Ovation Elite guitars are renowned for their distinctive visual appeal and exceptional sonic characteristics, and the Ovation 12 String Guitar models truly exemplify this blend of artistry and acoustic engineering. Departing from traditional soundhole designs, the Elite series features the innovative Multi Soundhole configuration, strategically positioned at the guitar’s perimeter. This unique design choice yields significant acoustic advantages, enhancing both the instrument’s projection and the player’s auditory experience.
The Multi Soundhole design in an ovation 12 string guitar serves a dual purpose. Firstly, by eliminating the central soundhole, it maximizes the vibration surface of the soundboard’s center. This is particularly crucial for a 12-string instrument, where the doubled string courses demand a more responsive and resonant top. The increased vibrational area translates to a richer, fuller sound with enhanced sustain, essential for capturing the complex harmonic textures of a 12-string. Secondly, the repositioned soundholes project the sound much closer to the player’s ears. This provides a more direct and immediate sonic feedback, allowing for nuanced performance monitoring, especially beneficial in live settings or recording environments where accurate self-assessment is paramount.
Visually, the Multi Soundholes are a signature element of the Ovation Elite aesthetic. Often adorned with elegant epaulettes, these soundhole arrangements transform the guitar’s top into a captivating visual statement. For performers seeking an instrument that commands attention both sonically and visually, an ovation 12 string guitar from the Elite series delivers undeniable stage presence.
Contributing further to the exceptional acoustic sound of these instruments are the meticulously selected spruce tops. Crafted from high-grade A woods, these soundboards are chosen for their optimal stiffness-to-weight ratio, a critical factor in achieving superior resonance and clarity. Spruce is a tonewood prized for its ability to produce a broad dynamic range, from delicate fingerpicking to robust strumming, making it ideally suited for the diverse playing styles often employed on a 12-string guitar. The quality spruce top ensures that each note and harmonic rings out with definition and brilliance.
However, the essence of an Ovation guitar lies in its ability to seamlessly transition from acoustic to electric realms. The ovation 12 string guitar Elites are equipped with the OCP1K pickup, a system engineered to capture the full spectrum of the instrument’s acoustic nuances when amplified. Featuring extra-large piezo crystals, this pickup design is sensitive not only to string vibrations but also to the subtle movements of the soundboard itself. This comprehensive approach to sound capture ensures a faithful reproduction of the guitar’s natural tone, preserving its richness and complexity when amplified. Signal processing is handled by the OP-Pro preamp, a sophisticated system that allows for precise tonal shaping and output control, ensuring optimal sound in any amplified setting.
The Elite TX series within the Ovation 12 string range holds particular appeal, especially for players transitioning from electric guitars or those seeking enhanced playability. The inclusion of a maple neck is a defining feature of the TX models. Maple is known for its rigidity and bright tonal character, contributing to both a fast neck response and excellent sustain. Crucially for a 12-string, the maple neck provides exceptional stability, resisting the increased tension of the doubled strings and ensuring consistent intonation and playability across the fretboard. Furthermore, the flat neck profile on Elite TX models caters to players accustomed to electric guitar necks, facilitating faster and more comfortable playing, particularly for complex chord voicings and lead lines often explored on a 12-string. The Black Textured finish, characteristic of the TX series, adds a final touch of visual distinction, aligning with contemporary performance aesthetics.
Ovation offers ovation 12 string guitar models in various body depths and scales within the Elite TX range, providing options to suit diverse player preferences and sonic goals. While cases are sold separately, for performers and traveling musicians, investing in a dedicated Ovation case is highly recommended to ensure the protection of these finely crafted instruments. The Ovation 8158K-0 ABS case is suitable for Deep Contour and Mid Depth models, while the Ovation 8117K-0 ABS case is designed for Super Shallow bodies.
In conclusion, the ovation 12 string guitar models within the Elite series represent a class of their own. They embody Ovation’s legacy of innovation, combining exceptional features, outstanding amplified and acoustic sounds, and a consistently high level of quality. For musicians seeking a 12-string guitar that delivers both sonic richness and visual impact, the Ovation Elite series stands as a compelling choice, continuing the brand’s tradition of excellence established over five decades and favored by legendary artists worldwide.
