❌SOLD❌ Ovation Preacher Deluxe 1282 Black, 1978

Here’s an unusual piece – from the late 1970’s, an Ovation Preacher Deluxe model 1282 in largely original, good working condition. Built from 1975 to 1983 with the Preacher, the Preacher Deluxe used traditional Mahogany for the body and neck, with an Ebony fingerboard bearing Abalone position markers. The hardware was gold plated, and earlier models had a bridge that partly used plastics.

This Ovation Preacher Deluxe dates to about 1978, based on its features and serial number. There is no definitive mapping of serials to dates, but the E + 5 digits series ran from 1978 to 1980, and other examples with very close serials are dated to 1978. The earliest models also had an engraved pickguard – this does not.

This guitar is in quite good condition, and appears to be entirely original. Hardware is gold plated; It uses a pair of Ovation pickups with tone and volume controls, a pickup selector and a coil tap. Tuners are Ovation-branded Schaller models.

The original hard shell case is included.

Ovation Guitars is a division of Kaman Corporation, and grew from Charles Kaman’s interest in guitars – he had been a semi-professional jazz guitarist – and his experience in the Aerospace industry.   Kaman Corp. was a manufacturer of helicopter components, and specialized in  the use of composite materials. Charles Kaman kept up his interest in guitar, keeping instruments on his wall so he could play them when the mood struck. This often led to damage, and he decided to build guitars. Following a tour of the Martin plant in Nazareth, PA, Kaman offered – twice – to buy Martin, but the offers were declined. So, he and some of his engineering staff built a round-back prototype and started the Ovation company.

The distinctive round-back instruments found favor with touring musicians for their durability, reliability and early use of piezo pickups.  Many prominent artists used these guitars extensively, from Glen Campbell to Al DiMeola.

Between 1972 and 1983, Ovation also built a line of solid body electrics including the Breadwinner, Deacon, and Preacher. Regardless of their positive features, these guitars never gained market share and production of electrics ceased in 1983.