History of Ovation Guitars
Ovation guitars were first introduced in the late 1960s, marking a significant innovation in acoustic guitar design. Founded by Charlie Kaman, an aeronautical engineer and founder of Kaman Aircraft Corporation, Ovation was born out of a desire to rethink traditional guitar construction by applying aerospace technology. Kaman and his team of engineers developed the unique Lyrachord composite material for the guitar’s round back, which was precision-molded into a semi-parabolic shape. This design enhanced sound projection and durability, setting Ovation apart from conventional wooden-back guitars.
During the 1970s and 1980s, Ovation guitars gained widespread popularity among professional musicians, especially touring artists, due to their robust construction and built-in onboard electronics. These features allowed performers to plug in directly without relying on external microphones, making Ovations a practical choice for live music settings. Glen Campbell, one of the first endorsers of Ovation, played a key role in bringing the brand to mainstream attention through his television appearances and performances.
Despite their early success, Ovation guitars experienced a decline in popularity in the 1990s as competition intensified from brands offering improved acoustic sound and advanced pickup systems. In 2008, the Ovation brand was sold to Fender, which shifted production overseas and closed the original Connecticut factory. However, in 2015, Drum Workshop acquired Ovation and began revitalizing the brand by renewing production of high-end Adamas and custom models in the USA.
Key Features of Ovation Guitars
Innovative Lyrachord Back Design
Ovation guitars stand out in the acoustic guitar market due to their innovative design and construction. One of the most distinctive features is the use of Lyrachord, a high-tech fiberglass composite material developed with aerospace technology expertise. This material forms the round back of the guitar, which is precision-molded into a semi-parabolic shape. This unique design not only enhances the guitar’s durability—making it resistant to warping, chipping, and cracking—but also significantly improves sound projection and resonance, delivering a richer, fuller tone compared to traditional wooden-back guitars.
Advanced Onboard Electronics
Another hallmark of Ovation guitars is their onboard electronics system. Ovation was a pioneer in integrating built-in pickups and preamps, allowing musicians to plug directly into amplifiers or PA systems without relying on external microphones. These electronics often include features such as bass, mid, and treble EQ controls, volume adjustment, notch filters to reduce feedback, and sometimes built-in tuners. This makes Ovation guitars especially popular among performing musicians who require reliable amplification and consistent sound quality on stage.
Body Styles and Playability
The body styles of Ovation guitars vary primarily between deep bowl and shallow bowl designs. Deep bowl models are known for their strong projection and focused midrange tones, making them ideal for live performances and band settings. However, their rounded back can make them more challenging to hold while sitting, often requiring a strap for stability. Shallow bowl models, on the other hand, provide a more traditional feel and balanced tonal spread, favored by fingerstyle players and those seeking greater comfort during extended playing sessions.
Neck Comfort and Aesthetics
Ovation guitars also feature superior neck comfort and unique aesthetics, including multi-soundhole designs that enhance resonance and visual appeal. Their bridges and headstocks often showcase intricate woodwork, adding to the instrument’s overall craftsmanship.
Durability and Environmental Resistance
Durability is another key advantage, as the Lyrachord back withstands harsh environmental conditions better than wooden alternatives. This makes Ovation guitars suitable for musicians who travel frequently or perform in varied climates.
Best Ovation Guitars
Ovation Standard Balladeer 2751AX 12-string Acoustic-Electric Guitar
- Deep Contour
- AA Grade Solid Spruce Top
- Inlaid Pearl Oakleaf
The Ovation Standard Balladeer 2751AX is a renowned 12-string acoustic-electric guitar that offers a rich, full-bodied sound combined with the brand’s signature durability and innovative design. This model features the classic deep bowl Lyrachord back, which provides excellent projection and resonance, making it a favorite among musicians who appreciate bright and clear tones with a strong midrange presence.
Equipped with Ovation’s advanced onboard electronics, the 2751AX allows for seamless amplification, ensuring that its distinctive sound carries well in live performance settings. The guitar’s solid spruce top enhances its acoustic qualities, delivering a balanced tone that suits various music styles, from rock and blues to folk and country.
Players often praise the Balladeer for its comfortable neck profile and playability, despite the challenges posed by the full bowl design when playing seated. Many find that using a strap or standing while playing helps manage the guitar’s unique shape, allowing them to fully enjoy its tonal benefits.
The 2751AX is also valued for its robust construction, which withstands the rigors of touring and frequent use. Its combination of traditional craftsmanship with modern materials and electronics exemplifies what makes Ovation guitars stand out in the market as versatile, reliable instruments for both amateur and professional guitarists.
This model remains a popular choice for those seeking the classic Ovation sound with the added richness of a 12-string configuration, offering a distinct voice that can enhance any musical arrangement.
Ovation E-Acoustic Guitar Celebrity Elite Plus Mid Cutaway
- Excellent sound: selected precious wood top and scalloped, quartersawn...
- Elegant design: figured koa finish, multi soundhole and black body surround...
- Excellent playability: Nato neck, fingerboard and bridge made of Ovangkol...
The Ovation Celebrity Elite Plus Mid Cutaway is a versatile model that strikes a balance between affordability, playability, and sound quality. Designed with intermediate players in mind, this guitar features a mid-depth Lyrachord bowl, providing a comfortable feel while retaining much of the acoustic resonance and projection characteristic of Ovation guitars.
Its solid spruce top enhances the tonal clarity and brightness, making it suitable for a wide range of music styles, from rock and blues to folk and country. The mid cutaway design allows easier access to higher frets, appealing to lead guitarists and those who enjoy intricate fingerwork.
Equipped with Ovation’s reliable onboard electronics, the Celebrity Elite Plus Mid Cutaway offers straightforward amplification with EQ controls and a built-in tuner, making it a practical choice for live performances and practice sessions alike. The guitar’s construction emphasizes durability, benefiting from the Lyrachord back that resists environmental wear and tear.
For players looking for a quality Ovation acoustic guitar that combines classic features with modern playability and affordability, the Celebrity Elite Plus Mid Cutaway stands out as a solid option that delivers the brand’s signature sound and reliability without the premium price tag.
Applause Traditional AB24-4S Mid Cutaway Electric Acoustic Guitar
- High-quality materials: The selected spruce top and mid-depth Lyrachord...
- Special construction: Scalloped and Quartersawn X-Bracing constructions...
- Active preamp: The Applause CE304T allows for detailed sound adjustment...
The Applause Traditional AB24-4S is an excellent mid-range option within the Ovation lineup, designed to offer a balance between affordability, sound quality, and playability. This model features a mid-depth Lyrachord bowl, which provides a comfortable playing experience while still delivering the characteristic Ovation acoustic sound with good projection and resonance.
Equipped with a solid spruce top, the AB24-4S produces a bright and clear tone suitable for various music genres, including rock, blues, and folk. The mid cutaway design allows easier access to higher frets, making it a versatile choice for both rhythm and lead guitarists. The onboard electronics include a reliable preamp system with EQ controls, enabling players to fine-tune their amplified sound for live performances or recording sessions.
One of the key advantages of the Applause series is its durability, thanks to the Lyrachord back that resists environmental damage such as warping or cracking. This makes the AB24-4S a practical guitar for musicians who travel frequently or perform in different climates. While it may not have all the premium features of higher-end Ovation models like the Custom Legend or Adamas series, the Applause Traditional AB24-4S offers excellent value and represents a solid entry point into the world of Ovation acoustic electric guitars.
For players looking for a dependable and well-rounded Ovation guitar without the premium price tag, the AB24-4S is a highly recommended choice that retains the brand’s signature sound and quality craftsmanship.
FAQ
Why are Ovation guitars known for their durability?
Ovation guitars feature a unique Lyrachord back made from a high-tech fiberglass composite material. This material is resistant to warping, chipping, and cracking, unlike traditional wooden backs. The semi-parabolic shape of the back also contributes to the guitar’s structural strength and enhances sound projection, making Ovation guitars ideal for musicians who perform in varying environmental conditions.
What is the significance of the deep bowl design?
The deep bowl design of Ovation guitars reflects sound forward, resulting in a richer, fuller, and more focused acoustic tone. While this design offers excellent projection and resonance, it can be less comfortable for some players when sitting down, as the rounded back tends to slide against the body. Many players prefer using a strap or standing while playing to manage this.
How do Ovation’s onboard electronics benefit performers?
Ovation guitars were pioneers in integrating onboard electronics, allowing players to plug directly into amplifiers or PA systems without external microphones. Their preamps typically include EQ controls, volume adjustment, and notch filters to reduce feedback. This makes them particularly useful for live performances where consistent sound and feedback control are essential.
Are there any notable signature Ovation models?
Yes, Glen Campbell was one of the first famous endorsers of Ovation guitars, and the brand has released Glen Campbell signature and tribute models inspired by his instruments. However, it is important to note that some marketed signature models may not exactly replicate the guitars Campbell played but aim to capture the essence and tone associated with his style.
How do Ovation guitars compare to traditional wooden-back acoustic guitars?
Ovation guitars emphasize durability, projection, and ease of amplification, thanks to their composite backs and onboard electronics. Traditional wooden-back acoustics may offer a more complex overtone richness and warmer tone but can be more susceptible to environmental damage. The choice depends on personal tone preference and intended use, whether for amplified stage performances or acoustic settings.
Are Ovation guitars suitable for beginners?
Ovation offers entry-level models like the Celebrity series, which provide affordable acoustic-electric functionality with durable construction and simple electronics. These guitars have consistent action and low maintenance requirements, making them a good choice for beginners interested in electric-acoustic playing.