Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $1,128

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Ovation Preacher is where classic craftsmanship meets modern innovation, creating a unique blend for the discerning guitarist. This solid body electric guitar is crafted from rich Mahogany, delivering not only a sleek aesthetic but also a warm, resonant tone that will make your sound stand out. Its dual soft cutaways offer easy access to higher frets, making it a versatile choice for everything from intricate solos to power chords.

Equipped with two high-quality pickups, the Ovation Preacher offers a versatile tonal range that can adapt to any genre, whether you're playing rock, blues, or jazz. Its intuitive controls allow you to seamlessly switch between tones, giving you the power to shape your sound with precision. Whether on stage or in the studio, this guitar is designed to meet the demands of modern musicians while paying homage to its vintage roots.

The Ovation Preacher is more than just an instrument; it's a statement of artistic expression, designed for those who seek to push the boundaries of their musical journey. Join a community of musicians who appreciate quality and versatility with this exceptional guitar.

Key Features:

  • Solid Mahogany body for rich, resonant sound
  • Double cutaway design for easy access to upper frets
  • Two high-quality pickups for versatile tone options
  • Intuitive controls for seamless tone adjustment
  • Ideal for various music genres from rock to jazz

Product specs

Brand Ovation
Model Preacher
Finish Charcoal, Natural, Red, Sunburst, White
Year 1978 - 1983
Made In United States
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Top-Load
Color Family Black, Brown, Natural, Red, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Ebony
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Nut Width 1.6875"
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Ovation Preacher like?

The Ovation Preacher features a comfortable bolt-on mahogany neck with a slim profile, making it suitable for fast playing and easy access to all 24 frets.

What kind of tones can I expect from the Ovation Preacher's pickups?

The Ovation Preacher is equipped with dual humbucking pickups, offering a versatile range of tones from warm and smooth to bright and punchy, suitable for various genres including rock and blues.

Is the Ovation Preacher suitable for beginner guitarists?

While the Ovation Preacher is a quality instrument with professional features, its playability and ergonomic design make it accessible for beginners who are serious about learning electric guitar.

What is the body material and shape of the Ovation Preacher?

The Ovation Preacher features a solid mahogany body with a double cutaway design, providing a balanced tone with good sustain and easy access to higher frets.

How does the Ovation Preacher's bridge/tailpiece affect its playability?

The Preacher's top-load bridge allows for easy string changes and contributes to a stable tuning and clear intonation, enhancing the overall playability of the guitar.

Sean Kerns

Sean Kerns

1974 Ovation Preacher Demo

Video thumbnail for 1974 Ovation Preacher Demo by Sean Kerns

1974 Ovation Preacher Demo

Sean Kerns

Sean Kerns

Video thumbnail for 1970s Ovation Preacher | CME Vintage Demo | Sam Porter by Chicago Music Exchange

1970s Ovation Preacher | CME Vintage Demo | Sam Porter

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Reviews

PROS

  • Powerful pickups deliver robust and dynamic sound

  • Solid mahogany body ensures durability and rich tone

  • Ebony fretboard provides smooth playability and fast action

  • Unique stereo and mono output options for versatile connectivity

  • Lightweight design at 8 1/2 pounds for comfortable playing

  • Quiet mini-humbuckers offer clear, noise-free performance

  • Made in the USA, highlighting quality craftsmanship

  • Distinctive see-through reddish color adds visual appeal

CONS

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • The Ovation Preacher's gold plating is noted for its durability, resisting tarnish over decades, enhancing its vintage appeal.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The guitar features proprietary pickups that owners describe as providing a unique, mellow tone ideal for jazz and blues.

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  • The Ovation Preacher includes a unique "stereo" output feature, although some users haven't explored its full potential yet.

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  • The Preacher does not utilize active pickups, contrasting with some other Ovation models like the Deacon.

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User experience

  • Owners report that the Preacher's weight distribution can be awkward, making it less comfortable for long playing sessions.

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  • Owners report the Preacher as one of the loudest guitars they own, highlighting its strong acoustic projection.

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  • The wider neck of the Preacher is seen as a quirky feature that encourages different playing styles, offering a new experience for guitarists.

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Use cases and applications

  • The Preacher's tonal character is favored for producing clear, articulate sounds in fingerstyle playing, particularly for classical adaptations.

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Value and pricing

  • Despite its rarity, the Ovation Preacher is often valued for sentimental reasons, with some owners refusing substantial offers to keep it in their collection.

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  • Ovation solidbody guitars from the '70s are considered underrated and remain affordable, making them an attractive option for collectors of unique instruments.

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  • A used Ovation Preacher was noted to sell for $600, reflecting a modest price increase over time for vintage Ovation solidbodies.

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Comparisons

  • Compared to other Ovation solidbodies, the Preacher is noted for its clean condition despite its vintage status, dating back to 1973-1975.

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  • The Preacher's tone was described as thick and sweet, but not quite matching the "signature humbucker" sound typical in other guitars.

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Critic Reviews

Ovation Breadwinner & Preacher (SI Jun 78)

muzines.co.uk

The Ovation Preacher emerges as a standout with its robust construction, featuring a bolt-on neck and 24-fret fingerboard that invites effortless playability. While its design might initially seem unremarkable, the Preacher reveals its charm over time, delivering versatile soundscapes and smooth volume controls that appeal to diverse playing styles. However, its strap button placement is awkward, and the bridge's plastic cover detracts from the guitar's otherwise premium feel. Despite these minor setbacks, the Preacher is praised for its exceptional playability and is recommended for those seeking a reliable and innovative instrument at a reasonable price.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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P

Ovation Preacher my favourite electric.

I bought this 1970s solid mahogany, stereo version of the Preacher from a guitar shop in Bedford, New York on a recording trip in 1999, complete with original Ovation case. Ebony fingerboard, super-cool quiet mini-humbuckers and mono and stereo jacks. I have the see-through redish colour. My guitar set-up guy described the sound as "raunchy" and offered to buy it on the spot.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how David Carreire uses Ovation Preacher

David Carreire

Guitarist, Music Producer

TOPS

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Verified via YouTube

David Carreire can be seen playing Ovation Preacher in this video. We can see him playing that guitar live in a Youtube videos. Ex : https://youtu.be/6IBu1JVKHvQ?si=G0j5fFXXat14JJVO

Genre Usage

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

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