
( Brand: Ovation ), ( Model: 1617-4 ), ( Part Type: Acoustic Guitar ), ( Body Type: Deep Bowl ), ( String Configuration: 6 String ), ( Country/region Of Manufacture: United States ), ( Series: Legend )
Step back in time to the golden era of acoustic-electric guitars with the 1980s Ovation Legend 1617-4. This retro masterpiece, with its distinctive contours and innovative design, offers a unique blend of vintage appeal and modern performance that sets it apart from its contemporaries.
Design and Construction:The Ovation Legend 1617-4 is characterized by its Iconic Lyrachord Body. This revolutionary body shape, made of laminated Lyrachord materials, provides a deep resonant sound with exceptional durability that has made Ovation a go-to brand for acoustic-electric guitar enthusiasts. With a Classic Slimline neck profile, the guitar offers enhanced comfort and easy playability, making it a joy for both beginners and seasoned players.
Salient Features:1. Lyrachord Body: The 1617-4's Lyrachord body combines the tonal qualities of an acoustic guitar with the versatility of an electric one. Its unique shape delivers emphasis on bass frequencies, providing a rich and full-bodied sound that's ideal for various genres.
2. Nut and Saddle: Equipped with a Synthetic Bone Nut and Saddle, this guitar ensures optimal intonation, translating to more accurate and in-tune notes, which is crucial for maintaining harmony in your performance.
3. Pickguard and Bridge: The 1617-4 features an elegant White Pickguard and a Rosewood Bridge, adding to its vintage appeal. The bridge provides a stable platform for the strings, contributing to the guitar's resonance and sustainability.
4. Electronics: The Ovation Legend 1617-4 comes with a Stereo Preamp System that includes a 3-band EQ and a tuner. The system features a low-profile control plate that minimizes interference with the player's picking hand, ensuring unobstructed access to the instrument's fretboard.
5. Machine Heads: With Gold Open-Gear Tuning Machines, the guitar offers smooth tuning stability, reducing the need for frequent adjustments during performances or practice sessions.
6. Fretboard: The guitar's 25.5-inch scale length and 1-11/16" nut width make it ideal for most playing styles. Its Macassar Ebony 16-fret fingerboard houses gleaming pearloid dot inlays that provide guidance for navigating the fretboard with ease.
7. Accessories: The 1980s Ovation Legend 1617-4 includes a Gig Bag for protection during transportation, ensuring that you can safely carry the guitar to your next performance or rehearsal.
Conclusion:The Ovation Legend 1617-4 is not just a guitar, but a time capsule that beckons you to explore the depth of its tonal abilities, as well as the rich history behind its iconic design. Whether you're a seasoned performer aiming to add versatility to your rig or a novice guitarist seeking a reliable and characterful instrument upon which to build a foundation, this 1980s Ovation Legend 1617-4 Acoustic-Electric Guitar delivers an irreplaceable merger of old-world charm and modern advances.
The Ovation Legend series of acoustic-electric guitars, particularly the Model 1617-4 dated from the 1980s, has been a topic of interest for guitar enthusiasts and players due to its unique design and tonal characteristics. In this analysis, we will explore the pros and cons of purchasing this vintage Ovation Legend acoustic-electric guitar.
II. Pros1. Unique, Innovative Design: The Ovation Legend 1617-4 is known for its distinctive round-backed body shape, which allows for better ventilation and resonance, resulting in a loud and clear acoustic sound. It also features a tapered, tapered X bracing system, which enhances the guitar's stability and adjusts the sound profile.
2. Solid Top: A solid spruce top, as seen in the Model 1617-4, contributes to the guitar's strong projection, rich tone and ability to age gracefully, with each passing year deepening its tonal qualities.
3. Fishman Electronics: The guitar's Fishman IAS pickup system offers a wide dynamic range and a natural sound when plugged in, which is crucial for live performances and studio recordings. This high-quality pickup system better preserves the guitar's original sound.
4. Versatility: With its built-in electronics, the Legend 1617-4 transitions seamlessly between acoustic and amplified sounds, allowing its users to adapt to various playing scenarios.
III. Cons1. Unconventional Shape: Some guitarists might find the round-backed shape uncomfortable to hold or uncomfortable in their playing position as it takes some time to get used to it.
2. Resonance: The materials and construction of the Ovation Legend argue might not be able to deliver the same rich, complex tone that some other brands or higher-end Ovation models may offer. Some players may prefer a more traditional, solid-wood body to achieve a specific sound or timbre.
3. Hardware: The hardware and components on vintage models may not be as stable or reliable as those on newer instruments. Regular maintenance and occasional upgrades may be necessary to keep the guitar in optimal playing condition.
4. Cost: The Ovation Legend 1617-4 is a vintage instrument, so prices can vary significantly depending on the condition and rarity of the specific guitar. These variables, combined with the cost of potential upgrades, may make the guitar a less financially viable option for some buyers.
IV. ConclusionThe 1980s Ovation Legend 1617-4 acoustic-electric guitar offers a unique blend of design, sound, and functionality. Its pros include its innovative design, versatile capabilities, and high-quality electronics. However, its cons include its unconventional shape, potentially variable tone, and potentially requiring costly maintenance and upgrades.
V. RecommendationThis guitar model is an excellent choice for musicians who seek an unconventional and versatile instrument with natural sounding electronics. Its unique features cater to both acoustic and amplified performances. However, those looking for a more traditional guitar model or seeking a guitar that requires minimal maintenance might consider alternative options. It's crucial to examine the condition, price, and long-term commitment of the 1617-4 before making a decision.