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Description

Discover the blend of innovation and tradition with the Ovation 1712 Custom Balladeer. This steel-string acoustic guitar is a testament to Ovation's commitment to high-quality craftsmanship and distinctive sound. Born from the pioneering minds at Ovation, the Custom Balladeer features their signature Lyrachord composite back, designed for enhanced projection and durability.

The soundboard is crafted from high-grade spruce, ensuring crisp and resonant tones that suit a wide array of musical genres. Whether you're strumming in a coffee shop or performing on stage, the Custom Balladeer's warm and balanced sound will accompany you with clarity and precision. The neck is made from mahogany, providing a smooth and comfortable playing experience, while the ebony fretboard ensures a responsive touch under your fingers.

For musicians who demand versatility, the Custom Balladeer comes equipped with an Ovation pickup system, allowing for seamless transitions from acoustic to amplified performances. The built-in preamp provides you with the control you need to shape your sound, making it a reliable companion for both practice sessions and live gigs.

Key Features:

  • Signature Lyrachord composite back for enhanced projection
  • High-grade spruce top for a crisp, resonant sound
  • Mahogany neck with a smooth ebony fretboard
  • Ovation pickup system with built-in preamp for amplified performances
  • Designed for durability and versatility across various musical styles

Product specs

Brand Ovation
Model 1712 Custom Balladeer
Year 1985 - 1994
Categories Acoustic-Electric Guitars
Active Preamp Yes
Back Material Composite
Color Family Black, Brown, Natural
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 makes the Ovation 1712 Custom Balladeer unique compared to traditional acoustic guitars?

The Ovation 1712 Custom Balladeer features a composite back and sides, which enhances projection and durability, unlike traditional wood-only acoustic guitars. Its undersaddle piezo pickup and active preamp provide excellent amplified sound quality, making it ideal for live performances.

How does the composite back of the Ovation 1712 affect its sound?

The composite back of the Ovation 1712 contributes to a brighter tone with enhanced projection and sustain. This design also improves the guitar's resistance to environmental changes, maintaining consistent sound quality.

Is the Ovation 1712 Custom Balladeer suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Ovation 1712 Custom Balladeer is well-suited for live performances due to its active preamp and undersaddle piezo pickup, which deliver clear and balanced amplified sound.

What kind of music genres is the Ovation 1712 Custom Balladeer best suited for?

The Ovation 1712 Custom Balladeer is versatile and performs well across various genres, particularly in settings where amplified acoustic sound is desired, such as folk, rock, and pop.

Does the Ovation 1712 Custom Balladeer have a comfortable neck for playing?

The Ovation 1712 Custom Balladeer features an ebony fretboard with 20 frets, offering a smooth and comfortable playing experience suitable for both fingerstyle and strumming techniques.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ovation 1712 Custom Balladeer.

Build quality

  • Ovation guitars are noted for using a composite material back, which is durable but can lead to a "plastic" sound.

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  • Owners note that the wood top can separate from the plastic body due to different expansion rates in varying climates, especially in cold regions like Canada.

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Use cases and applications

  • The Ovation 1712 Custom Balladeer is praised for its durability, making it ideal for musicians who travel frequently or perform live.

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  • Ovation guitars are praised for their durability and ability to withstand falls, even surviving drops without going out of tune.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners suggest using silicone drawer liners on the bowl's edge to prevent slipping when playing seated.

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  • Applying non-slip materials, such as rug underlay or skateboard grip tape, is recommended to prevent sliding while seated.

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Features and functionality

  • Ovations are often favored for their electric-like necks, providing a familiar feel for electric guitar players transitioning to acoustic.

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  • The early Ovation models are known for a "quacky" tone due to their piezo pickups, which were common in that era.

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User experience

  • It's highlighted that mid-depth models project more sound than the super shallow bowls, offering a better compromise for sound and comfort.

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  • Users with larger bellies find the round back design uncomfortable, causing the guitar to slip when seated, though straps are suggested as a workaround.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Some users have reported neck separation and bridge lifting as structural issues, potentially due to environmental factors or age.

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Comparisons

  • The deep bowl design is highlighted for better sound projection compared to shallow bowls, favored by those who play standing up.

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