With the possible exception of the early Glen Campbell’s early signature series Ovations, the Bluebird 12-string electrics remain undoubtedly, the Ovations most associated with Glen. The Bluebird guitars were made exclusively for him, a total of about eight instruments in all, probably five were 6-strings and the rest were 12-strings. The fact that Ovation would design a guitar model for the exclusive use of one artist underscores the strong company/artist relationship that Glen and Ovation had developed over the years. While at first glance, these guitars appear similar to the solidbody Viper models that were produced between 1975 and 1982, the only common ground they share with the Viper model are body and headstock shape, and bridge hardware.

Although specifics seem to differ slightly from one Bluebird example to the other, the one pictured here seems to be quite typical of the 12-string ‘Birds: It has active mono electronics similar to the production Deacon/Breadwinner models of the day, with a notch filter, combination pickup selector/out-of phase switch and a single set of volume/tone controls. Under the access cover in the back there are two miniature trim pots; one to adjust neck pickup volume and the other to increase or decrease the amount of “out-of-phase” effect as desired.

Ovation has always been known for experimenting with non-traditional materials and methods of construction and this guitar is no exception. The body is constructed of polyurethane over an aluminium frame. This unique feature was introduced to the production line somewhat later with the introduction of the UKII model. Last but not least is the striking blueburst finish, which is exclusive to these guitars. The basecoat is a cream color with a baby blue/slate grey bursting on the outer edges. Before the clearcoats were applied, gold and blue metalflake was sprayed on which gives the guitar the unique quality of seemingly change colors from blue to aqua-green, depending on the lighting situation. The “bluebird” image seen behind the bridge area of the guitar is not a decal or painted on, but is done in the same gold/blue metalflake that was sprayed over the rest of the body.