Model #1617-4 · Family: 1617
Year: 1974
Complete Ovation Instruments Inc. price list dated May 1974, covering acoustic deep bowl, acoustic shallow bowl, acoustic electric deep bowl, acoustic electric shallow bowl, and electric solid body guitars, plus accessories including cases, guitar cords, pic-keys, picks, stands, straps, and strings. Prices in US dollars, F.O.B. New Hartford, Connecticut.
Year: 1976
Ovation Instruments Inc. guitar price list effective January 1, 1976. Comprehensive listing covering Acoustic Deep Bowl, Acoustic Shallow Bowl, Acoustic Electric Deep Bowl, Acoustic Electric Shallow Bowl, Matrix by Ovation, Electric Solid Body guitars, and Cases. Prices in US dollars. Includes all model numbers, colors, and list prices. Published by Ovation Instruments Inc., New Hartford, Connecticut 06057, a Kaman Company.
Year: 1977
Comprehensive Ovation U.S.A. Price List with suggested list prices effective August 1, 1977. Covers the full Ovation product line: Acoustic Guitars, Acoustic/Electric Guitars (including the new Adamas series at $2,200-$2,350), Solid Body Guitars (Breadwinner, Deacon, Viper, Preacher), Solid Body Basses (Magnum 1 and 2), Matrix by Ovation, Cases, Strings, and Accessories. Published by Ovation Instruments Inc., New Hartford, CT 06057, a Kaman Company.
Year: 1983
1983 German-language Ovation newsletter featuring the complete product lineup including Adamas, Elite (new for 1983), Balladeer, Legend, Custom Legend, Anniversary, Classic, Cutaway, and Solid-Body series. Includes Nancy Wilson interview, Sigi Schwab Ovation Prize feature, Tech Talk on the Kaman Bar, endorsee news, J.H. Rickard column on bracing, and Kaman Musical Strings catalog. Distributed by Musik Meyer GmbH, Marburg. Priced at 3 DM.
Year: 1985
This is a Sotheby's auction catalog for a Rock 'n' Roll Memorabilia sale held in London on Thursday 29th August 1985, covering items from 1956-1984. The catalog includes lot 392, a Cat Stevens' Ovation Legend Acoustic Electric Guitar circa 1974 (Model No. 1617-4, Serial No. 001742), estimated at £950-1,200, along with other Cat Stevens memorabilia including a Gibson Les Paul-Style guitar, gold disc, tour posters, and photographs.
Year: 1972
This is the 1972 full product line catalog for Ovation Instruments Inc., a subsidiary of Kaman Corporation based in New Hartford, Connecticut. The catalog showcases the complete range of acoustic and acoustic-electric guitars, including steel-string, 12-string, and classical nylon-string models, highlighting the proprietary Lyrachord fiberglass roundback bowl construction and featuring endorsements from artists such as Glen Campbell, Eric Clapton, and the Bee Gees. Detailed specifications, quality workmanship processes, engineering innovations, patent information, and a lifetime warranty are also presented.
Year: 1975
A single-page US magazine advertisement for Ovation Acoustic/Electric guitars, featuring endorser Cat Stevens and highlighting the brand's exclusive six-piezoelectric-crystal pickup system built into the bridge. The ad explains the technical advantages of Ovation's built-in pickup system over single-pickup competitors, offering 12dB less feedback and superior sound reproduction. Readers are directed to write to Ovation Instruments Inc. in New Hartford, CT for a catalog, with an optional Cat Stevens poster available for an additional 50 cents.
Year: 1978
This is a single-page instrument review from a UK music publication called 'Beat Instrumental', written by Tom Stock, covering the Ovation Electric Legend acoustic-electric guitar priced at £635 including VAT and flight case. The review discusses the guitar's Lyrachord round-back bowl construction, piezoelectric pickup system, FET pre-amplifier, and overall sound quality both amplified and unamplified. The reviewer concludes it is a fine, well-built instrument but questions its value compared to alternatives like a Fylde guitar with a Kelsey microphone pickup.
Year: 1972
German-language Ovation guitar catalog covering the full early 1970s product line. Features acoustic models (Balladeer, Artist, Folklore, Pacemaker, Legend, Glen Campbell series, and Classical models) as well as the Acoustic Electric series with built-in pickup systems. Includes detailed specifications table, company history highlighting the Lyracord fiberglass body innovation, and endorsements from Buffy Sainte-Marie and Glen Campbell.
Year: 1973
This is a collection of internal Ovation/Kaman corporate memoranda from October 1973 through February 1974 documenting the research and development of the 'A-brace' guitar design and the Custom Legend model. The documents detail communications between C.H. Kaman and Ovation engineering staff (J. Rickard, R. Della Bernarda, R. Pretak, R. Gantick) regarding prototype construction, top deflection measurements, bracing patterns, and artist endorsement assignments. Notable artists receiving special 'A-brace' Electric Legend guitars included Glen Campbell, John McLaughlin, Kenny Loggins, Cat Stevens, Jesse Colin Young, Tom T. Hall, Shawn Phillips, and Don Gibson.
Year: 1978
This is a Japanese-market Ovation guitar advertisement featuring a live performance photo of a long-haired guitarist playing an Ovation acoustic guitar on stage. The ad promotes Ovation's 'Round Back' (Lyrachord) construction technology and highlights the Electric Custom Legend and Electric Legend models. Pricing is listed in Japanese Yen, distributed by Arai Trading Co. and Nakao Trading Co. in Tokyo.
Year: 2013
This is an official Ovation guitar distribution price list effective from January 1, 2013, distributed by Fender Ibérica for the Spanish market. It covers the full range of Ovation and Applause instruments including USA-made models, Pro series, Celebrity series, and accessories with recommended retail prices in Euros excluding VAT. The catalog spans premium limited editions like the Adamas and artist signature models through to entry-level Applause instruments and accessories such as cases and gig bags.
Year: 1972
A comprehensive German-language Ovation guitar catalog covering the full product line including acoustic, classical, and acoustic-electric models. Features the Lyracord roundback body history, detailed specifications tables, string sets, and artist endorsements from Glen Campbell, Eric Clapton, Charlie Byrd, and Buffy Saint-Marie. Part of a larger distributor publication with pages numbered 201-212.
Year: 1979
This is a three-page commercial invoice and shipment document from Ovation Instruments Inc. (a Kaman Company) dated March 8, 1979, billed to Des Moines Music House in Des Moines, Iowa. The order (Sales Order X68164) includes acoustic-electric guitars—the Custom Balladeer Natural, Pacemaker 12-String Natural, and Legend Natural—along with Ovation Acoustic Hardshell Cases, shipped via UPS on March 6, 1979. The total invoice amount is $728.72, with a delivery charge of $12.84 and an early payment discount of $7.16 if paid by March 18, 1979.
Year: 1979
This is a three-page commercial invoice and shipment document from Ovation Instruments Inc. (a Kaman Company) dated February 21, 1979, for order X71467 shipped to Des Moines Music House in Des Moines, Iowa. The order includes four acoustic-electric guitar models and four Ovation acoustic hardshell cases, with a total invoice amount of $1,348.75. The documents consist of two copies of the customer invoice and one shipment/customer copy, each listing serial numbers handwritten for the individual guitars.
Year: 1979
This is a three-page commercial invoice and shipment document from Ovation Instruments Inc. (a Kaman Company), dated February 1979, addressed to Des Moines Music House in Des Moines, Iowa. The document covers Sales Order X68164 and details a partial shipment of Ovation acoustic-electric guitars and hardshell cases, with a total invoice amount of $315.80. Items ordered include the Artist Natural, Custom Balladeer Natural, Pacemaker 12-String Natural, and Legend Natural models, of which only the Artist Natural and one Hardshell Case were shipped in this delivery.
Year: 1980
This is a 4-page commercial transaction document set from Ovation Instruments Inc. (a Kaman Company) dated December 1980, consisting of a customer invoice (two copies) and a shipment/packing slip (two copies) for order A79430. The order was placed by Des Moines Music House in Des Moines, Iowa, and included several Ovation guitar models and hardshell cases totaling $1,484.99. Some items were noted as damaged upon receipt, including the Acoustic Balladeer Sunburst and one of the Ovation Acoustic Hardshell Cases.
Year: 1981
This is a three-page commercial invoice and shipment document from Ovation Instruments Inc. (a Kaman Company) dated September 1981, addressed to Des Moines Music House in Des Moines, Iowa. The order (A96872) includes three Ovation guitars and three hardshell cases totaling $1,211.75, shipped via UPS on September 18, 1981. The documents consist of two copies of the customer invoice and one shipment/packing slip, with individual serial numbers noted for each guitar.
Year: 1979
This is a multi-page business document set from Ovation Instruments Inc. (a Kaman company) dated October 1979, consisting of two invoice copies and two shipment/packing slip copies for order #778018. The documents record a partial delivery of Ovation guitars and cases to Des Moines Music House in Des Moines, Iowa, with a total invoice amount of $688.31. Items ordered included Legend and Artist series acoustic-electric guitars and hardshell cases, with some items marked as back-ordered for later shipment.
Year: 1979
This is a 3-page commercial invoice and shipment document from Ovation Instruments Inc. (a Kaman Company) dated November 1979, addressed to Des Moines Music House in Des Moines, Iowa. The documents cover Sales Order No. 778018 and include an invoice (two copies) and a shipment/packing slip for three items: an Acoustic Pacemaker 12-string guitar, an Acoustic Electric Legend Natural guitar, and an Ovation Acoustic Hardshell Case. The total amount due was $307.33, with a $3.00 early payment discount available if paid by 11/15/79.
Year: 1979
This is a three-page commercial document set from Ovation Instruments Inc. (a Kaman Company) dated November 1979, consisting of two copies of Invoice No. 104446 and a shipment record for order XA1472. The documents record a sale to Des Moines Music House in Des Moines, Iowa, covering an Acoustic Electric Pacemaker 12-string Sunburst, an Acoustic Electric Legend Sunburst guitar, and an Ovation Acoustic Hardshell Case, with a total of $369.77. The shipment was sent via UPS on 11/27/79, with one copy marked 'OK' (customer copy) and the other marked 'Please Return with Remittance' (remittance copy).
Year: 1979
This three-page document consists of a customer invoice (two copies) and a shipment record from Ovation Instruments Inc. to Des Moines Music House in Des Moines, Iowa, dated November 1979. The order includes one Acoustic Electric Legend Natural guitar (Cat. No. 1617-4) priced at $305.25 and one Ovation Acoustic Hardshell Case (Cat. No. 9110-0) priced at $57.50, with a total of $369.77 including a $7.02 C.O.D. charge. The documents were shipped via UPS on 11/12/79 under Sales Order No. 778018.
Year: 1979
This six-page document set consists of commercial transaction records from Ovation Instruments Inc. (a Kaman Company) to Des Moines Music House in Des Moines, Iowa, dated October 1979. The documents include two copies of Invoice No. 101957, two shipment/packing slips, and two return authorization (RG 70992) forms related to the purchase and subsequent return/replacement of an Acoustic Electric Legend Natural (Model 1617-4) and an Ovation Acoustic Hardshell Case (Model 9110-0). The total invoice amount was $391.84, with the guitar priced at $330.00 and the case at $55.00, shipped via UPS on October 22, 1979.
Year: 1974
These are internal Ovation company documents from 1974, consisting of a memorandum from J. Rickard to C.H. Kaman and a hand-drawn technical sketch dated August 12, 1974. The memo discusses a customer's returned 1617-4 acoustic electric Custom Legend guitar with a sinking top near the bridge, identified as coming from the first production lot of 'A' bracing guitars. The second page contains a sketch outlining a proposed fix for the 'cave' issue on the Custom Legend, with dimensions noted, from a conference involving CHK, RD, and JR.
Year: 1973
This document is a collection of internal engineering memos and test data from Kaman/Ovation's Materials & Process Engineering department, primarily authored by A. L. Belbruno, spanning 1973 to 1976. The memos record top deflection measurements (in inches per 20 lbs) for various Ovation guitar models and bowl prototypes, including Glen Campbell signature models and standard production guitars. The documents track quality control and structural testing data related to guitar top stiffness under string tension and load conditions.
Year: 1972
A vintage Ovation Instruments print advertisement featuring Jim Croce as endorser, promoting the Ovation 1617 Electric Legend and 1615 Electric Pacemaker 12 String guitars. The ad uses the tagline 'Jim Croce plays the DEVIL out of an OVATION' and includes a mail-in coupon for Ovation catalogs addressed to New Hartford, Connecticut. Ovation Instruments is identified as a Kaman Company.
Year: 1980
This is an official Ovation Instruments, Inc. parts reference document for the 1117/1617 Legend acoustic guitar models with rod cover. The two-page document includes an exploded-view diagram with numbered callouts and a corresponding parts list organized into four sections: Neck, Bowl, Top, and Acoustic Models Only. Each part is listed with a specific part number and description to facilitate identification and ordering of replacement components.
Year: 1980
This is an official Ovation Instruments, Inc. parts diagram and parts list document for the 1117/1617 Legend acoustic guitar models equipped with the Kaman Bar tremolo system. The document provides exploded-view illustrations of the guitar with numbered callouts corresponding to a detailed parts list organized by section: Neck, Bowl, Top, and Acoustic Models Only. Each part is identified by a specific part number and description, serving as a reference for repairs, replacements, and assembly.
Year: 1980
This is an official Ovation Instruments, Inc. service/parts document for the Model 1617 Legend Acoustic Electric guitar, providing an exploded-view diagram and a complete parts list with part numbers and descriptions. The document covers acoustic-electric-specific components including the onboard FET preamp system, pickup, volume and tone controls, output jack, battery box, and all associated hardware. It is intended as a reference for repair and replacement of parts on the 1617 Legend model.
Year: 1980
Thanks to Riccardo Bucci from Italy for these nice pics.
Showing items from all 1617 variants
Year: 1974
Complete Ovation Instruments Inc. price list dated May 1974, covering acoustic deep bowl, acoustic shallow bowl, acoustic electric deep bowl, acoustic electric shallow bowl, and electric solid body guitars, plus accessories including cases, guitar cords, pic-keys, picks, stands, straps, and strings. Prices in US dollars, F.O.B. New Hartford, Connecticut.
Year: 1976
Ovation Instruments Inc. guitar price list effective January 1, 1976. Comprehensive listing covering Acoustic Deep Bowl, Acoustic Shallow Bowl, Acoustic Electric Deep Bowl, Acoustic Electric Shallow Bowl, Matrix by Ovation, Electric Solid Body guitars, and Cases. Prices in US dollars. Includes all model numbers, colors, and list prices. Published by Ovation Instruments Inc., New Hartford, Connecticut 06057, a Kaman Company.
Year: 1977
Comprehensive Ovation U.S.A. Price List with suggested list prices effective August 1, 1977. Covers the full Ovation product line: Acoustic Guitars, Acoustic/Electric Guitars (including the new Adamas series at $2,200-$2,350), Solid Body Guitars (Breadwinner, Deacon, Viper, Preacher), Solid Body Basses (Magnum 1 and 2), Matrix by Ovation, Cases, Strings, and Accessories. Published by Ovation Instruments Inc., New Hartford, CT 06057, a Kaman Company.
Year: 1983
1983 German-language Ovation newsletter featuring the complete product lineup including Adamas, Elite (new for 1983), Balladeer, Legend, Custom Legend, Anniversary, Classic, Cutaway, and Solid-Body series. Includes Nancy Wilson interview, Sigi Schwab Ovation Prize feature, Tech Talk on the Kaman Bar, endorsee news, J.H. Rickard column on bracing, and Kaman Musical Strings catalog. Distributed by Musik Meyer GmbH, Marburg. Priced at 3 DM.
Year: 1985
This is a Sotheby's auction catalog for a Rock 'n' Roll Memorabilia sale held in London on Thursday 29th August 1985, covering items from 1956-1984. The catalog includes lot 392, a Cat Stevens' Ovation Legend Acoustic Electric Guitar circa 1974 (Model No. 1617-4, Serial No. 001742), estimated at £950-1,200, along with other Cat Stevens memorabilia including a Gibson Les Paul-Style guitar, gold disc, tour posters, and photographs.
Year: 1972
This is the 1972 full product line catalog for Ovation Instruments Inc., a subsidiary of Kaman Corporation based in New Hartford, Connecticut. The catalog showcases the complete range of acoustic and acoustic-electric guitars, including steel-string, 12-string, and classical nylon-string models, highlighting the proprietary Lyrachord fiberglass roundback bowl construction and featuring endorsements from artists such as Glen Campbell, Eric Clapton, and the Bee Gees. Detailed specifications, quality workmanship processes, engineering innovations, patent information, and a lifetime warranty are also presented.
Year: 1975
A single-page US magazine advertisement for Ovation Acoustic/Electric guitars, featuring endorser Cat Stevens and highlighting the brand's exclusive six-piezoelectric-crystal pickup system built into the bridge. The ad explains the technical advantages of Ovation's built-in pickup system over single-pickup competitors, offering 12dB less feedback and superior sound reproduction. Readers are directed to write to Ovation Instruments Inc. in New Hartford, CT for a catalog, with an optional Cat Stevens poster available for an additional 50 cents.
Year: 1978
This is a single-page instrument review from a UK music publication called 'Beat Instrumental', written by Tom Stock, covering the Ovation Electric Legend acoustic-electric guitar priced at £635 including VAT and flight case. The review discusses the guitar's Lyrachord round-back bowl construction, piezoelectric pickup system, FET pre-amplifier, and overall sound quality both amplified and unamplified. The reviewer concludes it is a fine, well-built instrument but questions its value compared to alternatives like a Fylde guitar with a Kelsey microphone pickup.
Year: 1972
German-language Ovation guitar catalog covering the full early 1970s product line. Features acoustic models (Balladeer, Artist, Folklore, Pacemaker, Legend, Glen Campbell series, and Classical models) as well as the Acoustic Electric series with built-in pickup systems. Includes detailed specifications table, company history highlighting the Lyracord fiberglass body innovation, and endorsements from Buffy Sainte-Marie and Glen Campbell.
Year: 1973
This is a collection of internal Ovation/Kaman corporate memoranda from October 1973 through February 1974 documenting the research and development of the 'A-brace' guitar design and the Custom Legend model. The documents detail communications between C.H. Kaman and Ovation engineering staff (J. Rickard, R. Della Bernarda, R. Pretak, R. Gantick) regarding prototype construction, top deflection measurements, bracing patterns, and artist endorsement assignments. Notable artists receiving special 'A-brace' Electric Legend guitars included Glen Campbell, John McLaughlin, Kenny Loggins, Cat Stevens, Jesse Colin Young, Tom T. Hall, Shawn Phillips, and Don Gibson.
Year: 1978
This is a Japanese-market Ovation guitar advertisement featuring a live performance photo of a long-haired guitarist playing an Ovation acoustic guitar on stage. The ad promotes Ovation's 'Round Back' (Lyrachord) construction technology and highlights the Electric Custom Legend and Electric Legend models. Pricing is listed in Japanese Yen, distributed by Arai Trading Co. and Nakao Trading Co. in Tokyo.
Year: 2013
This is an official Ovation guitar distribution price list effective from January 1, 2013, distributed by Fender Ibérica for the Spanish market. It covers the full range of Ovation and Applause instruments including USA-made models, Pro series, Celebrity series, and accessories with recommended retail prices in Euros excluding VAT. The catalog spans premium limited editions like the Adamas and artist signature models through to entry-level Applause instruments and accessories such as cases and gig bags.
Year: 1972
A comprehensive German-language Ovation guitar catalog covering the full product line including acoustic, classical, and acoustic-electric models. Features the Lyracord roundback body history, detailed specifications tables, string sets, and artist endorsements from Glen Campbell, Eric Clapton, Charlie Byrd, and Buffy Saint-Marie. Part of a larger distributor publication with pages numbered 201-212.
Year: 1979
This is a three-page commercial invoice and shipment document from Ovation Instruments Inc. (a Kaman Company) dated March 8, 1979, billed to Des Moines Music House in Des Moines, Iowa. The order (Sales Order X68164) includes acoustic-electric guitars—the Custom Balladeer Natural, Pacemaker 12-String Natural, and Legend Natural—along with Ovation Acoustic Hardshell Cases, shipped via UPS on March 6, 1979. The total invoice amount is $728.72, with a delivery charge of $12.84 and an early payment discount of $7.16 if paid by March 18, 1979.
Year: 1979
This is a three-page commercial invoice and shipment document from Ovation Instruments Inc. (a Kaman Company) dated February 21, 1979, for order X71467 shipped to Des Moines Music House in Des Moines, Iowa. The order includes four acoustic-electric guitar models and four Ovation acoustic hardshell cases, with a total invoice amount of $1,348.75. The documents consist of two copies of the customer invoice and one shipment/customer copy, each listing serial numbers handwritten for the individual guitars.
Year: 1979
This is a three-page commercial invoice and shipment document from Ovation Instruments Inc. (a Kaman Company), dated February 1979, addressed to Des Moines Music House in Des Moines, Iowa. The document covers Sales Order X68164 and details a partial shipment of Ovation acoustic-electric guitars and hardshell cases, with a total invoice amount of $315.80. Items ordered include the Artist Natural, Custom Balladeer Natural, Pacemaker 12-String Natural, and Legend Natural models, of which only the Artist Natural and one Hardshell Case were shipped in this delivery.
Year: 1980
This is a 4-page commercial transaction document set from Ovation Instruments Inc. (a Kaman Company) dated December 1980, consisting of a customer invoice (two copies) and a shipment/packing slip (two copies) for order A79430. The order was placed by Des Moines Music House in Des Moines, Iowa, and included several Ovation guitar models and hardshell cases totaling $1,484.99. Some items were noted as damaged upon receipt, including the Acoustic Balladeer Sunburst and one of the Ovation Acoustic Hardshell Cases.
Year: 1981
This is a three-page commercial invoice and shipment document from Ovation Instruments Inc. (a Kaman Company) dated September 1981, addressed to Des Moines Music House in Des Moines, Iowa. The order (A96872) includes three Ovation guitars and three hardshell cases totaling $1,211.75, shipped via UPS on September 18, 1981. The documents consist of two copies of the customer invoice and one shipment/packing slip, with individual serial numbers noted for each guitar.
Year: 1979
This is a multi-page business document set from Ovation Instruments Inc. (a Kaman company) dated October 1979, consisting of two invoice copies and two shipment/packing slip copies for order #778018. The documents record a partial delivery of Ovation guitars and cases to Des Moines Music House in Des Moines, Iowa, with a total invoice amount of $688.31. Items ordered included Legend and Artist series acoustic-electric guitars and hardshell cases, with some items marked as back-ordered for later shipment.
Year: 1979
This is a 3-page commercial invoice and shipment document from Ovation Instruments Inc. (a Kaman Company) dated November 1979, addressed to Des Moines Music House in Des Moines, Iowa. The documents cover Sales Order No. 778018 and include an invoice (two copies) and a shipment/packing slip for three items: an Acoustic Pacemaker 12-string guitar, an Acoustic Electric Legend Natural guitar, and an Ovation Acoustic Hardshell Case. The total amount due was $307.33, with a $3.00 early payment discount available if paid by 11/15/79.
Year: 1979
This is a three-page commercial document set from Ovation Instruments Inc. (a Kaman Company) dated November 1979, consisting of two copies of Invoice No. 104446 and a shipment record for order XA1472. The documents record a sale to Des Moines Music House in Des Moines, Iowa, covering an Acoustic Electric Pacemaker 12-string Sunburst, an Acoustic Electric Legend Sunburst guitar, and an Ovation Acoustic Hardshell Case, with a total of $369.77. The shipment was sent via UPS on 11/27/79, with one copy marked 'OK' (customer copy) and the other marked 'Please Return with Remittance' (remittance copy).
Year: 1979
This three-page document consists of a customer invoice (two copies) and a shipment record from Ovation Instruments Inc. to Des Moines Music House in Des Moines, Iowa, dated November 1979. The order includes one Acoustic Electric Legend Natural guitar (Cat. No. 1617-4) priced at $305.25 and one Ovation Acoustic Hardshell Case (Cat. No. 9110-0) priced at $57.50, with a total of $369.77 including a $7.02 C.O.D. charge. The documents were shipped via UPS on 11/12/79 under Sales Order No. 778018.
Year: 1979
This six-page document set consists of commercial transaction records from Ovation Instruments Inc. (a Kaman Company) to Des Moines Music House in Des Moines, Iowa, dated October 1979. The documents include two copies of Invoice No. 101957, two shipment/packing slips, and two return authorization (RG 70992) forms related to the purchase and subsequent return/replacement of an Acoustic Electric Legend Natural (Model 1617-4) and an Ovation Acoustic Hardshell Case (Model 9110-0). The total invoice amount was $391.84, with the guitar priced at $330.00 and the case at $55.00, shipped via UPS on October 22, 1979.
Year: 1974
These are internal Ovation company documents from 1974, consisting of a memorandum from J. Rickard to C.H. Kaman and a hand-drawn technical sketch dated August 12, 1974. The memo discusses a customer's returned 1617-4 acoustic electric Custom Legend guitar with a sinking top near the bridge, identified as coming from the first production lot of 'A' bracing guitars. The second page contains a sketch outlining a proposed fix for the 'cave' issue on the Custom Legend, with dimensions noted, from a conference involving CHK, RD, and JR.
Year: 1973
This document is a collection of internal engineering memos and test data from Kaman/Ovation's Materials & Process Engineering department, primarily authored by A. L. Belbruno, spanning 1973 to 1976. The memos record top deflection measurements (in inches per 20 lbs) for various Ovation guitar models and bowl prototypes, including Glen Campbell signature models and standard production guitars. The documents track quality control and structural testing data related to guitar top stiffness under string tension and load conditions.
Year: 1972
A vintage Ovation Instruments print advertisement featuring Jim Croce as endorser, promoting the Ovation 1617 Electric Legend and 1615 Electric Pacemaker 12 String guitars. The ad uses the tagline 'Jim Croce plays the DEVIL out of an OVATION' and includes a mail-in coupon for Ovation catalogs addressed to New Hartford, Connecticut. Ovation Instruments is identified as a Kaman Company.
Year: 1980
This is an official Ovation Instruments, Inc. parts reference document for the 1117/1617 Legend acoustic guitar models with rod cover. The two-page document includes an exploded-view diagram with numbered callouts and a corresponding parts list organized into four sections: Neck, Bowl, Top, and Acoustic Models Only. Each part is listed with a specific part number and description to facilitate identification and ordering of replacement components.
Year: 1980
This is an official Ovation Instruments, Inc. parts diagram and parts list document for the 1117/1617 Legend acoustic guitar models equipped with the Kaman Bar tremolo system. The document provides exploded-view illustrations of the guitar with numbered callouts corresponding to a detailed parts list organized by section: Neck, Bowl, Top, and Acoustic Models Only. Each part is identified by a specific part number and description, serving as a reference for repairs, replacements, and assembly.
Year: 1980
This is an official Ovation Instruments, Inc. service/parts document for the Model 1617 Legend Acoustic Electric guitar, providing an exploded-view diagram and a complete parts list with part numbers and descriptions. The document covers acoustic-electric-specific components including the onboard FET preamp system, pickup, volume and tone controls, output jack, battery box, and all associated hardware. It is intended as a reference for repair and replacement of parts on the 1617 Legend model.
Year: 1980
Thanks to Riccardo Bucci from Italy for these nice pics.
