You can spot an Ovation guitar at a glance by its rounded back. Instead of a flat wooden back with sides, a curved bowl of composite material sits behind the top. This construction — the famous Roundback — is why an Ovation sounds, looks and feels different from a classic acoustic guitar.
This overview explains the idea behind the Roundback, what it means for the sound, what the built-in pickup system does — and who an Ovation is right for. At the end we group the models in our range by price class.
01What defines the Roundback
The heart of every Ovation is its curved bowl made of Lyrachord, a fibreglass composite. It replaces the wooden back and sides. The top stays classic solid wood — spruce, for instance — because that is where the tone is actually generated. The bowl acts as a stable, dimensionally consistent resonant chamber that barely warps with temperature or humidity.
Sonically, this gives a focused, direct tone with clear midrange presence. An Ovation cuts through well — in a band or solo on stage. The sound is less broad and boomy than a large wooden dreadnought, but more defined. That is not a shortcoming, it is character: if you want projection and definition, you will find it here.
To be honest: the round bowl feels different to play. It does not rest as snugly on the thigh as a flat back and can slip a little when you play seated. Many players love exactly that feel, others need time to adjust. It is a matter of taste — best to try one yourself.
02Pickup and stage readiness
Ovation shaped the concept of the amplifiable acoustic guitar early on. Nearly every model comes with an active pickup system and preamp from the factory — usually with tone controls and a built-in tuner. In other words: plug in the cable and you are ready. No retrofitting a pickup, no fiddly miking on stage.
That is exactly what an Ovation is built for. The focused sound of the bowl and the built-in system give a strong, feedback-resistant signal when amplified. For singer-songwriters, street playing and small to mid-size stages, it is a practical all-in-one approach.
03Soundholes and the typical Ovation face
Besides the bowl, the soundhole layout is the second visual signature. While many Ovation models carry the classic round soundhole in the centre, some series use several small, ornately decorated soundholes in the upper bout — the so-called epaulette soundholes. They free up a larger vibrating area of the top in front of the bridge.
Beyond the looks, this has a practical effect too: the distributed openings are regarded as less prone to feedback at higher volumes — another point that marks the Ovation out as a stage instrument.
04Which model for whom — the price classes
Our Ovation range runs from a solid entry into the Roundback world to the top model built in the USA. Three reference points to orient yourself:
The entry point is the Celebrity Elite line — for example the Ovation Celebrity Elite Mid CE44-5-G Fichte massiv with a solid spruce top. Here you get the typical Roundback sound and the built-in system at a fair price, ideal for stepping up to a stage-ready instrument.
One step up is the Pro Series Ultra, such as the Ovation Ultra 1516PBM-G E-A Pitch Black, Fichte massiv, Elektro-Acousticguitar mit Koffer in Pitch Black with a solid spruce top and an included case — for players who play regularly and want more headroom.
The top end is marked by the USA-built Ovation Pro Series Legend 1768-4S-G made in USA 🇺🇸 Sitka-Fichte massiv with a solid Sitka spruce top — an instrument for players who want the mature Ovation concept in its finest form.
| Line | Character | Ideal for | Price class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Celebrity Elite | Roundback entry, solid top, factory pickup | stepping up to a stage-ready instrument | from ~480 € |
| Pro Series Ultra | more headroom, case included | regular players, small to mid-size stages | from ~640 € |
| Pro Series Legend (USA) | mature concept, US-built | demanding stage and studio players | from ~1,590 € |
An Ovation is not an all-purpose instrument but a deliberate choice: for players who value a focused, stage-ready sound with a built-in pickup. Which line fits depends on how often and where you play — from the entry point to US production, the range covers the whole span.
Frequently asked questions
What is the back of an Ovation guitar made of?
How does an Ovation sound compared to a wooden guitar?
Can I amplify an Ovation directly?
Does the Roundback feel different to play?
Who is an Ovation worth it for?
Discover Ovation
All current Ovation models and other 6-string acoustic guitars at a glance.
View acoustic guitarsPro Series Legend (USA)Passende Produkte
Ovation Celebrity Elite Mid CE44-5-G Solid Spruce
Ovation Ultra 1516PBM-G E-A Pitch Black Spruce E-Acoustic Guitar with Case
Ovation Pro Series Legend 1768-4S-G Made in USA Sitka Spruce