Ovation 1517 Ultra

$399.00 Price Tier: Standard

0 wishlisted

0 saved

Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

$399.00 3 available Used

View Deal

Average Price: $399

Standard/Professional

$200

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Acoustic-Electric Guitars category, Ovation 1517 Ultra is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Edit description

Discover the perfect blend of acoustic warmth and electric versatility with the Ovation 1517 Ultra. This acoustic-electric guitar is designed for musicians who seek a dynamic sound experience without compromising on comfort and playability. The 1517 Ultra boasts Ovation's innovative multi-soundhole design, which enhances tonal clarity and projection, ensuring that each note resonates with precision.

The guitar features a solid spruce top, delivering a rich and full-bodied acoustic sound. The Lyrachord composite back not only provides durability but also contributes to the guitar’s unique tonal characteristics. Whether you’re performing on stage or practicing at home, the built-in pickup system offers seamless amplification, making the transition from acoustic to electric smooth and effortless. The comfortable neck profile and cutaway design allow for easy access to higher frets, perfect for intricate solos and expressive playing.

Designed with the modern musician in mind, the Ovation 1517 Ultra is equipped to handle a variety of musical genres, from folk and country to rock and jazz. Its sleek design and quality craftsmanship make it a reliable companion for both aspiring and professional guitarists.

Key Features:

Multi-soundhole design for enhanced tonal projection
Solid spruce top for rich acoustic sound
Lyrachord composite back for durability and unique tonal quality
Built-in pickup system for seamless amplification
Comfortable neck profile and cutaway design for easy playability
Suitable for a variety of musical genres

Product specs

Brand	Ovation
Model	1517 Ultra
Year	1984 - 1991
Categories	Acoustic-Electric Guitars
Active Preamp	Yes
Back Material	Composite
Color Family	Brown, Natural, Red
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Finish Style	Gloss
Fretboard Material	Ebony
Number of Frets	20
Number of Strings	6-String
Pickup	Undersaddle Piezo Pickup
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Sides Material	Composite
String Type	Steel
Top Material	Spruce

FAQs

What type of pickup does the Ovation 1517 Ultra have?: The Ovation 1517 Ultra features an undersaddle piezo pickup, which provides a clear and balanced acoustic sound when amplified.
Is the Ovation 1517 Ultra suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Ovation 1517 Ultra is equipped with an active preamp, making it well-suited for live performances by allowing easy amplification and sound control.
What materials are used in the construction of the Ovation 1517 Ultra?: The Ovation 1517 Ultra has a spruce top, composite back and sides, and an ebony fretboard, providing a durable build and rich tonal qualities.
How many frets does the Ovation 1517 Ultra have?: The Ovation 1517 Ultra features 20 frets, allowing for a wide range of notes and playing styles.
What finish options are available for the Ovation 1517 Ultra?: The Ovation 1517 Ultra is available in a gloss finish with color options including brown, natural, and red sunburst.

Reviews

Add review

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ovation 1517 Ultra.

Build quality

0 0

The Ovation Ultra 1517 features a gloss finish that can wear significantly over time, especially in sunburst models.
Source
0 0

The USA-made Ovation Ultra series is known for using lower quality materials than their standard line, yet still maintains good build quality compared to later imported models.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

The guitar's design may include a tone knob, which is reportedly unusual for this model, suggesting possible variations or modifications.
Source
0 0

The preamp on some Ovation Ultra 1517 models might resemble an early version of the Celebrity Preamp, which could explain variations in control knobs.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

Some owners find the Ovation Ultra 1517 plays better than certain Martin guitars, highlighting its superior playability despite being a more affordable model.
Source
0 0

The Ovation Ultra 1517 has been compared to deep bowl models, indicating that individual body shape preferences can impact playability, especially for users with different body types.
Source

Value and pricing

0 0

While mint Ovation Ultra 1517 guitars are valued up to $1,000, used models in poor condition typically fetch around $200.
Source

User experience

0 0

Users report that the Ovation Ultra 1517 provides an electric-like neck playability, which is a standout feature for players transitioning from electric to acoustic guitars.
Source

Other

0 0

Ovation's history includes innovations like the first carbon-fiber acoustic guitar, reflecting the brand's focus on technological advancements in guitar design.
Source