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1984 Ovation Custom Balladeer 12 string

1984 Ovation Custom Balladeer 12 string

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Page last updated May 23, 2026

Pricing and availability

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Price

Average Price: $700

Standard/Professional

$200

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Acoustic-Electric Guitars category, 1984 Ovation Custom Balladeer 12 string is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Description

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The 1984 Ovation Custom Balladeer 12-string guitar is a classic instrument that captures the rich, full-bodied sound desired by acoustic enthusiasts. Known for its pioneering use of composite back technology, this guitar offers a unique blend of traditional craftsmanship and innovative design. The Custom Balladeer features a solid spruce top and a Lyrachord body, providing exceptional durability and a balanced tonal response. The 12-string configuration enriches your music with shimmering harmonics, perfect for solo performances or adding depth to ensemble playing.

Crafted in the USA, this vintage model is a testament to Ovation's commitment to quality and playability. The sleek neck and deluxe fingerboard ensure comfort and ease of playing across all frets. Whether you're fingerpicking or strumming, the Custom Balladeer delivers a consistent and articulate sound that resonates well both unplugged and amplified. The onboard electronics system allows for seamless connection to amplifiers, offering versatility for live performances and studio recordings alike.

Key Features:

12-string configuration for rich, harmonic sound
Solid spruce top paired with a Lyrachord body
Composite back technology for enhanced durability
Sleek neck design for comfortable playability
Onboard electronics for amplified performance
Made in the USA with meticulous attention to detail

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1984 Ovation Custom Balladeer 12 string.

Build quality

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The curved back design, while contributing to sound projection, can make the guitar slip off the lap when sitting.
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User experience

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Some owners find playing Ovation guitars uncomfortable due to their rounded back, suggesting a trial run before purchasing.
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Comparisons

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The Ovation 1658 Legend version features a slotted headstock, which distinguishes it from other models like the Custom Balladeer 1655.
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Jim Matheos

Guitarist, Music Producer

Fates Warning

Verified via Jimmatheos

This guitar is pretty beat up but I still use it a lot. Sounds nice and is easy to play for a 12-string. Chasing Time, Eye To Eye, Island In The Stream…

Tim Bricheno

Guitarist

The Sisters of Mercy

Verified via Muzines

"I've got three acoustics. An Ovation 12-string, I think that's a Custom Balladeer, a Takamine six-string, and then there's a guitar you can't buy which is the one my dad made, a classical guitar."