Ovation 1771LX Standard Balladeer (with Case) (Natural) Review

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(More customer reviews)I had never been a fan of Ovation guitars until I played the new Ovation Standard Balladeer Model 1771 LX. I have owned high end-guitars for almost 40 years, including Martins, Gibsons, and Taylors. While I have tried Ovations since they first came onto the market and played friends' high-end models (e.g., Custom Legend) I never cared to own one. That changed the moment I picked up this guitar.
This is a marvelous instrument; light, vibrant and highly playable with excellent sustain and wonderful features. The OP-PRO preamp with built in chromatic tuner is the same unit Ovation puts on several of the Custom Legend models.
Believe me when I say that the LX series Ovations- and this model in particular - sound amazing. I played it against every other Ovation the dealer had (including Custom Legend, Elite LX and Adamas models and comparable Taylors, Gibsons, and Martins) and this was by far the best guitar in the shop.
The fit and finish of the instrument is top notch! While it may not be as "lively" as a $2000+ Martin or Taylor it has a personality and beauty all its own at a price well south of $1000. The scalloped X-bracing and A Grade Sitka spruce top makes this guitar just sing. The rosette - in a muted version of the traditional Ovation oak leaf pattern - is now laser-cut and inlaid instead of stuck on and protruding from the top. The bound fretboard is rosewood as is the pinless bridge and the chrome machine tuners on the five-piece neck fit the "understated but elegant" look of this guitar.
Other thoughtful features include a dual action truss rod and carbon fiber stabilizers in the neck joint, and straplocs as standard equipment. This guitar is also lighter than previous models due to improved bowl construction (glass microspheres!). While I don't play "plugged" often the pickup recreates the classic Ovation Original Patented Pickup. Al DiMeola collaborated with Ovation on the OP-Pro preamp - similar to the OP-24 but with more bells and whistles. The bypass button gives you the choice of either Al DiMeola's or Melissa Etheridge's precise settings or you can set your own. The OPP and OP-Pro are standard on all of the LX models.
I also bought the Ovation hardshell case, which provides a secure home for the guitar when idle or traveling. I highly recommend this case as cheap insurance to protect your investment.
The downside - the round back is something I am still getting used to - especially since I have gotten rounder myself - so in that sense the LX and I resemble each other.
This has become the guitar that I reach for most often these days and the one most likely to travel with me as well. Kudos to you Ovation - you won me over at last!


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