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Ovation Magnum II

4.5 (3)

1 Critic Review

1 Review

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3 community setups

1 wishlisted

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Page last updated Mar 23, 2026

Pricing and availability

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Price

Average Price: $3,007

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Electric Basses category, Ovation Magnum II 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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Discover a vintage gem in the world of bass guitars with the Ovation Magnum II, a classic electric bass that impresses both seasoned musicians and enthusiastic collectors. This distinctive bass guitar stands out with its unique pickup system that combines a humbucking neck pickup and piezo bridge pickup, offering a versatile range of tones from mellow to punchy. The Magnum II is celebrated for its robust sound, making it a popular choice for bassists who require a solid foundation in their music.

Crafted with a durable solid body and a smooth neck, the Ovation Magnum II is built for comfortable playability and long-lasting performance. Its innovative design includes a simple yet effective control layout, with separate volume and tone controls for each pickup. This allows for precise tonal adjustments and seamless blending of sound, ensuring you achieve the exact sound profile you desire. With its vintage appeal and reliable build quality, the Magnum II is not just an instrument; it's a piece of musical history that continues to inspire creativity.

Key Features:

Unique pickup system: humbucking neck pickup and piezo bridge pickup
Separate volume and tone controls for each pickup
Solid body construction for durability
Smooth neck for comfortable playability
Versatile tonal range from mellow to punchy
Vintage appeal with modern functionality

Product specs

Brand	Ovation
Model	Magnum II
Finish	Natural, Red, Sunburst
Year	1978 - 1980
Categories	4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups	Passive Pickups
Active Preamp	No Preamp
Body Material	Mahogany
Body Shape	Double Cutaway
Color Family	Brown, Natural, Red
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Fretboard Material	Rosewood
Neck Material	Mahogany
Number of Frets	20
Number of Strings	4-String
Pickup Configuration	SH
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Ovation Magnum II have?: The Ovation Magnum II is equipped with passive pickups in a split humbucker (SH) configuration, providing a rich and versatile tone suitable for various music styles.
Is the Ovation Magnum II suitable for beginners?: The Ovation Magnum II, with its comfortable double cutaway design and 4-string setup, can be suitable for beginners, but its vintage nature and unique features may appeal more to experienced players seeking a distinct sound.
What materials are used in the construction of the Ovation Magnum II?: The Ovation Magnum II features a mahogany body and neck, with a rosewood fretboard, contributing to its warm and resonant tonal characteristics.
Does the Ovation Magnum II have an active preamp?: No, the Ovation Magnum II does not have an active preamp; it uses passive electronics, which deliver a natural and uncolored bass tone.
How many frets does the Ovation Magnum II have?: The Ovation Magnum II has 20 frets, providing a comfortable range for bass players to explore different musical scales and styles.

Videos

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Tony Butler

Ovation Magnum II Bass Demo

Tony Butler

Ovation Magnum II Bass Sunburst from 1978 !

Guitare Collection

1978 Ovation Magnum 2, Cherry Red

Andy Baxter Bass & Guitars

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 Magnum II.

Features and functionality

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The Ovation Magnum II includes a three-band graphic equalizer and allows volume adjustment for each string via the pickups, a unique feature from the 70s.
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Known for its extremely adjustable bridge, a notable innovation for its time, although the complexity may challenge those unfamiliar with its uniqueness.
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The 3-band EQ on the Ovation Magnum II is unique, with each slider cutting one frequency while boosting another, effectively functioning as a 3x2 band EQ.
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Setup and maintenance

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Levered mute pads are prone to wear, but users have creatively substituted with thin felt for studio use, though less ideal for live performances.
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Factory defects may cause phase issues due to incorrectly connected neck pickup or EQ wires, requiring professional inspection and possible rewiring.
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The powerful neck pickup can cause floppy strings to vibrate against the neck, creating an unwanted chorus effect; recessed pickup adjustment is recommended for better playability.
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Introducing a bone nut can prevent the G string from popping out during aggressive playing.
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Some owners report using a shim under the neck or bridge to correct relief issues, improving action and overall playability.
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User experience

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The active electronics require two batteries, which can be inconvenient if the bass isn't played regularly.
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Mods and upgrades

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Trim pots in the neck pickup can fail and are difficult to replace, a significant consideration for long-term maintenance.
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Replacing loose tuners with Schaller models is suggested for improved tuning stability, especially if original parts aren't a priority.
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Other

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The instrument's historical appeal is bolstered by its association with notable musicians, enhancing its collectible status.
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Comparisons

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Although a reissue by Eastwood captures the body shape, it lacks the original’s unique pickup frame and stereo output, affecting authenticity.
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Critic Reviews

Let’s Give Up A Hand for Lumpy Gravy (Vintage 1979 Ovation Magnum II Bass Guitar) | MyRareGuitars.com

myrareguitars.com

The 1979 Ovation Magnum II Bass Guitar is a peculiar blend of innovation and awkward design. Praised for its unique features like the 3-band graphic EQ and adjustable neck stability, it also suffers from an overabundance of tinkering options that might overwhelm the average player. While some might appreciate the solid craftsmanship, others could find its aesthetics off-putting and its sales history suggests it was not a commercial success. Despite its quirks, the Magnum II remains a fascinating relic for enthusiasts who enjoy customization, though it may not suit everyone's practical needs.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

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stevefishman

over 8 years ago

Total Sexy Beast!

I have this one with the graphic eq and its the most versatile bass I own. The T40 comes in 2nd for variety of sounds. I dont own a Line 6 but thats digital modeling so doesnt count. I love the kitsch body shape. Also the bridge pickup is great and very usable as I dont like bridge pickups in general on solid bodies. Used it with Glen Matlock and on many tracks. Does dub to nasty and Ive had Entwistle esque sounds. The eq knobs are paired to boost and cut 2 frequencies simultaneously to keep volume stable but if you take of the knobs you have a 6 band eq but the volume can vary immensely. LOVE IT!!

Artist usage

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Kim Gordon

Singer, Guitarist

Sonic Youth

Verified via Photo

In this photo, Kim Gordon can be seen using an Ovation Magnum II.

Colin Edwin

Bassist

Porcupine Tree

Verified via Colinedwin

Colin made a post about this bass in his blog in late may of 2011.

....been experimenting with this old Ovation Magnum II Bass. It's bascially a later, active version of the Magnum I which came out in the early 1970's... I was lucky enough to find a Magnum I a couple of years ago, as I became interested in the different possibities offered by the passive pickups, foam mute and heavy flatwound strings. It's an instrument well suited to deep, heavy basslines, and sounds quite different to any other bass I own, having an almost rubbery quality to the tone.....

Jah Wobble

Bassist

Public Image Ltd

Verified via ChunkyGlasses

Jah Wobble is known for using the Ovation Magnum II bass guitar. A notable example of this is documented in the ChunkyGlasses article covering his performance with the Invaders of the Heart at the Rock and Roll Hotel on September 23, 2016.