37 items in Guitars → Rare Models
Year: 2010
Many thanks to Patrick from USA for the very nice pictures of that beautiful guitar!! It has the same specs as a standard 1537, like the walnut binding, deep bowl, and no cutaway, with the following customizations: Solid Figured Redwood top Inlaid Epaulettes Abalone binding Carved Ebony Bridge Upgraded FET electronics
Year: 2010
Many thanks to John Mitzel from USA the lucky owner of that beautiful guitar!!
Year: 2009
Many thanks to John Mitzel from USA the lucky owner of that beautiful guitar!! Custom Adamas Parlor that used an Ovation 93C neck. It has an Op-Pro Studio and sounds awesome!!
Year: 2006
The guitar was was custom built for Sam STATHAKIS by the luthier Brian HENDLEY . Sam's wonderful Adamas Original Slothead #57 was used as model for this project and the final result is really amazing. Please, look at the pics below to follow the different steps of Brian's work. Sam with his #57 and "All Wood" Adamas .
Year: 2000
Just look at the pics, it's a pure beauty !! 😊
Year: 2000
This document package covers the Ovation 2000LTD-MR Elite, a limited-edition acoustic-electric guitar produced exclusively for MARS Music (The Musicians Planet) in approximately 50 units, featuring a Russian Burled Walnut top sourced from a collection over 300 years old. The package includes a Kaman Music Corp. congratulatory letter dated November 1999, authenticity documents, Seattle Caviar Company materials, a MARS Music branded walnut keychain, and the guitar's Ovation leather case. The guitar features gold tuning machines, a built-in onboard preamp/EQ/tuner system, and the model designation '2000 LTD' inlaid on the fretboard.
Year: 2000
Probably one of the most beautyful Ovation ever made. 👍👍
Year: 2000
Many thanks to my friend Paul Templeman from UK for these pics. Only very few models were built in USA probably as prototype and I'm glad to show here this one. I don't know anything about this one so please contact me if you have any information.
Year: 2000
Probably a custom ordered guitar. If you're the owner of this beauty, feel free to contact me.😉
Year: 1995
Traduction: 1995 make ???? nylon string model. As for the top the solid fern -, OP-24 is used for the pre-amp. Also relatively raw sound becomes with the mid- depth body. The existence impression in the lead/read play as expected is with the thick sound where ???? it seems. One place you can see the scar which is thought that under the bridge it was attached at the time of chord exchange, but the other than of that is the beauty item which is not either the scar which is conspicuous. Remainder ???? of the nylon string which is not happened to see, it is the buying profitable used item. As for detailed picture ???. Body Type: Mid Depth Top: Solid Cedar Bracing: Adamas Fan Brace Scale Length:641mm Fretboard: Walnut Fret Inlay: Wood Bridge: Walnut Rosette: Multi soundhole Epaulet Pickup:OP-24 Nutwidth: 50mm Machines:Gold Schaller Case: Hard Case These photos come from an ad published in Japan years ago. If you are the owner, please feel free to contact me.
Year: 1994
This document is a special order package for a custom Ovation Doubleneck Bass (Model D868-X, Order #DN090) commissioned for professional bassist Jonas Hellborg, dated September 1994 with an estimated delivery of December 15, 1994. The instrument features highly customized specifications including parallel 4-string fretted (top) and fretless (bottom) necks, black transparent finish, ebony fingerboards, abalone/purple purfling, f-holes instead of epaulets, no electronics (pickups wired to two separate output jacks), and 'Jimmy Page depth' bowl. The package includes the main special order form, multiple shop order sheets for fretboard, neck assembly, top/bowl, and final assembly, correspondence from Woody Wahlen detailing Jonas Hellborg's requirements, internal notes, and multiple f-hole design templates/cutouts. This unique bass was offered for sale on eBay in 2007. A few years later, my friend Dan from the USA retrieved the related documents when the New Hartford factory closed down following the Fender era. Dan managed to save these documents and very kindly shared them with me so I could present them to you. Thank you very much much Dan 👍
Year: 1992
I'm the lucky owner of that rare and stunning guitar!! Many Thanks to Kazu from Japan for his help. Cedar Top, 1 7/8" neck and mid-bowl. Basically, it's a 1624 Country Artist with the look of an Adamas and a 1537.
Year: 1990
Many thanks to Javier Rojal Alentorn from Uruguay for these nice pics!!!
Year: 1990
Ovation D-768 Twin Neck 6 & 12 Stings Custom Made for Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi). I'm very proud to show you this Ovation, custom made for Richie Sambora. Inside on the label it states: "Custom Built for Richie Sambora". Many thanks to Chris Salisbury from Arrogate/UK for the pics of this truely unique guitar!! (19??) . Chris girlfriend with Richie's Guitar in hands!!
Year: 1984
Many Thanks to Phil from USA for these very nice photos. Ovation Elite 1547-GC Custom Built for Glen Cambell, I don't know anything about this nice guitar. From 08-13-1984
Year: 1982
These photos come from an ad published in Japan years ago. If you are the owner, please feel free to contact me. Here's here's the original description translate from Japanese: ULTRA RARE!! Ovation Elite Prototype!! Ovation took the world by storm from the 80s through the 90s with its groundbreaking design and thick, punchy acoustic-electric sound. Leading the charge was the Super Adamas (produced from 1976), which featured revolutionary specs like a carbon graphite top that defied traditional acoustic guitar conventions. It reigned as the brand's flagship model, favored by nearly every prominent musician of that era. Now, we have a truly special arrival: a Prototype of the Elite, the definitive epaulet-style model that launched in 1983 and enjoyed long-standing popularity. This particular instrument features an inner label completely different from the mass-produced versions—a "holy grail" piece for any serious collector! Specifications: Top: Solid Spruce Back: Lyrachord (Non-cutaway Deep Bowl) Neck: 5-piece Mahogany/Maple Fretboard & Bridge: Walnut Nut Width: 43mm (actual measurement) Scale Length: 25.25 inches While the Elite’s model name changed to 1718 or 1768 around 1985, these early versions were designated as Model 1537. The biggest distinction is that the 1983–1984 Elites were essentially an Adamas II with a wood top substituted for the carbon fiber. Consequently, they share the Adamas II specs: walnut fretboard/bridge, signature position markers, floating fingerboard, stereo pickups, and a preamp with wooden knobs. Since the body construction shifted to the "Legend" style around 1985, these '83–'84 Elites are highly prized by collectors. A look inside the rear access panel reveals a distinct top-bonding method, which explains the robust, resonant acoustic response of these early models. The Sound: The unplugged tone is that classic, unique Ovation sound with a powerful, thumping low end. Despite the thick output, the sustain is short and the note separation is crisp—it’s easy to see why lightning-fast shredders loved these. Pre-1990s Ovations have significantly heavier bodies compared to later iterations, resulting in a punchier, "meatier" sound. When plugged in, you have the original wood-knob Volume & Tone controls. While the range isn't as wide as later preamps, the simplicity allows for a direct, thick output that many purists consider the "true" Ovation sound. Condition: Previously held in a private collection, this instrument is in beautiful, "mint-adjacent" condition with very few scratches. There is some minor finish sinkage along the grain of the top, but the top remains flat with almost none of the "bellying" or waving often seen in vintage Ovations. There is a small (approx. 1cm) ding near the epaulet on the 1st string side and a few faint "whisker" weather checks near the bridge—to be expected for its age. The rear access door has some buckle rash, but overall, the neck and headstock are virtually spotless, and the gold tuners still shine like new. Playability: The neck is in excellent, straight condition. Action is currently set perfectly at roughly 2.5mm on the 6th string and 1.8mm on the 1st string (at the 12th fret). String height can be easily adjusted to your preference by adding or removing the shims under the saddle. The frets show minor wear in the lower positions but retain about 80% of their original height. With its Adamas II-style inlays and wood binding, this rare prototype exudes an aura of prestige that later Elites simply can't match. Includes: Original hard case & case cover Serial Number: 120382-6
Year: 1982
Thanks to "Fugot" (OFC Member) for this nice pictures. This guitar seems to be a prototype of an Elite 1537 with a Super Shallow Bowl. It's one of the 2 models I've ever seen with a SSB and no Cutaway. This one is equiped with an Adamas II neck. Serial 101382-2 / XSWA-4 (Extra Shallow Wood Adamas / Natural) (10/13/1982)
Year: 1981
I'm the lucky owner of this strange, unique, and beautiful guitar. This Legend Deep Bowl Cutaway was built in 1981. I really love that guitar !!! (04/24/1981)
Year: 1980
So many thanks to TJR from USA for the pics of this historical guitar. I don't know from which era but according the binding, probably from the 70's/80's??
Year: 1980
This guitar is very likely a unique model dating back to the late 1970s or early 1980s.
Year: 1980
1981 Ovation Custom Camo Hard Body Electric Guitar made for, owned and played by Ted Nugent. Ted is feature on the Dec. 1982 cover of Four Wheeler magazine, standing in front of his camo Bronco holding this guitar. These images end the description are from an eBay listing posted in December 2011. If you are the owner, please feel free to contact me. 👍😉
Year: 1976
The photos of this sumptuous guitar come from a listing published in Italy in the early 2000s. It was custom built for Marcel Dadi in 1976 and is now located in France, owned by a true aficionado. Here is the description from the original listing, translated from Italian: "A 1976 Ovation Patriot, an exclusive model made for the great guitarist Marcel Dadi (a personal friend of mine), who unfortunately passed away on July 17, 1996, on TWA Flight 800 from New York to Paris. (Dadi, 46, was a French musician who helped spread Chet Atkins' fingerpicking style across Europe; he was returning home after being honored at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, Tennessee). He gifted me this guitar in 1994. I haven’t used it much myself, but the virtuoso guitarist Massimo Alviti used it to record an entire album dedicated to Marcel Dadi. Note that the bridge and the headstock are different from any other commercial models. Additionally, the original hardshell case is covered in stickers from the various venues and locations where Marcel performed."
Year: 1975
Glen Campbell Bluebird 12 Strings Electric (Thanks to Ken for permission to use his photos) (1975-1982) Another true rarity!! This model is the 12-string "Bluebird" designed for and with Glen Campbell. Approximately 8 examples were produced for Glen between 1975 and 1982, and 6 of the 8 are 6-strings. The design is that of a "Viper," but unlike the latter, the top is made of aluminum covered with ureter. This innovation would later be used for the "UK II" model. Another distinctive feature is that the "Bluebird" is equipped with active electronics, like the "Breadwinner" guitars of the time. Under the pickguard on the back of the guitar are two control knobs: one to adjust the pickup volume and the other to adjust the effect. Specifications: (See photos at the bottom of the page) Viper 12 Series Model G.C Bluebird 12 Production years 1975 - 1982 Original list price ??? Color Blue/Beige Glitter Pickups 2 Humbuckers Viper or Preacher type Preamp Active electronics Controls Volume, Tone, 2 switches: pickup selector and phase inverter Mono output Top Aluminum covered with Urelite (like the UK II model) Neck 3-piece Maple and Mahogany Tuners Ovation/Schaller Gold Frets 24 Fingerboard Rosewood or Ebony Inlays 20 Diamonds Notes: Model made specifically with and for Glenn Campbell.
Year: 1975
These photos are from a listing posted a few years ago. If you are the owner, please feel free to contact me. Description from the original listing: This is a Custom Ordered 1975 Model 1624-4. It’s truly the cream of the crop for someone looking for a nylon string or collectable rare Ovation. This guitar features all of the appointments found on the steel string Custom Legend, including the stereo pick up system. It has the desireable Artist Depth hand-laid Brown bowl. Specs: Cedar Top Gold Plated Tuners Artist Size Hand Laid Brown Bowl Dots and Diamonds Inlays Abalone Outlined Fretboard Abalone Soundhole Ring Abalone Bound Top Stereo Electronics White Bound Neck Carved Truss Rod Cover Additional (Non-Factory) Snowflake and Branch Inlay The guitar is Serial Number 132376 The neck is narrower and shallower in profile then a traditional classical guitar neck. At the nut the width measures 1 7/8” which provides sufficient spacing for nylon strings. The neck joins the body at the 14th fret like most steel string guitars. - The bracing is in Ovation’s VT-8 Pattern. This pattern was shared with certain steel string Ovation models. For reference other Ovation nylon models used a modified double fan, or a hybrid fan. The difference in bracing is the main reason when looking at 25+ year old Ovations, that frequently the classicals have multiple top cracks while it’s rare to see any on the Country Artist.
Failed to load items.
Acoustic Series
Adamas Gallery
Adamas Slotheads
Electric Series
Rare Models
User Collections
