In the mid-1960s, a helicopter engineer named Charlie Kaman decided traditional acoustic guitars were structurally flawed. The result was the Ovation roundback—an instrument born from aerospace technology, built to survive the road, and destined to define the sound of the 1970s. This 1974 USA-made 1116 Concert Classic proves the old-school bowl-backs were built for a reason, and built like absolute tanks.
Back in the ‘70s, the New Hartford factory wasn’t making delicate museum pieces; they were churning out workhorses. The secret sauce is Lyrachord—a space-age fiberglass composite developed for helicopter rotors that just happened to be practically indestructible and incredibly resonant.
The 1116 Concert Classic features a deep Lyrachord bowl that pushes out serious volume and midrange punch, offering a distinctly different projection than your standard, easily cracked wooden classical acoustic. Paired with a solid Sitka spruce top and a 5-piece neck, it’s a bulletproof nylon string with zero preciousness.
This is a player’s piece with honest wear from decades of use. Please review the photos carefully to see the exact physical condition.
If you have any questions, feel free to drop by, shoot us a message or give us a call!
As always, this guitar has been meticulously and professionally set up by our skilled luthiers at The Upper Bout.
This is a USED Instrument in GOOD condition, and comes with original hard case.
