Ovation CSD225 Celebrity Deluxe Double

Not sure of mfr date, but guitar was manufactured in Korea. The upper neck is 12 string, 20-fret neck and the lower is a 6 string, 23 fret neck. The upper few frets are only partial by design. The body is constructed so that each neck has a cutaway.
The body has a laminated sprice top with a black cherryburst finish and multiple soundholes with the Ovation signature decorative wood trim "epaulets". The built-in OP-24 preamp features a three-band EQ with switchable mid frequency, Pre-Shape and EQ bypass switches, and a tapered volume slider switch. This preamp is very "hot" and there is a lot of head room for adjustment at acceptable listening/playing volumes. The under-saddle pickups (not sure of brand) are selected via a three way switch located on the upper edge of the body with "12 - both - 6" positions. Also built in is a very easy to access battery holder for the electronics which means you can change batteries quickly without having to remove the back plate as with older Ovation models. The body back casting is very solid and is extremely thin in profile making the guitar very easy to handle either sitting or standing, although the "acreage" of the body takes a little getting used to in either position. The tuners are of typical Ovation quality and are gold plated and the unit came with a large, rectangular hardshell case.

This guitar suits my style just fine. I play a mix of originals and covers, all intended to be "acoustic" music. I play through a Marshall AS-80 with reverb and chorus. The preamp is very hot and requires very little volume to sound fine in the venues I frequent. Both amplified and "raw" the guitar has excellent tone characteristics. I have been told by many associates that it sounds better than the Ovation Celebrity 12 and Fender Villager 12 I have been playing. I have been experimenting with alternate tuning and seeing what kind of harmonics I can get from the 6 string neck while playing the 12, but the jury is still out on this. No dislikes thus far regarding sound quality.

As would be expected from any Ovation product, this machine is of excellent quality and the action, fit and finish are superb. The woodwork, seam matching and materials are top quality. I have it strung with relatively light strings, so the action is very nice. The reason I am giving it a 9 instead of a 10 is that the hardshell case seems just a tad flimsy when the lid is up and I sometimes have a bit of difficulty aligning the catches when closing it, especially if it is resting on an uneven surface. In all fairness to Ovation, this might be due partially to the age of the case, since I bought the guitar used.

This guitar can, and does, stand up to anything I can put it through. It feels solid, the finish is like a mirror despite its age and I have confidence that it will last. The molded body is extremely tough. I would (and already have)definitely rely on it with no backup.

Have not dealt with Ovation on this particular model.

Been playing for over 40 years. I currently also have a '71 Fender Villager 12, an Ovation Celebrity 12 and a Yamaha acoustic 12 (my "desert" guitar). I have owned many other guitars and amps over the past 40 years. I bought this guitar partially for the novelty of owning a double neck and partially because I had an opportunity I couldn't pass up. If it were lost or stolen, I probably would not replace it with another double neck, but would more than likely go with another high-end Ovation 12 string. I love the uniqueness of it but it is a bit big and somewhat weighty, so strapping it ends up being a bit tiresome, as does hauling it around, especially in crowded clubs, small stages, etc. If I could add one thing it would be a preamp with an integrated tuner. It is defintely a crowd pleaser and a good conversation starter..

Ovation Celebrty Deluxe Double Neck (6 String bottom, 12 String top) Acoustic/Electric, made in Korea.

Laminated Spruce top in Black Cherry Burst, super shallow depth back, rosewood fingerboard with dot and diamond inlays, walnut bridge, Multi Soundhole 5-Piece Epaulet, Fishman Thinline Electronics, Custom Hardshell Case, 20 fret 12-string neck, 23 fret 6-string neck.

Only 9, not 10 because anything could be improved upon, such as an ebony board and such.

Beautiful sound on both necks and while uplugged or plugged. Not as good as the Adamas high-end models, but is still excellent.

Set-Up was perfect. Close action, neck perfectly alligned. Played perfect rightout of the case(with the exception of tuning of course).

I believe this guitar will last me a very long time. Build strong.

Never dealt with Ovation.

Perfect ac/el for what I need. Instant Richie Sambora look and sound. Sounds excellent for any type of acoutic music.