Ovation T.S 1997 Collector Preamp

The Ovation TS (Touch Sensitive) preamp was released in 1997 as a revolutionary "less is more" interface. Unlike traditional preamps with sliders or knobs, it features a proximity-sensing control panel flush with the guitar body. Its main characteristic is the absence of mechanical parts, using raised symbols on the upper bout for volume adjustment. The system includes a preset EQ curve specifically tuned to provide a natural, balanced acoustic tonality immediately. This design eliminates the common "crackling" noise found in aging potentiometers, ensuring high long-term reliability. The volume changes are described as immediate and repeatable, responding directly to a light touch of the finger. It was designed to be aesthetically discrete, reducing the "cosmetic intrusion" of large plastic preamp boxes on the wood. The TS preamp remains a unique piece of Ovation history, blending aerospace-style sensors with acoustic performance.