Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $99

Budget/Beginner

$200

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Ovation Balladeer 1111 is a staple in the realm of steel-string acoustic guitars, offering musicians a blend of classic craftsmanship and modern design. Renowned for its unique Lyrachord body, this guitar provides not only a distinct look but also exceptional durability and enhanced sound projection. The Balladeer 1111 is crafted with a solid spruce top, which contributes to its rich tonal quality, delivering vibrant and clear sound with every strum.

A key feature of the Balladeer 1111 is its patented Ovation pickup system, which makes it an ideal choice for both studio recording and live performances. This built-in pickup ensures that the guitar's natural acoustic tone is faithfully reproduced when amplified, offering musicians versatility and consistency in their sound. The mahogany neck and ebony fingerboard provide a smooth playing experience, making it comfortable for both beginners and seasoned players alike.

Designed with attention to detail, the Balladeer 1111 features classic dot inlays and a rosette that adds a touch of elegance to its aesthetic. Whether you're strumming on stage or playing in a cozy setting, this guitar is designed to meet the needs of any acoustic guitarist looking for quality and reliability.

Key Features:

  • Unique Lyrachord body for durability and sound projection
  • Solid spruce top for rich, vibrant tonal quality
  • Patented Ovation pickup system for excellent amplified sound
  • Mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard for smooth playability
  • Classic dot inlays and rosette for an elegant design

Product specs

Brand Ovation
Model 1111 Balladeer
Finish Black, Natural, Sunburst
Year 1971 - 1986
Active Preamp No
Back Material Composite
Body Shape Dreadnought
Color Family Black, Brown, Natural
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony
Fretboard Radius 10"
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 14
Number of Strings 6-String
Nut Width 1.6875"
Pickup None
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Sides Material Composite
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce

FAQs

What makes the Ovation Balladeer 1111 unique compared to traditional acoustic guitars?

The Ovation Balladeer 1111 features a composite back, which enhances projection and durability, and a spruce top for a balanced tone. Its distinctive design offers a modern aesthetic and improved sound projection compared to traditional wood-only acoustic guitars.

Is the Ovation Balladeer 1111 suitable for live performances?

While the Ovation Balladeer 1111 does not have an active preamp or built-in pickups, its robust projection and unique sound make it suitable for acoustic performances, especially when paired with an external microphone or pickup system for amplification.

How does the composite back of the Ovation Balladeer 1111 affect its sound?

The composite back of the Ovation Balladeer 1111 enhances the guitar's projection and sustain, providing a clear and resonant sound that differs from traditional wooden-back guitars. This design helps maintain tonal consistency across different environments.

What type of music is the Ovation Balladeer 1111 best suited for?

The Ovation Balladeer 1111, with its spruce top and dreadnought body shape, is versatile for various music styles, including folk, rock, and pop. Its clear projection and balanced tone make it a good choice for both strumming and fingerpicking.

How does the neck profile of the Ovation Balladeer 1111 affect playability?

The Ovation Balladeer 1111 features a mahogany neck with a 10" fretboard radius, offering smooth playability and comfortable fretting. This design is particularly beneficial for players who prefer a slightly rounded feel for both chord playing and soloing.

IplayMusic2

IplayMusic2

1977 Ovation 1111-1 Balladeer Acoustic Guitar

Video thumbnail for 1977 Ovation 1111-1 Balladeer Acoustic Guitar by IplayMusic2

1977 Ovation 1111-1 Balladeer Acoustic Guitar

IplayMusic2

IplayMusic2

Video thumbnail for 1981 Ovation Balladeer Acoustic Guitar Demo by Michael Greco

1981 Ovation Balladeer Acoustic Guitar Demo

Michael Greco

Michael Greco

Video thumbnail for 🎼 Acoustic Vintage Guitar: Ovation Balladeer Model 1111-1 sounds great still after 50 years by Jarmo T. Laitinen

🎼 Acoustic Vintage Guitar: Ovation Balladeer Model 1111-1 sounds great still after 50 years

Jarmo T. Laitinen

Jarmo T. Laitinen

Video thumbnail for Ovation. Balladeer 1111- 4【ギター図鑑】フルアコ|US製 by Peko Christina

Ovation. Balladeer 1111- 4【ギター図鑑】フルアコ|US製

Peko Christina

Peko Christina

Reviews

3.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Avril Lavigne uses Ovation Balladeer 1111

Avril Lavigne

Singer, Guitarist

Avril Lavigne (Band)

...
Verified via YouTube

In 2000 (2 years before her debut album), Avril Lavigne playing an Ovation Balladeer 1111 at 08'06.

See how Paul Meany uses Ovation Balladeer 1111

Paul Meany

Singer, Keyboardist

MUTEMATH

...
Verified via Photo

Paul Meany shares on Instagram that he owns an Ovation Balladeer 1111, a guitar with sentimental value as it belonged to his father, who used it in worship services.

See how David Allan Coe uses Ovation Balladeer 1111

David Allan Coe

Guitarist, Singer

Confederate Railroad

...
Verified via YouTube

In a live performance of "Living On The Run" in 1974, documented by a YouTube video provided by the user Nightrain76, David Allan Coe is playing an Ovation Balladeer 1111. This identification is based on distinctive features such as the guitar's rounded back and the fret markers. Throughout the duration of this concert, Coe alternates between the Ovation Balladeer 1111 and a Gibson Les Paul.

See how Jonathan Morali (Syd Matters) uses Ovation Balladeer 1111

Jonathan Morali (Syd Matters)

Singer, Guitarist

Syd Matters

...
Verified via YouTube

he used this guitar in 2004 (26/02/2004) when he performend black and white eyes in the former french tv show traffic musique.

See how Maury Muehleisen uses Ovation Balladeer 1111

Maury Muehleisen

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "Jim Croce - Working at the Car Wash Blues" from a performance on The Old Grey Whistle Test on July 27, 1973, Maury Muehleisen is seen playing an Ovation Balladeer 1111 guitar. This footage is available on YouTube, uploaded by Peter Leslie.

See how Chad Morgan uses Ovation Balladeer 1111

Chad Morgan

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video you can see Chad using an Ovation Balladeer 1111.

See how Jon English uses Ovation Balladeer 1111

Jon English

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

"Jon English used an Ovation Balladeer 1111 during the mid-1980s to early 1990s, as shown in a user-uploaded photo."

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

More Ovation Acoustic-Electric Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides