
( Brand: Ovation ), ( Model: 1656 ), ( Part Type: Guitar String ), ( Body Type: Round Back ), ( String Configuration: 12 String ), ( Soundboard Style: Flat Top ), ( Series: Legend ), ( Exact Year: 1983 ), ( Country/region Of Manufacture: United States )
The Ovation 1656-original Legend 12-string Acoustic-Electric Guitar is a vision of classic beauty and extraordinary tone. This instrument, crafted by the innovative and esteemed Ovation Guitars, is a respected choice among musicians seeking rich and full-bodied 12-string tones. Enhanced by modern features and advanced design, the 1656-original Legend 12 continues to captivate the audience with its stunning appearance and excellent performance.
The heart of this 12-string guitar is the elegantly curved, rounded Shape Lyrachord body. Designed with advanced compositology, Lyrachord delivers a well-balanced tone, harmonically rich sound, and superior durability. The innovative bowl back design provides an expanded lower bout and air chamber, allowing the guitar to project its captivating voice with remarkable volume and clarity.
The 1656-original Legend 12 features a modern, detailed neck with a unique and comfortable C-shape profile. Crafted from premium mahogany, the neck supports comfortable and accurate playing for extended periods. The 25.5-inch scale length and 12-fret neck joint contribute to the guitar's ease of play, making it suitable for virtually any playing style.
The frets on the 1656-original Legend 12 are carefully crafted from high-quality nickel/silver and elegantly dressed with sophisticated Pearloid dot inlays on a richly grained domestic rosewood fretboard. These features are not only visually appealing but also results in a fretboard that glides effortlessly under your fingers, allowing you to traverse the entire neck with ease and confidence.
Topping the 12-string Legend is an'All-New Slimline 12-Fret Fretboard Design', allowing players an easier and more comfortable playing experience. The slim 1 5/8 inch nut width provides a more natural feel for both 12-string and 6-string guitar players.
Incorporating a robust OP-PRO Advanced Preamp System, the 1656-original Legend 12 provides exceptional live and recorded sound quality. Amplifying your tone is an under-saddle pickup, while the onboard 3-band EQ and built-in digital chromatic tuner enable fine-tuning on the go. Controls include pickup selector, volume, treble, mid, bass and phase switch to offer a wide variety of tonal possibilities, enhancing your performances and recordings alike.
This Ovation 12-string masterpiece comes equipped with superior quality Open-Gear tuning machines paired with gold plated tuning keys. The chrome, deluxe 12-string bridge and direct mounted, spun aluminum tailpiece, combining beauty and durability, ensuring your theoretical and intonation remain right on.
To sum up, the Ovation 1656-original Legend 12-string Acoustic-Electric Guitar is a marvel of craftsmanship, seamlessly blending superior construction, cutting-edge technology, and classic styling. This guitar is an ideal choice for intermediate and experienced musicians who seek the full-bodied, captivating tones of a 12-string and the versatility of a plug-and-play acoustic-electric design. Prepare to be inspired and seduced by its extraordinary voice, as this instrument truly shines in the world of music.
The Ovation Legend 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar (Model 1656) is a popular choice for musicians seeking a versatile, high-quality instrument to cater to various music genres. In this analysis, we will explore both the advantages and disadvantages of this guitar, followed by a conclusion and recommendation based on the gathered information.
Pros:1. Advanced Body Design: The Ovation Legend 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar features a unique Lyrachord body, which provides excellent projection and bottom-end response. The bowl-back design delivers a resonant sound that is ideal for both solo and ensemble performances.
2. Playability: The 12-fret neck joint allows for easy access to higher frets, facilitating chords that might be challenging on traditional 14-fret guitars. The Action Guitar System ensures correct intonation and optimal string alignment from nut to bridge.
3. Cutaway Design: Conveniently located cutaways increase neck access, allowing for more comfortable playing and smoother transitions between frets during more intricate solos or complex chords.
4. Electromagnetic Pickup System: The Ovation Slimline Pre-Amplifier System is built into the guitar, allowing for balanced, clear electric tone and a volume control knob for ease of use during performances.
5. Durability: The Ovation Legend 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar is known for its robust Lyrachord composite material, ensuring longevity and resistance against humidity and temperature changes.
Cons:1. Initial Cost: Compared to other brands and models in the same range, the Ovation Legend 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar carries a heftier price tag. However, the unique features and build offer exceptional value to those willing to invest.
2. Limited Customization: The Ovation Legend 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar comes in a standard model only, with limited options in terms of wood types, inlays, or finishes. Customization is generally not an area where this guitar shines.
3. Bridge Saddle Design: The Ovation bridge saddle has a largely flat design, which may prevent intonation issues but eliminates the option for adjusting string action or intonation to individual preferences.
Conclusion:The Ovation Legend 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar (Model 1656) is an excellent instrument for artists who demand advanced features for professional play, such as a cutting-edge body design, smooth playability, and impressive tonal capabilities. Though it might initially carry a higher cost than other brands and models, the accompanying benefits make it a worthy investment for serious musicians who want ideal balance between acoustic and electric performance.
Recommendation:If you are a professional musician, singer-songwriter, or a dedicated hobbyist with a need for a high-performance, acoustic-electric 12-string guitar, the Ovation Legend 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar (Model 1656) is undoubtedly worth considering, despite the initial investment. Its boldly innovative features and refined craftsmanship can take your musical journey to new heights.
In beautiful condition. The guitar has only been played at my home which is and always smoke free.
Made in USA. Bronze lights. Comes with original case. I have also taken pictures of other blemishes and marked them with red arrows.
Has just been restrung with d'Dario ej38-phis. One owner - vintage Ovation legend 12 string guitar model thanks. Head has wear on finish above top tuning knob see pictures.