Product: Ovation 1121-1 Artist
Price Paid: UNKNOWN
Submitted
07/18/2008
at
08:50am
by
Chuck
Features
:
10
Made about 1977 in Connecticut. Deep tobacco sunburst finish, mid-depth traditional shaped Ovation roundback body, Shaller tuners, 25 1/4 " scale, brown HSC, solid AA Sitka Spruce Top, 5-pc Mahogany neck with maple stringers, Walnut string-through bridge.
Sound
:
10
This is where people tend to malign Ovations, because they expect then to sound like a Martin Dreadnaught. Well they don't sound like that - but they do sound very strong across the spectrum - simultaneously capable of jazz-like tones and bright strumming sounds or even bluegrass. Great for vocal accompaniment (Ovation's forte in the '70's, and it still works today). Excellent balance with strong fundamental tones.. Personally I like the mid depth bowl as much as the deeper bowl models - the response is even more direct and immediate.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
10
These guitars were considered high-end in their day and clearly exhibit expert care and American craftsmanship throughout. Plays almost like an electric neck, with a 1-11/16" width at the nut.
Reliability/Durability
:
7
Generally, these are really solid and dependable guitars that you can rely on: One MUST however, observe some common sense care in humidification, or the tops are quite prone to cracking.
Customer Support
:
10
Ovation is a role model for customer service.
Overall Rating
:
10
I have been playing since 1967, and I am very very fortunate to have acquired (and retained) a good many guitars over the years, including several prewar famous maker guitars, and several more recent high-end "boutique" guitars. I still make time to play and really enjoy my Ovations: I have 4 of them - a 68 shiny bowl and a 73 Balladeer, a 75 Folklore and this one. These old Ovations are wonderful guitars -provided you accept that they have a unique Ovation "round sound", that is so different from all the other all-wood guitars you'll encounter.
Product: Ovation 1121-1 Artist
Price Paid: US $300+
Submitted
11/21/2003
at
12:16am
by
Anonymous
Features
:
9
Made around 1974 in New Hartford, Conn. USA. (Original owner)
20 Frets. Solid Sitka Spruce AA/Sunburst Face.
Serial #038762.
Deluxe Chrome Tuners (Ovation brand/stamp)
Neck is a laminated (skunk stripe) of dark and light woods thin with a great feel and great action once adjusted correctly.
I have the original Hard Case.
Sound
:
9
I play mostly country and blues with a splattering of camp songs for the kids.
It has a Bright sound quality, as well as super bass, and is great because it can be heard easily in open areas (camp fires)
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
10
right out of the box it was great! (as I remember)
great wood work on the face, fret board and neck.
all hardware is exellent.
Reliability/Durability
:
9
Most durable guitar I've ever had!
I know there are stories of Ovations not staying in tune (but that's most guitars), but mine doesn't seem to suffer from that trait.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
Overall Rating
:
8
Been playing since 1970 or so
Have had Fender, Guild and no-name guitars in the past
I'd by Ovation again...
I wish I had a factory pickup in it.
