Ovation 1866 Legend

$700.00 Price Tier: Standard

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Page last updated Jun 18, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 18, 2026.

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Price

$700.00 2 available Used

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Average Price: $700

Standard/Professional

$200

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Acoustic-Electric Guitars category, Ovation 1866 Legend is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Description

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The Ovation 1866 Legend is the quintessential choice for musicians who crave a blend of classic acoustic sound with modern electric capabilities. Known for its unique multi-soundhole design and signature Lyrachord body, this guitar provides not only exceptional tonal richness but also enhanced durability. The rounded back of the Lyrachord body is engineered to project sound effectively, while the solid spruce top ensures a clear, resonant tone that will captivate any audience.

Designed with the performing artist in mind, the 1866 Legend is equipped with Ovation's cutting-edge OP-24+ preamp system, offering precise tonal control and reduced feedback when plugged in. This makes it an ideal companion for live performances, studio sessions, or simply jamming at home. The comfortable neck profile and smooth fretboard facilitate effortless playability, allowing guitarists to explore their creativity without limitation.

Whether you're strumming in an intimate setting or performing on stage, the Ovation 1866 Legend stands out with its distinctive sound and reliable performance, making it a staple in any musician's collection.

Key Features:

Solid spruce top for enhanced clarity and resonance
Unique multi-soundhole design for exceptional sound projection
Lyrachord composite body for durability and sound quality
OP-24+ preamp system for advanced tonal control
Comfortable neck profile for ease of play
Built-in electronics for amplified performances

Product specs

Brand	Ovation
Model	1866 Legend
Year	1990 - 2001
Categories	12-String Acoustic Guitars, Acoustic-Electric Guitars
Active Preamp	Yes
Back Material	Composite
Color Family	Black, Natural, Red, White, Yellow
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Finish Style	Gloss
Fretboard Material	Ebony
Neck Material	Mahogany
Number of Frets	20
Number of Strings	12-String
Pickup	Undersaddle Piezo Pickup
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Sides Material	Composite
String Type	Steel
Top Material	Spruce

FAQs

What is the body material of the Ovation 1866 Legend?: The Ovation 1866 Legend features a composite back and sides, which contributes to its durability and unique sound projection, while the top is made of spruce for a bright, resonant tone.
How does the Ovation 1866 Legend perform as a 12-string guitar?: The Ovation 1866 Legend, being a 12-string acoustic-electric guitar, offers a rich, full sound with enhanced harmonic overtones, making it ideal for genres that benefit from a lush, layered sound.
What type of preamp does the Ovation 1866 Legend use?: The Ovation 1866 Legend is equipped with an active preamp and an undersaddle piezo pickup, providing a clear and amplified sound suitable for live performances and recording.
Is the Ovation 1866 Legend suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Ovation 1866 Legend is well-suited for live performances due to its active preamp and undersaddle piezo pickup, which deliver a strong, clear amplified sound.
What are the neck and fretboard materials of the Ovation 1866 Legend?: The Ovation 1866 Legend features a mahogany neck and an ebony fretboard, offering a smooth playing experience with excellent sustain and tonal clarity.

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Sterling Dewey

Ovation Legend 1866 12 String For Sale on reverb.com (no longer for sale)

Sterling Dewey

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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 1866 Legend.

Build quality

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Ovation guitars often face issues with the plastic back separating from the wood top, making careful inspection necessary before purchase.
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The early Ovation pickups had a "bad piezo quack," common among brands from that era, but noted for being durable even after falls.
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User experience

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The round back design can make the guitar difficult to play seated without a strap, as it tends to slide off the player's body.
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Owners with deeper contour backs report better stability when seated compared to round backs.
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Ovations are described as having a clear sound with a tight bass, suitable for recording despite ergonomic challenges.
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Setup and maintenance

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Some Ovation guitars require a neck reset due to high action, and the action is difficult to adjust beyond the 6th fret.
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Some owners apply bathtub non-slip decals or rug underlay to prevent the guitar from sliding off when seated.
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