Overall User Ratings (based on 73 ratings)
  • Overall:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Sound:
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Features:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Ease of Use:
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Quality:
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Value:
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Manufacturer Support:
    5 out of 5 stars
  • The Wow Factor:
    5 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(73) (see rating details)
Submitted February 9, 2007 by a customer from frii.com

"A Sweetie - with attitude!"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
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.
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.
Features
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.
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.
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.
Manufacturer Support
Don't know - haven't had to deal with the factory.
The Wow Factor
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.

Musical Background:

Hobbyist of long standing - since 1969

Musical Style:

Blues, Blues-Rock, some Country
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Submitted March 22, 2005 by a customer from canada.com

"Naked Guitar Pics inside! (did that get thier attention?)"

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
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... :-)
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...
Features
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.
Manufacturer Support
Because I havent had to deal with them... :-)
The Wow Factor
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.

Musical Background:

Amature musician

Musical Style:

Accoustic Rock (Christian)
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Submitted May 17, 2004 by a customer from canada.com

"Excellent acoustic/electic - holds it own against guitars 2 or 3 times more$$$."

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Ok, Its not a Martin or Taylor. But its also a fraction of the price. For Studio work, spend the extra cash and get the Taylor... but for live performing - the Tangent more than holds its own against guitars costing 2 or 3 times more than it did. It sounds absolutely amazing plugged in and its an easy guitar to play.
Sound
The sound is Excellent with a Tangent. Because it is a small body guitar, it wont have a big resonating sound - but still far more impressive than one might think. Once you plug the guitar in you will be amazed.
Features
Excellent amp/pre amp... Lots of thought put into the guitar (gun metal tuners, the picup mutes when you start the built in tuner so the audience wont have to listen to you tuning on stage) 1/4" jack is attached on a slant - so even the chord pulls tess when pluged in
Quality
Built in Korea - but a very good quality guitar. Very durable. The very shiny black gloss finger prints attracts finger prints. Stands up well to my 5 year old and 3 year old... :-) Thats impressive considering they have destroyed: 1 FisherPrice Castle My kitchen table A small Eastern Block Country etc...
Value
For the price - you will not finder a better sounding guitar plugged in. If you never plan on plugging your guitar in - then I'm sure you could find a better sounding pure accoustic...
Manufacturer Support
Best support is the one you dont need right. :-) Never had a problem with the Guitar yet...
The Wow Factor
Oh come on! This is the most interesting looking accoustic electric out there! Everytime I pull it out - people think its an electic. I have to start playing acousticly before they belive me. :-) Damn SEXY!

Musical Style:

Accoustic Rock (Christian)
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Submitted November 2, 2005

"Best bang for the buck, and virtually indestructable."

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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Sound
The best bang for the buck. The hard plastic front means no wood to get all scratched-up or cracked. The thing's practically indestructable. This is good, since all my friends are always wanting to play it. The new hole configuration seemed odd, at first, until I heard it. Accoustically, it has a rich deep sound, like my older Ovation with the deep body and medium strings. Electrically, the sound is very rich. It's made a nice addition to my collection.
Quality
Virtually indestructable body.
Value
Best bang for the buck.
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