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Ovation Balladeer |
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This is
where it all started in 1966. The original Ovation Balladeer
(later known as the Standard Balladeer) was Ovations very first
model. Very early prototypes had a traditional shaped
peghead and
HERE
is a photo of me playing "Old No.6", the oldest surviving
prototype. The earliest production samples had an elongated
truss rod cover
with the name Balladeer engraved on it. Later the standard truss
rod cover was adopted and the name Balladeer was scripted down the
middle of the peghead. The inlaid rosette was a chin-link design
with a small bunch of grapes depicted at the 4 o'clock
position. The first rosettes were a black background, but
early on was changed to off-white. The 5-piece neck, multi-ply
body binding and the 5 point rosewood bridge were standardized, as were
the Kluson tuners. Shown below are a 1967 and 1968 Balladeers,
both with 3-piece spruce tops. Later examples switched to the more
traditional 2-piece top. Both guitars are in outstanding
condition, as are the original cases. Click
HERE for specifications. |
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