Ovation 1861

Before starting, I have a 1861 LX Standard Balladeer AX and not (Not the same model as in the photo)! For the record that I could find on the net, this series was the last produced in the United States, unlike the AX that are produced in South Korea. OVATION The firm decided to close its production in the United States and produce his guitars in Asia to reduce its production costs significantly, so that their guitars are more affordable to the general public. Results incredible catalog of 50% reduction in the price of guitars over the entire range!
This guitar was worth 1871 dollars and now in the $ 900 list price new!
But the rub .... (And yes there is always a catch ....) quality has still changed between States and an LX Series AX Series Korean!
So pay attention to the series you bought! AX will finish a less finished, a more dry and less precise, less varnished handle. Still, the AX Series is a very very good guitars, but the LX series is still up top level choice of materials, finishes and therefore sound.
I think I would do so next on the LX!

"A kaman music product, made in New Hartford, CT. United States"

There are 20 boxes, labels are pearly, OP Pro preamp with highly efficient gain control, tuner, equalizer and filter bypass.
Mine is red, massive table AA, serial number engraved behind the neck, shallow body.
Channel varnish and polished very pleasant to the touch.
Light enough.
Mine has has a hand raised pickguard style GIBSON DOVE, and it suits her divinely! Why have not made it home! Who knows ....

A VERY nice guitar! I would put a 9 for its lack of pickguard and because basically, I still find it still lacks a little something of a ... But I do not know what in fact!

UTILIZATION

So in terms of its use, I've never played as easily on an acoustic guitar on this! THANK YOU for thinking OVATION electric guitarists! Be taken and guitar in hand and one word comes to mind: WOW!
It was really easy to play as an electric! The strings are on the handle and it does frieze absolutely not! if so! Even with a shooting in 10-47, it does anywhere frieze and the strings are really near the handle! No spaces. Frankly a treat and how easily all the same!
I have an art and lutherie and I can tell you that although it's a great guitar too, level gameplay is really no comparison!
Even Martin, Takamine or Taylor valued over € 2,000 this configuration can not!
I think OVATION has really made its reputation on this principle and is actually leading in terms of gameplay guitar.
For the rest, you plug and go!

SOUNDS

Then on the sound!
A blank, I think the guitar is quite dry and lack of clean appearance ... Also as the body and very shallow real lack of presence ... Annoying ...
To play acoustic with a group of friends, do not bother no one will hear you too!
Now I said do not worry, it's an OVATION is deemed not to sound empty, but when one branch! Although the interest of electro!

Go you plug the amp and GO!

First felt, the guitar has a sound standard, standard frankly TOO! It is far from the Canadian and takamine with a sound that is their own and distinct!
But the cheers have a particular sound, but certainly very dry and slamming this one not ...

Do not panic, try to adjust the preamp, and that's when everything changes! The preamp is particularly effective and very accurate with respect to the bass, midrange and treble. In addition, there is a gain setting, which for me is the main driver! Incredible changes when pushing the gain of the beast, it's like waking up the guitar!
And any style goes! picking, solo, rhythm, arpeggios, everything!
You can have the sound you want with this guitar! highly crystalline, as very serious, deep, dry and powerful, but in a configuration again STANDARD.

Try with a chorus and delay. Gain set to 2 / 3, mid to mid, bass and treble to the max and there! WOW! What a sound! We take for Al DiMeola! A killing that would surprise a few! It still grows to gain 3 / 4 and crystal-clear highs and powerful escape from all the guitar! That's what was missing was for the beautiful ring! It's magic!

In summary, it can frankly do everything, but unfortunately does not have a particular sound which makes it its charm. But on reflection, we say that fortunately the sound is very standard, otherwise it could not do anything like style!
Which may make him an advantage as a disadvantage!

Now I understand why the guitar is called STANDARD balladeer ....

I would put a 8 because even though I greatly appreciate his versatility in all areas, I wish the guitar has a sound that makes the difference, or lack of presence and volume when playing vacuum .



OVERALL OPINION

I bought a few weeks ago and frankly I do not regret my purchase.
It is 900 € on argus guitars, but I paid € 350 with the case so to say .... I made a deal that we would not try any time soon!
She particularly attracted by its looks, it's a standing ovation.
What I like most is its amazing gameplay! and comfort of play!
I love his versatility in all areas through the OP Pro preamp very effective.
It accepts very well the sound effects and I would say that I do not know if another acoustic guitar would be as effective.
What I dislike is the lack of volume load and lack of personality in the ITS that allows to distinguish good example of a GIBSON TAYLOR of TAKAMINE etc. ....
This model unfortunately very uncommon and has not been made long (2 or 3 years before closing in the United States).

I referaiscle choice without hesitation on this guitar because it is a superb acoustic electric guitar with a sound quality United States United States, United States manufacturing and finishing superb and effective United States. It is frankly not very far from perfect for very little! Thank you to our American friends to make as good and excellent guitars!