( Brand: Ovation ), ( Model: 1112-4 ), ( Model Year: 1973 ), ( Modified Item: Yes ), ( Right-/ Left-handed: Right-handed ), ( California Prop 65 Warning: Na ), ( Country/region Of Manufacture: United States ), ( Modification Description: Pickup Added ), ( Features: Fishman Bridge Pickup ), ( Body Material: Spruce Top, Composite Back ), ( Custom Bundle: No ), ( String Configuration: 6 String ), ( Series: Custom Balladeer ), ( With Bag: Original Ovation Case ), ( Body Type: Round Back ), ( Size: 4/4 )
The Ovation 1973 Balladeer 46 Acoustic-Electric Guitar, a masterpiece from the golden age of acoustic-electric guitar manufacturing, presents a captivating blend of vintage charm and modern functionality. This guitar, with its distinctive design and tonal character, is a must-have for both contemporary and traditional musicians.
Exterior Appeal:This Ovation Balladeer 46 exhibits a classic yet contemporary look with its solid spruce top, laminated mahogany back and sides, and figured cutaway maple veneer on the rib sides. The posting on the lower bout signifies its year of manufacture - 1973, adding to its vintage allure. Besides, the coach-style rosette design and rounded body add to its visually pleasing appearance.
Unique Ovation Design:The Ovation Balladeer 46 showcases the innovative design concepts introduced by Ovation - most notably the 'Roundback' design and the Lyrachord back and sides. These features contribute to its exceptional resonance and projection, surpassing the tonal expectations of traditional acoustic guitars.
Single-point Bridge and Center Control Soundhole:Situated at the center of the soundhole is the Bridgeport II bridge, which securely anchors the strings, allowing for optimal projection and sustainable tone. This single-point design also offers an advantage in that string changes become more straightforward, requiring fewer adjustments and fewer steps to complete.
Advanced Electronics with Fishman Presys Blend:This instrument comes equipped with Fishman electronics, including a Presys Blend preamp system. Located within the soundhole, this system offers discrete channel volume controls, EQ with bass and treble tone shaping, and a blend control to seamlessly combine the acoustic and amplified signals. A slider potentiometer enables the volume of the piezo pickup to be adjusted, providing you with a diverse assortment of tone shaping options.
Effortless Playability and comfortable fit:The Ovation Balladeer 46 features an adjustable neck and sapele neck, ensuring optimal playability and personalized set-ups. The unique Custom Cattributes neck profile combined with the Venetian cutaway design allows for exceptional access to all frets, ensuring quick and comfortable playing.
A Finely Tuned Instrument:Included with this Ovation 1973 Balladeer 46 Acoustic-Electric Guitar are a hardshell case, a set of Ovation phosphor bronze strings (12-53 gauge), and a set of individual bridge pins. This finely-tuned instrument is commitment-free - it comes with a 100% Money-Back Guarantee and a Limited Lifetime Warranty on the top, sides, and neck.
The Ovation Balladeer 1973 model, serial number 1112-4 with Fishman electronics, is an acoustic-electric guitar that has been popular among musicians for its unique design and tone. Let's evaluate the pros and cons of buying this guitar to help make an informed decision.
Pros:1. Unique acoustic design: The Ovation Balladeer's unique bowl-back design enhances the Low-End response, producing a fuller and more rounded sound compared to traditional acoustic guitars.
2. Fishman Electronics: The Fishman electronics offer excellent sound quality and ease of use, which is essential for acoustic-electric guitars. This includes a built-in preamp, and a versatile pickup system that provides balanced tone for both live performances and recording sessions.
3. Playability: The Ovation Balladeer features a Spruce top and Lyrachord back and sides, which offers a smooth playing experience with excellent intonation and action.
4. Aesthetics: The guitar's sleek and modern design stands out in a crowd, making it an attractive choice for players who value unique looks as well as sound quality.
5. Versatility: With its acoustic-electric configuration, the Ovation Balladeer can be used in various settings, including live performances, recording sessions, and practice, making it a versatile instrument for musicians.
Cons:1. Price: The Ovation Balladeer with Fishman electronics may be more expensive compared to other acoustic guitars in its class, making it a potential drawback for budget-conscious buyers.
2. Special maintenance: The unique bowl-back design of the Ovation Balladeer may require some special care, such as annual inspections to ensure the bowl is still securely attached and hasn't warped, which can add to the cost of ownership.
3. Tone: Some players may find the tone of the Ovation Balladeer different compared to traditional acoustic guitars. It has a less "woody" sound and may not provide the same level of projection, making it less suitable for certain genres, such as folk or bluegrass.
Conclusion:The Ovation Balladeer 1973 model with Fishman electronics is an excellent choice for musicians seeking a versatile, unique-sounding, and high-quality acoustic-electric guitar. Although it comes with a higher price tag, the benefits it offers, such as its Fishman electronics, innovative design, and playability, may outweigh the cons for many players. Ultimately, the decision to buy the Ovation Balladeer 1973 depends on your budget, personal playing style, and preferences, as well as the specific needs of your musical projects. If you value a rich, traditional acoustic tone, you may want to consider alternative options, but for those who prefer a more modern and versatile sound or a blend of both, this guitar offers a compelling value proposition.
In summary, if:- You're looking for a versatile and modern acoustic-electric guitar with advanced electronics
- You value unique aesthetics
- You're willing to invest in a higher-end guitar for improved playability and sound quality,
the Ovation Balladeer 1973 with Fishman electronics is a worthy consideration. On the other hand, ifYour primary concern is pricing or if you want a guitar with a more traditional acoustic tone and feel, other options may be more suitable for your needs.
Recommendation:If you decide that the Ovation Balladeer 1973 with Fishman electronics is the right guitar for you, make sure to factor in the cost of any special maintenance or care it may require to ensure a long-term investment. In addition, try playing it in person to determine if the tone and feel are a good fit for your style and preferences. Overall, this guitar is an excellent option for acoustic-electric guitar enthusiasts, and with the right considerations and preparation, it can offer a rewarding experience and a unique sound that stands out from the crowd.
I ship to the 48 states. Really fairly priced. Guitar will packed carefully and shipped insured. Check what these are going for from japan.
Time to share this really nice 70s guitar. Original case and a fishman bridge pickup installed. Great example of an early 70s custom balladeer with diamond inlays.
Plays, records, sounds like a vintage Ovation. Normal wear for a 46 year old instrument.