Vintage Ovation Deacon 12-String - USA 1973-75

Here’s a vibey survivor from the golden era of American electric guitar innovation - a 1973–75 Ovation Deacon 12-String, built in Connecticut and still going strong after 50 years. This particular example comes from a respected collection and was previously owned by a founding member of a legendary British rock group best known for their baroque-pop leanings.

The Deacon was the more refined sibling of the Breadwinner, featuring a contoured mahogany body with a gloss finish, upgraded electronics, and a slimmer, more ergonomic profile. This one has clearly seen serious stage time and carries the marks to prove it - but its unreal sound and playability more than make up for the road wear.

Fitted with the original toroidal humbuckers, the Deacon delivers a bold, punchy tone that’s surprisingly articulate for a 12-string - clear highs, tight mids, and a thick foundation that’s equally at home in jangle-pop, rootsy Americana, or ambient post-rock. The neck is slim and fast for a 12, with a comfortable nut width and responsive feel.

While the body bears numerous dings, dents, and lacquer chips, it’s structurally sound, with no breaks or repairs. The neck is stable and the action remains smooth and musical across the board. A real player’s piece with serious provenance and a voice all its own.

The 12-string Deacon is a rare bird, and this one’s got stories. If you’re chasing something with character, collectibility, and serious tone - not to mention a shadow of rock history - this one’s hard to pass up.

Comes in non-original custom fitted roadcase.

Features:

Action at 1st Fret: 0.25mm

Action at 12th Fret: 2.0mm

Neck Depth at 1st Fret: 20.49mm

Neck Depth at 12th Fret: 22.65mm

Nut Width: 47.67mm

Width at 12th Fret: 55.51mm

Weight: 3.6kg / 7.94lb

Make & Model: Ovation Deacon 12-String

Year: Circa 1973–75

Origin: USA

Body: Solid Mahogany

Finish: Gloss Natural

Neck: Mahogany

Fingerboard: Ebony

Pickups: Original Ovation toroidal humbuckers

Controls: 2 Vol, 2 Tone, 3-way Switch

Bridge: Ovation adjustable

Tuners: Schaller-style enclosed