Ovation Breadwinner

$1,086.24 Price Tier: High-end

4.5 (4)

1 Review

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Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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5.0 (4)

$1,086.24 5 available Used

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Average Price: $1,086

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, Ovation Breadwinner is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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Step into the unique world of electric guitars with the Ovation Breadwinner. This remarkable instrument is a testament to Ovation's bold foray into the solid body electric market during the groovy '70s. The Breadwinner is an upgraded version of the Deacon, carrying its legacy forward but with a refined edge. This guitar not only promises an unparalleled playing experience but also makes a distinct statement with its eye-catching design. It is undoubtedly an instrument that stands out in a crowd and establishes its presence with conviction.

Key Features:

Part of Ovation's successful venture into the solid body electric market
An upgraded avatar of the classic Deacon model
Boasts a unique and standout design
Delivers an exceptional playing experience

Product specs

Brand	Ovation
Model	Breadwinner
Finish	Black, Blue, Charcoal, Natural, Tan, White
Year	1972 - 1979
Made In	United States
Body Material	Mahogany
Body Shape	Single Cutaway
Body Type	Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	Top-Load
Color Family	Black, Blue, Brown, Natural, Tan, White
Fretboard Material	Ebony
Neck Construction	Bolt-On
Neck Material	Mahogany
Number of Frets	24
Number of Strings	6-String
Nut Width	1.6875"
Offset Body	Offset Body
Pickup Configuration	HH
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Scale Length	24.75"

FAQs

What kind of pickups does the Ovation Breadwinner use?: The Ovation Breadwinner is equipped with dual humbucker pickups, which provide a thick, warm tone suitable for a variety of music genres, from rock to jazz.
Is the Ovation Breadwinner suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Ovation Breadwinner's solid mahogany body and unique design offer excellent sustain and projection, making it a great choice for live performances.
What is the neck profile of the Ovation Breadwinner like?: The Ovation Breadwinner features a bolt-on mahogany neck with a comfortable profile, making it easy to play for extended periods.
How does the Ovation Breadwinner's body shape affect its playability?: The Breadwinner has an offset body design that provides ergonomic comfort, allowing for easy access to higher frets and reducing player fatigue.
What finishes are available for the Ovation Breadwinner?: The Ovation Breadwinner is available in several finishes, including Black, Blue, Charcoal, Natural, Tan, and White, allowing for aesthetic versatility.
How does the Ovation Breadwinner's scale length affect its tone?: With a 24.75" scale length, the Ovation Breadwinner offers a slightly warmer tone and easier string bending, which is favorable for blues and rock styles.

Videos

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Groovy Music Lessons

1973 Ovation Breadwinner Guitar Review Scott Grove

Groovy Music Lessons

1972 Ovation Breadwinner / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

1977 Ovation Breadwinner Active Electric Guitar

Guitars United

1937-75 Ovation Breadwinner - RED HOT GUITARS!!

James Hood Guitar

Reviews

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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 Breadwinner.

Features and functionality

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Ovation Breadwinner's toroidal pickups are constructed like Sidewinder pickups, with horizontally oriented magnets and a vertically facing coil.
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Toroidal pickups in Breadwinners have more clarity than later Mini Humbuckers but are prone to hum and interference due to their coil orientation.
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User experience

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Parts for Ovation Breadwinners are scarce; finding a neck and back plates can take over a decade.
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Enthusiasts note that the pickups produce a unique sound but can buzz, especially in models made before 1973.
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Breadwinner bridges are often replaced due to their unpopularity and poor construction quality.
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Value and pricing

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Early Breadwinners with original toroidal pickups can be valued up to $1500, whereas the pickups alone may fetch around $150.
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Collectors often seek original hardware, indicating that even if the guitar is unplayable, its parts retain significant value.
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Use cases and applications

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Breadwinners with toroidal pickups offer a unique sound that's rarely available for sale, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts.
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Build quality

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The Breadwinner's body is often described as heavy, which might affect comfort during long playing sessions.
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The original Breadwinner bridge assembly used pot metal, plastic, and nylon saddles, which contributed to frequent string breakage.
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Mods and upgrades

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Owners suggest replacing the neck with a custom or Warmoth neck, potentially using headless Steinberger-style tuners for unique customization.
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Some suggest reshaping a new neck's headstock to match the original Breadwinner design for authenticity.
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Schaeller once offered an aftermarket bridge replacement for the Breadwinner, though it's now out of production and rare.
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Owners recommend checking with Eastwood Guitars for a compatible bridge from their Breadwinner tribute model.
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4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

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mbowie4321

247

over 8 years ago

Surprisingly playable guitar

I have the white early '70's one with single pole pickups. The neck is comfortable and the balance is good. When I take it to the rehearsal space everyone checks it out (as in what the hell is that ... uh, can I try it?). It sounds fine. I'm not sure it has a distinctive tone, but you can certainly make your own via pedals or amp. It "colors" well if you do that.

Artist usage

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Joe Jack Talcum

Singer, Guitarist

Dead Milkmen

Verified via YouTube

Joe is seen playing the guitar in the shots of the band in the Secret of Life music video.

Tim Burgess

Singer

The Charlatans

Verified via Alamy

Burgess can be seen playing an Ovation Breadwinner in this live photo.

Stevie Shears

Guitarist

Ultravox

Verified via Photo

Stevie Shears is seen using an Ovation Breadwinner in a user-uploaded photo on Punk77. While there are mentions of him using a Gibson SG and a Selmer amp, this image provides a clear example of his choice of gear during his time with the band.