The Ovation 1617 Legend is a classic American-made acoustic-electric guitar, primarily produced between 1972 and 1998. Known for its "deep bowl" design and high-quality tonewoods, it was a staple of the Ovation Legend Series.
Key Features & Specifications
Body Construction:The Ovation 1617 Legend features a solid spruce top paired with Ovation’s signature Lyrachord composite back, which utilizes a deep-bowl design. This combination is engineered to provide significant projection and a warmer, more resonant tone compared to shallower models.
Neck & Fingerboard:The guitar is equipped with a sturdy 5-piece maple/mahogany neck that has a comfortable soft V-shape. It typically features a high-grade ebony fingerboard, though some early versions used rosewood. The fingerboard includes 20 frets and distinctive diamond-shaped inlays.
Hardware:The hardware consists of a walnut bridge and gold Ovation or Schaller tuners, offering both durability and aesthetic appeal.
Electronics:As an "electro-acoustic" model, the 1617 Legend includes a built-in piezo bridge pickup. Earlier models were equipped with simple volume and tone knobs, while later iterations and reissues incorporated more advanced preamps such as the OP-24, OP-X, or OP-40. This particular 1617 has the stacked Volume and Tone pointing toward earlier in the run than later.
Original Hardshell Case (OHSC)
The original hardshell case for the 1617 is specifically molded to accommodate the unique rounded deep-bowl shape of the guitar. These cases are designed to meet several important needs:
Form-fitted:They ensure the Lyrachord back doesn't shift during transport, providing a secure fit for the guitar.
Durable:The cases are usually constructed from hardshell plastic or wood-core materials and feature a plush interior to protect the spruce top from scratches and impact.
