Pricing and availability

Average Price: $1,399

High-end/Boutique

$200

$1001+

Price Tier

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

What is the top material of the Ovation 1537 Elite, and how does it affect the sound?

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.

Does the Ovation 1537 Elite have an active preamp, and what does it do?

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.

What kind of pickup does the Ovation 1537 Elite use?

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.

Is the Ovation 1537 Elite suitable for live performances?

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.

What materials are used for the back and sides of the Ovation 1537 Elite?

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

  • 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.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners find the Ovation 1537 Elite has smooth playability, loud and sweet sound, suitable for unplugged and plugged performances.

    Source
  • Despite multiple cracks, the finish can remain playable for years, as it's the finish that typically cracks, not the wood itself.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The 1537 Elite can handle various music styles, from jazz to country, and supports both fingerstyle and pick playing techniques effectively.

    Source
  • Despite damage, an owner retains their original Ovation 1537 Elite for sentimental value, indicating its lasting emotional significance even if not currently in use.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • An owner bought the Ovation 1537 Elite for $300 in a mint condition, highlighting its potential value increase as they are often priced over $1000 in only decent condition.

    Source

Critic Reviews

1983 Ovation Elite 1537 US Review

ovationtribute.com

1983 Ovation Elite 1537 US Review

ovationtribute.com

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Claudio Narea uses Ovation 1537 Elite

Claudio Narea

Singer, Guitarist

Los Prisioneros

...
Verified via Photo

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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