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Average Price: $999

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$1001+

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Description

Discover the Ovation 1771LX Standard Balladeer, an acoustic-electric guitar that seamlessly blends tradition with innovation. Crafted to perfection, its solid spruce top delivers a rich, resonant sound that stands out in any setting. The mahogany neck, paired with a rosewood fingerboard, offers a smooth playing experience, making it a favorite among both seasoned players and newcomers.

What sets the Balladeer apart is its OP-PRO preamp, a collaboration with renowned artists Al DiMeola and Melissa Etheridge. This preamp ensures a superior audio experience, capturing the full tonal range of the guitar and delivering it with clarity in amplified settings. The scalloped bracing and advanced neck system further enhance its acoustic capabilities, providing a balanced and powerful sound output.

The guitar's mid-depth bowl body offers unmatched comfort during long sessions, while the pinless walnut bridge—chosen for optimal density—transmits vibrant tones with precision. The innovative design doesn't just stop at sound; it extends to the aesthetics with an inlaid rosette and chrome machines, ensuring this guitar looks as good as it sounds.

Whether you're strumming at home or performing on stage, the Ovation 1771LX Standard Balladeer promises a memorable musical journey.

Key Features:

  • 6-String Acoustic/Electric
  • Mid-Depth Bowl Body
  • Solid Sitka Spruce Top
  • Scalloped LX Bracing
  • OP-PRO Preamp
  • Rosewood Fingerboard and Bridge
  • Pinless Walnut Bridge Design
  • Chrome Machine Heads
  • Inlaid Rosette

Product specs

Brand Ovation
Model 1771LX Standard Balladeer LX
Finish Black, Cherry Cherry Burst, Natural
Year 2000s
Categories Acoustic-Electric Guitars
Active Preamp Yes
Back Material Composite
Color Family Black, Natural, Red
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Material Mahogany
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 type of preamp does the Ovation 1771LX Standard Balladeer use?

The Ovation 1771LX Standard Balladeer is equipped with an active preamp, which enhances the guitar's amplified sound and offers greater control over tone shaping.

What materials are used in the construction of the Ovation 1771LX Standard Balladeer?

The Ovation 1771LX Standard Balladeer features a spruce top, a composite back and sides, a mahogany neck, and a rosewood fretboard, combining traditional and modern materials for durability and sound quality.

Is the Ovation 1771LX Standard Balladeer suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Ovation 1771LX Standard Balladeer is ideal for live performances due to its acoustic-electric design, which includes an undersaddle piezo pickup and an active preamp for clear, amplified sound.

How does the composite back of the Ovation 1771LX Standard Balladeer affect its sound?

The composite back of the Ovation 1771LX Standard Balladeer enhances projection and durability, providing a unique tonal character that blends warmth with clarity.

What finishes are available for the Ovation 1771LX Standard Balladeer?

The Ovation 1771LX Standard Balladeer is available in Black, Cherry Cherry Burst, and Natural finishes, allowing players to choose a look that suits their style.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ovation 1771LX Standard Balladeer.

Setup and maintenance

  • Ovation adds shims under the bridge pickup, allowing easy action adjustment; factory settings may be intentionally high.

    Source
  • Ovation tops may separate from the bowl over time; repairs are feasible and relatively inexpensive.

    Source

Build quality

  • Textured back on newer models prevents slipping; older models did not have this feature.

    Source

User experience

  • Ovation necks are praised for being thin and similar to electric guitars, with a 1-5/8" nut width.

    Source
  • Ovation guitars are reported to sound better when plugged in, with a clear, crisp tone that suits live performance.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Ovations are noted for their durability and stability, making them ideal for road musicians and varied weather conditions.

    Source

Comparisons

  • An owner with an Ovation since the 1980s prefers its neck feel over other acoustics, despite owning high-end Martins and Larrivees.

    Source

Critic Reviews

1771LX Standard Balladeer Review | Ovation | Acoustic Guitars | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Billy Corgan uses Ovation 1771LX Standard Balladeer

Billy Corgan

Singer, Guitarist

The Smashing Pumpkins

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "Smashing Pumpkins - MayOnaise," Billy Corgan can be seen playing an Ovation 1771LX Standard Balladeer acoustic-electric guitar, as uploaded by Joaquín Zunino.

See how Steve Lukather uses Ovation 1771LX Standard Balladeer

Steve Lukather

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Stevelukather

In the PDF document, you can see Luke used a Red Ovation on tour in the early 2000's.

See how Ray Davies uses Ovation 1771LX Standard Balladeer

Ray Davies

Singer, Guitarist

The Kinks

...
Verified via Photo

In the provided photo, Ray Davies is seen playing an Ovation 1771LX Standard Balladeer, featuring a Green Burst finish.

See how John Norum uses Ovation 1771LX Standard Balladeer

John Norum

Guitarist

Europe

...
Verified via JOHN NORUM OFFICIAL WEBSITE

"This is a the best sounding Ovation I ever heard. I have compared it to Martins, Gibsons, Fender acoustics you name it and this one sounds the best! For my personal taste anyways. It has Al Di Meola's signature preamp in it which are awesome! I used this one on the "Almost Unplugged" DVD (Europe) and a tour and bunch of gigs with my great sister Tone Norum (one of the best female singers in the world). So I just had to have one after hearing the album "Friday Night in San Francisco" in the '80s, (I've had a few) with the amazing Al Di Meola, John McLaughling and Paco de Lucía. Al and John used the Ovations and Paco (RIP) - being the greatest flamenco guitar player ever lived - used a nylon-string flamenco guitar."

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Ovation 1771LX Standard Balladeer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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