Ovation 1718 Elite

$1,727.94 Price Tier: High-end

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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.

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Price

$1,727.94 1 available Used

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Average Price: $1,728

High-end/Boutique

$200

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Acoustic-Electric Guitars category, Ovation 1718 Elite is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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The Ovation 1718 Elite is a captivating blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation, offering musicians a unique acoustic-electric experience. This guitar stands out with its Lyrachord composite body, renowned for its durability and exceptional tonal projection. The top is crafted from select spruce, providing a balanced and bright sound that resonates whether you're on stage or in the studio.

This model is equipped with Ovation's unique multi-soundhole design, which not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also enhances sound dispersion for a richer acoustic presence. The 1718 Elite is fitted with an advanced OP-Pro preamp system, ensuring you have precise control over your tone when plugged in, maintaining the guitar's natural warmth and clarity.

The neck is constructed from premium mahogany, offering a smooth playing experience and easy access to higher frets, thanks to its cutaway design. The rosewood fingerboard is adorned with elegant inlays, adding a touch of class to its overall look. Whether you're a seasoned performer or an aspiring musician, the Ovation 1718 Elite invites you to explore a sonic landscape that's both versatile and dynamic.

Key Features:

Lyrachord composite body for enhanced durability and tonal projection
Select spruce top for balanced sound
Multi-soundhole design for improved sound dispersion
OP-Pro preamp system for precise tonal control
Mahogany neck with a smooth cutaway for easy fret access
Rosewood fingerboard with stylish inlays
Ideal for both stage performances and studio recordings

Product specs

Brand	Ovation
Model	1718 Elite
Year	1986 - 1996
Categories	Acoustic-Electric Guitars
Active Preamp	Yes
Back Material	Composite
Color Family	Black, Brown, Natural, White
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Finish Style	Gloss
Fretboard Material	Rosewood
Fretboard Radius	10"
Number of Frets	22
Number of Strings	6-String
Nut Width	1.6875"
Pickup	Undersaddle Piezo Pickup
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Sides Material	Composite
String Type	Steel
Top Material	Spruce

FAQs

What type of pickup system does the Ovation 1718 Elite use?: The Ovation 1718 Elite features an undersaddle piezo pickup, which is known for its ability to capture a clear and natural acoustic sound, making it ideal for both live performances and recording.
Is the Ovation 1718 Elite suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Ovation 1718 Elite is equipped with an active preamp, making it well-suited for live performances by providing enhanced sound control and amplification.
What materials are used in the construction of the Ovation 1718 Elite?: The Ovation 1718 Elite features a spruce top for a bright and resonant sound, a composite back and sides for durability, and a rosewood fretboard for smooth playability.
How many frets does the Ovation 1718 Elite have?: The Ovation 1718 Elite has 22 frets, allowing for a wide range of notes and versatility in playing styles.
What is the neck profile of the Ovation 1718 Elite like?: The Ovation 1718 Elite has a comfortable neck profile with a 10" fretboard radius, providing a smooth playing experience suitable for various playing techniques.
Does the Ovation 1718 Elite come in different color options?: Yes, the Ovation 1718 Elite is available in multiple color options, including black, brown, natural, and white, each with a gloss finish for an attractive appearance.

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ovation 1718 Elite.

Build quality

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Ovation guitars are known for their durable construction; one owner mentioned a guitar surviving a 3’ fall without going out of tune.
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The flame on the back of the neck is highlighted as a striking aesthetic feature, adding visual appeal without sacrificing performance.
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Setup and maintenance

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Some owners suggest using non-slip decals or rubber mesh to prevent the guitar from slipping when seated.
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Owners appreciate the pinless bridge design for easier restringing, contrasting it with traditional pinned bridges.
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Features and functionality

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The varying neck widths on Ovations, such as the 1.88" nut width, cater to different preferences and are appreciated by players with larger fingers.
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The neck profile of Ovations is often likened to electric guitars, providing a familiar feel for players who frequently switch between acoustic and electric.
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Ovation electronics are praised for their sound quality, though they are reported to consume batteries rapidly.
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The deep contour bowl and elite quintad bracing are based on Adamas models, offering a balanced tone with less bass but comparable to dreadnoughts.
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Comparisons

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Owners compare older Ovations to Taylor and Martin guitars, often noting that while Ovations are durable, they lack the bass richness of wood-bodied counterparts.
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Ovations are noted for their unique tone, distinct from all-wood acoustics, offering a different acoustic-electric sound palette.
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A deep bowl Legend Balladeer made in China is praised for its rich sound, comparable to a dreadnought, showing the versatility within Ovation's range.
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User experience

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Many users find Ovations more comfortable with a strap, particularly when standing, due to the round back design.
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The deep contour back of some models, like the deep bowl, helps prevent slipping better than standard round backs.
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Some owners prefer the shallow bowl design for a better fit as their own "bowl" grows, highlighting ergonomic comfort changes over time.
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Some owners express interest in upcoming Czech-made Ovation models, indicating a desire for potentially higher-quality craftsmanship.
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A five-piece neck design is noted for its appeal, especially when paired with flame maple, suggesting a preference for detailed craftsmanship.
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