OVATION 1606295 Celebrity Mandolin MCS-148

( Brand: Ovation ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 1606295 ), ( Model: MCS-148 ), ( Part Type: Mandolin ), ( Series: Celebrity ), ( String Configuration: 8 String ), ( Model Year: 2003 ), ( Country/region Of Manufacture: Korea, Republic Of ), ( Body Type: Hollow ), ( Dexterity: Right-handed ), ( Top: Spruce ), ( Fretboard: Rosewood ), ( Body Material: Synthetic ), ( Back: Semi-rounded )

Review OVATION Celebrity Mandolin

Ovation Celebrity Mandolin MCS-148 - A Superior Instrument for Serious Mandolin Players

The Ovation Celebrity Mandolin MCS-148 is a high-performance mandolin designed for those seeking a professional-grade instrument that delivers superior sound quality, playability, and craftsmanship. This mandolin, part of Ovation's renowned Celebrity Series, combines innovative design, premium materials, and impeccable construction to set a new standard in the world of mandolin playing.

The MCS-148 features a stunning solid Sitka spruce top that delivers a bright, clear, and resonant tone, response, and projection. The back and sides are made from laminated rosewood, offering a rich, warm, and full-bodied sound previously unheard on mandolins in this price range. The patented Ovation Rounded shark-fin X bracing system provides added stability and allows for a more evenly distributed tension, contributing to an exceptional tone and sustained superior projection.

The Ovation Celebrity Mandolin MCS-148's neck is made from laminated mahogany, ensuring a strong and stable foundation, while its smooth, C-shaped profile makes it comfortable for any playing style. The 12-fret design provides easy access to the higher frets, allowing for greater versatility and creativity in composing and performing. The fingerboard and bridge are crafted from premium rosewood, ensuring optimal tonal transfer and stability.

The MCS-148 is equipped with top-notch hardware to complement its impressive sound quality. The Gotoh tuning machines provide smooth, precise tuning and excellent tuning stability. The gold plating on the tuning pegs, tailpiece, and strap buttons adds a touch of class and sophistication to the instrument. The pickguard and binding are made from elegant, three-ply binding and are carefully crafted to protect the mandolin's delicate edges while enhancing its aesthetic appeal.

The MCS-148 comes with the Ovation Slimline Under-Saddle pickup, offering a robust and natural amplified tone that remains true to the mandolin's unique acoustic character. The onboard Pre-Amplifier System provides easy access to volume, bass, treble, and mid tone controls, allowing you to fine-tune your sound to your exact preferences on any stage.

In conclusion, the Ovation Celebrity Mandolin MCS-148 is a meticulously crafted and innovative mandolin that raises the bar for professional and serious players. Its high-quality construction, superior sound, and versatility make it a valuable addition to any musician's collection. With its enhancing features, rich tonal qualities, and timeless beauty, the MCS-148 is the perfect tool for bringing your mandolin playing to new heights.

A Comprehensive Analysis of the OVATION Celebrity Mandolin MCS-148: Weighing Its Pros and Cons

The OVATION Celebrity Mandolin MCS-148 is a popular choice among mandolin enthusiasts due to its unique design, tone quality, and affordability. In this analysis, we will weigh the pros and cons of investing in this mandolin, helping you make an informed decision based on your individual needs and preferences.

1. Distinctive Spalted Maple Top: The MCS-148 sports a visually striking spalted maple top, which not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also contributes to its exceptional tonal qualities.

2. Vintage Sunburst Finish: The vintage sunburst finish on the mandolin provides an elegant and classic look while protecting the instrument from scratches and wear.

3. New J-Style Pickguard: The updated J-style pickguard enhances the mandolin's playability and provides additional protection to the top.

4. Improved Bridge: The new plastic bridge offers improved intonation and stability, ensuring that your notes remain in tune.

5. Rich and Balanced Tone: The MCS-148 is renowned for its powerful and well-balanced tone, making it an excellent choice for various musical genres, including bluegrass, folk, and blues.

6. Versatile Applications: This mandolin is suitable for beginner, intermediate, and advanced players alike, and its versatility allows it to be used in various musical settings, from solo performances to ensemble playing.

1. Limited Fingerboard Radius: The mandolin's limited fingerboard radius might make it challenging for individuals with larger hands or for those learning to play the mandolin later in life.

2. No Cutaway: The lack of a cutaway on the MCS-148 may hinder access to higher frets for advanced players looking to explore extended chords and intricate melodies.

3. Separate Pre-amplifier: While the OVATION Celebrity mandolin comes with an optional pre-amplifier system, this additional component may add to the overall cost and require more maintenance.

The OVATION Celebrity Mandolin MCS-148 offers a unique blend of style, tone, and value that garnered it a place in the hearts and hands of many mandolin players. Its distinct qualities and affordability make it an excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality mandolin to begin their musical journey or expand their collection, provided that they are well-informed about its limitations.

If you are drawn to the MCS-148 due to its attractive appearance, rich tone, and reasonable price, it would serve as an excellent addition to your instrument collection. However, if you require a wider fretboard radius or extended access to higher frets, you may want to consider other options. Ultimately, the decision depends on your personal preferences, playing style, and budget. Before making a purchase, take your time to experiment with various mandolins and consult with experienced players or professional musicians to make an informed decision.

Details:

This model is the celebrity MCS-148, and although quality standards are a little lower than its USA made cousin, they're still excellent fine instrument to play listen. I was told when playing with an old-time music band for a few gigs that it sounded too brassy to them but again, think that's personal preference. It sounds great - plenty loud as an acoustic instrument, but really shines when its plugged in. The color is ruby red burst.

From a tone standpoint, this sounds neither like an f-style nor a-style mandolin, and many bluegrass purists don't care for it. I purchased it in 2008 and used on the road for 8 years. I've used it primarily for Celtic and new American folk Americana Negress music. The op-24 preamps and pickup system is rock-solid use only copper top batteries with it though - you can just trust me on this, or look up in any number of players' forums allows a wide range tone flexibility.

Battery for the preamps is accessed by panel you can see in photo, then releasing lock screw upper right side of back. This series is well-known to road musicians, and its deemed virtually indestructible. Ovations take ball-end strings, which make for faster changes and more stability, but if you only have loop end strings on-hand, to remove the ball from old string thread it onto new one. The body is of course Ovations signature fiberglass composite, which extremely durable and weather-resistant.

Its in as good a shape today the day I bought it. This mandolin has the standard Ovation head stock design, mother-of-pearl dots, gold plated tuners with knobs, and laser-inlaid epaulettes on body. I've put down the year as that is a guess, but its first Ovation this model pickup in instrument, so at least old.

All of the parts are fixed, non-moving, so that once set up, this mandolin holds its tuning astonishingly well. I'm shipping this completely de-tuned and with the battery removed. I'm selling it with its original hard shell case, a little pick bag 2 picks, and 3 sets of extra strings. It'll play well as a straight acoustic instrument, but you can add reverb and delay distortion to it get some real wow reactions.

When plugged in especially through a voiced like micro cube you can invent some truly unique sounds using this mandolin. I think that's a personal taste issue. Superb Ovation celebrity acoustic electric mandolin this is Ovations slightly less expensive Korean-made version of them -68. It snugs up nicely and feels good in your hands.

The back is rounded as most Ovations are, but slightly flattened across middle. The top is spruce, head stock and neck are maple, fingerboard rosewood it features a walnut bridge. The hard shell case has a few dings to faux-leather and one sticker still left on it but is in solid shape.

The serial number on this mando is not surprising, however, since as a body its basically miniature guitar.

specifications acouselectguit:

• brand: Ovation
• mpn: 1606295
• model: Mcs-148
• part type: Mandolin
• series: Celebrity
• string configuration: 8 String
• model year: 2003
• country/region of manufacture: Korea, Republic Of
• body type: Hollow
• dexterity: Right-handed
• top: Spruce
• fretboard: Rosewood
• body material: Synthetic
• back: Semi-rounded

Offer acouselectguit:

• bids: 0
• Sold: 0
• best offer: false
• quantity: 1
• min. bid: $300.00
• Started: January 12, 2018, 12:18 am

Payments acouselectguit:

• PayPal

Shipping acouselectguit:

• handling: days
• cost: $0.0
• type: Calculated

Returns acouselectguit:

• policy: no returns

Ratings:

1. Excellent 01-08-18
2. Fast Shipping,Item as Described and Excellent Communication!! 5 Star !!!! 12-28-17
3. Great 01-04-18
4. Very nice mug! Fast shipping too, great seller! Super pleased. 01-02-18
5. Lovely seller. Perfect item and extremely polite, helpful communication. A ! 01-04-18

General acouselectguit:

• condition: Used
• in stock: Yes
• musical instrumentsgear > guitar musical instruments gear > acoustic electric guitars

Seller acouselectguit:

• zipcode: 24523
• city: Bedford, Virginia

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