Ovation UK II

Model 1291
Year first UKII 1979 last 1982.
Colours: Black, Nutmeg and White.
Price: $650

Pickups
2 high output double-coil humbuckers with non-magnetic rails each with 1/8??? alnico bar magnets wired both in series and [parallel with 10,000 winds per coil. Patented adjustable tri-mount

Controls: 2 tone, 2 volume.

Switching: 3-way pickup selector.

Each pickup has series/parallel selector switches.Front= series, warm tone. Rear= parallel, sharper tone.

Electronics Passive. Output: Stereo! and mono

Body: Urelite urethane foam on an aluminium frame.
Neck: 2 piece Honduras mahogany
Fretboard: Bound ebony
Frets: 24 Jumbo nickel-silver alloy
Inlays: Early models: ???bow-tie??? inlays. Later: Oblong. A few 11 dot or diamond.

Nut width: Brass 1 11/16???.

Tuners: Gold deluxe Ovation/Schaller.

Scale length: 27 ?? ???

Bridge/Tailpiece
The first instrument had standard [black cover] Ovation with brass plates and saddles, adjustable for action and intonation with patented adjustable tri-mount. Later models had an improved design Gold-plated or Chrome plated.

I used this guitar with Acoustic G60 112, Roland Bolt 100w, and Peavey Classic 30 and in all this guitar have a wonderfull bright, sweet and very warm sound. Also is very incredible the long sustain.

The guitar was very well adjusted. There're no flaws on my guitar. The very hard case is a well friend of the guitar during tours.

I buyed this guitar in 1981 and no problem till 2009, and I used it very hard! Only the chrome parts are a little oxidized.

Never ask the costumer support.

I played rock electric guitar for near 30 years, and I have this Ovation from the beginning. Was my second guitar buyed. I love the calid sound and the light weight due to the body construction material. I've also a Yamaha SG2000 and the Ovation is less agressive in high-bright volumes, but is more calid than SG2000.
I enjoyed this guitar for a long time and still love his sound.

More infop: http://www.ovationuk.co.uk/page116.html

same as other reviews

want rich, full, luscious tones? this baby's got 'em. i've not played any other guitar with such a full huge sound. there's an amazing array of tones you can dial in on the guitar itself, so add an amp to the mix and you can spend the rest of the year sculpting cool tones.

pickups have high output, sound better than new fancy ones. do not switch out the ovation pickups!!!

the three way pickup switches are awesome. the 'single coil' setting is a little bright, especially if you have your amp set to maximize the humbucking settings. still, an awesome option.

is the sound too big? am i just used to thin guitars? i can turn the bass knob on my amp to 0 and still get a mega thick sound. awesome.

i use a marshall combo amp only. no effects. who needs 'em with a guitar like this?

this guitar is like a rock (and more reliable than a chevy). the action is good. i have 10's on, but may have to switch to 9's, as they feel fairly tight.

pickups are great, though the neck pickup switch is noisy...needs cleaning. neck is a carpenter's dream...flat as a board and never been screwed. ebony fretboard--very nice. my frets are a little worn down, and i fear i'll need to re-fret this beauty before too long.

hardware is near perfect, but some rust. bridge is poorly designed so that i have to lift it to adjust the saddles and put it back down to see if i've adjusted properly. oops! it is a pain to guess, then put the bridge back down, tune up, check the intonation, and do it all over again if it's not perfect.

tuning pegs all work like new. brass nut is very cool.

this guitar is, as a previous reviewer noted, a tank! i just purchased this guitar, and will get to try it out this thursday friday and saturday. i have no worries that it will be a real workhorse.

this will be a great guitar for my grandchildren to play when i'm long gone.

never play a gig without a backup. a broken string would put you out for several minutes. putting strings on is a bit awkward, having to hold the ball in place while turning the machine and trying to keep the string on the peg.

I've been playing guitar since '93-ish. I had a les paul standard, an epiphone G400 and marshall valvestate combo (one of the old good sounding ones) that were all stolen in november. this is the guitar i replaced those with, and for almost 1/3 the cost of the les paul. i like this much better. now...what amp do i get???

if it were stolen i would definitely look for another one of these. i love the sound mostly. it's not the easiest guitar to play (not that it is difficult by any means), but don't care because it sounds so cool. once the intonation is in, it's in my friend. SOLID. cool tones, and a fun guitar to talk about. i've never owned such a cool, unique guitar. i'm home!

if you are looking for a les paul, don't get one. get one of these. or don't, and let someone like me get a UKII.

It been told thousand times here. It's real a kewl axe.

I play alternative rock like the old amrep and alternative tentacle things.
I use it with an Ampeg VT-22, a Fender Dual Reberb Showman 4x12 cab and a MXR Omni 2.
The sound is more than awesome. The switchable double wounded single coils are the dream of every guitarist. You can change the sound easily while you play from 2 humbuckers to 2 single coils or you simply use the 3 way toggle.
The nuances are going from a real crispy single coil tone (e.g. like a Fender Telecaster) till a heavy hardcore humbucking sound ( e.g. an Ovation 1431e (DiMarzio Super2), forget the Gibson crap, I just sold my compressor in fact there's nothing to compress anymore).
The aluminium frame gives you a better sustain as a mahogany glued in guitar. So it doesn't wonder if you can hold a note or a accord for 10 secs or more.
You can use it mono or stereo like a Rickenbacker

I bought this babe used and unfortunately it looks like so.
But nevertheless the finger board with pearly inlays is so nice to play. The strings are so low like a bugs ass and nothing is snaring or making other bothering sounds.
If this guitar would have a white binding I'll die for it ;-)

This guitar wouldn't show any emotion even if you bash your amp with it.
This guitar is a tank

Never needed it

This guitar became my main axe within the day I got it. I love this bunch of urelite.
Although I use an Ampeg AMG-1, a Coxx t-50 ( better than the original)a Hofner 166 and a Gibson Les Paul Custom.
If somebody will steal this guitar I'll find him and he will dream that he's never been born

As noted in other reviews; this guitar was discontinued in the early 80's after only a 3 or 4 year production run. Mine is an '81 without the pickguard that the earlier models had. I think this model was Ovation's effort to "out-Paul" Gibson as the setup is similar with volume/tone for both pickups, pickup switch has same location and operation, 2 humbucker passive pickup system, very thin fast neck, adjustable fixed bridge, and the body shape is very similar to a Les Paul (BUT without the WEIGHT). All the hardware and electronics are Ovation-made. Pickups are twin bar with serial/parallel switches to convert from standard humbucker to stacked single coil (NOT regular single coil as has been implied by others... there is a difference) and mono/stereo jacks for output. The body is an aluminum frame covered with a high-density foam substance that is then covered with a polyurethane coating that must be nearly ceramic-like in hardness; mine has a couple of dings from the previous owner(s) and the chips look like those on a porcelain sink! The neck is mahogany and is bolted AND glued to the body (per the owner's manual). Fretboard is ebony with white binding and abalone insets. Hardware gold; color black. So far I have seen black, white, brownburst and charcoal burst in this model. OHSC is identical to all the other standard Ovation HSC's. A stereo patch cable was original equipment but i had to make my own; I probably wouldn't do that again as i never use it. I got copies of the original owners manual from Ovation. (Kaman Corporation)

I am not a good enough player, even after 30 years!!, to fully utilize the tones this guitar can make (i "try" to play blues/rock/country/garage... garage, not grunge) Terry McInturff said this was a "tone monster" (if you don't know who that is you really should look it up, you won't be sorry.) It has a full range of humbucker sounds the likes of which i've never heard from a Les Paul (true, i haven't played all the Pauls in the world but i have played several.) The stacked single coil sounds are not up to the equal of a Strat or Tele (what the hell is!!!??) although the output levels are MUCH hotter. IMHO, you can overdrive any amp with just this guitar. I've tried it on several tube amps, including a '65 Kalamazoo, Peaveys, Fenders, Gibsons, Crates, various solid state amps, Peavey, Crate, Charvel, Dean Markley... it sounds good on everything although my favorite was the Kalamazoo for that Hound Dog Taylor tone (or lack of as it were...whatever that sound is, i love it!) OK, I've only tried it on a Marshall 4X12 cab driven by a Peavey head...not a Marshall amp, what can I say?? The only effect pedal I use regularly is a tremolo (Boss, cause i can't afford the really good ones). I should give a 10 for sound but i'm dropping to 9 because i wish the single coil sounded as good as a Tele and i'm greedy; i want it all! in one guitar!

Being used, and quite heavily i must say, there were a few items that needed some attention. The previous owner had installed some other kind of bridge at some point (probably a trem?) leaving a couple of screw holes in the top and a sawed out place in the cover of the bridge pickup (thankfully the original bridge was back in place when i got it). I called Ovation service and spoke with a very nice lady who used to assemble the electronics for the UKII. I was able to order the pickup cover, the missing truss rod cover and several gold screws to attach everything and plug those two extra holes. Everything else is in great shape. Intonation is perfect (and stays that way for me although i might not rock as hard as the player who said he has trouble with intonation), jacks, pots, and switch are static free. I have the action extremely low and the neck is perfect. I have to give mine an 8 because it was used when i got it. i have seen another one that was virtually brand new and they were 10's from the factory.

After 20 years it's still going strong; it's plenty tough enough. even after the hard life mine had before i got it, it can still compete with many newer instruments that cost twice it's original price. I have only gigged a few times, but i would never play a "paying" gig without a backup; that would be like heading across the country without a spare tire. A buddy's pig-pickin doesn't count as "paying gig" :-) One of the best gigging features is the weight of this guitar; you can play for hours without feeling any pain. Even when i was younger a Les Paul would get tiresome after a while; now it would probably kill me to play a 3 hour set with a Paul!

Warranty - don't even think about it! too damn old (like me). As mentioned earlier, the factory service rep was terrific! I spoke with her directly and she knew all about the model i had just bought. a tremendous help.

I have 2 other acoustic/electric guitars; 3 amps, a Fender, a Dean Markley, and a Charvel practice amp; a couple of pedals, a tremolo that i do use and a multi-effects that i never use; a few pieces of PA gear and ... access to all my sons' stuff!! Peavey/Marshall/Nady/Zoom/Ibanez/Parker. Mostly I play this UKII through the Fender HR Deluxe. I like everything about this guitar! (and so do all the bandmates/friends i let try it out.) I was shopping for a solidbody and looking seriously at a Washburn after trying several Fenders. I really like Fenders but i didn't want a single coil only (i like Les Pauls too but they are a bit pricey for me and very HEAVY) When i found this one; no contest. I only wish I had bought this guitar new. I almost bought another one just because i like them so much but it was the charcoal burst and i didn't particularly like that color combo. The black looks best to me because the pickup covers, knobs, and ebony fretboard are black so it all blends in; the black parts stand out too much on the other colors to my eyes. If it were lost or stolen i would find another one. somewhere. period. the end.

I believe that my guitar was made in 1981 ( i didn't own it then, but i have dated certain part back that far). It has 24 frets. The two humbucker pick-ups each have a switch that can flip the pick-up between single coil and humbucker. A three way selector selects which pick-up to use and volume and tonew knobs for each pick-up. There are two outputs. One is mono, and one is stereo. The body design is an original ovation cut, but it much resembles a les paul. all of the hardware is made by ovation. Ovation also made a case (hard) for the guitar.

This is the most full guitar sound i have ever heard. it is fucking awsome. Through my laney stack and my effects rack (distortion and eq) it sound thick enough to take a bite out of. When clean, it can actually be too much, so when in the studio i switch it it single coil for clean parts.

by thge way i play hard alt rock.

After i messed with the action, it fucking kicked ass. whoever owned it before me sorta screwed the action up. the pick ups were fin to the lousy action, but i had to adjust these two. No flaws from the production of the guitar. The huitar is 20 years old, so obviously it is not in perfect condition.

Everything kicks ass. everything is solid, and well built. it has some scapes from the previous owners, but has held up oh so nicely after 20 years. i would (and have) used it without a backup at gigs.

??? no clue.
N/A

For what i paid and for what it is it rocks. I went to the store looking for les pauls and found this and fell in love. If you like les pauls, then you will think that this is better after playing it.

i would cross state lines to replace this guitar - it is very rare.
i love the tick full sound as well as the 3-way switch and the dual volume knobs.

well... it has 2 ovation humbuckers... with those 2 lil switches above each humbucker... it has a stereo and mono output... i purchased it trough e-bay... it cost me 250$.. shipping was 125$... but i really wanted it...

my first great guitar is a gibson les paul studio gold hardware... maybe it's me... but it sounds like shit... i'm thinking about changing pick ups if it helps;. cause it plays smoothly...
the ovation on the other hand... i jsut plugged it in... did my normal set up.. which is a jim dunlop cry baby wah.. a boss flanger... an analog delay from pearl (i must be the only owner of that thing).. and a danelectro fabtone.. sometimes... a big muff... my amp... is a marshall valvestate;. but i'm currently looking for an other amp... with this guitar;. even a valvestate sounds excellent... my fabtone never sounded as great as with my gibson...
i tune down to B... and it's quit suited for that... no irritating clicks as with the gibson... i was scared cause i purchased it trough ebay and never played on it before... but i would buy another immediatly if i had the chance... cause... they are getting older... it might break down someday...

well..; it was used... it has a few scratches... in the neck.. it doesn't disturb me... i'm not the one who searches an hour for a scratch... they were restaured ..n ot so good though;.. but it plays fabulous... that's the main thing... otherwise electronics, pickups.. it all works fine... no replacement of knobs... it plays smoothly...

i wish i could depend on it... it plays and works now perfectly..; but you never know;. i'm gonna be scared for the day it breaks down;.. i hav eno idea where to run with it in belgium...

i never had to deal with them..

i'v playing it for a few months.. like i said.. i'm gonna buy as m any as possible.. cause they are not expensive..:).. i always wanted a gibson les paul silverburst.. but i think i'll stick to the ovation for now;. it gives me the sound i want now;..

Same as mentioned in other reviews. They came in Brown and black, mine is brown

This pickup configuration offers many options. Their is also a seperate stereo input. I really like the lead tone with both pick ups on and out of phase

I purchased this quitar new in 79' The fit and finish were good, however it was in need of a "setup"

Reliability has been great except for cosmetic things like the gold volume knob covers falling off, and a stipped screw that holds the pick guard in place.

Never used it.

Great Guitar, great feel. easy to play, and great tone

1979 - 1980 (not sure) American-made solid body. Single cutaway with dual bar humbucklers. Tobacco burst top and back with gold tuners and interesting geometric inlays. Numerous tone controls - a two position switch, volume knob and tone knob for each pickup; three position pickup switch. Shaped like a Les Paul with the neck and head that clearly identify it as an Ovation.

Great clean blues and rock sound. Excellent variety using the multiple available settings - I've found no need for effects pedals. Played through both Marshall and Fender amps with great results on both. The three position pickup switch can easily be thrown while playing, taking you from a bright rhythm sound to a deep, rich lead.

Purchased used in 2000, the guitar is at least 20 years old. The action and fretboard needed minor adjustments. The finish has held up incredibly well, except for a few dings that were obvious cases of mistreatment.

This seems to be a very reliable guitar. I don't know the history of this particular specimen, but it is remarkably good shape for its age. It seems to hold tune very well and is built solid as a rock - especially considering its light weight.

I purchased this guitar used after searching for a reasonably priced Les Paul (I couldn't find any...). I also own several acoustic guitars, including an Ovation Celebrity Deluxe (1999). The appeal of a rare find such as this, combined with its sound quality and ease of play (the neck is very similar to my other Ovation and it is very light for a solid body) made this guitar irressistable. I am very glad I purchased this guitar instead of dropping 4 times as much on the Gibson...

This 1980 solid body electric is unique blend of features that include a full two-octave, 24-fret, ebony fretboard with a brass nut and cutaway for unbeleivable ease of play in the upper register. The two humbuckers each have 'dual-bars' opposed to poles. Each pickup has a coil-split switch and the pickup selector is placed similar to a Les Paul but actually provides a true stereo output or standard mono output. The UK-II has a standard mono output jack but also sports a single stereo-output jack. When plugged out of this stereo jack, the neck pickup is sent to the right channel, the bridge pickup is left channel, the middle position of the pickup selector gives you both-very smooth! There are two volume and two tone controls. The Tune-o-Matic bridge is also brass-plated and is recessed into the body nicely. The playability is outstanding but the lack of resonation and instability of the long neck make intonation and tone a challenge.

This guitar is dripping with personality and is at home with jazz, rock and fat blues. The pickups are very hot and provide extremely smooth response due to the pickup 'bars', especially when bending strings. The only short-comonig is the relatively dead resonance of the body and overall instrument. To play it unplugged exposes its unsnappy character. The unique stereo pickup design does compensate but I have to wonder how a live, resonant guitar would sound with this electronic set-up.

Beatuful black finish with white binding on the neck only. Very sleek.

The character of this warrior is evedent when playing it. It has been a road-worthy work-horse but now has unreliable intonation and falls out of tune if rocked too hard. It sounds great for thick chording and jazz solos that require a beefy yet clean personality. The action is buttery and conjurs up thoughts of sitting in your favorite recliner. A real pleasure to play, at home or studio.

This axe has never required any electronic repair or major work. I have it shielded and set-up nicely.

I have been a serious guitar player and recording musician for 30 years. I currently own a very small collection of Strats, Teles, Kramers, and Ovations. I also play bass, drums, piano, and sing professionally. This Ovation UK-II was actually stolen once in 1981 and was, amazingly, found and returned strictly because I had scribed my name on the inside of the pickgaurd and was able to identify it over the phone to the Police! Sentimental Rating:10

My Ovation UK II (UK stands for Ultra Kaman) was built in approx. 1979 or 1980 and the model, as well as the rest of the solid electric line, was discontinued shortly thereafter. The guitar's body is constructed of a type of synthetic material akin to the back of an Ovation Acoustic, although this is hard to tell because of the finish. The neck appears to be mahogony and is attached by four bolts. It has gold hardware and the bridge is a one piece adjustable for height and intonation. There are two pickups, two volume and two tone knobs, a three way selector and two slide switches above each pickup for series/parallel. The pickups are humbuckers and this guitar is a single cutaway.

The pickups are quite hot and do drive a non-master volume amp very nicely. You can get all the single and double coil sounds you want.

I got the guitar used so there were some chips and such but it was quite playable. The fretboard has a flat radius almost like a Gibson but it does have an ebony fretboard and twenty-four frets.

It seems very solid and dependable.

Nope.

Love it and I would like to find other Ovation Electrics. A very unique and rare guitar.