Pricing and availability
Average Price: $1,399
High-end/Boutique
$200
$1001+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
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Description
The Ovation 1537 Elite is a standout choice for musicians seeking a blend of traditional acoustic warmth and modern electronic versatility. This acoustic-electric guitar is recognized for its unique aesthetics and innovative design. Featuring a composite Lyrachord body, the 1537 Elite provides enhanced durability and a robust sound projection. Its distinct multi-soundhole design not only adds a visual flair but also contributes to a balanced tonal response, ensuring clarity across all frequencies.
Equipped with an Ovation preamp and pickup system, this guitar allows seamless transition from unplugged to plugged-in performance, making it ideal for live settings and studio recordings. The natural resonance is complemented by a solid spruce top, which enhances the acoustic tonality and adds depth to your sound. The comfortable, fast-playing neck offers excellent playability, catering to both strumming and fingerstyle techniques.
Whether you're performing on stage or recording in the studio, the Ovation 1537 Elite promises a dynamic and expressive playing experience, capturing the nuances of your performance with precision.
Key Features:
- Solid spruce top for rich acoustic sound
- Lyrachord composite body for durability and enhanced sound projection
- Multi-soundhole design for balanced tonal response
- Ovation preamp and pickup system for versatile sound shaping
- Comfortable neck for easy playability
- Ideal for both live performances and studio recordings
Product specs
| Brand | Ovation |
| Model | 1537 Elite |
| Finish | Black, Natural, Nutmeg, Sunburst |
| Year | 1983 - 1985 |
| Categories | Acoustic-Electric Guitars |
| Active Preamp | Yes |
| Back Material | Composite |
| Color Family | Black, Brown, Natural |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Walnut |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup | Undersaddle Piezo Pickup |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Sides Material | Composite |
| String Type | Steel |
| Top Material | Spruce |
FAQs
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What is the top material of the Ovation 1537 Elite, and how does it affect the sound?
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The Ovation 1537 Elite features a spruce top, which is known for providing a bright and clear tone with excellent projection, making it suitable for a variety of playing styles.
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Does the Ovation 1537 Elite have an active preamp, and what does it do?
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Yes, the Ovation 1537 Elite is equipped with an active preamp, which enhances the guitar's amplified sound by providing better control over volume and tone, making it ideal for live performances.
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What kind of pickup does the Ovation 1537 Elite use?
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The Ovation 1537 Elite uses an undersaddle piezo pickup, which captures the natural acoustic sound of the guitar and is known for its ability to produce a clear and articulate amplified tone.
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Is the Ovation 1537 Elite suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Ovation 1537 Elite is well-suited for live performances due to its active preamp and undersaddle piezo pickup, which provide excellent sound control and amplification.
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What materials are used for the back and sides of the Ovation 1537 Elite?
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The back and sides of the Ovation 1537 Elite are made from composite materials, which contribute to its durability and unique sound projection characteristics.
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ovation 1537 Elite.
Build quality
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The 80's Ovation models are prone to hairline cracks from the high E to the tail due to the back's material not expanding with environmental changes.
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User experience
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Owners find the Ovation 1537 Elite has smooth playability, loud and sweet sound, suitable for unplugged and plugged performances.
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Despite multiple cracks, the finish can remain playable for years, as it's the finish that typically cracks, not the wood itself.
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One owner left the guitar in a car overnight during a Minnesota winter, resulting in finish cracks, underscoring the importance of environmental care for this model.
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Use cases and applications
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The 1537 Elite can handle various music styles, from jazz to country, and supports both fingerstyle and pick playing techniques effectively.
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Despite damage, an owner retains their original Ovation 1537 Elite for sentimental value, indicating its lasting emotional significance even if not currently in use.
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Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
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Claudio Narea used the Ovation 1537 Elite acoustic-electric guitar during the reunion tour for acoustic songs like "Corazones" and "Pa Pa Pa." Notably, the honeyburst finish model he uses is rare and mostly found on niche sites like Vintage & Rare or Japanese websites specializing in discontinued guitars. A user-uploaded photo confirms this usage.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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