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Average Price: $533

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Description

Experience the harmony of innovation and tradition with the Ovation 1112 Custom Balladeer, a steel-string acoustic guitar that effortlessly bridges classic design with modern craftsmanship. Known for its distinctive sound and playability, this guitar is a favored choice among musicians who seek both versatility and reliability. The lyrachord body not only contributes to its unique tonal qualities but also enhances its durability, making it a resilient companion for both stage and studio.

The Ovation 1112 Custom Balladeer is equipped with a spruce top that delivers a bright and crisp sound, perfectly complemented by the rich and balanced tones from its mahogany neck. The rosewood fingerboard offers a silky-smooth playing experience, ensuring that your fingers glide effortlessly across the frets. This unique combination of materials results in a guitar that sings with clarity and warmth, suitable for a wide range of musical styles.

With its distinctive sound holes and advanced bracing pattern, the Custom Balladeer projects sound with impressive volume and sustain, providing an exceptional acoustic experience. Whether you're strumming chords or picking intricate melodies, this guitar delivers a nuanced and expressive sound that will inspire your creativity.

Key Features:

  • Lyrachord body for enhanced durability and unique tonal qualities
  • Spruce top for bright and crisp sound
  • Mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
  • Distinctive sound holes and advanced bracing pattern for superior projection and sustain
  • Suitable for a variety of musical styles

Product specs

Brand Ovation
Model 1112 Custom Balladeer
Year 1973 - 1984
Active Preamp No
Back Material Composite
Color Family Brown, Natural
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Nut Width 1.6875"
Pickup None
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Sides Material Composite
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce

FAQs

What type of wood is used for the top of the Ovation 1112 Custom Balladeer?

The top of the Ovation 1112 Custom Balladeer is made from spruce, which is known for its bright tone and strong resonance, making it a popular choice for acoustic guitars.

What is the back and sides material of the Ovation 1112 Custom Balladeer?

The back and sides of the Ovation 1112 Custom Balladeer are made from a composite material, which contributes to its unique sound and durability compared to traditional wood.

How many frets does the Ovation 1112 Custom Balladeer have?

The Ovation 1112 Custom Balladeer features 20 frets, allowing for a wide range of notes suitable for various playing styles.

Does the Ovation 1112 Custom Balladeer have a pickup for amplification?

No, the Ovation 1112 Custom Balladeer does not come with a built-in pickup, making it a purely acoustic guitar without electronic amplification capabilities.

What is the fretboard material of the Ovation 1112 Custom Balladeer?

The fretboard of the Ovation 1112 Custom Balladeer is made from ebony, providing a smooth playing surface and contributing to the guitar's overall tonal clarity.

Is the Ovation 1112 Custom Balladeer suitable for left-handed players?

The Ovation 1112 Custom Balladeer is designed for right-handed players, and there is no left-handed version available for this model.

The Guitarman 28

The Guitarman 28

Ovation 1112 Acoustic Guitar Made in USA Sound Check & Demo

Video thumbnail for Ovation 1112 Acoustic Guitar Made in USA Sound Check & Demo by The Guitarman 28

Ovation 1112 Acoustic Guitar Made in USA Sound Check & Demo

The Guitarman 28

The Guitarman 28

Video thumbnail for Ovation 1112  / USA  1979 by top acoustic

Ovation 1112 / USA 1979

top acoustic

top acoustic

Video thumbnail for Ovation No. 1112  /  USA  1982 by top acoustic

Ovation No. 1112 / USA 1982

top acoustic

top acoustic

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ovation 1112 Custom Balladeer.

User experience

  • Ovation necks feel similar to electric guitars, often with a slim nut width and low action, appealing to electric players.

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  • Older Ovation models like the 1112 Custom Balladeer have been described as durable, often lasting over 30 years with consistent performance.

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  • The unique non-traditional design with leaf-shaped sound holes appeals to players who value aesthetics and uniqueness in their instruments.

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  • Some owners report the deep bowl design fitting better for taller players, acting like a giant beveled edge and reducing discomfort during extended play.

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  • Multiple users note that Ovation guitars are more comfortable when played standing up, suggesting a strap is essential even when seated.

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Build quality

  • The round back design can cause slipping issues when seated, but newer models include texturing to improve stability.

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  • Older Ovation models can suffer from wood and plastic expanding at different rates, causing the top to lift or separate in extreme climates.

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Setup and maintenance

  • The bridge setup includes shims under the pickup, allowing for easy action adjustments, although they often come too high from the factory.

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  • Action can be uncomfortable due to slipping; using a short strap or non-slip materials like bathtub decals can effectively resolve this issue.

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Comparisons

  • Ovations are praised for their amplified sound, often preferred by live performers, contrasting with unplugged sound which some find thin or tinny.

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Use cases and applications

  • Ovations are favored for their durability and stability under various weather conditions, making them suitable for travel and outdoor use.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners apply non-slip materials like gel phone pads or silicone liners to the back to reduce slipping.

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Features and functionality

  • The deep contour backs on newer models improve stability compared to older round backs, which tend to slip off the lap more easily.

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Value and pricing

  • Despite mixed opinions, some owners claim the bass response of Ovations rivals $3,000 acoustics, making them a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking rich bass.

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