..choice in acoustic guitars? Why would such a talented and versatile player choose Ovation, one of the worst sounding thin pieces of plastic out there for his instrument? I purchased an instructional video featuring him, and cringed all the way through at his tone.

chords are everything

I don't know ... he probably gets them for free. I agree on Al's acoustic tone - a little "papery". Maybe he's just used to the feel. When he started to play elec/acous there weren't too many choices out there. Ovation was kind of the "only game in town".

I really don't care for the tone of Ovations either. The biggest appeal to me is that the ones I've played have had quicker playing necks than any other acoustics I've tried. Al's sort of built a career out of zipping around the fretboard, so maybe that's a consideration. Among the Taylors, Martins, Guilds, Gibsons, & other acoustics I've tried, the best marriage of tone & playability I've found has consistently been Larrivee.

I've always wanted to own a Lowden. They're hard to find, but the sound, playbility, and craftsmanship are excellent.

chords are everything

I would have to agree with Corleone. Ovations do play like a Strat at times. Demieola loves speed. he gets a fa better tone than I do out of Ovation. I'll stick with Martin's>