
( Brand: Ovation ), ( Model: 1862 ), ( Part Type: Acoustic ), ( Body Type: Shallow Bowl ), ( Series: Vintage ), ( Dexterity: Right-handed ), ( String Configuration: 6 String ), ( Model Year: 1988 )
The Ovation 1862 Balladeer Acoustic-Electric Open Hole Surround Cutaway (OHSC) is a premium acoustic-electric guitar from Ovation's legendary Balladeer series, first introduced in 1988. Designed for both novice and seasoned musicians, this instrument offers a rich, robust tone and versatile features suitable for various playing styles and performances.
At the heart of the 1862 Balladeer is the unique Ovation Lyrachord body. This innovative construction uses a laminated composite material for the body and neck, resulting in a lightweight, durably resonant instrument. The OHSC model also boasts an open hole surround cutaway design, providing easy access to the higher frets for more expressive guitar playing.
The 1862 Balladeer features a solid spruce top with a scalloped bracing system, offering the player a bright, clear tone. The top is accentuated by a beautiful brilliant finish, which not only enhances the guitar's appearance but also adds a protective layer, ensuring its longevity. The guitar's back and sides are made from mahogany, while the neck is crafted from maple, contributing to a balanced and versatile tonal character.
The 1862 Balladeer Acoustic-Electric Open Hole Surround Cutaway comes equipped with a robust, high-quality pickup system for amplified performances. The onboard pre-amp system includes a three-band equalizer and a notch filter control to help eliminate feedback, providing exceptional sound clarity and flexibility when playing live or recording.
Furthermore, the 1862 Balladeer features a bound rosewood fretboard, 20 frets, and Pearl dot inlays. Its truss rod is easily accessible through the soundhole, allowing for simple adjustments to keep the instrument in perfect playing condition. Additional features include a bridge and compensated saddle made of synthetic bone, precision-gauged machine heads, and a versatile set of chrome hardware.
The Ovation 1862 Balladeer Acoustic-Electric Open Hole Surround Cutaway guitar is the ideal choice for musicians who demand superior craftsmanship, versatile features, and rich, resonant sound. Whether you're strumming chords around the campfire, performing live on stage, or recording in the studio, this Ovation instrument will deliver an authentic and satisfying acoustic experience, empowered by its cutting-edge acoustic-electric technology.
The Ovation 1988 1862 Balladeer Acoustic-Electric is a guitar model known for its unique design, advanced features, and balanced sound. This section will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of buying this guitar.
Advantages:1. Unique Body Shape: The Ovation Balladeer features the renowned Ovation Lyrachord body, which provides a deep, resonant tone with excellent projection. Its unique design, with its bowl-back shape and round soundhole, allows air to circulate more freely compared to traditional guitars.
2. Onboard Electronics: The included preamp system provides versatile tonal options. This feature is helpful for performing in various venues, including small stages and large concert halls, without requiring an external amplifier or sound system.
3. Solid Top: The solid spruce top allows for excellent sound clarity and durability, making it an attractive option for players seeking a high-quality guitar for recording and live performances.
4. Comfortable Neck: The Balladeer features a neck that is comfortable for most players, allowing easy playability and long sessions.
Disadvantages:1. Cost: The Ovation 1988 1862 Balladeer Acoustic-Electric is more expensive compared to some other guitars in its class. Those on a tighter budget may want to consider other options.
2. Fragile Top: The solid spruce top can be fragile, requiring more caution when handling, and it's susceptible to dings, dents, and other damage, which may need to be addressed by a repair professional if not handled carefully.
3. Resonance Sensitive: While the unique design of the Ovation Lyrachord body provides excellent projection, it also makes the guitar more resonance sensitive. This can impact the guitar's ability to stay in tune, especially when transporting it in different temperature and humidity environments.
Conclusion:The Ovation 1988 1862 Balladeer Acoustic-Electric is an excellent choice for players who value a unique aesthetic, high-quality sound, and onboard electronics. Its solid top, comfortable neck, and advanced features make it a versatile and powerful instrument suited for live performances, recording sessions, and long practice hours. However, those on a budget or concerned about the potential fragility of the solid top may want to consider other options. Overall, the decision to purchase this guitar depends on an individual's personal preferences and priorities.
Recommendation:If you're interested in the Ovation 1988 1862 Balladeer Acoustic-Electric but are concerned about its cost or potential fragility, you may want to consider exploring other Ovation models with similar features but more affordable price points. Some alternatives include the Ovation Applause Elite AM7BS Nylon String or the Ovation Celebrity Elite Gon Bops Academic II. Alternatively, you could explore guitars from other popular brands like Taylor, Yamaha, or Martin. Carefully consider your individual requirements,The balladeer offers a unique design, sound, and features that may be worth the investment for the right player.
Only played two or three times since new strings and setup this spring. No cracks or dings in the finish, dents chipped broken ears on head stock. Guitar is in excellent condition. Back of case has minor deformation in the area handle, but no affect on way guitar fits.
Action is nice and low see photos. Does not affect play ability, battery will stay in place under normal conditions.
Tuners are smooth with a solid feel and very little backlash. Neck, top, and bowl are solid no cracking or pulled joints. This is a great instrument-outplays and sounds better than any Korean made Ovation i've ever played.
The feat 3 electronics work great and features volume, 3-band eq, low battery light, but cover is missing from holder. For offer is my vintage us made Ovation 1862 custom balladeer super shallow cutaway acoustic electric guitar. Includes original Ovation hard shell case.
The serial number is, which places manufacturing date as i'm sure it can be secured somehow or a replacement cover could found, but was missing when I bought guitar and i've never needed to do anything with.