Ovation 1112

1981 Ovation Balladeer. Softened V neck. Round Full Back. Sitka (I think)spruce top. No electrics. Mahogany neck, ebony fret board, big diamond shaped inlays. Mahogany Bridge.

Wow. I've had this guitar for 27 years. It is my main stage guitar. It came without electrics, but now it has a Fishman Matrix Blend. It's been refretted at Rainbow in Tucson. It's still played regularly everywhere on the Emerald Coast. Its perfect for CSNY, Dylan, Drop D tunings, fingerstyle, Flatpicking whatever. Sound wise, there is nothing I've heard that sounds better. Yes, I have much higher priced acoustic guitars. The only one that sonically comes close is a Gibson J-200. The J-200 has better bass response.

Action is low and fast. I removed the factory bridge shim when I installed the Fishman in 2006. The action is 3/32" at the 12th fret. I currently play Martin SP .011's. Up until last year I played Martin Marquis .012's on this guitar but now I'm all about the 92/8 .011's.
they sound great. The finish is what you'd expect after 27 years, Crack ed from the middle of the bridge to the end pin edge. The top has turned Gretsch orange which is a big deal to me. I love this color in an old guitar.

Can't beat it. Period. It's 27. Old enough to vote. Old enough to drink. Old enough to know that hip hop sucks.

Don't know. Don't care.

I've been playing since '74. I own and play some very high end instruments. What matters to me is what works on stage. It has to be easy to play. It has to sound great. My primary stage guitar is the Ovation Model 1112. I've played new Ovations and I'm not nearly as impressed as I am with the products they made before the asian import days. Allow me to expound on this... Even the latest Ovations with all of the on board electrics, tuners, notch filters etc. don't sound this good. What I'm saying is: If you can find one of these, spend the money, install a high end audio component and frail on! If you have one of these that you want to sell, contact me.

Non-electronics deep bowel model. Features are well known - slim neck, low action, and a very good, linear tone response.

The main point is this guitar is a pleasure to play for extended periods, and I was able to learn alot on it. A good guitar can teach me a lot. I was graduating from H.S. in 1974 and went guitar shopping. An unusual looking guitar stood out and was definately the best playing one. I liked the linear consistancy of its' tone much more than the others. It had a fairly good balanced sound...a little light on the mids with full chords, but was full in the lows and highs. Individual mid range notes sounded fine. I was able to play country and Zepplin on this guitar. Again, the linear response made a good teacher. I changed to a wooden pick recntly that made a world of difference.

Low with excellent workmanship. Factory set-up very acceptable.

These are very well made instruments. In Kentucky, I'd visit friends and they'd come over. It was subjected to temperature and humidity extremes with no loss of playability and sound.

N/A

Playing on/off for 20 years. Looking for a high end acoustic. I love maple and Adirondack. The original (1974 - $200.00) was stolen while stationed in California. Found a replacement ($175.00 with OHSC) at a pawn shop. I'd get a electronics package - maybe a Fishman Aura if available. Great overall guitar.

Now, I'm looking at Martins - Limited Editions, and the Golden Era and Marquis models. Also, looking at smaller luthiers - Collins and Huss and Dalton. I may find a cutaway OM style. I played a Arts and Crafts LE dreadnaught that was wonderful. The Martin Aura series would be great to play live and record. I'm looking for a tone wizard that sounds like it came from another planet for most of my playing and composing. Again, the teaching abilities of instruments is important to me. Also, consider adding a piano. I transcribed well-known guitar chords, added some bass notes and melodys - and discovered playing piano is much easier than I thought it would be. Playing the piano makes me a better guitarist, and vice versa. Using both a acoustic guitar and a piano has opened some great songwriting doors. I bought a Japanese STRAT (fabulously clean and as fast as they get)at a shop in Yokusuka, Japan, and, a Variax 700 made in Japan. Both set up by luthiers. Amps: Ampeg AX-70 with modeling speaker, and Ampeg 210 BASS Amp - both sound great. Also, have Ibenez Sound Gear Bass. May go with a Line 6 Vetta Combo for versatility.

It just looks like a plain ovation, but it hides the stereo pickups, only has the single knob with volume and tone control. Dual outputs, Mono & Stereo. It is standard natural light brown wood colour, solid top, Sita Spruce A, Lyrachord deep bowl, machines are the deluxe Chrome, Walnut bridge ,15 Perl inlays with 20 Frets and Ebony Fretboard.

I play mostly my own songs, but even when I play covers this guitar sounds great, always in tune.
I use it through a mixing desk and also have a Calsbro Hornet 45, but mostly through the stereo as it is a stereo ovation, I used it through the mixing desk, straight into the computer when I record.
I have used chorus, delay, phaser and flanger on it all work great.
This guitar sounds great for everything but heavy rock and I don?t play much lead.
Overall on the sound, what can I say, its an ovation.


I played some new ovations in the US last year and only one out of 10 I played sounded anywhere near as good as mine, and that was solid Lyrachord, that?s if they make the new ones out of Lyrachord and not fiberglass.

The action is very low and late last year I started getting some buzzing on the top e when playing Stings ?Fragile?.
I sent it in for a fret dress and she came back like new except for a curve in the neck at the top from the 16th fret, not where I ever play, guess that?s why I didn?t see it. The body has 4 small dings about 4-5 mm across, these are the same marks that were on it in 1984 when I bought it. For a guitar made in 1968 it is outstanding, I play it almost every day.

I don?t play live much any more, but in the late 80s and early 90s I did and my ovation never let me down, the stereo fet pickup sounds great on stage. This guitar is approaching 39 years old and I would play on stage with any time without a backup.

I bought this guitar in 1984 from a deceased estate, in 1985 I sent it to ovation to have the stereo fet preamp upgrade, it code me $500.00 Australian because they quoated me the wrong price, should have been $900. Bad mistake on their part but in my favor. Last year, ( Dec 2005 )it went for a fret redress, it is now like new.

I have been playing for 30 years, learnt with the book of ?Hot August Night? by Neil Diamond. I played along with the record, Neil played an ovation and that?s why I fell in love with them and would not rest till I had one. I have owned several guitar Nylon steel electric and Bass. Yamaha, Gibson, Ibanez 6 and 12 string, All have come and gone, but the ovation goes. I would be lost if I did not have it and I have it insured for $5000.

Based on my research, my balladeer was made in '81 in New Hartford, CT. It has 20 frets and neck connects just below the 14th fret. Not sure whether the top is solid or laminated, only one control a single volume knob mounted on the body just above the neck. The pick-up is a 9volt battery type and not noticable flat plastic screw in the bottom of the body. I didn't even realize it was there until I changed the strings. Finish is solid black and beautiful with the leaf design around the hole. It is the deep body and no cut out. Sealed tuners with ovations on the back. Thin neck for short fingers like mine. Nice plush heavy case.

Beautiful sound. In process of recording original music and the gal wanted me to play her gibson. She said that "Ovations sound like Ovations" but she hasn't heard mine yet. I gave in and played her gibson, but I'm taking my Ovation for the next session and letting her hear how nice this one sounds. It fills up the room wherever I am playing, but it can be quiet and folksy too. Using Fender Acoustasonic amp when solo and Sony mixer, ME-50, Stageworks sound system when playing with others. My son likes lots of reverb on the mikes and guitar when we perform. I have always been very pleased with my guitar and bought it used in 82.

It had a few dings when I bought it and I have certainly added a few more over the years. It has traveled a few miles. It has a worrisome crack in the face now near the sound hole, but no one wants to risk fixing it. I have worn the bass bridge down, but it never buzzes. It still holds tune nicely so I am hard pressed to complain.

This guitar has already lasted 22 years in my hands and I haven't beenreal gentle. The guy at the repair shop was amazed at how nice it looked. He didn't want to fix what he considered only minor cosmetic flaws. Yes, I will keep playing this one until it plays no more. I've looked at Taylor's and Gibson's, but they just don't sound as good as mine.

Never needed them

Since 1980. Had an applause first, but wanted a real Ovation. Gave away my nylon string acoustic to a friend. Have a 12-String Washburn; A Blueridge banjo and an East TN stringed Dulcimer.
If it were lost or stolen I would cry alot. Guess I would go looking for another old one in good condition. I chose this one because I could afford it at the time. Now I can afford more, but I haven't found anything I like better so I still play my "sweet baby".

I guess 1980/81. s/n 171168 made in Connecticut USA. Dad bought this for my 21st Birthday.

Straight deep bowl acoustic with fantastic resonance.

I play folk/country/ballad type stuff. Fingerpicking and strummming with pick. This guitar would dominate any jam. Lovely crisp highs and deep bass.

Action was crap when I got it. I filed down the bridge bone and changed to super light electric (steel not brass) strings. Now she's sweet.

It's been dragged across Europe, dropped, used as a weapon in a street fight (mugged when busking in Paris).

These are unbreakable. There is slight fingerboard wear but no fret wera after 23 years of reliable service.

never needed it

This was my first fairly expensive guitar. I now have Fender & Gibson electics now that I can afford them.

This is my only acoustic and has been a reliable workhorse and sounds better now than when new.

1977 ser # 097746, red/blonde solid top, and of course, Deep bowl synthetic back. Thin, black keyboard and nice skunk striped neck (maple?) Nice leaves around soundhole.

Original hard case. Very Sturdy, a little to tight a fit for my taste.

I play country, travis style stuff, and a bit of jazz. This guitar is great or that sort of thying in that it's tone just rings. It'
s gone a solid bass, and really melodic highs.

An Ovation is known for its punch, so you're not gonna get get much in the middle. But the bass is crisp, and the highs ring, which makes it a good melody guitar, and great for travis style stuff.

Everything technical about the guitar was flawless. I've dinged it up some, as I have owned it for more than 20 years. But it still plays perfectly.

THis is a rugged, and very well made guitar. It's a pro guitar. It's not fancy looking, but it's very high quality.

NA

I've been playing for thirty five years. I own a Tele, an Ibanex Roadmaster, and a custom made Mexican guitar. I must say, that some musicians look down their noses at Ovation Balladeers, but I don't understand it.

This is a pro instrument, at a very good price. I guess if I could trade it for a really good cutaway Ovation with comparable sound, I would, but other than that, I'm thoroughly satisfied with it.

made in 1981, made in usa.
20 frets no cutout
purchased new in 1981
deep back, chrome sealed tuners. thin neck. really nice action

play mostly country and bluegrass. meets my needs quite well.
like the deep base and crisp highs. a little weak mid band but still quite good.

action great. spruce top, dark brown fading to nearly black. only flaws on the wood are ones I put there through bumping it around. I take care of it, but don't baby it. it has a couple nicks and dings, but not enough to detract from value

rock solid. Like I said, I don't baby it and take it everywhere. 20+ years later it still could pass for a nearly new guitar.

never needed them.

been playing a little over 20 years with about an 8 or 9 year vacation.
I would buy another again if I could fine one of the older us made ones. The new ones just don't have the same sound. can't put my finger on it, but not the same.
I wish it had electric pickups.

I'm not an expert: I bought this 1112 yesterday. It came with a factory hard case which included the key. Very old strings were on it, and a couple were wrapped backwards on the tuners. This is (I'm almost certain) an older US model(258033 serial). It has no electric pick up or preamp. It has a natural finish with clear coat, deep bowel, diamond inlays on a thin ebany figerboard, with sealed chrome tuners that have a music note stamped on them. It appears to be completely stock. The interior case is like new, except the smaller compartment top needs restapling. The exterior has some light dings, but I haven't cleaned it up yet. The key fits and locks the case. For a non-electric acoustic, I rate it very high.

I like playing a variety of music, and love R and B, classics, rock, jazz, and some country (ever listen to the original Hank Williams strum closely?). To me, it has a very linear, deep and bright full sound. Harmonics are very good, ring is excellent, and the overall quality and delivery of sounds throughout the frets produces a musical quality that is hard to find. It simply resonates tones well. The mids are a little weak, and the bottom and highs are wonderful.

The only fret wear that I see is on the first fret of the high E. It looks like somebody loved strumming C or Am chords, yet the top doesn't have a scratch on it. Someone bumped the top of the neck above the Ovation gold print above the tuners, and glued a small piece back in place rather poorly. The anti-skid rubber on the bowel was missing, but there was no wear on the black back. I had a model similiar to this without the factory rubber piece (given to me as a high school graduation present). I wore the rougher finish smooth along the bottom corner edge from playing it so much. The white finish connecting the top to the bottom is fading a bit. The bottom bridge is flush against the soundboard. It has no signs of cracks above or below the bridge. The action plays consistant and low with no buzzing. Everything appears properly aligned, no finish flaws, tuners are snug, no oxidation or rust, bridge nut looks like it's never been touched, and the frets and inlay seem to be perfect.

Without a pickup, stage playing is limited. The instruments' finish, action, ability to stay in tune, and overall integrity is great. I bought it because of all of the above. I can play, strum, hammer, bend and twist without it going out of tune. A couple pings on harmonics, and it's right on again, consistantly up and down the neck. I'm looking for an aftermarket pick-up and possible preamp/EQ combination. If you have a recommendation, please email me at openingact@earthlink.net .

N/A: I registered it so they can keep track of their instruments, and asked about a electric pickup recommendation.

I've been playing on and off for 25 years. If it were stolen or lost, I'd buy another just like it. I would be Very hard pressed to EVER sell it. I love full tones, linear sounds, playability, and staying in tune. I looked at many guitars, but this one rings like nothing I have played. I bekons me like a gibson Chet Atkins acoustic-electric hardbody did when I played one a few months ago. The sound is just great and the action is very user friendly. I played some newer ones, but they just don't sound the same. As a instrument to explore music around the home, this deep bowel is proudly howls out loud with full chord strumming, and can be played delicately with ease. Shallow body models need to be plugged in to sound really good to me. This one is perfect to simply pick up and play anytime.

US model made in early 1970s, I bought this guitar new in about 1973 (hey, this WAS the '70s...) 20 frets, body-nect joint is at the 14th fret and there is no cutaway, so anything over the 14th is tough to play. No electronics, bound round sound hole, 5 piece laminated neck with skunk stripes, natural finish top with deep bowl (the only one they had at the time!). I don't remember paying extra for the excellent hard case, but I suspect I did. Nice thin neck, very similar to my LP classic.

I fell in love with the sound the first time I heard it. I had a 1960s student Gibson at the time and wanted to upgrade. This was the choice. Booming base and crisp highs, mid range is the weakest portion of the sound. But the Ovation sound (especially te large bowl guitars) is something you either like or hate...

Set up and action were perfect from the start. Over 28 or so years I think I had to adjust the truss rod once. The face of the guitar is starting to show a slight waviness whe held up to reflected light, but no cracking of the wood or checking of the finish to date.

I have used it occasionaly out of the house, but more often just to sit at home. I did stop playing for 10 years or so when my kids were younger and this guitar sat in the closet for that time. It was my favorite for several years after the purchase, but is seldom played any more. Still, I would not hesitate to take it along anywhere today if I needed a pure acoustic guitar.

Don't remember ever using support, no repairs were ever needed, and I doubt they would talk to me today. ;-)

I've been playing since 1965 with a 10 year hiatis. Currently own LP Classic, ES-330TD, Fender Power Telecaster, Magnetone Zeypher, and Godin Multiac Dual, I run 'em through a Fender Hot Rod Deville 2x12 amp. I am not sure I would replace it, just very seldom I have a need or desire to play a real acoustic guitar any more especially since I got the Fender and Godin. I wish I had access when I bought this guitar to the $ to get the version with the electroncs, I might have used it more over the years.

Guitar was made in 1981 in the USA (CT). Its a solid top (spruce) and is a straight acoustic. Lyracord standard round back with tuners that never need adjustment.

I happen to like the sound a lot. The new Ovations made in Korea just don't have it. I've tried them. The sound of this guitar is quite rich although if you are used to a conventional guitar you might feel it sounds a bit muffled in the midrange.

OK, heres the real reason I bought the guitar. The action is outstanding. It starts low and stays that way. Easy playing throughout the range. The guitar also looks great - sunburst finish, natural neck and head. BUT, its the great action that sold me. I immediately became a better player and wanted to play more.

The spruce top has a few dings but the body seems almost indistructable. I take care of it but don't baby it and it stays in tune no matter what.

Haven't had to deal with them. I have my luthier check it out once in a while just to give it a tune up if needed. Seldom is anything needed.

I've been playing for over thirty years. I own about ten other guitars but without a doubt the Ovations are my favorites (I also have a Legend Ltd.) I only wish the new Ovations were as good. When I look at Ovations I always look at ones that are at least 15 years old and made in the USA. They are simply better in my opinion.