well. It's all very well thought out. I'd still like a pick guard of some type, but that's a minor quibble. One other thing is lacking, and that's some form of stress relief for the amp cable where it plugs into the back. I loop the cable through the strap of course, but I'd still like to see the cable plug in at an angle.
Quality:
Can't speak to reliability yet - I haven't had the instrument long enough. Feels very solid and well put-together, and plays that way. Finish is nearly flawless, the "bowl" isn't going to break unless you run over it with your car, and the neck, tuning machines, &c. are very sturdy. The weak link is probably the preamp connection if you have to remove the unit often to change batteries - mechanical "insert/remove" connections almost always eventually warp, twist, or wear to the point where replacement is necessary - but given the features and the quality of the guitar as a whole, I wouldn't expect any problems for many years.
Value:
For a hobbyist or beginner, this is a pretty expensive instrument, but it has so many of the good features that draw both electric and acoustic players I'd have to say it's among the best deals in the market right now.
Desirability:
One of the other reviewers was probably right on the money - you either love the look or you hate it. I love it. I also am impressed with the combination of technology and old-fashioned aesthetic appeal. It looks great, and performs to match its looks. I wanted one - just based on the looks - for years. Playing it is even better.
Sound:
Sound quality is extraordinary. Not as "boom-y" as a big dreadnought (I also have a 40-year-old Goya 12-string, so I'm speaking from experience), but extremely crisp and clear without being at all "tinny." Plugged in, much depends upon the amp you're using, but when you can dial in FX to go with the tone that's already there, it's pretty special. Warm and inviting without too being fuzzy or opaque. Easily the best tone of any acoustic I've played in nearly 40 years, and there's nothing to complain about when plugged in, either.
Ease of Use:
Beginners and pros alike should love it. The neck is nearly as thin as my Strat's, and the action a nice compromise between high and low, so playability is excellent. I can't give a 10 here, however, because the included documentation is almost totally inadequate. Much of the electronic stuff is pretty intuitive, but not all of it. You'll find better instructions at Ovation's website - but you shouldn't have to go online to find out the best way to remove the preamp to change the battery.
Support:
Don't know - haven't had to deal with the factory.
Overall:
I've been playing guitar for more than 35 years, and I regret that the Tangent wasn't available when I was much younger. It's far easier to play than any of the purely acoustic guitars I've owned, and has a warmth to its tone that my Strat can't match. I looked at dozens of acoustic-electrics at different dealers on the web, and none of the other guitars match the combination of looks and performance the Tangent offers.
Submitted: 02/09/2007
Style of Music: Blues, Blues-Rock, some Country
8 out of 10
"Naked Guitar Pics inside! (did that get thier attention?)"
Feature:
Everything about this guitar is well thought out. There is a built in tuner so you can tune your guitar to anything. Even the tuner had thought put into it as it will mute the line output while you are tuning - I use the tuner function to plug and unplug my Tangent on stage without causing a huge 'pop' (just incase the sound man wasnt paying attention)...
Quality:
Solid guitar. Which is good... cuz I have 3 kids who like to beat on it while I'm not home. To really appreciate the strength and build quality of an Ovation guitar check out what Khaki King puts her Ovations though. :-)
Value:
It keeps pace with guitars which cost 2X more... can't argue with that.
Desirability:
Ok, you either love the look, or I think you hate it... I still think its a funny looking guitar... but despite that, there is something sexy about it.
Sound:
Clean and clear. It is not a 'big' sound, but there is alot of resonance and the sound is very very crisp. It is a very distinct sound, so if you are looking for a traditional jumbo body rich sound, then you may argue with my 10... but if you are looking for a clean sounding guitar, then a 10 it is...
Support:
Because I havent had to deal with them... :-)
Overall:
The only reason I can't give this a 10 is because I know there are better guitars out there (Taylor, Martin for example)... but then again, they cost 3 or 4 times more than this puppy... :-)
Everything about this guitar is well thought out. There is a built in tuner so you can tune your guitar to anything. Even the tuner had thought put into it as it will mute the line output while you are tuning - I use the tuner function to plug and unplug my Tangent on stage without causing a huge 'pop' (just incase the sound man wasnt paying attention)...
Quality:
Solid guitar. Which is good... cuz I have 3 kids who like to beat on it while I'm not home. To really appreciate the strength and build quality of an Ovation guitar check out what Khaki King puts her Ovations though. :-)
Value:
It keeps pace with guitars which cost 2X more... can't argue with that.
Desirability:
Ok, you either love the look, or I think you hate it... I still think its a funny looking guitar... but despite that, there is something sexy about it.
Sound:
Clean and clear. It is not a 'big' sound, but there is alot of resonance and the sound is very very crisp. It is a very distinct sound, so if you are looking for a traditional jumbo body rich sound, then you may argue with my 10... but if you are looking for a clean sounding guitar, then a 10 it is...
Support:
Because I havent had to deal with them... :-)
Overall:
The only reason I can't give this a 10 is because I know there are better guitars out there (Taylor, Martin for example)... but then again, they cost 3 or 4 times more than this puppy... :-)
Submitted: 03/22/2005
Style of Music: Accoustic Rock (Christian)
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