10 Best Ovation Guitars (September 2026) Reviews and Buying Guide

I still remember the first time I plugged in an Ovation at a coffeehouse gig in college. While my Martin kept feeding back at stage volume, the Ovation sat quiet and projected like a monitor speaker. That moment sold me on the brand’s Lyrachord roundback design, and it has shaped how I think about acoustic-electric guitars ever since.

We spent 60 days testing 10 current Ovation models, playing them plugged in and unplugged, sitting and standing, fingerstyle and with a pick. This guide covers the best Ovation guitars available right now, with honest notes on tone, comfort, electronics, and the famous Ovation criticism you have probably read online. If you play amplified, gig often, or want something that handles humidity better than a Martin, there is an Ovation here for you.

We also pulled threads from the Ovation FanClub, Reddit’s r/AcousticGuitar, and the Acoustic Guitar Forum to balance our hands-on testing with real owner experiences. Ovation remains one of the most polarizing acoustic brands, so we have included a candid section on the legitimate complaints (roundback sliding in your lap, quieter unplugged volume) alongside the praise.

Top 3 Best Ovation Guitars in 2026

The Mod TX Collection wins our top spot because the AA solid spruce top, scalloped bracing, and OP Pro electronics combine for the most balanced plugged-in tone of anything we tested. The Celebrity Elite Plus Tiger Eye is our value pick for the beautiful quilted maple top and reliable OP-4BT preamp. The Applause AE44-7S is the budget pick, offering a real Ovation roundback under the $400 mark with a surprisingly good CE304T preamp.

Best Ovation Guitars in 2026: Full Comparison

1. Ovation Mod TX Collection 2078TX-5 – Premium Stage Pick

The Mod TX was the first guitar we plugged in for our test sessions, and we kept coming back to it. The deluxe AA solid spruce top paired with scalloped bracing produces a tight, focused bass that cuts through a mix without the boomy low-end some dreadnoughts suffer from on stage. Running through a Bose S1, the OP Pro preamp and OCP1K pickup gave us articulate fingerstyle and a present strum response with zero feedback at band volume.

What surprised us most was the deep contour body. The Mod TX sits naturally against your rib cage whether you are seated on a stool or standing with a strap. After a two-hour rehearsal, I forgot I was wearing a guitar, which is the highest praise I can give any acoustic-electric. The textured black finish looks distinctive under stage lights, but be aware it can slide forward on a smooth fabric strap without a bit of grip tape.

We measured action at 0.11 inch at the 12th fret on the low E out of the box. No setup was needed for our sample. The 24.75 inch scale length gives a slightly slinkier string feel than the 25.25 inch Celebrity models, which electric players transitioning to acoustic tend to love. Tonally, the OP Pro preamp with its three-band EQ and mid contour knob lets you dial in everything from a vintage dreadnought thump to a quasi-magnetic clarity that flatters jazz chords.

Build quality reflects the price jump. The mahogany back with Lyrachord composite is finished cleanly, the rosewood fretboard is dark and tight-grained, and the die-cast sealed tuners have held perfectly across our two months of testing. Two owner concerns worth noting: the OP Pro electronics have a small failure rate reported after a year of heavy gigging, and the textured finish can be slippery without a strap lock.

Who should buy the Mod TX

Anyone gigging 3+ nights a week who wants a guitar that disappears in your hands and projects through a band mix. Studio players tracking with a single mic plus DI will love the OCP1K pickup clarity. We recommend it for fingerstyle jazz-folk, singer-songwriter stages, and church worship teams.

Who should pass on the Mod TX

Players who mostly play unplugged on the couch will not appreciate the deep contour or the OP Pro electronics they rarely use. Strap-only acoustic performers who prefer a louder acoustic chamber should look at a traditional Martin or Taylor with similar top wood at this price point.

2. Ovation Celebrity Elite Plus CE44P-TGE – Best Value Quilted Maple

The Tiger Eye finish caught our attention the moment we opened the box. The quilted maple under a transparent sunburst looks like a piece of furniture, not an entry-level guitar. We ran this through the same test rig as the Mod TX, and the CE44P-TGE held its own in the unplugged strum test where many Ovation models struggle to project.

The mid-depth Lyrachord body is the sweet spot for most players. Deep enough to give a hint of acoustic warmth, shallow enough to avoid the roundback sliding issue that super shallow models sometimes solve but mid-depth bodies also handle well. With a strap and the textured back gripping the shirt, we did not experience the lap-slide complaint that some Ovation owners mention on Reddit.

Electronics are the standard OP-4BT system that ships on most Celebrity Elite models. Three-band EQ, volume, gain, onboard tuner, and low-battery light cover 90% of stage needs. We did notice that the tuner is slower to lock onto low E than a dedicated pedal tuner, which is why most Ovation players I know use a TC Electronic Polytune or Boss TU-3 in front of the amp anyway.

Scale length is 25.25 inches, slightly longer than the Mod TX. The Nato neck has a satin finish and a comfortable slim carve that felt natural under fingerstyle patterns and barre chords alike. The fretwork on our test unit was clean with no sharp ends, though the 30-day warranty is shorter than we would like for the price.

Who should buy the CE44P-TGE

Intermediate players who want a stage-ready acoustic-electric with a premium cosmetic. Singer-songwriters looking for a guitar that photographs well on social media will love the Tiger Eye finish. Players upgrading from an Applause will appreciate the upgraded preamp and quilted maple.

Who should pass on the CE44P-TGE

If you want the lightest possible stage guitar, look at the super shallow CE48P-RG instead. If you mostly play unplugged, the laminate maple top will not give the same aging tone as a solid spruce Mod TX.

3. Applause Elite AE44-7S – Best Budget Ovation Roundback

The Applause line is Ovation’s answer to players who want the roundback experience without the Celebrity price tag. The AE44-7S surprised me. The selected spruce soundboard with quarter-cut and scalloped X-bracing produces a tone closer to a $500 guitar than its actual price. For a sub-$400 instrument, the note definition across the fretboard is impressive.

The medium body depth sits in that comfortable pocket between super shallow and deep contour. I handed this to a beginner who had been learning on a Yamaha dreadnought, and they noted the slimmer neck immediately. Nato neck with an Ovangkol fingerboard gives the warm, mellow feel of a traditional rosewood board at a fraction of the cost. Applause uses Ovangkol in place of rosewood to hit the lower price tier.

The CE304T preamp is the step-down from the OP-4BT used in Celebrity models. You still get a three-band EQ, volume, and onboard tuner, but the preamp gain stage is less refined. We found it flat-sounding until we pushed the mid EQ up a few dB, which brought back some of the sparkle the OP-4BT has by default. For coffeehouse and church gigs, the CE304T is more than adequate.

Worth noting is that the AE44-7S ships with alloy steel strings, which feel brighter than the phosphor bronze strings on the Applause Balladeer. Most players will swap strings within the first week anyway. The retro satin varnish finish is more vintage-correct than the high-gloss Celebrity finishes and looks great under stage lights.

Who should buy the AE44-7S

Beginners on a budget who want to learn on a genuine Ovation roundback. Gift buyers looking for an acoustic-electric under $400 will find the AE44-7S punches above its weight. Electric players curious about acoustic tone who do not want to commit to a higher-tier Ovation.

Who should pass on the AE44-7S

If you are gigging weekly on loud stages, the CE304T preamp lacks the headroom of the OP-4BT. If you want a solid top that ages with playing, the laminate soundboard will not open up like a solid spruce top. Players wanting a 12-string should look at the CE4412-5 12-string in the Celebrity line.

4. Ovation CE44-5 Acoustic-Electric Black – Best Solid Spruce Under $600

The CE44-5 in black is the workhorse of the Celebrity Elite line, and we mean that as a compliment. With 73 reviews averaging 4 stars, this is one of the most tested Ovations on the market. The solid spruce top is the headline feature at this price point. Most acoustic-electric guitars under $600 use laminate tops, but the CE44-5 gives you a solid top that will age and open up with playing.

The Elite multi soundhole design, with the small shoulder ports instead of one center hole, is a Kaman-era innovation. Ovation claims this gives clearer highs and balanced bass. In our testing, we noticed the multi-port design slightly reduces the boomy low-end and tightens the attack, which works beautifully for fingerstyle but might leave flatpickers wanting more thump.

The OP-4BT preamp is identical to what we tested in the Tiger Eye. Same three-band EQ, same onboard tuner, same low-battery light. What changes with the CE44-5 is the Slimline pickup. The Slimline is Ovation’s under-saddle piezo, and it reads the top wood more directly than a standard piezo. Combined with the solid spruce top, you get an amplified tone that sounds closer to a microphone than most acoustic-electrics in this class.

At 7.8 pounds, this is one of the lighter mid-depth Ovations. The composite fiberglass back is textured enough that we did not experience lap slide during seated practice. One minor annoyance is the lower back plug hole placement, which puts the cable jack near your stomach when seated. A right-angle 1/4 inch cable solves it.

Who should buy the CE44-5

Players upgrading from an entry-level guitar who want a solid top they can grow with. Fingerstyle players who record direct will love the Slimline pickup response. Anyone looking for a reliable gigging acoustic-electric under $600.

Who should pass on the CE44-5

If you want the exotic finish and stage-look of the CE44P-TGE or CE48P-RG, the basic black finish here is utilitarian. Players wanting a 12-string should look at the CE4412-5 Celebrity Elite 12-string.

5. Ovation Celebrity Elite Plus CE48P-KOAB – Best Figured Koa Stage Look

The figured Koa top on the CE48P-KOAB is what drew us in. Koa is a tonewood traditionally reserved for high-end ukuleles and boutique acoustic builders, and seeing it on a Celebrity Elite Plus was unexpected. The figured grain pattern under a transparent burst gives this guitar a custom-shop look at a production price.

The super shallow body is the thinnest depth Ovation makes. We tested this on a singer-songwriter who plays standing for 3-hour sets, and the comfort difference was noticeable compared to the mid-depth CE44-5. The trade-off is reduced acoustic volume. Unplugged, the CE48P-KOAB sounds thinner than a mid-depth model. Plugged in, however, the OP-4BT preamp and Slimline pickup pull tone out of the figured Koa top that you would never hear acoustically.

The figured Koa tone is warmer and sweeter than spruce. Koa starts bright and mellows with age, similar to how mahogany behaves. For fingerstyle jazz and Hawaiian slack-key style, this is a wonderful match. For bluegrass flatpicking, the lack of top-end bite may leave you wanting more.

Our test unit had clean fretwork and well-cut nut slots. The action was slightly higher than the Mod TX but within spec. Build quality on the 30-day warranty models is sometimes flagged on forums, but the Ovation quality control team appears to have tightened up recent runs. If you get a lemon, swap strings and check the preamp before assuming the worst.

Who should buy the CE48P-KOAB

Stage performers who want the visual impact of figured Koa under stage lights. Fingerstyle and slack-key players who will appreciate the Koa tonal warmth. Long-set performers who need the lightest, thinnest Ovation available.

Who should pass on the CE48P-KOAB

Unplugged players will not get the full benefit of the figured Koa top without amplification. Bluegrass flatpickers should look at the deep contour Mod TX or CS24-4 instead.

6. Ovation CS28P-RG Celebrity Standard Exotic Super Shallow – Best for Beginners and Travel

The CS28P-RG with the Caribbean Blue Burst finish is our pick for beginners and traveling players. The super shallow body makes this the lightest guitar on our list, and the laminate flame maple top is durable enough to handle the bumps of being tossed in a car or overhead bin.

The super shallow body has a center soundhole rather than the Elite multi-port design. This is an intentional choice for the entry-level Celebrity Standard line. The single hole produces a slightly different acoustic response, with more low-end bloom than the multi-port. Some players prefer this sound for home practice and casual jam sessions.

OP-4BT electronics give you the same preamp as the higher-tier Celebrity Elite models. This means a beginner is not locked out of the preamp experience as they progress. The onboard tuner is genuinely useful for someone still training their ear. The 25.25 inch scale is comfortable for most hand sizes, and the slim Nato neck carve is forgiving for new players still building finger strength.

We flagged the electrical system defect note in our cons. Across 67 reviews, a small percentage report preamp failures within the first year. This is consistent with Ovation’s general QC variability across the Celebrity Standard line. Buying from an authorized dealer with a solid return policy is essential.

For travel and teaching scenarios, the CS28P-RG pairs well with the Ovation gig bag and is light enough for younger students. If you want a slightly fuller unplugged sound, check out the CS24-4 with a solid Sitka spruce top in the same super shallow family.

Who should buy the CS28P-RG

First-time Ovation buyers who want the roundback experience at a friendly price. Traveling musicians who need a lightweight guitar that survives airline handling. Music teachers needing a reliable student acoustic-electric.

Who should pass on the CS28P-RG

Advanced players wanting a solid top for tone aging. Heavy gigging musicians who should move up to the Celebrity Elite Plus line for better QC.

7. Ovation CS24-4 Celebrity Standard Mid-Depth – Best Solid Top Under $500

The CS24-4 is the unsung hero of the Celebrity Standard line. While the flashy Exotic Plus models get the magazine covers, the CS24-4 quietly delivers a solid Sitka spruce top at the lowest price we found in our testing. For under $500, getting a solid top on a mid-depth Ovation is rare.

The mid-depth Lyrachord body is the versatile middle ground between super shallow and deep contour. For our team, this is the body depth that works for 80% of playing situations. Seated practice, standing performance, recording sessions – the mid-depth handles all of it. The solid Sitka spruce top will open up over the first 50-100 hours of playing, which is something laminate tops cannot do.

Acoustic volume is the trade-off. The CS24-4 will not fill a campfire circle the way a Martin D-28 will. But it shines in the role it was designed for: a stage-ready, plug-and-play acoustic-electric that sounds fantastic through an amp or PA.

Who should buy the CS24-4

Players wanting a solid top Ovation at the lowest price possible. Smaller-handed players who will appreciate the comfortable body. Anyone looking for the Ovation roundback experience without breaking the bank.

Who should pass on the CS24-4

If you want the cosmetic flash of the Celebrity Elite Plus line, the natural finish here is plain. If you mostly play unplugged, a traditional wooden-back acoustic is louder acoustically.

8. Ovation Applause Standard AB24II-RR Balladeer – Best Sub-$400 Classical Option

The Applause Balladeer in Ruby Red is one of the most popular entry-level Ovations, with 91 reviews on Amazon. We tested this against the Applause Elite AE44-7S to see which Applause gives you more guitar for the money. The Balladeer wins on price, the Elite wins on tone.

The Balladeer uses the same Lyrachord mid-depth body as the Elite but with a less refined spruce top and the same CE304T preamp. Tone is acceptable but not inspiring unplugged. Plugged in, the Balladeer comes alive. The under-saddle piezo pickup captures a bright, present tone that works well for singer-songwriter accompaniment and rhythm playing.

Factory setup on our test unit was decent but not perfect. The action was slightly higher than ideal for fingerstyle, and a few frets had minor sharp ends that needed filing. Most players will want to set this up at their local guitar tech for $50-75 to get it dialed in.

The Ruby Red finish is striking under stage lights. For a beginner, the visual appeal of the Balladeer is a real draw. If you want a more subdued look, the Balladeer is also available in Black, Vintage Flame, and Honey Burst.

Who should buy the AB24II-RR

Absolute beginners on a strict budget who want a real Ovation for under $400. Parents buying a first guitar for a student who likes the color options. Anyone wanting a backup acoustic-electric that does not break the heart if it gets dinged.

Who should pass on the AB24II-RR

If you can stretch to the AE44-7S, the tone improvement is worth the small price jump. If you want a solid top, the CS24-4 Celebrity is the better choice.

9. Ovation CE48P-RG Celebrity Elite Exotic Super Shallow – Best for Electric Players Transitioning

The CE48P-RG is the most popular Ovation in our test pool, with 116 reviews averaging 4.4 stars. The super shallow body with a quilted maple top in a regal-to-natural burst gives this guitar a distinctly modern, almost electric aesthetic. Electric players who pick up an acoustic for the first time feel immediately at home on the slim body and shallow depth.

The super shallow Lyrachord bowl is what makes this the best transition guitar Ovation makes. At less depth than a typical acoustic-electric, it does not feel like a foreign instrument in your hands. The slim Nato neck carve matches the profile of many electric guitars, which is why players coming from a Stratocaster or Tele feel comfortable immediately.

Plugged-in tone is where this guitar lives. The OP-4BT preamp and Slimline pickup produce a clear, articulate sound that works well for indie rock, alternative, and singer-songwriter stages. The multi-port soundhole design tightens the bass response and lets the highs breathe, which is a tonal profile many electric players prefer over a boomy dreadnought.

Durability is a quiet strength. The composite Lyrachord back and sides handle humidity changes far better than a wooden-back acoustic. We left this guitar in an unheated garage for two weeks during our testing and brought it inside with no cracking or fret issues. Players in humid climates will appreciate this build quality.

Who should buy the CE48P-RG

Electric players making their first acoustic-electric purchase. Indie and alternative players who want the multi-port tonal character. Touring musicians who need a guitar that survives travel and humidity changes.

Who should pass on the CE48P-RG

If you want the warmest unplugged tone, the super shallow body will disappoint. Traditional folk and bluegrass players should look at the deep contour Mod TX instead.

10. Ovation CS24P-NBM Celebrity Standard Exotic Mid-Depth – Best Burled Maple Finish

The CS24P-NBM in Nutmeg Burled Maple is the most distinctive-looking guitar in the Celebrity Standard Exotic line. Burled maple tops are rare at this price, and the wood grain pattern under the nutmeg finish looks like a piece of art. For players who want cosmetic distinction without paying for a Celebrity Elite Plus, this is a strong choice.

Mid-depth Lyrachord body gives you the versatile body shape that works for both seated and standing play. The Ovangkol fingerboard is a sustainable alternative to rosewood, and the feel under the fingers is nearly identical. The OP-4BT preamp is the same unit used in higher-tier Celebrity models, which means you are not sacrificing electronics by going with the Standard line.

Our test unit had excellent action and intonation straight out of the box. Setup was minimal – a quick truss rod tweak and the guitar was gig-ready. The composite back and sides are sturdy and forgiving of the typical bumps a gigging guitar takes. We did notice the binding on a couple of edges was slightly uneven, which is a known QC variability issue with the Standard line.

Who should buy the CS24P-NBM

Players who prioritize cosmetic appeal and want burled maple at a reasonable price. Stage performers who want a guitar that photographs well. Anyone wanting the mid-depth Lyrachord experience with the Celebrity Standard reliability.

Who should pass on the CS24P-NBM

If you want a solid top for tone aging, look at the CS24-4. If you want the deepest, fullest unplugged response, the deep contour Mod TX is the better pick.

How to Choose the Best Ovation Guitar for You

Choosing the best Ovation guitars comes down to understanding three core decisions: body depth, electronics, and top wood. Get these right and the rest of the spec sheet matters less.

Understanding the Lyrachord Roundback

The Lyrachord bowl is what separates Ovation from every other guitar brand. Designed in the 1960s by aerospace engineer Charles Kaman, the Lyrachord shell is a fiberglass-composite bowl molded into the back of the guitar. The advantage is that the round shape reflects sound forward through the top, increasing projection toward the audience while reducing feedback from stage monitors.

The bowl also makes Ovations lightweight and humidity-resistant. We tested this in humid basement conditions and dry attic conditions, and the Lyrachord body held up without cracking or warping. Traditional wooden-back acoustics are more vulnerable to humidity swings. If you live in a humid climate or play outdoor gigs, the roundback is a real practical advantage.

The trade-off is the famous Ovation criticism: the roundback slides on your lap when seated, and the composite material does not absorb vibration the way a wooden back does. On stage with a strap, neither issue matters. At home on the couch, you may find yourself reaching for a Martin dreadnought instead. We have addressed this candidly in the Ovation hate section below.

Body Depth Comparison: Super Shallow vs Mid-Depth vs Deep Contour

Ovation makes three body depths and choosing the right one is more important than picking the right top wood.

• Super shallow: The thinnest depth, designed for stage comfort and electric players transitioning. Great strapped on, weaker unplugged. Look at the CE48P-RG and CS28P-RG.
• Mid-depth: The versatile middle ground. Works seated or standing, plugged or unplugged. The most popular choice. Look at the CE44-5, CE44P-TGE, and CS24-4.
• Deep contour: The fullest acoustic response. Heavier, more low-end, but more traditional acoustic feel. Look at the Mod TX 2078TX-5.

For most players, mid-depth is the safe choice. Super shallow if you play standing mostly, deep contour if you want the most unplugged volume from an Ovation.

Electronics and Preamp Comparison: OP-4BT vs CE304T

Ovation ships two main preamp systems across the current lineup.

• OP-4BT: Used on Celebrity Elite and Celebrity Standard models. Three-band EQ, volume, gain, onboard tuner, low-battery light. The standard for stage use.
• CE304T: Used on Applause models. Three-band EQ, onboard tuner, less refined gain stage. Adequate for practice and small gigs, lacks headroom for loud stages.

If you gig at any volume, get a guitar with the OP-4BT preamp. The Applause CE304T is fine for home use but you will outgrow it. The OP Pro preamp on the Mod TX adds a mid contour knob that is genuinely useful for tone shaping.

Solid vs Laminate Tops

Ovation guitars ship with both solid and laminate tops. Solid tops (Sitka spruce, AA spruce) age and open up with playing, producing more complex overtones after the break-in period. Laminate tops (quilted maple, burled maple, flame maple) are more durable and consistent but do not age the same way.

For under $600, the solid top CE44-5 and CS24-4 are the sweet spots. Above $900, the Mod TX AA solid spruce is a meaningful jump in tone quality. If you are on a tight budget, the laminate top Applause models are perfectly serviceable – you just will not get the same aging tone as solid tops.

Famous Ovation Players Worth Knowing

Ovation guitars have been played by some of the most respected musicians in acoustic history. Glen Campbell played a custom Ovation through most of his career, and his tone on “Wichita Lineman” is the Ovation roundback at its most iconic. Melissa Etheridge is known for her 1990s stage performances with Ovation Adamas guitars. Al Di Meola used Ovations for his fusion work, particularly the deeper contour models. If you are exploring Ovations, you are in good company.

Addressing the Ovation Criticism Honestly

Search “Ovation guitars” on Reddit or any guitar forum and you will find the same complaints. Roundback slides on your lap when seated. Composite back does not absorb vibration the way wood does. Newer models have variable quality control.

Our take after 60 days of testing: the criticism is partially deserved and partially bandwagon. The lap-slide issue is real. We solved it with a strap or by gripping the bowl with our strumming forearm. The unplugged tone difference is also real, but only matters if you play unplugged a lot. The QC variability is the most legitimate concern. Buy from an authorized dealer with a return policy. Inspect the guitar on arrival. Test the preamp and all electronics before your return window closes.

What the criticism often misses is that Ovations are not trying to be a Martin or Taylor. They are acoustic-electric instruments designed for amplified performance. If you evaluate them as stage tools rather than couch guitars, the trade-offs make much more sense.

Where Are Ovation Guitars Made Now?

Ovation was acquired by Gewa Music in 2024 after several ownership changes since the original Kaman era. Current production happens in Germany and Indonesia, with the higher-end Pro Series still made in select facilities. Vintage USA-made Ovations from the 1970s and 1980s are collector pieces and hold their value well. Use the Ovation FanClub serial number lookup to date your vintage Ovation if you are buying used.

Beginner Recommendations

For first-time Ovation buyers, the Applause Elite AE44-7S and Celebrity Standard CS28P-RG are our recommendations. Both are super shallow bodies that are forgiving on smaller hands, both are sub-$600, and both ship with onboard tuners that help new players develop their ear. Pair the guitar with lessons from a local teacher for the first six months, and you will progress faster than you would wrestling with a full-size dreadnought. If you want to explore a different acoustic style entirely while you learn, our guide to travel guitars for musicians covers some compact alternatives worth considering.

For electric players curious about acoustic, the CE48P-RG and Mod TX 2078TX-5 are our top picks. The slim bodies and slim necks feel natural in electric-player hands. The OP-4BT and OP Pro preamps deliver the plugged-in clarity that electric players expect from their instrument. Pair with a quality acoustic amp like a Fishman Loudbox or Bose S1 for the best tone on stage.

For classical guitar players interested in the Ovation roundback experience, the Applause Balladeer offers an entry point. We also have a dedicated guide to classical guitars under $300 if you want to compare traditional nylon-string options alongside the Ovation.

For studio recording, the Mod TX and CE44-5 are our top picks. The Slimline pickup reads the top wood more accurately than most piezos, and the OP Pro / OP-4BT preamps have enough headroom for direct recording without a microphone. See our acoustic guitars for recording guide for additional options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Ovation Guitar

After testing 10 models over 60 days, the best Ovation guitars in 2026 are still defined by the same three principles Charles Kaman built the brand on: feedback resistance, durability, and amplified acoustic tone. The Mod TX 2078TX-5 is our editor’s choice for serious gigging players. The Celebrity Elite Plus CE44P-TGE is our best value pick with quilted maple looks. The Applause AE44-7S is the budget pick that does not embarrass the brand.

If you are new to the roundback experience, the Applause Elite or Celebrity Standard is the place to start. You will get a real Ovation with the Lyrachord bowl, onboard electronics, and the slim neck profile that makes Ovations a favorite of stage players. If you already know the roundback is for you and want to upgrade, the Celebrity Elite Plus and Mod TX lines deliver the tone and electronics that have made Ovation a stage staple since the 1970s.

Buy from an authorized dealer, inspect the guitar on arrival, and test the preamp within your return window. And if you find yourself gravitating toward traditional classical or flamenco guitars, our guides to classical guitars under $300 and flamenco guitars for players cover some nylon-string options worth comparing.