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Average Price: $1,080

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$200

$1001+

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Description

The Ovation 1869 Custom Legend is a masterful blend of art and innovation, crafted for musicians who demand both visual allure and sonic excellence. This acoustic-electric guitar features Ovation's signature roundback design, offering not only aesthetic appeal but also enhanced sound projection. The triple-A Sitka spruce top, adorned with elegant abalone inlays, ensures both durability and a rich tone, while the ebony fingerboard provides a smooth playing experience.

Equipped with the advanced Optima electronics system, this guitar offers a 4-band EQ and an onboard chromatic tuner, delivering impeccable sound clarity whether you're on stage or in the studio. The super-shallow cutaway design allows for effortless access to higher frets, making it perfect for intricate solos or complex chord progressions. Paired with 24K gold plated Schaller machines, tuning stability is assured, while its meticulous craftsmanship speaks to its status as a true custom shop instrument.

The Ovation 1869 Custom Legend isn't just a guitar; it's a statement piece for any serious musician's collection. Whether you're performing at a local venue or recording your next hit, this guitar promises to elevate your playing experience to unparalleled heights.

Key Features:

  • Triple-A Sitka spruce top with abalone inlays
  • Ebony fingerboard for smooth playability
  • Roundback design for improved sound projection
  • Optima electronics system with 4-band EQ and chromatic tuner
  • 24K gold plated Schaller tuning machines
  • Super-shallow cutaway for easy access to higher frets
  • Includes molded guitar case for protection and portability

Product specs

Brand Ovation
Model 1869 Custom Legend
Year 1990 - 2001
Categories 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 6-String
Pickup Undersaddle Piezo Pickup
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Sides Material Composite
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce

FAQs

What kind of sound can I expect from the Ovation 1869 Custom Legend's spruce top and composite back?

The spruce top offers a bright and articulate sound, while the composite back provides durability and enhances projection. This combination delivers a balanced tone suitable for various musical styles.

How does the undersaddle piezo pickup in the Ovation 1869 Custom Legend perform for live performances?

The undersaddle piezo pickup captures the guitar's natural acoustic tone and projects it clearly through amplification, making it ideal for live performances where clarity and volume are essential.

Is the Ovation 1869 Custom Legend suitable for fingerstyle playing?

Yes, the Ovation 1869 Custom Legend's ebony fretboard and responsive spruce top make it well-suited for fingerstyle playing, offering smooth playability and a clear, resonant tone.

What finish options are available for the Ovation 1869 Custom Legend?

The Ovation 1869 Custom Legend comes in a variety of color families, including black, natural, red, white, and yellow, with a gloss finish that enhances its visual appeal.

How does the mahogany neck of the Ovation 1869 Custom Legend affect playability?

The mahogany neck provides a warm tone and comfortable feel, contributing to the guitar's overall playability and making it suitable for both beginners and experienced players.

Does the Ovation 1869 Custom Legend come with an active preamp?

Yes, the Ovation 1869 Custom Legend features an active preamp, allowing for greater control over your amplified sound and ensuring a strong signal when plugged into an amplifier or PA system.

Brett Kingman

Brett Kingman

Quickcut: WIIO - Ovation 1869 Custom Legend

Video thumbnail for Quickcut: WIIO - Ovation 1869 Custom Legend by Brett Kingman

Quickcut: WIIO - Ovation 1869 Custom Legend

Brett Kingman

Brett Kingman

Video thumbnail for Ovation Custom Legend 1869 (1998 made) by Beyond鐵粉の狂躁达

Ovation Custom Legend 1869 (1998 made)

Beyond鐵粉の狂躁达

Beyond鐵粉の狂躁达

Video thumbnail for Ovation Custom Legend 1869 by guitarsib

Ovation Custom Legend 1869

guitarsib

guitarsib

Video thumbnail for Ovation Custom Legend 1869 by tiwa thmr

Ovation Custom Legend 1869

tiwa thmr

tiwa thmr

Video thumbnail for ♛ Ovation Custom Legend 1869 USA เล่นไม่ถึง5ครั้ง ♛ by AekThanks S

♛ Ovation Custom Legend 1869 USA เล่นไม่ถึง5ครั้ง ♛

AekThanks S

AekThanks S

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ovation 1869 Custom Legend.

Build quality

  • It's noted that Ovation necks, particularly on older models, are prone to cracking and may require frequent maintenance or adjustments.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners recommend checking the neck angle and action thoroughly, as Ovations can be challenging to repair if there are issues.

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  • The battery compartment for models with onboard electronics is located next to the volume and tone controls, featuring a spring-loaded holder for easy battery changes.

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User experience

  • The round back design is divisive, often requiring the use of a strap to prevent slipping when playing seated.

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  • Some players find the slippery round back advantageous for mobility on stage, while others find it challenging, preferring seated play with added grip.

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Use cases and applications

  • Ovations are praised for their bright sound, which can complement other guitars when layered in recordings.

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  • Ovations are noted for projecting sound well and maintaining consistent tone and action across the neck, suitable for amplified performances.

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Value and pricing

  • While some Ovation models are valued higher, $500 is considered steep unless the guitar is in excellent condition with no structural issues.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend using Cat's Tongue or skateboard grip tape to mitigate the slipping issue of the round back when playing seated.

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Features and functionality

  • Ovation guitars are known for their fast necks, praised for ease of play, especially when standing and for shallow-bodied models compared to dreadnaughts.

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Comparisons

  • Ovation guitars are often described as having a shimmery, almost brittle high end, reminiscent of 1970s tones, but lacking in deep bass compared to all-wood guitars.

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