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Average Price: $1,800

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$601+

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Description

The Ovation 1658 Legend Custom 12-String is a masterful blend of tradition and innovation, designed for guitarists seeking rich, resonant tones. This classical-style guitar features a distinctive roundback design, which enhances sound projection and provides comfortable playability. Crafted with a solid spruce top, it delivers clear and balanced sound, perfect for both fingerstyle and strumming. The 12-string configuration offers a fuller, more harmonic voice that enriches any musical style.

The Ovation 1658 Legend Custom is equipped with a deep bowl composite body, which not only contributes to its unique tonal quality but also delivers durability essential for travel and performance. The neck is constructed from a combination of mahogany and maple, providing stability alongside a smooth playing experience. The ebony fingerboard is not only aesthetically pleasing but also enhances playability with its even surface and luxurious feel.

For those who require amplification, this guitar includes an internal pickup system that faithfully reproduces its natural acoustic character when connected to an amp, making it an excellent choice for both studio and stage settings. With a focus on both craftsmanship and performance, this guitar meets the needs of professional musicians and passionate hobbyists alike.

Key Features:

  • 12-string configuration for rich harmonic tones
  • Solid spruce top for clear, balanced sound
  • Unique roundback design for superior projection
  • Deep bowl composite body for enhanced durability and sound
  • Mahogany and maple neck for stability and smooth playability
  • Ebony fingerboard for a luxurious playing surface
  • Integrated pickup system for amplified performance

Product specs

Brand Ovation
Model 1658 Custom Legend 12-String
Finish Natural, Sunburst
Year 1979 - 1982
Categories Acoustic-Electric Guitars
Active Preamp No
Back Material Composite
Color Family Brown, Natural
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony
Number of Frets 12
Number of Strings 12-String
Pickup Undersaddle Piezo Pickup
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Sides Material Composite
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce

FAQs

What are the tonal characteristics of the Ovation 1658 Legend Custom 12-String?

The Ovation 1658 Legend Custom 12-String offers a bright and resonant tone, thanks to its spruce top and composite back and sides. The undersaddle piezo pickup enhances its acoustic sound when amplified, making it suitable for both unplugged and plugged-in performances.

Is the Ovation 1658 Legend Custom 12-String suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Ovation 1658 Legend Custom 12-String is well-suited for live performances. Its undersaddle piezo pickup allows for easy amplification, and the guitar's durable composite back and sides make it reliable on stage.

What type of strings does the Ovation 1658 Legend Custom 12-String use?

The Ovation 1658 Legend Custom 12-String uses steel strings, which contribute to its bright and powerful sound. These strings are ideal for players seeking a rich, full-bodied tone from a 12-string guitar.

Does the Ovation 1658 Legend Custom 12-String have a preamp?

No, the Ovation 1658 Legend Custom 12-String does not have an active preamp. It features an undersaddle piezo pickup for amplification without the need for a built-in preamp.

How does the composite back and sides of the Ovation 1658 Legend Custom 12-String affect its sound?

The composite back and sides of the Ovation 1658 Legend Custom 12-String enhance its durability and contribute to a consistent, clear tonal output. This design choice helps project sound efficiently, making it a versatile choice for various playing environments.

Reviews

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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peasinafookinpod420

decent 12 string

I got mine while on this last guitar safari. I got it very used, it has a hole below the bridge and the only way it is stating in tune is me duct taping the tuners. But as you know (from the Kay hollow body and Stella Harmony 12 String) I like "damaged" guitars because I know that something that loved has to be good, except the Stella Harmony, that really sucked, but remember I am also one very stubborn man and when I like something I like it.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Anthony Phillips uses Ovation 1658 Legend Custom 12-String

Anthony Phillips

Guitarist

Genesis

...
Verified via Facebook

Phillips can be seen playing an Ovation 12 String 1658 Legend in this photo.

See how Jim Messina uses Ovation 1658 Legend Custom 12-String

Jim Messina

Singer, Guitarist

Buffalo Springfield

...
Verified via YouTube

In the original promotional video for "Crazy Love" by Poco, Jim Messina is seen playing an Ovation 1658 Legend Custom 12-String guitar. This mid-1970s video, available on YouTube via tennesseeconcerts, highlights Messina's use of this distinctive composite bowl 12-string guitar. While Randy Meisner is also featured playing a 12-string guitar in the video, Messina's choice of the Ovation model adds a unique acoustic quality to the performance. "Crazy Love" remains a timeless classic, celebrated for its acoustic and acoustic-electric sound.

See how Joan Armatrading uses Ovation 1658 Legend Custom 12-String

Joan Armatrading

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Archive

Joan uses a 12 string Ovation Legend. Was listed on the Official Ovation website until recently

See how Roman Miroshnichenko uses Ovation 1658 Legend Custom 12-String

Roman Miroshnichenko

Guitarist

Vai

...
Verified via Abrahamwechter

Roman Miroshnichenko is known for his use of the Ovation 1658 Legend Custom 12-String guitar, as highlighted on the Abraham Wechter website.

Album Usage

The Ovation 1658 Legend Custom 12-String has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Ovation 1658 Legend Custom 12-String, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Wechter Florentine Nylon
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1

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