As Ovation Guitars proudly marks a half-century of innovative guitar making, by unveiling 33 new models at NAMM 2016. The iconic American guitar brand’s newly launched products include two, distinctly different, limited edition, 50th Anniversary guitar models handcrafted exclusively in Ovation’s newly reopened USA Custom Shop located in New Hartford, CT. Available in both a cutaway and non-cutaway — the 50thAnniversary Custom Elite models feature spruce tops, ebony fingerboards, curly maple necks and hand-laid, gold leaf epaulets. The 50th Anniversary Custom Legend models feature cedar tops, mahogany necks, and Koa wood and abalone trim, and are available in cutaway and non-cutaway. Both 50thAnniversary models feature intricate; mother of pearl and brass phoenix inlays signifying Ovation’s proud return to USA production. Comprised of 14 individual pieces, each phoenix is expertly inlaid by Ovation guitar’s world-class luthiers and will only be available on the limited edition, 50th Anniversary models.
2016 also marks the 40th Anniversary of the legendary Adamas model, and to commemorate this auspicious occasion — Ovation Guitars will release the distinctive 40th Anniversary Adamas Ruby Red model. Available in cutaway and non-cutaway models, the limited run of 250 guitars feature woven twill/carbon fiber tops, ebony fingerboards and iconic, “bear claw” sound-holes.In addition, Ovation also unveiled a host of new models, which retain many of the brand’s classic features including the distinctive parabolic shape, Sitka spruce soundboards, teardrop-shaped sound-holes and innovative onboard electronics that allow the artist to move around the stage. The new models will also feature wood and mother of pearl inlays, as well as Ovation’s emblematic inlaid wood epaulets and multiple sound holes that increase the instrument’s volume and further reduce feedback during amplification.
Under new ownership by Drum Workshop, Inc., the previously shuttered Ovation USA Custom Shop officially resumed production of the brand’s iconic, round back acoustic/electric guitars, basses, mandolins and ukuleles made famous by such legendary artists as Glen Campbell, Melissa Etheridge, Mick Jagger, John Lennon, Richie Sambora among others in October, 2015.
“Ovation and Drum Workshop share a mutual history of innovation and creating solutions for musicians,” said Ovation brand manager, Bill Xavier. “In our product development we now have access to exotic woods, and other materials that Drum Workshop uses in the manufacturing of its drums and hardware that we never would have had access to before. It is sparking a lot of creative and exciting ideas for new designs. It’s exciting to be celebrating Ovation’s half century mark in this spirit of innovation and creativity.”
Drum Workshop is working with GEWA to distribute the Ovation brand in Europe and additional partners for worldwide distribution of Ovation products.
For more information on Ovation guitars, visit www.ovationguitars.com