
( Brand: Ovation ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: TS01 ), ( Model: THUNDERBOLT TS01 ), ( Part Type: Snake Bowl Guitar ), ( Model Year: 1989 ), ( Body Color: Snakeskin ), ( Body Type: Super Shallow Bowl ), ( Dexterity: Right-handed ), ( Series: Adamas ), ( String Configuration: 6 String ), ( Country/region Of Manufacture: United States ), ( Body Material: Composite )
The Ovation TS-01 Thunderbolt is an exceptional acoustic-electric guitar manufactured by Ovation Guitars in 1989. This guitar boasts a unique and visually stunning snake skin finish, additing to its iconic and eye-catching appearance. Despite its vintage status, the TS-01 Thunderbolt remains a popular choice for musicians seeking a high-quality, versatile instrument with a distinctive look and powerful tone.
Body & Construction:At the heart of the Ovation TS-01 Thunderbolt is its compact round-bodied shape, creating a comfortable playing experience for those with a smaller frame or those who prefer a more manageable instrument. The body is constructed of Ovation's Lyrachord material, a composite of laminates made from larch wood that offers increased stability and resonance compared to traditional wood bodies. This design also allows the body to produce a pronounced and articulate tone despite its smaller size.
Neck & Fretboard:The neck of the TS-01 Thunderbolt is made of mahogany and features a set-in neck joint for superior durability and stability. This neck sports a 25.5-inch scale length and a 12-fret join, which contributes to the guitar's easy playability and straightforward access to the upper frets. The fretboard is crafted from rosewood and features 19 frets, each marked by pearloid inlays for easy navigation during performances.
Electronics:The Ovation TS-01 Thunderbolt comes equipped with the Syst me 2000 electronics system. This onboard system includes a preamp with three-band EQ, a built-in tuner, and a balance control for blending between the acoustic and electric signals. This system is designed to deliver a clear and accurate amplified sound, perfect for playing live or recording in a studio setting.
Hardware:The hardware on the Ovation TS-01 Thunderbolt includes chrome-plated tuning machines, a chrome-plated bridge, and a detachable pickguard to protect the beautiful snake-skin finish. The bridge is an adjustable Ovation brigde design, allowing string height and intonation to be easily adjusted for optimal playability and intonation.
Conclusion:The Ovation 1989 TS-01 Thunderbolt Acoustic-Electric Guitar with its deluxe snakeskin finish is a testament to the beauty and craftsmanship that goes into Ovation Guitars. This compact, yet powerful instrument combines a distinctive appearance, easy playability, and versatile electronics, all wrapped up in a compact, lightweight package. For musicians seeking a unique and high-quality acoustic-electric guitar, the Ovation TS-01 Thunderbolt is an excellent choice.
Pros of buying a Ovation Applause Elite Acoustic-Electric Thunderbolt (TS-1) with Snake Skin Finish:1. Unique and Aesthetic Design: The snake skin finish of the Thunderbolt series adds a visually striking and unique look to the guitar.
2. Resonant Body Shape: The shallow bowl body shape of the Ovation Applause Elite provides better balance and comfort during extended playing sessions.
3. Loud and Bright Sound: Ovation's Lyracord X-bracing system and rounded back body contribute to a loud, bright, and clear sound that is ideal for live performances or recording.
4. Electronics: The Thunderbolt series come with the OP-Pro preamp system, which provides a 3-band EQ with notch filter, gain control, and phase switch to help tailor the guitar's tone to various playing situations.
5. Durability: Ovation's proprietary laminate structure makes their guitars more resistant to temperature and humidity changes and less prone to warping or cracking.
6. Versatility: As an acoustic-electric guitar, the Thunderbolt TS-1 can be used for both amplified and unamplified playing, offering more flexibility for different performance settings.
Cons of buying a Ovation Applause Elite Acoustic-Electric Thunderbolt (TS-1) with Snake Skin Finish:1. High Action: The Ovation TS-1's high action might not be suitable for beginners or those with sensitive fingers. It can result in discomfort during long playing sessions, but it can be adjusted by a professional luthier or installation of appropriate accessories.
2. Expensive: The Thunderbolt series is pricier compared to some other acoustic-electric guitars, which might be a drawback for those on a tighter budget.
3. Brittle Frets: Some players have reported issues with brittle frets on the Ovation Applause Elite, leading to premature wear and potential intonation issues.
Conclusion:The Ovation Applause Elite Acoustic-Electric Thunderbolt (TS-1) with snake skin finish is an excellent choice for guitarists who desire a visually striking, high-quality, and versatile instrument. Its loud and bright sound, comfortable shallow bowl body shape, and superior durability make it suitable for both live performances and recording sessions. However, it might not be the best option for those with a limited budget or for beginners due to its relatively high price and potentially high action. Players seeking a more traditional acoustic guitar tone or a lower-priced instrument should consider alternative options.
Recommendation:If you are a professional or intermediate guitarist looking for an attractive, high-performing acoustic-electric guitar with a bright sound and durable construction, the Ovation Applause Elite Acoustic-Electric Thunderbolt (TS-1) with the snake skin finish is a great investment. However, if you are a beginner or have a tighter budget, it's recommended to explore other options in the market, such as Yamaha Pacifica Series or Fender Squier Acoustic-Electrics, which may offer more affordable alternatives while still providing strong value for the money.