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Average Price: $1,625

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Description

Discover the Ovation 1768 Elite, a remarkable blend of acoustic warmth and electric versatility designed for musicians who crave exceptional sound quality and performance. This guitar seamlessly marries traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, making it a favorite among seasoned players and aspiring artists alike. The 1768 Elite features a unique multi-soundhole design that not only enhances its visual appeal but also contributes to its distinct tonal character.

The guitar's body is crafted with a Lyrachord composite back, providing enhanced durability and a balanced resonance that projects beautifully in any setting. Its top is made from solid spruce, offering a rich, full-bodied sound with clear projection. The OP-PRO preamp system, developed in collaboration with Al Di Meola, ensures pristine sound quality when plugged in, offering guitarists a wide range of tonal possibilities. The Elite's neck is designed for smooth playability, allowing musicians to effortlessly navigate complex chords and intricate melodies.

Whether you're performing on stage or recording in the studio, the Ovation 1768 Elite delivers consistent, high-quality sound that will elevate your musical expression.

Key Features:

  • Unique multi-soundhole design for enhanced aesthetics and tonal quality
  • Lyrachord composite back for superior durability and balanced resonance
  • Solid spruce top for rich, full-bodied sound
  • OP-PRO preamp system for pristine amplified sound
  • Smooth neck design for easy playability
  • Ideal for both live performances and studio recordings

Product specs

Brand Ovation
Model 1768 Elite
Year 1987 - 1999
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 makes the Ovation 1768 Elite unique compared to other acoustic-electric guitars?

The Ovation 1768 Elite features a unique composite back and sides with a parabolic shape, offering enhanced projection and a distinct sound profile. Its active preamp and undersaddle piezo pickup provide excellent amplified tones, making it ideal for live performances.

Is the Ovation 1768 Elite suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Ovation 1768 Elite 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 sound can I expect from the Ovation 1768 Elite's spruce top?

The spruce top of the Ovation 1768 Elite provides a bright and responsive tone with excellent clarity, making it versatile for various music styles.

How does the composite back of the Ovation 1768 Elite affect its sound?

The composite back of the Ovation 1768 Elite enhances sound projection and provides a unique tonal character, offering a balanced blend of warmth and brightness.

What is the neck profile of the Ovation 1768 Elite like?

The Ovation 1768 Elite features a comfortable neck profile with a 1.6875" nut width and a 10" fretboard radius, providing smooth playability for both strumming and fingerstyle techniques.

The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

Ovation 1768 elite | 1994 at The Fellowship of Acoustics

Video thumbnail for Ovation 1768 elite | 1994 at The Fellowship of Acoustics by The Fellowship of Acoustics

Ovation 1768 elite | 1994 at The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

Video thumbnail for Ovation Elite 1768 by VADIMZAX

Ovation Elite 1768

VADIMZAX

VADIMZAX

Video thumbnail for Ovation Elite 1768 Sound Check ! (こんな音です!) by Killua Hunter

Ovation Elite 1768 Sound Check ! (こんな音です!)

Killua Hunter

Killua Hunter

Video thumbnail for Ovation Elite 1768, Do you know about "Air Locks"? 오베이션 에어커버 들어봤나요? by Gunny'sTV

Ovation Elite 1768, Do you know about "Air Locks"? 오베이션 에어커버 들어봤나요?

Gunny'sTV

Gunny'sTV

Video thumbnail for Hey, I got an Ovation Elite 1768, lol! by Brian McFarland

Hey, I got an Ovation Elite 1768, lol!

Brian McFarland

Brian McFarland

Video thumbnail for Ovation Elite 1768  / USA 1989 by top acoustic

Ovation Elite 1768 / USA 1989

top acoustic

top acoustic

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ovation 1768 Elite.

User experience

  • Some owners find the curved back uncomfortable, comparing it to trying to hold a slippery object.

    Source
  • Multiple owners find the Ovation’s neck action comparable to electric guitars, making it particularly appealing for electric players transitioning to acoustic-electric setups.

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  • Textured backs on newer models help prevent slipping, especially in mid-depth models, making them more comfortable for skinny players.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Ovations are praised for their performance in live settings due to their feedback resistance and ability to cut through the mix with treble-heavy tones.

    Source
  • Ovations are noted to sound thin unplugged, but they excel when amplified, making them suitable for amplified performances rather than acoustic settings.

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  • Ovations withstand temperature and humidity changes well, making them suitable for travel and outdoor use without frequent tuning.

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Features and functionality

  • Some Ovations have rubberized patches on the back to prevent slipping, but this can wear off in a few years, reducing its effectiveness.

    Source
  • The neck joint reliability has been questioned, with some new guitars needing regluing due to looseness.

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  • Ovation guitars are known for having electric guitar-like necks with low action and slim nut widths, catering to electric players.

    Source

Build quality

  • It's noted that Ovations have a tendency to develop cracks on the top board from bridge to edge due to differing material expansion rates between wood and plastic.

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  • Some US-made Ovations from the mid-80s are praised for their durability and lasting playability, even after decades of use.

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  • The joint between the wood and plastic body has been reported to split, requiring unconventional glue for repairs.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Owners report preamp issues in older models, suggesting that a loud pickup means the preamp or pickup might be broken if output is weak compared to other acoustics.

    Source
  • The proprietary saddle system that relies on shims can be cumbersome for adjustments or repairs if broken.

    Source
  • Bridge height can be adjusted easily with shims under the pickup, allowing quick action modifications.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Ovations tend to have low resale value compared to brands like Martin and Taylor, which maintain better market worth.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Ovations are reported to sound thin and plasticky unplugged but perform well when amplified, contrasting with more traditional all-wood acoustics.

    Source

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