
( Brand: Ovation ), ( Model: 5868 ), ( Part Type: Step String ), ( Model Year: 1990 ), ( Body Material: Walnut ), ( Series: Elite )
The Ovation 5868 Angel Step Elite is a captivating acoustic-electric guitar that hails from the 1990s, blending classic aesthetics with modern tone and playability. Environmentally friendly and produced under Ovation's prestigious Elite Series, this guitar showcases a unique blend of style, innovation, and sonic excellence.
Design and Construction:At first glance, the 5868 model captivates with its sleek, mid-depth shape and a rich, glossy koa top. Koa is a highly prized tonewood known for its rich acoustic tonality and striking visual appeal. The back and sides of the guitar are made from laminated mahogany, which adds a warm, resonant tone and enhances the guitar's overall durability.
Angel Step Bridge:The Ovation 5868 Angel Step Elite derives its name from its innovative angel step bridge design. Thisbridge design allows for easy and comfortable access to the highest frets, a significant improvement over traditional bridge layouts. The bridge also features a compensated saddle, ensuring accurate intonation across all strings.
Electronics:Connectivity and amplified performance are essential components of the Ovation 5868 Angel Step Elite. The guitar includes a flexible onboard preamplifier system, equipped with a 3-band EQ and volume control. This system effectively amplifies your tone, making it ideal for live performances or recording sessions.
Playability:Ergonomic considerations have not been overlooked; the 5868 Angel Step Elite boasts a slim neck profile and an adjustable truss rod for precise intonation settings. Combined, these features contribute to a comfortable playing experience, ensuring effortless transition between chords and smooth bending. Furthermore, it comes with Pau ferro fretboard with 20 frets, making the guitar ideal for various playing styles and musical genres.
Dimensions and Accessories:The Ovation 5868 Angel Step Elite measures approximately 41 inches in length, 19.25 inches wide, and 3 inches deep (including the headstock). This size is standard for many left-handed guitars and provides players with an ample sound box while maintaining a manageable size for traveling or storage. This guitar also includes a fitted hardshell case, offering enhanced protection during transportation and storage.
Additional Features:Lastly, other features that make the Ovation 5868 Angel Step Elite guitar a desirable option include a phase reversing switch on the preamp, facilitating a seamless blend between magnetic and piezo pickups. Additionally, the guitar includes a molded rosette, discrete sound hole pickup covering, and a continued laminated body binding.
Conclusion:The 1990s Ovation 5868 Angel Step Elite acoustic-electric guitar is a stunning instrument with a rich timeline of features. Its Koa top, mahogany back and sides, and innovative angel step bridge design achieve a striking balance between classic aesthetics, excellent craftsmanship, and modern functionality. Equipped with its versatile onboard preamp system, slim neck, and perfect intonation, this guitar is sure to inspire and deliver an authentic tone that fulfills the needs of both aspiring and accomplished players.
The Ovation 5868 Angel Series Elite is an acoustic-electric guitar produced by Ovation in the 1990s. Its distinctive automatic rotomolded fiberglass body and Lyrachord top offer unique tonal characteristics and aesthetic appeal. Here, we analyze the pros and cons of buying this guitar to help you make an informed decision.
Pros:1. Unique Tone: The Ovation 5868's fiberglass body provides a greater resonance, projection, and sustain compared to traditional wooden guitars. The Lyrachord top contributes to a bright and clear tone, making it an excellent choice for various musical styles, including folk, blues, and country.
2. Durability: The use of fiberglass in this guitar's construction makes it highly resistant to environmental changes and impacts. This makes the 5868 an ideal option for gigging and traveling musicians.
3. Electric Capability: The 5868 is an acoustic-electric guitar with a proprietary OP-Pro II preamp and undesirable system. This combination offers a low-noise and high-fidelity amplified sound, allowing the player to use it both acoustically and electrically.
4. Comfort: The contoured shape and beveled edge design of the 5868 make it extremely comfortable to play, reducing the strain on the player's arms and shoulders.
Cons:1. Unique Tone: While some musicians appreciate the unique tone created by the Ovation 5868's fiberglass body, others may find it less desirable in comparison to traditional wooden guitars. Personal preferences, genre, and playstyle can influence whether the tone is a pro or a con.
2. Action: Some players may find that the factory action of the 5868 can be challenging to set up for optimal playability. A professional setup may be necessary to ensure the guitar's intonation, frets, and action are fine-tuned for an excellent playing experience.
3. Price: As a mid-range guitar, the Ovation 5868's price point may be more substantial than entry-level or budget guitars. However, considering its unique features, quality construction, and durable materials, many musicians believe it's worth the investment.
Conclusion:The Ovation 5868 Angel Series Elite delivers an exceptional playing experience with its unique tone, durability, comfort, and electric capability. While it may have a higher price point and specific tonal preferences, the pros significantly outweigh the cons, making it a solid choice for serious musicians and discerning players.
Recommendation:If you're in search of a high-quality, versatile, and durable acoustic-electric guitar with a distinct tone, the 1990s Ovation 5868 Angel Series Elite could be an ideal option. Explore local guitar shops or reputable online retailers, and don't hesitate to playtest it. Properly set up, this guitar is a valuable investment for any musician's collection.
Ovation rare angle step walnut strings custom elite acoustic electric in excellent condition. With original Ovation case. Message me for any questions or more pictures. Very loud and warm tone.