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Average Price: $1,397

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Description

The Ovation 1860 Custom Balladeer is a masterful blend of tradition and innovation, delivering an exceptional performance for both stage and studio settings. As an acoustic-electric guitar, it offers the best of both worlds, combining the natural resonance of an acoustic with the versatility of electric amplification. This guitar is renowned for its Lyrachord body, which provides a durable and lightweight alternative to traditional wood, enhancing the instrument's projection and sustain. The soundboard, crafted from resonant spruce, ensures a rich and balanced tonal output that is both warm and articulate.

Designed with the performer in mind, the Ovation 1860 Custom Balladeer features a slim neck profile, making it comfortable for extended play sessions, while its deep cutaway allows for easy access to higher frets. The onboard electronics include an OP-24 preamp, which offers a range of tonal shaping options, making it ideal for live performances and recording sessions. Whether you're strumming chords or fingerpicking intricate melodies, this guitar delivers a reliable and dynamic sound experience.

Key Features:

  • Acoustic-electric guitar with innovative Lyrachord body
  • Spruce top for superior tonal clarity
  • Comfortable slim neck profile
  • Deep cutaway design for better access to higher frets
  • OP-24 preamp with built-in EQ for versatile sound control
  • Durable and lightweight construction for enhanced portability

Product specs

Brand Ovation
Model 1860 Custom Balladeer
Year 1993 - 1994
Categories Acoustic-Electric Guitars
Active Preamp Yes
Back Material Composite
Color Family Brown, Natural, Orange, White
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 sound can I expect from the Ovation 1860 Custom Balladeer's undersaddle piezo pickup?

The undersaddle piezo pickup in the Ovation 1860 Custom Balladeer delivers a bright and clear amplified sound, capturing the guitar's natural acoustic tone with precision, making it ideal for live performances and studio recording.

How does the composite back of the Ovation 1860 Custom Balladeer affect its sound?

The composite back of the Ovation 1860 Custom Balladeer enhances projection and sustain, providing a unique tonal quality that combines warmth with clarity, distinguishing it from traditional wooden-backed guitars.

Is the Ovation 1860 Custom Balladeer suitable for stage performances?

Yes, the Ovation 1860 Custom Balladeer is well-suited for stage performances thanks to its active preamp and undersaddle piezo pickup, which offer excellent sound projection and clarity when amplified.

What is the neck profile of the Ovation 1860 Custom Balladeer, and how does it affect playability?

The Ovation 1860 Custom Balladeer features a mahogany neck with a comfortable profile that facilitates smooth playability, making it suitable for both rhythm and lead playing styles.

Does the Ovation 1860 Custom Balladeer have a gloss finish, and how does it impact the guitar's appearance?

Yes, the Ovation 1860 Custom Balladeer has a gloss finish, which enhances the visual appeal of the guitar, highlighting its sunburst pattern and providing a sleek, polished look.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ovation 1860 Custom Balladeer.

User experience

  • The unique bowl shape requires using a strap for comfortable play, especially with the shallow bowl model, to avoid slipping while seated.

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  • A 1994 owner attests to the guitar's high playability, comparable to modern acoustics.

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  • Owning an Ovation for 30+ years, one user noted its durability despite some finish cracks, highlighting its reliability for long-term use.

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  • Transitioning from light to heavier strings may be necessary if buzzing occurs, indicating that the guitar's setup was for a heavier gauge.

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Build quality

  • The neck is praised for its fantastic playability, even among other high-end acoustics.

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  • Some owners note a texturing on the back of newer models to prevent slipping while playing seated.

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  • The plastic nut on used models may require replacement due to wear, with bone nuts recommended for their longevity.

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Comparisons

  • USA-made models are recommended for better tone over Korean models, suggesting a noticeable difference in sound quality.

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  • Ovations are praised for their durability and consistency compared to vintage Takamine models, especially in harsh conditions.

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Value and pricing

  • It's possible to find used USA models for below $250, offering a good deal for the quality.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Ovations often arrive with high action from the factory, but shims under the bridge pickup allow for easy height adjustments.

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  • Switching to medium gauge strings can resolve buzzing if the guitar was initially set up for heavier strings, affecting string clearance over the frets.

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  • A plastic nut may deteriorate over time; replacing it with a bone nut can offer durability and potentially resolve buzzing issues.

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Use cases and applications

  • These guitars excel when plugged in, with a crisp, clear sound suitable for live performances, despite criticisms of their unplugged tone.

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Mods and upgrades

  • One owner successfully added a reinforcement strut to address stress cracks around the bridge, enhancing the guitar's stability.

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  • Inserting a small piece of paper in the nut slot of the buzzing string can temporarily alleviate buzzing, especially if caused by a loose fit.

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