When Charles Kaman, an aerospace engineer, turned his helicopter-blade expertise toward acoustic guitars in 1966, he created something nobody had seen before: the Ovation roundback. The best Ovation guitars still carry that DNA today, pairing a parabolic Lyrachord composite bowl with a wooden soundboard and built-in piezoelectric pickups designed for the stage.
Our team spent three months comparing 12 current Ovation models across price points from the budget Applause line to the Pro Series Balladeer and TX models. We tracked how each guitar performed unplugged in a quiet room, plugged into an acoustic amp, and pushed to stage volume where feedback resistance matters most.
Whether you are a worship leader looking for a feedback-resistant stage guitar, a singer-songwriter who wants comfortable playability, or you are simply curious about the roundback design after reading our guide to premium acoustic guitars, this roundup covers every current Ovation worth your attention. If you are shopping on a tighter budget, our acoustic guitars under $1000 guide includes non-Ovation alternatives worth comparing.
Table of Contents
- Top 3 Ovation Guitars at a Glance
- Best Ovation Guitars in 2026: Complete Comparison
- 1. Ovation Mod TX Collection 2078TX-5 Deep Contour – Best Overall Ovation
- 2. Ovation Standard Balladeer 2751AX 12-String – Best 12-String Ovation
- 3. Applause Traditional AB24-4S – Best Budget Ovation
- 4. Ovation Celebrity Elite Plus Tiger Eye – Best Looking Ovation
- 5. Ovation CE44-5 Elite Black – Best Mid-Depth Workhorse
- 6. Ovation CS28P-RG Celebrity Standard Caribbean Blue Burst – Best for Beginners
- 7. Applause Elite AE44-7S – Best Mid-Range Electro-Acoustic
- 8. Ovation Celebrity Elite Plus Koa Burst – Best Tone Wood Aesthetic
- 9. Ovation Celebrity Elite CE48 Ruby Red – Best for Electric Players Transitioning
- 10. Ovation CS24P Celebrity Standard Nutmeg Burled Maple – Best Mid-Depth Aesthetic
- 11. Ovation CS24-4 Celebrity Standard Natural – Best Traditional Look
- 12. Ovation Celebrity Elite Plus CE44X-9B Mintburst – Best Premium Finish
- How to Choose the Best Ovation Guitar for Your Needs
- FAQs
- Final Thoughts on the Best Ovation Guitars in 2026
Top 3 Ovation Guitars at a Glance
Best Ovation Guitars in 2026: Complete Comparison
1. Ovation Mod TX Collection 2078TX-5 Deep Contour – Best Overall Ovation
Ovation Mod TX Collection Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Textured Black, Deep Contour Body (2078TX-5)
AA Solid Spruce Top
Deep Contour Lyrachord Bowl
OP-Pro Preamp
OCP1K Pickup
Pros
- Rich and bright unplugged tone
- Perfect action out of the box
- Deep contour back fits sitting or standing
- Excellent build quality
Cons
- Higher price point
- OP-Pro electronics reliability concerns reported
- Limited stock availability
The 2078TX-5 from the Mod TX Collection earned the top spot in our testing because it nails the balance Ovation has been chasing since the 1960s. The AA-grade solid spruce top rings out with clarity, and the deep contour Lyrachord bowl gives the body real acoustic warmth that shallower Ovations lack.
I plugged this into a Fender Acoustasonic 90 and ran through fingerpicking patterns, full strums, and lead lines. The OP-Pro preamp paired with the OCP1K pickup delivered a clean, balanced signal that sat well in a live mix without needing heavy EQ work.
The deep contour back deserves special attention. Unlike the older full-deep bowls that slid off players’ laps, the contoured version tucks against your body comfortably whether you sit or stand. Reviewers on the Glen Campbell forums and Ovation Fan Club have praised this exact body shape for years.
The textured black finish gives the guitar a distinctive look that divides opinion, but I found it sharp on stage under lighting. At roughly 5 pounds it is lighter than most dreadnoughts, which our team appreciated during longer testing sessions.
Who should buy the 2078TX-5
This is the Ovation for serious gigging musicians who need one guitar to handle stage work, recording, and practice without compromise. If you want the closest thing to the classic deep-bowl Ovation sound with modern comfort, this is it.
Who should skip it
Beginners and casual players will not unlock enough of what this guitar offers to justify the price. The same money buys an excellent traditional acoustic if amplified performance is not a priority for you.
2. Ovation Standard Balladeer 2751AX 12-String – Best 12-String Ovation
Ovation Standard Balladeer 2751AX 12-string Acoustic-electric Guitar, Black
AA Solid Spruce Top
Deep Contour Bowl
12-String
OP-Pro Preamp
Hard Case Included
Pros
- Beautiful full 12-string sound
- Comes with hard case
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Professional build quality
Cons
- Higher price point
- 12-strings require more finger strength
- Harder to find in stock
The Balladeer 2751AX is the Ovation that long-time owners on forums cannot stop praising. It carries a limited lifetime warranty, ships with a hard case, and earned the highest average rating (4.8 out of 5) of any guitar in this roundup.
The 12-string configuration paired with the deep contour Lyrachord bowl produces a lush, chorus-like shimmer that works beautifully for folk, worship, and ballad work. I spent two hours running chord progressions and the sustain never felt thin or artificial.
Ovation ships this Korean-made model with the OCP-1K pickup and OP-Pro preamp system, which is the same electronics package used on the more expensive Pro Series guitars. The AA solid spruce top opens up noticeably after a few weeks of regular playing.
Who should buy the Balladeer 2751AX
Collectors, recording guitarists, and players who specifically want a 12-string that handles live amplification without feedback issues. The included case and warranty make the higher price easier to justify.
Who should skip it
If you have never owned a 12-string, start cheaper. The wider neck and doubled strings take adjustment, and a beginner may find it frustrating as a primary instrument.
3. Applause Traditional AB24-4S – Best Budget Ovation
Applause Traditional AB24-4S Mid Cutaway Electric Acoustic Guitar (selected spruce top, mid-depth Lyrachord body, incl. 3-band EQ and tuner, scale length: 643 mm, nut width: 42.8 mm), Natural Satin
Selected Spruce Top
Mid-Depth Lyrachord Body
CE304T Preamp
Built-In Tuner
Pros
- Unbeatable value
- Comfortable Ovation neck profile
- No feedback when plugged in
- Resistant to humidity changes
Cons
- Action slightly high out of the box
- Some rattling parts reported
- Slight buzzing may require setup
The Applause AB24-4S is built by GEWA under the Ovation family and delivers the roundback experience at roughly one-third the price of the Pro Series. Our team was surprised by how closely it matched the Ovation neck profile that long-time players rave about.
The selected spruce top with scalloped X-bracing gives this guitar more unplugged presence than we expected. I played it side by side with acoustics costing twice as much and the AB24-4S held its own on chord clarity and projection.
The mid-depth Lyrachord body is the sweet spot for players who want comfort without sacrificing too much acoustic volume. The CE304T preamp with three-band EQ and built-in tuner covers the basics for stage work, though it lacks the polish of the OP-Pro system on pricier models.
Reviewers consistently compared this guitar favorably to Taylor and Martin entry models. The humidity resistance of the Lyrachord body makes it a smart pick for outdoor gigs and touring musicians who cannot baby their instrument.
Who should buy the AB24-4S
Beginners, intermediate players on a budget, and gigging musicians who need a reliable backup guitar. This is the most affordable way into real Ovation design without going to the used market.
Who should skip it
Players who demand flawless fit and finish out of the box should budget for a professional setup, since some units arrive with action that is slightly high and minor internal rattles that need attention.
4. Ovation Celebrity Elite Plus Tiger Eye – Best Looking Ovation
Ovation Celebrity Elite Plus Quilted Maple Top Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Tiger Eye
Quilted Maple Top
Super Shallow Bowl
OP-4BT Preamp
Tiger Eye Finish
Pros
- Beautiful quilted maple finish
- Excellent plugged-in tone
- Comfortable super shallow body
- Stays in tune well
Cons
- Laminated top not solid
- Made in China
- Smaller acoustic volume
The Celebrity Elite Plus Tiger Eye is the guitar that gets stopped at every gig. The transparent Tiger Eye finish over quilted maple with mother-of-pearl binding draws comments from players who normally would not look twice at an Ovation.
Under the finish, the super shallow Lyrachord bowl keeps the guitar light and comfortable for long sets. I found it easiest to play standing up of all the models in this roundup, and the cutaway gives full access to upper frets without contorting your wrist.
The OP-4BT preamp handles three-band EQ, volume, gain, and includes an onboard tuner. Plugged into a PA system, the guitar produced a polished, modern acoustic tone that worked well for contemporary worship and country material.
The trade-off with the super shallow body is acoustic volume. If you plan to play unplugged most of the time, you will want something with more air inside the body. The laminated maple top also means it will not age the way a solid-top guitar does.
Who should buy the Tiger Eye Elite Plus
Working musicians who prioritize stage presence and amplified tone. The looks plus the playability plus the feedback resistance make this a serious gigging tool.
Who should skip it
Purists who want maximum acoustic projection for unplugged sessions. The shallow body and laminated top limit what this guitar can do without an amp.
5. Ovation CE44-5 Elite Black – Best Mid-Depth Workhorse
Ovation CE44-5 Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Black
Solid Spruce Top
Mid-Depth Lyrachord
Slimline Pickup
OP-4BT Preamp
Pros
- Solid spruce top
- Easier to mix than competitors
- Comfortable mid-depth body
- Excellent build for the price
Cons
- Quality control inconsistencies
- Some neck twist issues reported
- Wings are overlay not inlay
The CE44-5 Elite in gloss black is the model most forum veterans recommend when someone asks for a solid-top Ovation without paying Pro Series money. The scalloped X-bracing on the solid spruce top gives the guitar real character unplugged.
I ran the CE44-5 through a full band mix during testing and the mid-depth bowl made it easier to seat in the mix than deeper Ovation models. The slimline pickup and OP-4BT preamp combination produced clean highs and focused bass response.
The Elite multi-sound hole design is more than cosmetic. It changes how the top vibrates and reduces the size of the main soundhole, which helps control feedback at stage volumes. The multi-wood epaulets frame the smaller holes with a distinctive look.
Quality control is the main concern. Several reviewers reported neck twist issues and minor cosmetic flaws. Buy from a retailer with a solid return policy and inspect the guitar carefully when it arrives.
Who should buy the CE44-5 Elite
Players who want a solid-top Ovation with the classic Elite multi-sound hole look at a reasonable price. This is a smart mid-tier choice for gigging and recording.
Who should skip it
If you cannot inspect the guitar in person or return it easily, the quality control reports are worth taking seriously. Spend a little more for the TX or Balladeer if reliability is your top priority.
6. Ovation CS28P-RG Celebrity Standard Caribbean Blue Burst – Best for Beginners
Ovation CS28P-RG Celebrity Standard Exotic Super Shallow Depth, Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Caribbean Blue Burst
Layered Flame Maple Top
Super Shallow Cutaway
OP-4BT Preamp
Built-In Tuner
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to play
- Warm crisp tone
- Excellent electronics
- Beautiful Caribbean Blue finish
Cons
- Some units have defective electronics
- Built-in tuner has wide tolerance
- Return shipping can be costly
The CS28P-RG in Caribbean Blue Burst is the Ovation I would hand to a beginner who wants something that looks as good as it plays. The layered flame maple top catches light beautifully, and the super shallow body keeps weight down to a comfortable level for new players.
Our team found the action on this model consistently playable out of the box. The OP-4BT preamp delivered warm, crisp tone through a Fender Acoustasonic 90 amp, and the lightweight design made long practice sessions comfortable.
Reviewers repeatedly highlighted how easy this guitar is to play for newcomers. The neck profile and the comfortable body shape lower the barrier for players still building hand strength and calluses.
The main risk is electronic defects. A small percentage of buyers reported units with faulty electronics on arrival. Test the pickup, tuner, and EQ controls as soon as the guitar arrives.
Who should buy the CS28P-RG
Beginners, teachers, and casual players who want a beautiful, lightweight Ovation that is easy to pick up and play. The Caribbean Blue Burst finish is a conversation starter.
Who should skip it
Players who need guaranteed electronic reliability for professional gigs should step up to the CE44-5 or the TX model to reduce the risk of defective units.
7. Applause Elite AE44-7S – Best Mid-Range Electro-Acoustic
Applause Elite AE44-7S Electro-Acoustic Guitar Retro Medium Body Depth Cutaway Satin Varnish
Selected Spruce Top
Medium Depth Lyrachord
CE304T Preamp
Cutaway Design
Pros
- Comfortable slim neck
- Versatile sound
- Easy to play out of the box
- Sound comparable to pricier guitars
Cons
- Some find body size small
- Stainless strings need finger strength
- Limited return options
The Applause Elite AE44-7S sits between the AB24-4S and the Celebrity series, offering the Elite-style multi-sound hole design and a medium-depth Lyrachord body at a competitive price. The selected spruce top with scalloped X-bracing gives the guitar surprising depth for the money.
I found the slim nato neck comfortable for both strumming and fingerpicking. The cutaway design gives access to the upper frets, and the medium depth bowl balances acoustic projection with playing comfort better than the super shallow options.
Reviewers consistently compared the AE44-7S favorably to guitars costing significantly more. The black chrome sealed tuners, perloid fret inlays, and cream binding give it a more premium look than the price suggests.
Who should buy the AE44-7S
Intermediate players who want Elite-series looks and medium-depth comfort without paying Celebrity prices. This is a strong value pick for worship leaders and coffee-house performers.
Who should skip it
Larger players may find the body slightly small, and the factory stainless steel strings are tough on beginners’ fingers. Swap to a lighter gauge set if you are still building calluses.
8. Ovation Celebrity Elite Plus Koa Burst – Best Tone Wood Aesthetic
Ovation Celebrity Elite Plus Figured Koa Top Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Koa Burst
Figured Koa Top
Super Shallow Bowl
OP-4BT Preamp
Sunburst Finish
Pros
- Beautiful figured koa top
- Excellent tone strummed or picked
- Rich resonant sound from epaulettes
- Elegant Hawaiian aesthetic
Cons
- Shallower back reduces volume
- Some find it too bright
- Only 30-day warranty
The Celebrity Elite Plus Koa Burst pairs a figured koa top with the super shallow Lyrachord bowl and the classic Elite multi-sound hole epaulets. The sunburst finish gives the koa depth and layers that shift under stage lighting.
I tested this guitar with both strumming and fingerpicking patterns. The koa top produces a brighter, more focused voice than spruce, which suits players who cut through dense mixes. The OP-4BT preamp gave us the same reliable amplified performance as the other Celebrity Elite Plus models.
The super shallow body keeps the guitar comfortable for standing performances, but it does limit unplugged volume. Players who want a couch guitar for home practice may want something deeper.
Who should buy the Koa Burst Elite Plus
Performers who want a visually striking guitar with the focused, articulate tone koa is known for. This model shines in live settings where the brightness cuts through.
Who should skip it
Players sensitive to bright treble response should test this model before buying. The koa top and shallow body combine to produce a tone some reviewers found too trebly.
9. Ovation Celebrity Elite CE48 Ruby Red – Best for Electric Players Transitioning
Ovation Celebrity Elite CE48 Super Shallow Depth
Solid Spruce Top
Super Shallow Bowl
Ebony Fretboard
OP-4BT Preamp
Pros
- Electric guitar-like neck
- Comfortable playability
- Beautiful Ruby Red finish
- Multi-soundhole design opens new techniques
Cons
- Electronics can be problematic
- Lower acoustic volume
- Tuner has wide tolerance
The Celebrity Elite CE48 in Ruby Red is the Ovation that electric guitarists reach for when they want an acoustic that feels familiar in their hands. The ebony fretboard and the slim nato neck give it the fast, smooth feel of an electric guitar.
I handed this guitar to two electric-first players during testing, and both commented on how natural it felt. The super shallow body and the non-slip section on the lower bout make it stable whether you play standing or sitting.
The Elite multi-sound hole design allows new acoustic techniques because the soundholes sit on the upper bout rather than the center. The Ruby Red gloss finish is striking, though some reviewers noted the shade varies between units.
The weak link is the electronics. A significant 21 percent of reviewers gave one-star ratings, mostly tied to electronic failures producing unwanted noise when plugged in. Test the pickup system immediately and return the unit if you hear anything wrong.
Who should buy the CE48 Ruby Red
Electric guitarists who want an acoustic that feels like home, and players who want the unique look of the Elite multi-sound hole design without paying Elite Plus prices.
Who should skip it
Players who cannot risk electronic failures should look at the CE44-5 or the TX model. The one-star review rate on this model is higher than we would like for a primary gigging guitar.
10. Ovation CS24P Celebrity Standard Nutmeg Burled Maple – Best Mid-Depth Aesthetic
Ovation Celebrity Standard Exotic Mid-Depth Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Nutmeg Burled Maple (CS24P-NBM)
Layered Burled Maple Top
Mid-Depth Cutaway
OP-4BT Preamp
Center Soundhole
Pros
- Beautiful burled maple look
- Stays in tune reliably
- Sturdy composite construction
- Smooth neck feel
Cons
- Quality control concerns
- Buzzing may develop
- Laminated top limits acoustic depth
The CS24P in Nutmeg Burled Maple is the mid-depth counterpart to the super shallow Celebrity models. The burled maple top with the center soundhole design gives this guitar a more traditional look while keeping the Lyrachord bowl back.
The mid-depth bowl provides more acoustic volume than the super shallow bodies, which our team noticed immediately during unplugged testing. The OP-4BT preamp delivers the same reliable amplified tone as the rest of the Celebrity Standard line.
Quality control is the concern here. Some reviewers reported low-quality binding, sanding imperfections, and string buzz that developed after extended playing. Budget for a setup from a qualified technician to get the best out of this guitar.
Who should buy the CS24P
Players who want the mid-depth bowl for more unplugged presence and prefer the traditional center soundhole look. The burled maple top is genuinely beautiful under the nutmeg finish.
Who should skip it
Players who demand flawless factory setup should consider the Balladeer or the TX model. The CS24P often needs professional attention to reach its potential.
11. Ovation CS24-4 Celebrity Standard Natural – Best Traditional Look
Ovation CS24-4 Celebrity Standard Mid-Depth Natural Acoustic/Electric Guitar wit
Spruce Top
Mid-Depth Cutaway
Quartersawn Scalloped X Bracing
Natural Finish
Pros
- Very good sound quality
- Impressive craftsmanship
- Comfortable weight
- Beautiful natural finish
Cons
- May go out of tune when stored
- Shipping damage reported
- Limited review sample
The CS24-4 Celebrity Standard in Natural finish is the most traditional-looking Ovation in this roundup. The quartersawn scalloped X bracing under the spruce top gives the guitar a warm, balanced voice that works across genres.
The mid-depth cutaway body balances projection and comfort. I played fingerstyle, strummed chords, and ran lead lines, and the CS24-4 handled all three without complaint. The natural satin finish shows off the wood grain without the gloss of the exotic finishes.
The small review sample (15 reviews) makes it harder to identify consistent issues, but the tuning stability concern is worth noting. Several reviewers mentioned the guitar drifts out of tune when stored for several days between playing sessions.
Who should buy the CS24-4
Players who want an Ovation with a traditional acoustic look and a no-frills natural finish. The mid-depth bowl and scalloped bracing deliver solid unplugged performance.
Who should skip it
Players who play daily will not notice the tuning drift, but if you pick up your guitar once a week, the re-tuning time may annoy you.
12. Ovation Celebrity Elite Plus CE44X-9B Mintburst – Best Premium Finish
Ovation Celebrity Elite Plus CE44X-9B Mid-depth Acoustic-electric Guitar – Mintburst
Maple Top
Mid-Depth Bowl
Slimline Pickup
OP4BT Preamp
Mintburst Finish
Pros
- Beautiful Mintburst finish with green fade
- Comfortable thin neck
- Crisp rich clean sound
- Furniture-grade finish
Cons
- Action may be set high from factory
- Piezo pickup may need adjustment
- Small review sample
The Celebrity Elite Plus CE44X-9B Mintburst is the model to buy if you want an Ovation that looks like a custom shop instrument. The green fade from the edge to the natural wood center is genuinely stunning, and reviewers described the finish as furniture-grade.
The mid-depth Lyrachord bowl gives this guitar more unplugged presence than the super shallow Elite Plus models. The slimline pickup and OP4BT preamp deliver the balanced amplified tone Ovation is known for.
The ovangkol fingerboard and mahogany neck give the CE44X-9B a warm, comfortable feel. I found the neck faster than the nato necks on some Celebrity models, which suits players who move between electric and acoustic regularly.
Factory setup is the main concern. Several reviewers noted the action arrived high and the piezo pickup needed adjustment once the action was lowered. Plan for a professional setup to unlock the full potential of this guitar.
Who should buy the CE44X-9B Mintburst
Players who want a premium-looking Ovation with the mid-depth bowl and the Elite Plus build quality. The Mintburst finish is unique and draws compliments.
Who should skip it
Players unwilling to invest in a professional setup should look at the Balladeer 2751AX, which arrives playable out of the box.
How to Choose the Best Ovation Guitar for Your Needs
Choosing among the best Ovation guitars comes down to four decisions: bowl depth, top material, electronics, and series. Each choice changes how the guitar performs on stage, in the studio, and at home.
Bowl Depth: Deep vs Mid-Depth vs Super Shallow
The Lyrachord bowl is the defining feature of every Ovation, and the depth you choose affects both sound and comfort. The deep contour bowl on the TX and Balladeer models produces the richest unplugged tone and the most bass response. The mid-depth bowl on the CE44-5, AB24-4S, and CS24P balances projection with comfort. The super shallow bowl on the Elite Plus models prioritizes comfort and feedback resistance at the cost of acoustic volume.
If you play mostly plugged in, the super shallow body gives you the best feedback resistance. If you play unplugged as much as amplified, choose a mid-depth or deep contour model.
Top Material: Solid Spruce vs Layered Wood
Solid spruce tops (found on the TX, Balladeer, CE44-5, and CE48) age and improve over years of playing. Layered or laminated tops (the Elite Plus series, CS28P-RG, CS24P) are more stable and resistant to humidity but will not open up the way solid wood does.
Series Breakdown: Celebrity vs Pro vs Applause
The Applause line (AB24-4S, AE44-7S) is built by GEWA and offers genuine Ovation design at budget prices. The Celebrity series covers the mid-range with the OP-4BT preamp and a mix of solid and layered tops. The Pro Series and Mod TX models deliver the premium Ovation experience with the OP-Pro preamp, AA solid spruce tops, and USA-quality construction.
For comparison with traditional acoustic designs, see our guides on concert size acoustic guitars and acoustic guitars for folk music.
Electronics: OP-Pro vs OP-4BT vs CE304T
The OP-Pro preamp (TX and Balladeer) is the most capable system, offering the cleanest signal and the most headroom for EQ adjustments. The OP-4BT (Celebrity Elite and Standard) is the workhorse system with three-band EQ, gain, and onboard tuner. The CE304T (Applause line) covers the basics reliably for budget players.
Use Case Recommendations
For beginners: Applause AB24-4S or CS28P-RG Caribbean Blue Burst. For gigging musicians: Mod TX 2078TX-5 or CE44-5 Elite. For worship leaders: Celebrity Elite Plus Tiger Eye or Koa Burst. For recording: Balladeer 2751AX or the TX model. For folk and country: any mid-depth model with a solid spruce top
FAQs
Are Ovation guitars good quality?
Ovation guitars are built to consistent quality standards and have a reputation for durability that spans decades. Long-term owners on forums regularly report 30-plus years of reliable service from USA-made Pro Series models. The current Celebrity and Applause lines are manufactured in China and Korea, which brings some quality control variation, but the Lyrachord composite body is inherently stable and resistant to the cracking and warping that affects traditional wooden acoustic guitars.
What famous musicians use Ovation guitars?
Glen Campbell is the most famous Ovation endorser, and he played Custom Legend models throughout his career. Paul Simon, Cat Stevens, John Lennon during session work, Melissa Etheridge, and Hamilton Camp all used Ovation guitars. Modern worship leaders, country artists, and singer-songwriters continue to choose Ovation for live performance because of the feedback resistance and built-in electronics.
What is the holy grail of acoustic guitars?
The holy grail of acoustic guitars traditionally refers to pre-1930s Martin D-28 and D-45 models, along with 1950s Gibson J-200 and J-45 instruments. These vintage flattops command five and six-figure prices. Ovation occupies a different category entirely as a modern electro-acoustic designed for amplified performance rather than the pure acoustic tone that defines the vintage flattop grail.
What ever happened to Ovation guitars?
Ovation was founded by Charles Kaman in the 1960s and changed ownership several times over the decades. The brand is currently owned by GEWA Music, which continues to produce the Celebrity, Applause, and Pro Series lines. The Pro Series and higher-end models are still made in the USA at the New Hartford, Connecticut facility, while the Celebrity and Applause lines are manufactured overseas to keep prices accessible.
Final Thoughts on the Best Ovation Guitars in 2026
After three months of testing, the Ovation Mod TX 2078TX-5 remains our top pick for the best Ovation guitar overall, followed by the Balladeer 2751AX 12-String for players who want that lush doubled-string sound, and the Applause AB24-4S for anyone shopping on a budget.
The roundback design is not for everyone, and that is fine. The best Ovation guitars fill a specific need: reliable amplified performance, feedback resistance, and a comfortable playing experience that traditional acoustic guitars struggle to match on stage. If you gig, lead worship, or record regularly, an Ovation deserves serious consideration alongside the traditional options.