Ovation S771 Special Balladeer Mid-Depth Bowl Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar
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zZounds Gear Experts Say...
6-string mid-depth acoustic-electric. Case not included.
Overview
Balladeer's New A-Braced Top
Ovation continues its more than 30 years of relentless improvement of the Balladeer. The A-shaped bracing, perfected over the last few years through a computer modeling process, was once only available in more expensive instruments. Now this super-lightweight design is employed on the Balladeer to let its Sitka Spruce top sing as never before.
The Bridge To Better Sound
What's the secret to a 12-string sound that can only be described as rolling thunder? Turning string vibration energy into sound energy. The pinless walnut bridge transmits more torque to the soundboard than other designs. Plus each bridge is selected or rejected according to a pre-calibrated density. Underneath the saddle, lurks the Thinline pickup, specifically designed to turn our thundering acoustic sound into electric lightning.
The Effortless Neck
Two pieces of select Mahogany are set with their grain directions opposed. The result is a naturally stable and warp-resistant neck. The vintage soft "V" shape makes for nearly effortless runs up and down the Rosewood fingerboard.
Ovation continues its more than 30 years of relentless improvement of the Balladeer. The A-shaped bracing, perfected over the last few years through a computer modeling process, was once only available in more expensive instruments. Now this super-lightweight design is employed on the Balladeer to let its Sitka Spruce top sing as never before.
The Bridge To Better Sound
What's the secret to a 12-string sound that can only be described as rolling thunder? Turning string vibration energy into sound energy. The pinless walnut bridge transmits more torque to the soundboard than other designs. Plus each bridge is selected or rejected according to a pre-calibrated density. Underneath the saddle, lurks the Thinline pickup, specifically designed to turn our thundering acoustic sound into electric lightning.
The Effortless Neck
Two pieces of select Mahogany are set with their grain directions opposed. The result is a naturally stable and warp-resistant neck. The vintage soft "V" shape makes for nearly effortless runs up and down the Rosewood fingerboard.
Specs
6-String Acoustic/Electric
Body Type: Mid-Depth Cutaway
Top: A Grade Spruce
Bracing: A Brace
Scale Length: 25-1/4 in.
Fretboard: Rosewood
Fret Inlay: None
Bridge: Walnut
Rosette: Hand Inlaid
Pickup: Ovation Thinline
Nutwidth: 1-11/16 in.
Machines: Chrome
Optional Case: 8158
Body Type: Mid-Depth Cutaway
Top: A Grade Spruce
Bracing: A Brace
Scale Length: 25-1/4 in.
Fretboard: Rosewood
Fret Inlay: None
Bridge: Walnut
Rosette: Hand Inlaid
Pickup: Ovation Thinline
Nutwidth: 1-11/16 in.
Machines: Chrome
Optional Case: 8158
Reviews
Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
(34 ratings)
Submitted April 21, 2007 by a customer from aol.com
"ballader S-771 American made, dont settle for less."
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
Solid top, great sound mid depth bowl guitar. Comfortable fitting size to play, action if very ajustable to taste, Ovation has spacers under the bridge you can add or remove to adjust action, along with a easy adjustable truss rod.
Sound
I was amazed with the bass sound that came out of this unpluged the first time i sat in a quiet room and had a chance to really hear the guitar. I was thinking theres no way it could compare to my Taylor 214, that impressed me the same way when I played it for the first time. So i pulled the Taylor out and compared, both sounded similar with the Taylor edgeing out by a nose. The projected volume was acutally won by the Ovation. Pluged in the Ovation really shined sound wise compared to my 2 other A/Es, no notice of the jangley tinny sound projected from the other A/Es, just a warm tone of a fine acoustic guitar.
Features
I love the electronics, I have a older model without the tuner, but the newer electronics look a litle tacky to me. The OP-24+ is much cleaner look that blends in with the guitar without sticking out saying HEY IM THE ELECTRONICS. The mid shift really changes the midrange sound adding a crisp tone. I would like to see some dots on the fret board not just on the side.
Ease of Use
No problem after 10 minutes playing with the electronincs to find thaat sweet sound you wanted.
Quality
The top has the Satin… read more finish that I thought would really scratch up easy like a Seagull I had, but its really held up quite good. And i truly beleive the Satin finish allows the great sound unpluged I was surprised to hear.
Value
Great price for an American made Ovation, Ballader. Glad I didnt settle for a lesser Celebrity or Applause, I know the unpluged sound would not compare , solid tops always beat the laminated tops for sound quiality.
Manufacturer Support
Ovation resonded to a email inquire I had about Finish care pretty fast so my experence was good.
The Wow Factor
For the sound pluged in this is a super guitar hard to beat for the price. Ungluged it gave my Taylor a suprising run for the money. The guitar is not fancy, just a well built long lasting decent sounding guitar. The one I have has a great hardshell case that protects better than any other case i own, Tight fit, and durable.
Musical Background:
Hobbyist
Musical Style:
Rock, country, folk read less
Sound
I was amazed with the bass sound that came out of this unpluged the first time i sat in a quiet room and had a chance to really hear the guitar. I was thinking theres no way it could compare to my Taylor 214, that impressed me the same way when I played it for the first time. So i pulled the Taylor out and compared, both sounded similar with the Taylor edgeing out by a nose. The projected volume was acutally won by the Ovation. Pluged in the Ovation really shined sound wise compared to my 2 other A/Es, no notice of the jangley tinny sound projected from the other A/Es, just a warm tone of a fine acoustic guitar.
Features
I love the electronics, I have a older model without the tuner, but the newer electronics look a litle tacky to me. The OP-24+ is much cleaner look that blends in with the guitar without sticking out saying HEY IM THE ELECTRONICS. The mid shift really changes the midrange sound adding a crisp tone. I would like to see some dots on the fret board not just on the side.
Ease of Use
No problem after 10 minutes playing with the electronincs to find thaat sweet sound you wanted.
Quality
The top has the Satin… read more finish that I thought would really scratch up easy like a Seagull I had, but its really held up quite good. And i truly beleive the Satin finish allows the great sound unpluged I was surprised to hear.
Value
Great price for an American made Ovation, Ballader. Glad I didnt settle for a lesser Celebrity or Applause, I know the unpluged sound would not compare , solid tops always beat the laminated tops for sound quiality.
Manufacturer Support
Ovation resonded to a email inquire I had about Finish care pretty fast so my experence was good.
The Wow Factor
For the sound pluged in this is a super guitar hard to beat for the price. Ungluged it gave my Taylor a suprising run for the money. The guitar is not fancy, just a well built long lasting decent sounding guitar. The one I have has a great hardshell case that protects better than any other case i own, Tight fit, and durable.
Musical Background:
Hobbyist
Musical Style:
Rock, country, folk read less
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