
( Brand: Ovation ), ( Model: 1868 ELITE ), ( Part Type: Guitar String ), ( Body Type: Single Neck See Photos ), ( Series: Elite ), ( Dexterity: Right-handed ), ( String Configuration: 6 String ), ( Model Year: 1999 ), ( Country/region Of Manufacture: United States )
The Ovation 1868 Newport-Elite Acoustic-Electric Guitar, crafted in the natural ash finish, represents the pinnacle of Ovation's craftsmanship, delivering exceptional sound quality and design aesthetics. With its unique combination of modern technology and classic design elements, this guitar is a must-have for any discerning musician.
Body and Construction:The heart of the 1868 Newport-Elite is its beautiful all-solid, solid-top Ash body with a solid Sitka Spruce top and pressed back and sides made from Ash. Its unique Lyrichord Symphony Body Shape boasts a rounded lower bout and a traditional Ovation slimline body depth, providing optimal balance and comfort for players. The thinline depth also allows for increased volume and projection.
Bridge and Neck:Adorning the 1868 Newport-Elite's neck is an elegant Ebony fingerboard with 20 frets and pearloid Galalite position inlays. The Fast-Action Neck design ensures excellent playability, while the neck itself is made from African Mahogany for resonance and stability. The guitar features a traditional 1-11/16" bone nut and a Scaled Down Advanced Design Bridge, which enhances tone transfer and intonation.
Senior Contour Body:The Senior Contour Body design, which is prevalent in Ovation's Newport Series, places the bass side of the guitar's body at a sharper angle to enhance comfort and access to the upper frets for players. This, combined with the compact size of the 1868 Newport-Elite, makes the guitar ideal for studio work or performance settings, where maneuverability and easy playing are essential.
Electronics:This beautiful instrument boasts Ovation's state-of-the-art Opus Blaze III Preamp System, which provides a 3-band EQ, a mid-contour control,and a notch filter for feedback control. It also features a convenient battery compartment access through the endpin jack, making it simple to change batteries. Furthermore, the guitar comes outfitted with a discrete undersaddle piezo transducer that provides a clear, balanced, and accurate representation of the instrument's natural tone when amplified.
Additional Features:Additional features of the Ovation 1868 Newport-Elite Acoustic-Electric Guitar include: a high-gloss finished rosewood headstock with a distinctive Ovation logo, Grover precision tuning machineries, D'Addario EXP strings, a single strap button on theheel, and a high-quality Made in Thesellsis hardshell case. Providing a luxe touch, the guitar is equipped with two gold-plated tuning machines and three black binding accents.
In conclusion, the Ovation 1868 Newport-Elite Acoustic-Electric Guitar in the natural ash finish is a masterclass in engineering and design, offering superior tone, playability, and innovation, making it a standout companion for performers and recording artists alike.
The Ovation 1868 Guitar Elite Ash Natural is a high-end acoustic-electric guitar known for its unique shape and innovative design. Like any musical instrument, it comes with its strengths and weaknesses. Here are some pros and cons to help you determine if this guitar is the right choice for you.
Pros:1. Unique Shape: The Ovation's bowl-back body shape offers excellent amplification and rich, deep tones due to its Lyracord laminate construction. This design, along with its cutaway body, provides easy access to higher frets.
2. Electronics: The OP-Pro preamp with phase control and three-band EQ ensures clear, powerful amplification with a wide range of tonal adjustments.
3. Playability: The all-mahogany neck with a 1 -inch nut width offers a fast action and smooth playability.
4. Tone: Ash wood provides a vintage sound with bright and clear highs, balanced mids, and rich bass, making it a versatile choice for various music genres.
Cons:1. Price: With its high-end features and advanced design, the Ovation 1868 Guitar Elite Ash Natural comes with a premium price tag that might not be within budget for some guitarists.
2. Finish: The natural finish may require more frequent upkeep and maintenance, as it is more susceptible to scratches and dings compared to gloss or satin finishes.
3. Size: Ovation guitars have a distinctive appearance, and while some players appreciate their unique look, others might find their size and shape unconventional.
Conclusion:The Ovation 1868 Guitar Elite Ash Natural offers an extraordinary combination of innovation, advanced technology, and rich, vintage tone. It caters to professional guitarists and demanding musicians who require exceptional playability and high-quality sound reinforcement. While its price point may deter some, those who value its versatile features and tone may find the investment worthwhile. It ultimately comes down to an individual's preferences, budget, and priorities when considering the purchase of this guitar.
Recommendation:If you're in search of a high-end acoustic-electric guitar that prioritizes playability, amplified sound, and a vintage yet versatile tone, then the Ovation 1868 Guitar Elite Ash Natural is a solid option to explore. Consider trying one out at a local music store to ensure it suits your playing style and preferences before making the investment.
Hardly used. Just gorgeous. Beautiful Ovation guitar in natural ash finish with black back.
Acoustic electric op 24 plus pre amp. Comes with original Ovation hard case and guitar strap. 6 string, right handed, single neck.