A player's grade instrument for the player who wants the unmistakable shimmer and breadth of a vintage 12-string without the bulk of a conventional all-wood dreadnought, this early USA-made example combines a spruce top with Ovation's deep roundback construction. The 12-fret neck joint, wide 1 7/8" nut and slotted headstock give it the feel and proportions associated with the company's early dedicated 12-string designs, while the ebony fingerboard and floral rosette complete the classic period look.
This one makes the most sense as a player's vintage instrument rather than a collector-perfect example. The top has four previously repaired cracks, including a long repaired center-seam crack running from the lower end of the body toward the bridge, plus three smaller repaired cracks toward the lower bout. Those repairs are reflected in the price and shown in the photos. The original molded hardshell case is included.
KEY FEATURES
- USA-made vintage 12-string acoustic
- Circa 1974
- Serial number 020269
- Natural gloss finish
- Spruce top
- Black textured deep roundback
- Non-cutaway body
- 12-fret neck joint
- 25 1/4" scale length
- Approximately 1 7/8" nut width
- Ebony fingerboard
- Dot/diamond pearl position markers
- Walnut bridge
- Floral soundhole rosette
- Slotted headstock
- Chrome tuners with pearloid buttons
- No factory electronics
- Original molded hardshell case included
- Original model label is missing
TONE TIPS & USE CASES
- Well suited to open chords where the doubled courses can add width and harmonic texture.
- Useful for singer-songwriter accompaniment when a standard six-string leaves too much open space.
- Try lighter picking rather than heavy strumming to bring out individual octave courses.
- Particularly useful for layered recording, where one 12-string track can add texture without requiring several overdubs.
- A good candidate for someone who wants the character of an early USA Ovation primarily as a playing instrument rather than a pristine collectible.
CONDITION
Good.
The guitar shows age-appropriate cosmetic wear and several previously repaired top cracks. There is a long repaired crack/seam separation running from the lower end of the guitar toward the bridge, along with three smaller repaired cracks in the lower portion of the spruce top. Additional normal finish wear, checking, marks and evidence of use are present.
The model label is missing from inside the bowl, although the serial label remains and reads 020269. Identification as an 1115-4 Pacemaker is based on the serial era and matching construction/features.
Original molded Ovation hardshell case included. The case shows normal vintage wear.