Model #1251 · Family: 1251
solid body double pickup, active electronics with opaque finish
Year: 1970
These are detailed technical/engineering blueprint drawings for an Ovation guitar, showing precise dimensional specifications. Page 1 depicts a cross-section (Section A-A) and a back view showing the battery compartment and battery door with measurements. Page 2 shows a top-view body outline with detailed dimensions for the neck joint, body contours, and hardware placement locations.
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: 1984
This is a 4-page German-language wholesale (Brutto) price list dated 2/84 (second edition 1984) covering the full Ovation guitar lineup distributed in Germany. The catalog includes Applause, Ultra, Ovation electro-acoustic western and nylon string models, Adamas and Super Adamas series, Cutaway models, Ovation electric guitars (E-Gitarren) and basses, along with cases and strings. Prices are listed in Deutsche Mark and the document notes left-handed models, available colors, and electronics configurations.
Year: 1975
This is a guitar review section from the UK publication 'Guitar' magazine, dated April 1975, featuring a detailed review of the Ovation Breadwinner (Model 3409) electric guitar alongside a review of the Hokada 3125 classical guitar. The Ovation Breadwinner review highlights its built-in pre-amp, Schaller machine heads, adjustable bridge, two-octave detachable neck, and wide tonal range, scoring 85 out of 100 in the magazine's rating system. The document is not an Ovation catalog or brochure but rather an independent UK magazine review priced at 30p.
Year: 1976
This is a French print advertisement for Ovation electric guitars, distributed through Martinet & Cie, located at 160 Rue de Charenton, 75012 Paris. The ad features a close-up photograph of an Ovation solid-body electric guitar, likely the Breadwinner or Deacon model, showcasing its distinctive body shape, dual pickups, and control knobs. The vintage aesthetic and contact details suggest this advertisement dates from the mid-to-late 1970s.
Year: 1976
A French-language Ovation guitar accessories price list dated March 1976, distributed by Martinet et Cie in Paris, listing strings, stands, cables, straps, and Schaller tuning machine hardware with TTC (tax-inclusive) prices. The second page features promotional photographs of notable Ovation endorsers including John McLaughlin, Badfinger, David Cassidy, and Kenny Loggins. The document serves as both a retail price guide and an artist endorsement advertisement for the French market. Many thanks to Christian for these rare docs
Year: 1978
This comprehensive Ovation catalog showcases their full range of guitars including acoustic models with the distinctive Lyrachord bowl, the innovative Matrix series with aluminum frames, the high-end Adamas line, electric solid body guitars (Breadwinner, Deacon, Preacher, Viper series), and Magnum bass models. The catalog also features extensive accessories including picks, straps, cases, stands, and the complete specifications for each model with detailed construction information.
Year: 1974
A vintage single-page magazine advertisement for Ovation's solid body electric guitar line, featuring psychedelic 1970s-style line art of a guitarist surrounded by stars and cosmic imagery. The ad highlights key features including a double octave tapered neck, built-in pre-amplifier, and is presented in rhyming verse copy. Published by Ovation Instruments, Inc. (a Kaman Company) based in New Hartford, Connecticut, with an offer for poster versions at 50 cents each.
Year: 1974
This is a single-page instrument review of the Ovation Breadwinner solid-body electric guitar, reproduced from Beat Instrumental magazine, October 1974, and sponsored by Rose-Morris & Co Ltd of London. The review praises the guitar's FET pre-amp, ebony neck, Schaller machine heads, and versatile mid-range switch, calling it one of the most exciting instruments the reviewer had played. It was distributed in the UK market through Rose-Morris & Co Ltd, located at 32-34 Gordon House Road, London NW5 1NE.
Year: 1975
Technical settings guide for Ovation Deacon and Breadwinner solid body electric guitars. Explains tone components (bass, midrange, treble), selector switch, notch switch, and tone control interactions. Includes frequency response curves comparing conventional passive guitar electronics to Deacon/Breadwinner active electronics, a chart of typical sounds when playing through a 50 Watt Marshall Amp (emulating Les Paul, Gibson SG, Fender Telecaster, Stratocaster, etc.), and trim control adjustment instructions. Thanks to Wayne Reid for this great document!
Year: 1974
This multi-page Ovation technical document explains how to maximize the tonal capabilities of the Deacon and Breadwinner solid-body electric guitars, covering their active electronics, frequency response curves, and control configurations. It includes detailed explanations of the selector switch, notch switch, tone control, and trim controls, along with frequency response diagrams illustrating nine distinct tonal settings. A reference chart provides settings to emulate sounds associated with other well-known guitars and artists, such as the Allman Brothers, Doobie Brothers, and Fender Telecaster, when played through a 50-watt Marshall amplifier.
Year: 1975
This brochure showcases the Ovation 12-String Deacon solid body electric guitar, highlighting its innovative features including graphite-reinforced neck, solid brass saddle, and ovation solid body construction. The document details technical specifications such as string sizes and gauges, and emphasizes the guitar's superior sustain, intonation accuracy, and phase-treble sound quality.
Year: 1995
Retrospective article by Roger Cooper in Guitarist magazine Oldies column reviewing the Ovation Breadwinner solid-body electric guitar, covering its history from 1972 introduction through the evolution of Ovation electric line including the Deacon, Viper, Preacher, and UK II, and evaluating the instruments design, playability, and tone. This Document is excerpted from "US Guitarist Mag" from Nov 1995
Year: 1980
This is an official Ovation Instruments, Inc. parts and exploded-view diagram document for the model 1251 Breadwinner electric guitar. The document covers four pages including exploded diagrams of the full guitar assembly, circuit board assembly, and complete parts lists with part numbers for neck, body, tailpiece, pickguard, and circuit board components. The Breadwinner features an active onboard FET-based circuit board assembly mounted on the pickguard, with multiple finish and color options available.
Year: 1975
Owner's manual for the Ovation Deacon 12-String solid body electric guitar, a Kaman Music product. Covers the guitar's key features including the graphite-reinforced neck, built-in FET preamplifier, solid brass saddle, and 24 nickel silver frets. Includes a labeled parts diagram and recommended string gauge chart for Ovation 12E strings.
Year: 1973
This catalog introduces Ovation's first solid body electric guitars, the Breadwinner and Deacon models. The document highlights innovative features including toroidal pickups with 12 individual magnetic poles, FET pre-amplifier circuitry, adjustable bridge with individual saddles, and bolt-on detachable necks. Pricing ranges from $349.00 for the Breadwinner to $449.00 for the Deacon, with multiple color options available.
Year: 1972
Owner's manual for Ovation solid body electric guitars (Breadwinner/Deacon). Covers features, controls (selector switch, notch switch, volume, tone), FET pre-amplifier, pick-ups, trim controls, tension rod adjustment, tailpiece setup, battery replacement, neck removal, tone settings, maintenance, string changing, and includes warranty card and registration. Printed by Ovation Instruments Inc., New Hartford, Connecticut. Thanks to "BruDeV" from the Ovation Fan Club for this great document!
Year: 1970
Many Thanks to Arthur Hancock from Mason/Wisconsin/USA for these pictures.
Year: 1978
This guitar is currently Owned by Debra Snow USA.
Year: 1970
Breadwinner 1251-6 White
Year: 1970
Many Thanks to "Wyatt JAFFEE" from USA for these pictures.
Year: 1970
Many Thanks to "Atilos2" from Los Angeles/CA/USA for these photos.
Year: 1979
Thanks to Jim Barnard from Bloomfield/CT/USA for these nice photos.
Year: 1970
Thanks to Stephan Kamlowski from Germany for these nice photos.
Year: 1970
Thanks to Stephan Kamlowski from Germany for these nice photos.
Year: 1970
Many Thanks to Marcel Kanche from France for these nice pictures. Very talented composer and songwritter, Marcel use this guitar in studio and on stage.
Year: 1970
Thanks to Stephan Kamlowski from Germany for these nice photos.
Year: 1970
Thanks a lot to Wilson Craig from California/USA for his help.
Year: 1977
A guitar with separate body and neck each made of a metallic frame combined with a mass of structural foamed plastic. A solid metal-to-metal joint between the two frames allows disassembly for repair or replacement. The two frames provide a continuous metallic span from the nut to the bridge to inhibit bending under string tension and reduce damping for enhanced sustain. External surfaces may be given a wood grain effect, avoiding the disadvantages of real wood such as warping, cracking, and sensitivity to temperature and humidity changes. Assigned to Kaman Aerospace Corporation. Patent granted Feb. 19, 1980; filed Nov. 29, 1977. 4 claims, 14 drawing figures.
Year: 1976
A magnetic induction type electrical pickup for a stringed musical instrument featuring two coils with permanent magnet elements. The arrangement minimizes stray magnetic fields to suppress noise from nearby electrical devices, while construction features repress resonant vibration of internal parts.
Year: 1970
Ovation Instruments factory circuit diagram for the Breadwinner guitar model 1251-0-350F. Three-stage active transistor preamp featuring bridge and neck pickups routed through a pickup selector switch (S1), three common-emitter transistor gain stages (Q1, Q2, Q3) with RC coupling, front and rear tone controls (750K and 250K pots), a 1 henry inductor (L1) in the output filter network, and a dual battery power supply (9V and 18V). Includes red LED power indicator (F1) and phase/tone switching (S2). Note on schematic states all capacitance values in microfarads unless otherwise specified.
Year: 1970
Factory circuit diagram for the Ovation Breadwinner electric guitar active electronics. Features a two-stage transistor preamp (Q1, Q2) with pickup selector switch (S1 with bridge and neck pickup inputs), inductor-based tone shaping (L1), and multiple RC filtering stages. Powered by dual batteries (B1 at 18V, B2 at 9V). Output via J1 jack with S3 switch. Document marked subject to change without notice by Ovation Instruments.
Year: 1970
This document contains two circuit diagrams for Ovation Instruments guitar electronics: the 1251-0-350F and the 1251-0-350D models. Each diagram details the onboard preamp circuitry including transistors, resistors, capacitors, pickups (bridge and neck), tone controls, and battery power supplies. The schematics are technical service documents intended for repair and further reference via associated parts lists.
Showing items from all 1251 variants
Year: 1970
These are detailed technical/engineering blueprint drawings for an Ovation guitar, showing precise dimensional specifications. Page 1 depicts a cross-section (Section A-A) and a back view showing the battery compartment and battery door with measurements. Page 2 shows a top-view body outline with detailed dimensions for the neck joint, body contours, and hardware placement locations.
Year: 1975
German-language promotional brochure for Ovation's solid body electric guitar line, featuring the Deacon and Breadwinner models. Includes detailed specifications, close-up photos of pickups, bridge, circuitry, and neck construction, along with available color options and model numbers. Printed by Wenzel in Marburg, Germany for the European market.
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: 1984
This is a 4-page German-language wholesale (Brutto) price list dated 2/84 (second edition 1984) covering the full Ovation guitar lineup distributed in Germany. The catalog includes Applause, Ultra, Ovation electro-acoustic western and nylon string models, Adamas and Super Adamas series, Cutaway models, Ovation electric guitars (E-Gitarren) and basses, along with cases and strings. Prices are listed in Deutsche Mark and the document notes left-handed models, available colors, and electronics configurations.
Year: 1975
This is a guitar review section from the UK publication 'Guitar' magazine, dated April 1975, featuring a detailed review of the Ovation Breadwinner (Model 3409) electric guitar alongside a review of the Hokada 3125 classical guitar. The Ovation Breadwinner review highlights its built-in pre-amp, Schaller machine heads, adjustable bridge, two-octave detachable neck, and wide tonal range, scoring 85 out of 100 in the magazine's rating system. The document is not an Ovation catalog or brochure but rather an independent UK magazine review priced at 30p.
Year: 1976
This is a French print advertisement for Ovation electric guitars, distributed through Martinet & Cie, located at 160 Rue de Charenton, 75012 Paris. The ad features a close-up photograph of an Ovation solid-body electric guitar, likely the Breadwinner or Deacon model, showcasing its distinctive body shape, dual pickups, and control knobs. The vintage aesthetic and contact details suggest this advertisement dates from the mid-to-late 1970s.
Year: 1975
This is a Japanese market Ovation guitar catalog featuring the full lineup of acoustic, acoustic-electric, and solid body electric guitars. The catalog includes detailed photos of models such as the Classic, Glen Campbell Artist, Custom Legend, Anniversary, Breadwinner, and Deacon, along with close-up detail shots of hardware and construction. A comprehensive price list in Japanese Yen is included on the final page, distributed through authorized Japanese dealers including Aria and affiliated companies.
Year: 1976
A French-language Ovation guitar accessories price list dated March 1976, distributed by Martinet et Cie in Paris, listing strings, stands, cables, straps, and Schaller tuning machine hardware with TTC (tax-inclusive) prices. The second page features promotional photographs of notable Ovation endorsers including John McLaughlin, Badfinger, David Cassidy, and Kenny Loggins. The document serves as both a retail price guide and an artist endorsement advertisement for the French market. Many thanks to Christian for these rare docs
Year: 1978
This comprehensive Ovation catalog showcases their full range of guitars including acoustic models with the distinctive Lyrachord bowl, the innovative Matrix series with aluminum frames, the high-end Adamas line, electric solid body guitars (Breadwinner, Deacon, Preacher, Viper series), and Magnum bass models. The catalog also features extensive accessories including picks, straps, cases, stands, and the complete specifications for each model with detailed construction information.
Year: 1974
A vintage single-page magazine advertisement for Ovation's solid body electric guitar line, featuring psychedelic 1970s-style line art of a guitarist surrounded by stars and cosmic imagery. The ad highlights key features including a double octave tapered neck, built-in pre-amplifier, and is presented in rhyming verse copy. Published by Ovation Instruments, Inc. (a Kaman Company) based in New Hartford, Connecticut, with an offer for poster versions at 50 cents each.
Year: 1973
Product brochure for Ovation Instruments solid body electric guitars, featuring the Deacon and Breadwinner models. Includes detailed specifications, color options, and close-up photography of pickups, circuitry, bridge, and neck construction. Published by Ovation Instruments Inc., New Hartford, Connecticut, a Kaman Company.
Year: 1974
This is a single-page instrument review of the Ovation Breadwinner solid-body electric guitar, reproduced from Beat Instrumental magazine, October 1974, and sponsored by Rose-Morris & Co Ltd of London. The review praises the guitar's FET pre-amp, ebony neck, Schaller machine heads, and versatile mid-range switch, calling it one of the most exciting instruments the reviewer had played. It was distributed in the UK market through Rose-Morris & Co Ltd, located at 32-34 Gordon House Road, London NW5 1NE.
Year: 1975
Technical settings guide for Ovation Deacon and Breadwinner solid body electric guitars. Explains tone components (bass, midrange, treble), selector switch, notch switch, and tone control interactions. Includes frequency response curves comparing conventional passive guitar electronics to Deacon/Breadwinner active electronics, a chart of typical sounds when playing through a 50 Watt Marshall Amp (emulating Les Paul, Gibson SG, Fender Telecaster, Stratocaster, etc.), and trim control adjustment instructions. Thanks to Wayne Reid for this great document!
Year: 1974
This multi-page Ovation technical document explains how to maximize the tonal capabilities of the Deacon and Breadwinner solid-body electric guitars, covering their active electronics, frequency response curves, and control configurations. It includes detailed explanations of the selector switch, notch switch, tone control, and trim controls, along with frequency response diagrams illustrating nine distinct tonal settings. A reference chart provides settings to emulate sounds associated with other well-known guitars and artists, such as the Allman Brothers, Doobie Brothers, and Fender Telecaster, when played through a 50-watt Marshall amplifier.
Year: 1975
This brochure showcases the Ovation 12-String Deacon solid body electric guitar, highlighting its innovative features including graphite-reinforced neck, solid brass saddle, and ovation solid body construction. The document details technical specifications such as string sizes and gauges, and emphasizes the guitar's superior sustain, intonation accuracy, and phase-treble sound quality.
Year: 1995
Retrospective article by Roger Cooper in Guitarist magazine Oldies column reviewing the Ovation Breadwinner solid-body electric guitar, covering its history from 1972 introduction through the evolution of Ovation electric line including the Deacon, Viper, Preacher, and UK II, and evaluating the instruments design, playability, and tone. This Document is excerpted from "US Guitarist Mag" from Nov 1995
Year: 1980
This is an official Ovation Instruments, Inc. parts and exploded-view diagram document for the model 1251 Breadwinner electric guitar. The document covers four pages including exploded diagrams of the full guitar assembly, circuit board assembly, and complete parts lists with part numbers for neck, body, tailpiece, pickguard, and circuit board components. The Breadwinner features an active onboard FET-based circuit board assembly mounted on the pickguard, with multiple finish and color options available.
Year: 1975
Owner's manual for the Ovation Deacon 12-String solid body electric guitar, a Kaman Music product. Covers the guitar's key features including the graphite-reinforced neck, built-in FET preamplifier, solid brass saddle, and 24 nickel silver frets. Includes a labeled parts diagram and recommended string gauge chart for Ovation 12E strings.
Year: 1973
This catalog introduces Ovation's first solid body electric guitars, the Breadwinner and Deacon models. The document highlights innovative features including toroidal pickups with 12 individual magnetic poles, FET pre-amplifier circuitry, adjustable bridge with individual saddles, and bolt-on detachable necks. Pricing ranges from $349.00 for the Breadwinner to $449.00 for the Deacon, with multiple color options available.
Year: 1972
Owner's manual for Ovation solid body electric guitars (Breadwinner/Deacon). Covers features, controls (selector switch, notch switch, volume, tone), FET pre-amplifier, pick-ups, trim controls, tension rod adjustment, tailpiece setup, battery replacement, neck removal, tone settings, maintenance, string changing, and includes warranty card and registration. Printed by Ovation Instruments Inc., New Hartford, Connecticut. Thanks to "BruDeV" from the Ovation Fan Club for this great document!
Year: 1970
Many Thanks to Arthur Hancock from Mason/Wisconsin/USA for these pictures.
Year: 1970
Many Thanks to Laurent Pein from France for these very nice photos.
Year: 1978
This guitar is currently Owned by Debra Snow USA.
Year: 1970
Breadwinner 1251-6 White
Year: 1970
Many Thanks to "Wyatt JAFFEE" from USA for these pictures.
Year: 1970
Many Thanks to "Atilos2" from Los Angeles/CA/USA for these photos.
Year: 1970
Thanks to Stephan Kamlowski from Germany for these nice photos.
Year: 1979
Thanks to Jim Barnard from Bloomfield/CT/USA for these nice photos.
Year: 1970
Thanks to Stephan Kamlowski from Germany for these nice photos.
Year: 1970
Many Thanks to Marcel Kanche from France for these nice pictures. Very talented composer and songwritter, Marcel use this guitar in studio and on stage.
Year: 1980
Many Thanks to Tony Carter from Akron/Ohio/USA for these pictures.
Year: 1970
Thanks to Stephan Kamlowski from Germany for these nice photos.
Year: 1970
Thanks a lot to Wilson Craig from California/USA for his help.
Year: 1977
A guitar with separate body and neck each made of a metallic frame combined with a mass of structural foamed plastic. A solid metal-to-metal joint between the two frames allows disassembly for repair or replacement. The two frames provide a continuous metallic span from the nut to the bridge to inhibit bending under string tension and reduce damping for enhanced sustain. External surfaces may be given a wood grain effect, avoiding the disadvantages of real wood such as warping, cracking, and sensitivity to temperature and humidity changes. Assigned to Kaman Aerospace Corporation. Patent granted Feb. 19, 1980; filed Nov. 29, 1977. 4 claims, 14 drawing figures.
Year: 1976
A magnetic induction type electrical pickup for a stringed musical instrument featuring two coils with permanent magnet elements. The arrangement minimizes stray magnetic fields to suppress noise from nearby electrical devices, while construction features repress resonant vibration of internal parts.
Year: 1970
Ovation Instruments factory circuit diagram for the Breadwinner guitar model 1251-0-350F. Three-stage active transistor preamp featuring bridge and neck pickups routed through a pickup selector switch (S1), three common-emitter transistor gain stages (Q1, Q2, Q3) with RC coupling, front and rear tone controls (750K and 250K pots), a 1 henry inductor (L1) in the output filter network, and a dual battery power supply (9V and 18V). Includes red LED power indicator (F1) and phase/tone switching (S2). Note on schematic states all capacitance values in microfarads unless otherwise specified.
Year: 1970
Factory circuit diagram for the Ovation Breadwinner electric guitar active electronics. Features a two-stage transistor preamp (Q1, Q2) with pickup selector switch (S1 with bridge and neck pickup inputs), inductor-based tone shaping (L1), and multiple RC filtering stages. Powered by dual batteries (B1 at 18V, B2 at 9V). Output via J1 jack with S3 switch. Document marked subject to change without notice by Ovation Instruments.
Year: 1970
This document contains two circuit diagrams for Ovation Instruments guitar electronics: the 1251-0-350F and the 1251-0-350D models. Each diagram details the onboard preamp circuitry including transistors, resistors, capacitors, pickups (bridge and neck), tone controls, and battery power supplies. The schematics are technical service documents intended for repair and further reference via associated parts lists.
