AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Roundback Acoustic Guitars 2026
The top pick is Ovation CE44 Celebrity Elite ($517). Harley Benton HBO-850NT w/Case gives you the most for the money at $224. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 50 models across 4 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 19, 2026
Narrow the chart
All Roundback Acoustic GuitarsTop 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
-
Ovation CE44 Celebrity Elite
Celebrity Elite CE44-RRB-G · Ovation
117 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale641 mm (25.24")
- Frets20 frets
The CE44-RRB-G is a solid choice for players seeking a comfortable, amplified acoustic. Its unique roundback body and easy-to-play neck make it ideal for gigging musicians and those wanting a versatile instrument that cuts through a mix. The built-in tuner is a handy bonus for quick setups.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers a bright, articulate tone with good projection.
- Ovation’s Lyrachord body provides a unique, resonant, and comfortable playing experience.
- Slimline pickup and OP-4BT preamp offer a usable amplified sound with a built-in tuner.
Cons
- Roundback design may not appeal to players preferring traditional acoustic body shapes.
- Nato neck, while stable, isn't as tonally rich as mahogany or maple.
82AudioFu
Index↓ 8.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$562 · Aug 17$517 now$517€459 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Ovation CE44P Celebrity Elite Plus
Celebrity El. Plus CE44P-TGE-G · Ovation
56 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width42.8 mm (1.69")
- Scale643 mm (25.31")
- Frets20 frets
The CE44P-TGE-G is a solid choice if you want an amplified acoustic with a distinctive look and feel. It’s surprisingly versatile for strumming, rhythm, and even some lead work—great for gigging singer-songwriters or players who need a reliable stage-ready instrument without breaking the bank. The unique roundback and maple top give it a bright, modern voice.
Pros
- Quilted maple top delivers a bright, articulate tone with surprising warmth.
- The CP-100 pickup system offers a usable, clean amplified sound for stage work.
- Lyrachord body provides a comfortable, ergonomic playing experience, unique to Ovation.
Cons
- Ovangkol fingerboard can feel slightly harder than rosewood for some players.
- Roundback design limits acoustic projection compared to traditional acoustic guitars.
66AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$584 now$584€519 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Ovation CE48P Celebrity Elite Plus
Celebrity Elite CE48-RR-G · Ovation
33 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale643 mm (25.31")
- Frets23 frets
The CE48-RR-G is a solid choice for gigging musicians needing a reliable, amplified acoustic. Its comfortable roundback and easy-to-play neck make it great for beginners or players who prioritize stage-ready functionality over traditional acoustic tone. It’s a versatile, affordable option that delivers a distinctive sound and a lot of convenience.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers a bright, articulate voice with surprising projection
- Lyrachord back provides unique acoustic resonance and comfortable ergonomics
- Slimline pickup and OP-4CT preamp offer convenient amplified performance with tuner
Cons
- Lyrachord back, while comfortable, lacks the traditional acoustic depth of all-wood designs
- Ovangkol fingerboard can feel slightly harder than rosewood for some players
62AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$562 now$562€499 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale650 mm (25.59")
- Frets24 frets
- Strings12-string
- Weight4.2 kg
This Harley Benton is a real curiosity – a roundback acoustic with a built-in pickup. The spruce top gives it a decent amount of warmth, and the Roseacer fretboard is surprisingly nice to play. It's a fun, affordable option for beginners or players looking for something different, especially for casual playing or basic recording.
Pros
- Spruce top delivers surprising warmth and projection for the price.
- ABS bowl back offers unique aesthetics and surprisingly resonant tone.
- Roseacer fretboard provides a smooth playing experience, avoiding common fret buzz.
Cons
- ABS construction lacks the tonal complexity of all-wood instruments.
- Shorter scale length limits low-end response and string tension.
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$224 now$224€199 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Ovation CE44C-4A Celebrity Elite Nylon Mid-Depth
Celebrity Elite CE44-4-G · Ovation
11 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale641 mm (25.24")
- Frets17 frets
The CE44-4-G is a solid choice for gigging musicians or players who want a comfortable, amplified acoustic. Its roundback design and Ovation electronics give it a distinctive voice, perfect for singer-songwriters and those needing a stage-ready instrument without the premium price tag. It's surprisingly versatile, handling strumming and fingerpicking well.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers clear, articulate projection and warmth
- Lyrachord body offers a unique, resonant tone with surprising sustain
- Slimline pickup and OP-4BT preamp provide a usable, amplified signal with tuner
Cons
- Roundback design might not appeal to players preferring a traditional acoustic feel
- Multi-wood epaulette can sometimes introduce unwanted overtones if not carefully voiced
53AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$510 now$510€453 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42.8 mm (1.69")
- Scale643 mm (25.31")
- Frets20 frets
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This Custom Balladeer is a serious instrument, built for stage and studio work. The Lyrachord back gives it a unique voice, and that pickup system is fantastic for live performance. It's ideal for singer-songwriters and players who need a comfortable, amplified acoustic with a modern edge.
Pros
- Solid Sitka top provides excellent clarity and projection.
- Lyrachord bowl back enhances acoustic resonance and comfort.
- OCP-1K pickup delivers a powerful, studio-ready amplified tone.
Cons
- Roundback design isn't universally preferred; lacks traditional acoustic feel.
- Honey Burst finish might not appeal to players seeking a more understated look.
51AudioFu
Index↓ 7.7%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$2,024 · Aug 17$1,868 now$1,868€1,660 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale642 mm (25.28")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius254 mm (10")
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This guitar feels special because it was made in a tiny run of just 25 pieces. The hand-laid top uses unique Quintad bracing to help the sound move better. It comes with a Schaller headstock and DR Dragon skin strings for a bright tone. This instrument is great for players who want a unique look and solid build without needing to know every technical detail.
Pros
- Limited run of only 25 pieces for collectors
- Mid-depth fibreglass bowl improves vibration
- Hand-laid NWT top with Quintad bracing
Cons
- No back or sides wood specified in text
- Reversed Beige Burst finish is unusual
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$4,905 now$4,905€4,359 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width47.6 mm (1.87")
- Scale643 mm (25.31")
- Strings12-string
- FingerboardPau ferro fingerboard
This guitar uses a solid spruce top to push sound out well. The deep Lyrachord body gives it a rich, unusual voice that stands apart. It feels like a solid choice if you want a 12-string with built-in electronics. The exotic fingerboard is nice but might need some getting used to.
Pros
- Solid Sitka spruce top drives strong projection
- Lyrachord GS body creates unique deep resonance
- Scalloped bracing adds complex tonal depth
Cons
- Deep body shape may feel bulky for some players
- Exotic Pau ferro fingerboard can be slippery
49AudioFu
Index↓ 4.2%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,050 · Aug 17$1,006 now$1,006€894 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43.2 mm (1.7")
- Scale642 mm (25.28")
- Frets20 frets
The CS-24P-TBB is a solid choice for players wanting a distinctive roundback acoustic with amplified capabilities. Its bright tone and comfortable neck make it accessible, while the onboard electronics are genuinely useful for stage or recording. This is a great all-around instrument, especially suited for singer-songwriters and players who appreciate a unique aesthetic.
Pros
- Flamed maple top delivers a bright, articulate voice with good sustain
- Lyrachord body provides a unique, resonant tone and comfortable feel
- Slimline pickup system with OP-4BT offers clear amplified sound and tuner
Cons
- Lyrachord body can lack the tonal complexity of all-wood construction
- Ovangkol fingerboard, while attractive, isn’t as tonally vibrant as ebony
48AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$505 now$505€449 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42.8 mm (1.69")
- Scale642 mm (25.28")
- Frets20 frets
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
The Ovation 1516PBM-G is a solid choice for players who want a unique acoustic voice with reliable amplified output. The Lyrachord back gives it a distinctive look and surprisingly loud projection, and the thermo-treated spruce top offers a pleasant warmth. This guitar is perfect for singer-songwriters or gigging musicians who need a dependable, versatile instrument.
Pros
- Thermo-treated spruce top delivers a surprisingly warm, focused tone.
- Lyrachord back provides excellent projection and a unique aesthetic.
- OCP-2000 pickup system offers clear amplified sound with built-in tuner.
Cons
- Roundback design might feel less 'traditional' for some acoustic guitar players.
- Metallic UV lacquer can be prone to fingerprints and smudging.
47AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$697 now$697€619 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 50 roundback acoustic guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Ovation Ultra 1516DTD-G Dusk till dawnOvation47Stable$730€649$730€649Check ↗
- 12
Ovation Pro Series 2778AX-5-G St.EliteOvation47Stable$1,124€999$1,124€999Check ↗
- 13
Ovation Custom Balladeer 2762BL-VB-GOvation47Stable$1,779€1,581$1,779€1,581Check ↗
- 14
Ovation Custom Balladeer 2762BL-5-GOvation47Stable$1,968€1,749$1,968€1,749Check ↗
- 15
Ovation Celebrity Tradition CS-24-5-GOvation44Stable$500€444$500€444Check ↗
- 16
Ovation Celebrity Traditional CS24-1-GOvation44Stable$505€449$505€449Check ↗
- 17
Ovation Celebrity Tradition CS-24-4-GOvation44Stable$512€455$512€455Check ↗
- 18
Ovation Celebrity Elite CE44-1-GOvation44Stable$517€459$517€459Check ↗
- 19
Ovation Celebrity Trad. LH CS24L-5G-GOvation44Stable$528€469$528€469Check ↗
- 20
Ovation Celebrity Deluxe CDX40-5-G BLSOvation44Stable$573€509$573€509Check ↗
- 21
Ovation Celebrity Deluxe CDX40-1-G VSBOvation44Stable$584€519$584€519Check ↗
- 22
Ovation Celebrity ElitePlusCE44P-8TQ-GOvation44Stable$595€529$595€529Check ↗
- 23
Ovation CelebrityElitePlusCE48P-KOAB-GOvation44Stable$607€539$607€539Check ↗
- 24
Ovation Celebrity Elite PlusCE48P-RG-GOvation44Stable$607€539$607€539Check ↗
- 25
Ovation Celebrity Deluxe CDX40-PB-G PBOvation44Stable$611€543$611€543Check ↗
- 26
Ovation Celebrity El. Plus CE44LX-1R-GOvation44Stable$625€555$625€555Check ↗
- 27
Ovation CelebrityElitePlusCE48P w/bagOvation44Stable$663€589$663€589Check ↗
- 28
Ovation Celebrity Elite PlusCE4 w/BagOvation44Stable$663€589$663€589Check ↗
- 29
Ovation CelebrityElitePlusCE44P-FKOA-GOvation44Stable$674€599$674€599Check ↗
- 30
Ovation Celebrity Elite Deluxe CDX40POvation44Stable$764€679$764€679Check ↗
- 31
Ovation Ultra 1526PBM-G Pitch BlackOvation44Stable$898€798$898€798Check ↗
- 32
Ovation Ultra 1526VRM-G Vampira RedOvation44Stable$898€798$898€798Check ↗
- 33
Applause Elite AE44-4SApplause · 2 finishes42Stable$336€299$336€299Check ↗
- 34
Ovation Celebrity Elite CE48-1-GOvation41Stable$539€479$539€479Check ↗
- 35
Ovation Pro Series Elite 1868TX-5-GOvation41Stable$899€799$899€799Check ↗
- 36
Ovation Pro Series 2771AX-CCB-G SBalOvation41Stable$1,068€949$1,068€949Check ↗
- 37
Ovation Pro Series 2771AX-5-G Std BallOvation41Stable$1,090€969$1,090€969Check ↗
- 38
Ovation Pro Legend 1767-4S-G USAOvation41Stable$2,587€2,299$2,587€2,299Check ↗
- 39
Ovation Pro Elite 1768-4S-G USAOvation41Stable$2,689€2,390$2,689€2,390Check ↗
- 40
Adamas 156SP-5-G Evolution DeepAdamas41Stable$3,952€3,512$3,952€3,512Check ↗
- 41
Adamas 1687GT-9-G RevBrownBurstAdamas41Stable$4,950€4,399$4,950€4,399Check ↗
- 42
Adamas 1687GT-8 RBBAdamas41Stable$5,062€4,498$5,062€4,498Check ↗
- 43
Adamas 1687GT-2 RRBAdamas41Stable$5,063€4,499$5,063€4,499Check ↗
- 44
Adamas 1687GT-5 BKAdamas41Stable$5,063€4,499$5,063€4,499Check ↗
- 45
Adamas 1687-AG-G 50th Anni DNC LTDAdamas41Stable$6,154€5,469$6,154€5,469Check ↗
- 46
Ovation Pro Series Elite 2078TX-5-GOvation38Stable$955€849$955€849Check ↗
- 47
Adamas 2087GT-2 RRBAdamas38Stable$5,288€4,699$5,288€4,699Check ↗
- 48
Applause Elite AE48-1Applause35↑ 7.2%$336€299$336€299Check ↗
- 49
Adamas 2087GT-9-G RevBrownBurstAdamas35Stable$5,895€5,239$5,895€5,239Check ↗
- 50
Applause Traditional AB24-4SApplause31↑ 20.1%$336€299$336€299Check ↗
Roundback Acoustic Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 64 models we track, not a sample.
Median $607 — half of all roundback acoustic guitars here cost less.
median of 62 models · 42.8 mm (1.69")–43.2 mm (1.7")
median of 62 models · 641 mm (25.24")–650 mm (25.59")
median of 52 models · 20–24
most common · 17 models
How to choose the best roundback acoustic guitars
Back Profile & Material
The curve isn't just for looks. A deeper, more dramatic curve tends to emphasize lower mids and warmth, while a shallower curve will maintain more of the fundamental tone. Mahogany is common for a warm, woody tone, while sapele often brings more clarity and a bit more 'thump.'
Top Wood & Bracing
Spruce is the usual suspect for the top - Sitka is workhorse, Adirondack is pricier but offers more headroom and dynamic response. Bracing patterns (X-bracing, scalloped bracing) heavily influence the guitar's responsiveness and overall tone; scalloped bracing generally gives a more open, resonant sound.
Neck Profile & Setup
This is critical. A comfortable neck is paramount, especially if you like to bend strings or play lead lines. Check the action - too high, and it'll be a chore to play; too low, and you'll get fret buzz. A proper setup makes a world of difference.
Pickup Voicing (if applicable)
Many roundbacks come with pickups for stage work. Some pickups are overly bright and harsh, while others are muddy and lack articulation. Listen for a pickup that complements the guitar's natural tone and doesn't introduce unwanted coloration.
Overall Projection & Sustain
A good roundback should have a surprising amount of projection, especially considering its shape. Sustain is a byproduct of the wood choices and construction quality; listen for a note that lingers nicely without getting muddy or undefined.
Buying guide
Alright, let's talk roundback acoustics. These aren't your grandpa's dreadnoughts; the curved back gives them a different vibe - often a warmer, more focused tone than a traditional flatback. They're a great option if you want something that cuts through a band mix without being overly bright or brittle, or if you're looking for a bit of a different aesthetic. But they're not a magic bullet - let's break down what makes a good one and what to watch out for.
Don't chase the hype. Roundbacks can be fantastic, but the curved back doesn't automatically equal "better." Cheaper models often cut corners on bracing or use lower-grade tonewoods, resulting in a thin, lifeless sound. Spend your money on a guitar with a solid top and a comfortable neck - those are the fundamentals that really matter, regardless of shape.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 64 roundback acoustic guitars from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Are roundback acoustics louder than dreadnoughts?
Not necessarily. It depends on the construction and wood choices. A well-built dreadnought can often out-project a poorly made roundback.
Do roundbacks sound 'boomy'?
They can, but it's usually a more focused boom than a dreadnought. The curved back tends to emphasize the lower mids, which can sound boomy if the guitar isn't balanced. Look for models with good top wood and bracing to avoid this.
Are roundbacks good for recording?
Absolutely. Their warmer, more focused tone can be a great alternative to the sometimes-brittle sound of a traditional acoustic. Just be mindful of proximity effect when micing - you might need to experiment with mic placement.
I'm a fingerstyle player. Is a roundback a good choice?
It can be! The warmth and sustain can be really nice for fingerstyle, but make sure the action is low enough for comfortable playing. A smaller body size (like a grand auditorium) might also be preferable for fingerstyle work.
What's the difference between a roundback and a jumbo acoustic?
A jumbo is generally larger overall, with a wider body and a deeper lower bout. Roundbacks have a curved back, while jumbos typically have a flat back. Jumbos usually offer more bass response and volume, while roundbacks offer a more focused and warmer tone.





