Plug it in

Ovation introduced the first acoustic/electric guitars in 1971. They were an instant success with pros, and a whole new category of instruments was created. It was well over 10 years before other guitar-makers took the hint and began to offer pickup/preamp systems.

Nowadays, purely acoustic guitars are a rarity on stage. Over the last four decades, Ovation has maintained its acoustic/electric leadership position. Today, more than 95% of all Ovations sold around the world are acoustic/electrics. Ovation offers three distinct pickups, each one matched to specific models - all designed to deliver highest level of performance.

Hi-Output - Max headroom with over 12dB more output than aftermarket pickups.

Tru-Blanace - Exceptional string-to-string balance with any string gauge.

Thinline - Quick response and superior dynamic range for exceptional solo performance.

DESCRIPTION

The Elite TX is designed as an alternative to the traditional Ovation Elite series. Shedding the classic multi-piece hardwood epaulet sound hold decorations, this new model incorporates a simpler, untrimmed, 11-hole pattern that enhances the low and mid range punch. The rock maple neck profile has also been slimmed down to give it a look and feel more appealing to electric players. An ultra light, yet incredibly durable, textured enamel finish is wrapped around the entire back and top.

The Elite TX is outfitted with the Ovation OP-30 preamp featuring 3-band EQ, pre-shape and mid-shift buttons, and a full on-board chromatic tuner. Designed in collaboration with Al DiMeola and Melissa Etheridge, the new OP-PRO combines state-of-the-art audio quality with guitarist-friendly features for a preamp that should please even the most discriminating player.

 SPECS

My feedback

GUITAR

I had a few acoustic, electric and acoustic-electric guitars during my life. But, since I've got my first Ovation, I just felt in love with it. I had Applause, Celebrity and since 13th October 2009 my second Elite 12 string guitar, and I do enjoy every single strum on my Ovation guitars, especially this one. They are pleasure to play (if you manage to get around rounded body) and very comfortable to hold or wear, which makes the necessarily more difficult job of controlling 12 strings a lot easier to master. These guitars has been specifically designed for live performances, especially if you need the fullness of tone and distinctive voicings of a 12 string.

In the past, I always wondered what kinds of strings are used on Ovation Guitars?

STRINGS

I've found out now that you can use D'Addario EXP16 (.012-.053) Phosphor Bronze strings on any Ovation guitar (EXP38 for 12-string guitar). Another string I would recommend is the Adamas 1818 (.012-.053) Phosphor Bronze. In addition to previously mentioned strings, I am also using Martin 200 Silk N Steel 11.5-47s strings by recommendation of good old musician Billy Hindle from Republic of Ireland who said that they are a lot lighter, easy on the hands and have lovely mellow tone.

Briefly, you can use whatever string suits your playing style. Heavier or lighter strings might require a truss rod adjustment. For nylon string guitars recommended are the Adamas 4444 or the Savarez Alliance high tension.

Hope you will enjoy your Ovation guitar as I am enjoying mine.