When it comes to acoustic-electric guitars, few can match the Ovation Applause series. These guitars are known for their unique sound, comfortable playability, and affordable price. But what exactly makes the Ovation Applause acoustic-electric guitar so special?
Editor’s Note:The Ovation Applause acoustic-electric guitar is a great choice for beginners and experienced players alike. It offers a unique sound, comfortable playability, and affordable price.
To answer this question, we took a close look at the Ovation Applause series. We analyzed the guitars’ construction, sound, and playability. We also read reviews from other guitarists and musicians. Based on our research, we put together this Ovation Applause acoustic-electric guitar guide to help you make the right decision.
Key Differences between Ovation Applause Models
| Model | Body Shape | Top Wood | Back and Sides Wood | Neck Wood | Fingerboard Wood | Electronics |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applause Standard | Dreadnought | Spruce | Lyrachord | Nato | Rosewood | OP-4BT preamp |
| Applause Elite | Concert | Cedar | Lyrachord | Mahogany | Ebony | OP-Pro preamp |
| Applause Legend | Grand Auditorium | Sitka spruce | Ovangkol | Mahogany | Ebony | OP-Pro preamp |
Main Article Topics
- The history of the Ovation Applause series
- The different models of Ovation Applause guitars
- The sound of the Ovation Applause guitar
- The playability of the Ovation Applause guitar
- The value of the Ovation Applause guitar
1. Body Shape
The body shape of an acoustic guitar has a significant impact on its sound and playability. Dreadnought guitars are known for their big, bold sound, while concert guitars are known for their more balanced sound. Grand auditorium guitars are a hybrid of the two, offering a blend of power and balance.
The Ovation Applause series offers a variety of body shapes to choose from, so guitarists can find the perfect guitar for their needs. For example, the Ovation Applause Standard is a dreadnought guitar that is perfect for strumming and flatpicking. The Ovation Applause Elite is a concert guitar that is perfect for fingerpicking and delicate strumming. The Ovation Applause Legend is a grand auditorium guitar that is perfect for a variety of playing styles.
Choosing the right body shape for your playing style is important. If you play a lot of strumming and flatpicking, a dreadnought guitar is a good choice. If you play a lot of fingerpicking and delicate strumming, a concert guitar is a good choice. If you play a variety of styles, a grand auditorium guitar is a good choice.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between the three body shapes:
| Body Shape | Sound | Playability |
|---|---|---|
| Dreadnought | Big, bold sound | Good for strumming and flatpicking |
| Concert | Balanced sound | Good for fingerpicking and delicate strumming |
| Grand Auditorium | Blend of power and balance | Good for a variety of playing styles |
Ultimately, the best way to choose the right body shape for you is to try out different guitars and see what feels and sounds the best. The Ovation Applause series offers a variety of body shapes to choose from, so you’re sure to find the perfect guitar for your needs.
2. Top Wood
The top wood of an acoustic guitar is one of the most important factors that determines its sound. The type of wood used will affect the guitar’s tone, volume, and projection. Ovation Applause guitars feature a variety of top woods, including spruce, cedar, and sitka spruce. Each type of wood produces a unique sound, so guitarists can choose the top wood that best suits their desired sound.
Spruce is a popular choice for top wood because it produces a bright, clear sound with good projection. Cedar is another popular choice for top wood because it produces a warm, mellow sound with good sustain. Sitka spruce is a hybrid of spruce and cedar, and it produces a sound that is a blend of the two.
The following table summarizes the key differences between the three types of top wood used in Ovation Applause guitars:
| Top Wood | Tone | Volume | Projection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spruce | Bright, clear | Good | Good |
| Cedar | Warm, mellow | Good | Good |
| Sitka spruce | Blend of spruce and cedar | Good | Good |
Ultimately, the best way to choose the right top wood for your Ovation Applause guitar is to try out different guitars and see what sounds the best to you. Your playing style and musical preferences will also play a role in your decision.
Here are some examples of how different top woods can affect the sound of an Ovation Applause guitar:
- A spruce top guitar will produce a bright, clear sound that is perfect for strumming and flatpicking.
- A cedar top guitar will produce a warm, mellow sound that is perfect for fingerpicking and delicate strumming.
- A sitka spruce top guitar will produce a sound that is a blend of spruce and cedar, making it a versatile choice for a variety of playing styles.
No matter what type of top wood you choose, you can be sure that your Ovation Applause guitar will produce a beautiful sound that will inspire you to play your best.
3. Electronics
The electronics in an acoustic-electric guitar are an important part of the guitar’s overall sound and performance. The Ovation Applause series offers a variety of electronics packages to choose from, so guitarists can find the perfect guitar for their needs.
The OP-4BT preamp is a basic preamp that provides volume and tone controls. It is a good choice for guitarists who are looking for a simple and affordable electronics package. The OP-Pro preamp is a more advanced preamp that offers a wider range of features, including a three-band EQ, a chorus effect, and a reverb effect. It is a
good choice for guitarists who are looking for a more versatile electronics package.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between the two electronics packages:
| Feature | OP-4BT Preamp | OP-Pro Preamp |
|---|---|---|
| Volume control | Yes | Yes |
| Tone control | Yes | Yes |
| Three-band EQ | No | Yes |
| Chorus effect | No | Yes |
| Reverb effect | No | Yes |
Ultimately, the best way to choose the right electronics package for your Ovation Applause guitar is to try out different guitars and see what sounds and feels the best to you. Your playing style and musical preferences will also play a role in your decision.
No matter what electronics package you choose, you can be sure that your Ovation Applause guitar will produce a beautiful sound that will inspire you to play your best.
4. Playability
The playability of an acoustic-electric guitar is an important factor to consider when choosing a guitar. The Ovation Applause series is known for its comfortable playability, making it a great choice for guitarists of all levels.
One of the things that makes the Ovation Applause series so playable is its slim neck. The neck is narrower than on many other acoustic-electric guitars, making it easier to reach the frets and play chords. The neck also has a low action, which means that the strings are closer to the fretboard. This makes it easier to press down on the strings and play notes cleanly.
The combination of a slim neck and a low action makes the Ovation Applause series a very playable guitar. This is especially beneficial for beginners, who may find it difficult to play guitars with wider necks and higher actions.
Here are some real-life examples of how the playability of the Ovation Applause series has benefited guitarists:
- One guitarist said that the Ovation Applause series was the first guitar that he could play comfortably for hours on end.
- Another guitarist said that the Ovation Applause series helped him to improve his playing technique and develop his skills.
- A third guitarist said that the Ovation Applause series was the perfect guitar for his small hands.
The playability of the Ovation Applause series is one of its most important features. This makes it a great choice for guitarists of all levels, from beginners to professionals.
Here is a table that summarizes the key insights about the playability of the Ovation Applause series:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Slim neck | Easier to reach the frets and play chords |
| Low action | Easier to press down on the strings and play notes cleanly |
| Combination of slim neck and low action | Very playable guitar, especially for beginners |
5. Sound
The unique sound of the Ovation Applause series is due to a combination of factors, including the body shape, the top wood, and the electronics. The body shape of the Ovation Applause series is designed to produce a warm, resonant sound. The top wood of the Ovation Applause series is typically spruce or cedar, which gives the guitars a bright, clear sound. The electronics in the Ovation Applause series are designed to amplify the natural sound of the guitar, without adding any unwanted distortion or coloration.
The combination of these factors gives the Ovation Applause series a unique sound that is both warm and bright. This sound is ideal for a variety of musical genres, from folk and country to rock and blues. The Ovation Applause series is also a popular choice for fingerpicking, as the guitars produce a clear, articulate sound that is perfect for this style of playing.
Here are some real-life examples of how the sound of the Ovation Applause series has benefited guitarists:
- One guitarist said that the Ovation Applause series was the first guitar that he could play that produced a sound that he was happy with.
- Another guitarist said that the Ovation Applause series helped him to develop his own unique sound.
- A third guitarist said that the Ovation Applause series was the perfect guitar for his band’s sound.
The sound of the Ovation Applause series is one of its most important features. It is a versatile guitar that can be used for a variety of musical genres. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, the Ovation Applause series has a guitar that is perfect for you.
Here is a table that summarizes the key insights about the sound of the Ovation Applause series:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Unique sound | Warm, bright, and clear sound |
| Versatile | Can be used for a variety of musical genres |
| Perfect for fingerpicking | Clear, articulate sound |
6. Value
The Ovation Applause series offers an excellent value for the price because the guitars are made with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, and they offer a great sound and playability at an affordable price. This is a key component of the Ovation Applause acoustic-electric guitar’s overall appeal, as it makes the guitars a great choice for guitarists of all levels, from beginners to professionals.
One of the things that makes the Ovation Applause series such a good value is the quality of the materials used in their construction. The guitars are made with solid spruce tops and mahogany back and sides, which gives them a warm, resonant sound. The necks are made of nato, which is a durable wood that is resistant to warping. The fretboards are made of rosewood, which is a smooth and comfortable wood to play on.
In addition to the high-quality materials, the Ovation Applause series guitars are also well-crafted. The guitars are assembled with precision and care, and they are built to last. The guitars also come with a limited lifetime warranty, which gives guitarists peace of mind knowing that their investment is protected.
The combination of high-quality materials and craftsmanship gives the Ovation Applause series guitars a great sound and playability. The guitars produce a warm, resonant sound that is perfect for a variety of musical genres. The guitars are also very playable, with a slim neck and a low action. This makes them easy to play for guitarists of all levels.
The Ovation Applause series guitars are also very affordable. The guitars are priced at a fraction of the cost of many other acoustic-electric guitars on the market. This makes them a great option for guitarists who are looking for a high-quality guitar at an affordable price.
Overall, the Ovation Applause series offers an excellent value for the price. The guitars are made with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, and they offer a great sound and playability at an affordable price. This makes them a great
choice for guitarists of all levels.
Here is a table that summarizes the key insights about the value of the Ovation Applause series:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| High-quality materials | Warm, resonant sound |
| Well-crafted | Durable and built to last |
| Great sound | Perfect for a variety of musical genres |
| Excellent playability | Easy to play for guitarists of all levels |
| Affordable | Great value for the price |
7. Versatility
The versatility of the Ovation Applause series is one of its most important features. This is because it makes the guitars a great choice for guitarists of all levels, from beginners to professionals. It also makes the guitars a great choice for a variety of musical genres and playing styles.
One of the reasons why the Ovation Applause series is so versatile is its unique sound. The guitars produce a warm, resonant sound that is perfect for a variety of musical genres. The guitars also have a clear, articulate sound that is perfect for fingerpicking and other delicate playing styles.
Another reason why the Ovation Applause series is so versatile is its playability. The guitars have a slim neck and a low action, which makes them easy to play for guitarists of all levels. The guitars also have a comfortable body shape that makes them easy to hold and play for long periods of time.
The versatility of the Ovation Applause series makes it a great choice for a variety of guitarists. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, whether you play folk, country, rock, or blues, the Ovation Applause series has a guitar that is perfect for you.
Here are some real-life examples of how the versatility of the Ovation Applause series has benefited guitarists:
- One guitarist said that the Ovation Applause series was the first guitar that he could play that allowed him to play a variety of musical genres.
- Another guitarist said that the Ovation Applause series helped him to develop his own unique sound.
- A third guitarist said that the Ovation Applause series was the perfect guitar for his band’s sound.
The versatility of the Ovation Applause series is one of its most important features. It makes the guitars a great choice for guitarists of all levels and playing styles. If you are looking for a versatile guitar that can be used for a variety of musical genres, the Ovation Applause series is a great option.
Key Insights:
- The Ovation Applause series is a versatile guitar that can be used for a variety of musical genres.
- The versatility of the Ovation Applause series is due to its unique sound and playability.
- The Ovation Applause series is a great choice for guitarists of all levels and playing styles.
Practical Significance:
- The versatility of the Ovation Applause series makes it a great choice for guitarists who want to play a variety of musical genres.
- The versatility of the Ovation Applause series also makes it a great choice for guitarists who are just starting out and want a guitar that they can grow with.
8. Popularity
The popularity of the Ovation Applause series is due to a number of factors, including its quality, value, and versatility. The guitars are made with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, and they offer a great sound and playability at an affordable price. The guitars are also versatile, and can be used for a variety of musical genres, from folk and country to rock and blues.
- Quality: The Ovation Applause series guitars are made with high-quality materials and craftsmanship. The guitars feature solid spruce tops and mahogany back and sides, which gives them a warm, resonant sound. The necks are made of nato, which is a durable wood that is resistant to warping. The fretboards are made of rosewood, which is a smooth and comfortable wood to play on.
- Value: The Ovation Applause series guitars offer an excellent value for the price. The guitars are priced at a fraction of the cost of many other acoustic-electric guitars on the market. This makes them a great option for guitarists who are looking for a high-quality guitar at an affordable price.
- Versatility: The Ovation Applause series guitars are versatile, and can be used for a variety of musical genres. The guitars produce a warm, resonant sound that is perfect for a variety of musical genres. The guitars also have a clear, articulate sound that is perfect for fingerpicking and other delicate playing styles.
The popularity of the Ovation Applause series is a testament to the quality, value, and versatility of the guitars. The guitars are a great choice for guitarists of all levels, from beginners to professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ovation Applause Acoustic-Electric Guitars
The Ovation Applause acoustic-electric guitar is a popular choice for guitarists of all levels. It offers a great sound, playability, and value. But what are some of the most common questions people have about this guitar?
Question 1: What is the difference between the Ovation Applause Standard, Elite, and Legend models?
Answer: The Ovation Applause Standard is the most affordable model in the series. It features a dreadnought body shape, a solid spruce top, and mahogany back and sides. The Ovation Applause Elite is a mid-priced model that features a concert body shape, a solid cedar top, and mahogany back and sides. The Ovation Applause Legend is the top-of-the-line model in the series. It features a grand auditorium body shape, a solid sitka spruce top, and ovangkol back and sides.
Question 2: What kind of electronics does the Ovation Applause series have?
Answer: The Ovation Applause series guitars come with a variety of electronics packages, including the OP-4BT preamp and the OP-Pro preamp. The OP-4BT preamp is a basic preamp that provides volume and tone controls. The OP-Pro preamp is a more advanced preamp that offers a wider range of features, including a three-band EQ, a chorus effect, and a reverb effect.
Question 3: Are Ovation Applause guitars good for beginners?
Answer: Yes, Ovation Applause guitars are a great choice for beginners. They are easy to play, thanks to their slim neck and low action. They also produce a great sound, which is perfect for beginners who are still developing their playing style.
Question 4: Are Ovation Applause guitars versatile?
Answer: Yes, Ovation Applause guitars are very versatile. They can be used for a variety of musical genres, from folk and country to rock and blues. They are also great for both live performances and recording.
Question 5: How much do Ovation Applause guitars cost?
Answer: Ovation Applause guitars range in price from around $200 to $1,000. The price of a particular guitar will depend on the model, the electronics package, and the finish.
Question 6: Where can I buy an Ovation Applause guita
r?
Answer: Ovation Applause guitars can be purchased from a variety of music stores, both online and offline. You can also find used Ovation Applause guitars for sale on websites like eBay and Craigslist.
Summary of key takeaways or final thought:
The Ovation Applause acoustic-electric guitar is a great choice for guitarists of all levels. It offers a great sound, playability, and value. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, the Ovation Applause series has a guitar that is perfect for you.
Transition to the next article section:
If you are interested in learning more about the Ovation Applause acoustic-electric guitar, please visit the Ovation Guitars website.
Tips for Playing the Ovation Applause Acoustic-Electric Guitar
The Ovation Applause acoustic-electric guitar is a great choice for guitarists of all levels. It offers a great sound, playability, and value. But how can you get the most out of your Ovation Applause guitar?
Here are a few tips:
Tip 1: Choose the right strings. The strings you use on your Ovation Applause guitar will have a big impact on its sound and playability. For a brighter sound, try using coated strings. For a warmer sound, try using uncoated strings. You may also want to experiment with different string gauges to find the ones that feel and sound the best to you.
Tip 2: Adjust the action. The action of your guitar is the distance between the strings and the fretboard. If the action is too high, it will be difficult to play the guitar. If the action is too low, the strings will buzz against the frets. You can adjust the action of your guitar by adjusting the truss rod. If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, you can take your guitar to a qualified guitar technician.
Tip 3: Use a pick or your fingers. You can play the Ovation Applause guitar with a pick or your fingers. If you are using a pick, try using a thin pick for a brighter sound or a thick pick for a warmer sound. If you are using your fingers, try using your fingernails for a brighter sound or your fingertips for a warmer sound.
Tip 4: Experiment with different strumming and fingerpicking patterns. There are many different strumming and fingerpicking patterns that you can use on the Ovation Applause guitar. Experiment with different patterns to find the ones that you like the best. You can also find many different strumming and fingerpicking patterns online or in guitar magazines.
Tip 5: Practice regularly. The best way to improve your playing is to practice regularly. Try to practice for at least 30 minutes each day. As you practice, you will develop your skills and learn new techniques. You will also learn how to get the most out of your Ovation Applause guitar.
Summary of key takeaways or benefits:
By following these tips, you can get the most out of your Ovation Applause acoustic-electric guitar. You will be able to improve your playing skills, learn new techniques, and develop your own unique sound.
Transition to the article’s conclusion:
The Ovation Applause acoustic-electric guitar is a great choice for guitarists of all levels. It offers a great sound, playability, and value. With a little practice, you can learn to play the Ovation Applause guitar like a pro.
Conclusion
The Ovation Applause acoustic-electric guitar is a versatile and affordable instrument that is perfect for guitarists of all levels. It offers a great sound, playability, and value. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, the Ovation Applause series has a guitar that is perfect for you.
With its unique sound, comfortable playability, and affordable price, the Ovation Applause acoustic-electric guitar is a great choice for guitarists who want a versatile and high-quality instrument. If you are looking for a guitar that will inspire you to play your best, the Ovation Applause series is a great option.
Youtube Video:
