Body

Length

Width

Depth

Weight

40 ¼ “

14 ½ “

1 5/8”

8 ½ kg

Neck

23 ¾ “

1 11/16”

1 7/8 “  -  12 String

Model

Breadwinner

1251-

1971-79

Spackle [textured]

Black, white, tan and blue.

Blue deleted

1976

$349

Dot MOP markers

Chrome hardware

Deacon

1252 -

1972-80

Gloss sunburst

Mahogany

Gloss red, black and natural added.

$449

12 String

1253 -

1975 - 80

Diamond MOP markers

Bound fingerboard

Deluxe gold hardware

Limited

1978/79

Dot MOP markers

Pearloid tuners

In 1970 the solid electric guitar was still only a teenager but already it was beginning to polarise in its design.  In the main these were being set by Gibson and  Fender.  Gibson developed a style based on a reduced traditional guitar shape, epitomised by the Les Paul, while Fender favoured and refined the modern shape of the Stratocaster.  In construction too they  followed separate lines, the Gibson with its set in neck and Fender with its modular bolt on one.  In the area of electrics, Gibson developed the humbucker pickups while Fender stuck with single coil.  These difference gave each it’s own distinctive sound.

Ovation entered this market with the radical approach it was showing in its approach to acoustic instruments.  It adapted the best available and added the benefit of it own research and experience to produce, in 1971,  the Breadwinner.  Innovation began with the body design. This  radical shape was not merely a “fashion statement” but one based on functionality.  It produced a body that was easy on the shoulders and comfortable to play both standing and sitting.  The “spackle” finish on the body was also original and offered a hardwearing and function surface,  developed from the finish on the backs of the acoustic models.  Modern colours – red, black, nutmeg and blue, - follow current fashions, although  the blue proved too “modern” and was soon dropped from the lists.  All this made  it a guitar that should have fitted well into the modern world of the 70’s.  

The Deacon, introduced the following year, was a little more conventional instrument.  Identical to the Breadwinner in all but the finish.  For an extra $100 you could get a bound finger board, deluxe fittings and a conventional gloss sunburst finish.