Product: Ovation 1561 Balladeer
Price Paid: US $745
Submitted
04/06/2006
at
10:03am
by
Michael Ed
Email: blixten<at>marlowes dot com
Features
:
5
Built 1984 in the USA. I suppose it has a solid top. One volume control, built-in preamp and an under-the-bridge pickup. It has a round sound hole and a cutaway. It has the traditional Ovation look with a super shallow body.
Sound
:
7
It sounds effective through an amp. I have been using it for rock and stuff like that when I played in a band. Really useful - just plug it in and get a decent sound. Not a true acoustic, but not electric either?
The acoustic sound is quite OK. I guess it lacks a bit of bottom, but I'm no expert. It works, anyhow!
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
9
The action is nearly as smooth as any of my electrics... very good and fast! I never have had it adjusted. The finish is excellent. Mine is black, which looks really cool in a band. When i sit down with it on my bed and play it is as comfortable as any electric. I could not wish for any better.
Reliability/Durability
:
8
This model har been touring with me for years, but you really have to look very closely to see that it has ever been used. Outstanding. The frets are like new. This has been one of my favourites for 22 years! OK - I'm a very careful guy. But to be honest: my tuners have a tendency to stick (plastic casings?), and the tele outlet is sometimes noisy (oxide?).
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
-
Overall Rating
:
9
I have been playing in several bands, just for fun. And also I was into collecting guitars. I had 16. All except for two are sold now. The 1561 Balladeer is one of the guitars I'm going to keep, and my son will inherit it.
I could not think of any better allround guitar for that money. Or else either, I guess. If you can find one - try it and buy it!
