Pricing and availability

Average Price: $1,295

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Unlock your inner rock star with the Ovation Viper III Electric Guitar, a standout in the world of solid body electric guitars. The Viper III combines classic design with modern innovation, making it a versatile choice for both seasoned professionals and aspiring musicians. Its solid mahogany body contributes to a warm, resonant tone while the smooth maple neck ensures comfortable playability. The guitar features a sleek design with a unique cutaway that provides easy access to higher frets, making it perfect for solos and intricate riffs.

Equipped with three single-coil pickups, the Viper III offers a wide range of tonal possibilities, from bright and crisp to warm and mellow. The five-way pickup selector switch allows you to seamlessly shift between different sound textures, enhancing your creative expression. The guitar's bridge is set up for precision and stability, ensuring that your tuning remains consistent, even during the most intense performances.

Whether you're jamming in your bedroom or performing on stage, the Ovation Viper III offers the reliability and tonal flexibility you need to sound your best. Its robust construction and thoughtful design make it a durable and dependable choice for guitarists of all levels.

Key Features:

  • Solid mahogany body for warm, resonant tone
  • Maple neck for smooth playability
  • Three single-coil pickups for versatile sound options
  • Five-way pickup selector switch
  • Unique cutaway design for easy access to higher frets
  • Stable bridge for consistent tuning stability

Product specs

Brand Ovation
Model Viper III with Ebony Fretboard, Viper III with Maple Fretboard
Finish Natural, Nutmeg, Red, Sunburst, White
Year 1979 - 1980
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Top-Load
Color Family Brown, Natural, Red, Tan, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Ebony, Maple
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HHH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Ovation Viper III Electric Guitar have?

The Ovation Viper III features an HHH (humbucker-humbucker-humbucker) pickup configuration, providing a versatile range of tones suitable for various music styles.

Is the Ovation Viper III Electric Guitar suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the Ovation Viper III is suitable for advanced players, offering a 24-fret neck for extended range and a solid body design that supports a wide array of playing styles.

What is the neck construction of the Ovation Viper III Electric Guitar?

The Ovation Viper III features a bolt-on neck construction, which provides ease of maintenance and a bright, snappy tone.

What are the available fretboard materials for the Ovation Viper III Electric Guitar?

The Ovation Viper III is available with either an ebony or maple fretboard, allowing players to choose based on their preference for feel and tone.

What finishes are available for the Ovation Viper III Electric Guitar?

The Ovation Viper III is available in Natural, Nutmeg, Red, Sunburst, and White finishes, offering a variety of aesthetic options to match personal style.

Groovy Music Lessons

Groovy Music Lessons

Ovation Viper III 3 Guitar Review By Scott Grove

Video thumbnail for Ovation Viper III 3 Guitar Review By Scott Grove by Groovy Music Lessons

Ovation Viper III 3 Guitar Review By Scott Grove

Groovy Music Lessons

Groovy Music Lessons

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The Viper III's single-coil pickups resemble mini-humbuckers in size, with metal sides and black inserts, providing varied tonal options depending on the position.

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  • Early Viper III models use three on/off toggles to control the pickups, offering versatile tonal combinations.

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  • The Viper III's pickups are unique to Ovation solid bodies, distinct from common models and resembling in-house P-90s but slimmer, with staggered screws.

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Comparisons

  • The Viper III was notably more affordable than the Gibson Les Paul in the early 1980s, priced around $400 new.

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  • The Viper III is described as sounding like a "warm Tele," offering a unique tonal quality that sets it apart from traditional Telecasters.

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User experience

  • Owners express regret parting with the Viper III, praising its playability and contributing to its nostalgic value.

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  • Owners describe the Viper III as "criminally underrated," emphasizing its high quality and playability despite its lesser-known status.

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  • Owners describe the Viper III as having a unique design, often compared to the look of a "cobra" or "Gumby-caster," which adds to its distinctive appeal.

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Use cases and applications

  • The Viper III reportedly sounds "absolutely gorgeous" when paired with a blackface Deluxe Reverb amplifier, suggesting a complementary setup for achieving premium sound.

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Build quality

  • Early models featured a black plastic bezel around the bridge, potentially indicating a manufacturing period from 1975-76.

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Value and pricing

  • A user purchased two Viper III guitars in the mid-90s from a pawn shop for $200, highlighting potential for great deals outside mainstream markets.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Henry Tremain uses Ovation Viper III Electric Guitar

Henry Tremain

Singer, Guitarist

This Town Needs Guns

...
Verified via Photo

In this concert photo, Henry can be seen using a Viper III below his normal six-string Jaguar bass.

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