Best Roundback Acoustic Guitars for Beginner 2026
So, you're looking at a roundback acoustic - good choice. They're often a little more forgiving than a traditional dreadnought for smaller players or those just starting out. The rounded back design can soften the low-end thump and make the guitar feel a bit more comfortable to hold, but it's not a magic bullet. Let's break down what to look for when grabbing your first roundback, especially as a beginner.
Last updated: April 11, 2026
⚡ The best roundback acoustic guitars in 2026 are Harley Benton HBO-600SB (top pick), Harley Benton HBO-600NT for tighter budgets, and Harley Benton HBO-600TB for pros — selected from 15 options, priced $108–$165, ranked by brand, price and popularity.
#1
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1.1/5
AudioFu Score
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8/10
Detail:
5/10
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10/10
Harley Benton HBO-600SB
Nut width
43 mm (1.69")
Scale
650 mm (25.59")
Frets
24 frets
Traditional Styles
Distinctive Tone
Cultural Music
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton is a conversation starter, no doubt. The roundback design is unusual, but the spruce top delivers a surprisingly decent acoustic voice, and the pickup system is genuinely useful for plugging in. It’s an affordable option for beginners, students, or anyone wanting a quirky, travel-friendly guitar with amplified capabilities.
PROS
- • Spruce top provides surprisingly balanced and resonant tones for the price
- • ABS roundback construction offers unique aesthetics and surprisingly good projection
- • Die-cast tuners provide reliable tuning stability for budget-friendly instrument
- • Built-in pickup and EQ make it stage-ready without external amplification
CONS
- • ABS body lacks the warmth and complexity of traditional wood construction
- • Mahogany neck might feel a bit thick for players with smaller hands
- • Snowflake inlays are a stylistic choice that won't appeal to all players
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1.1/5
AudioFu Score
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8/10
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5/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 252605
$109
#2
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1.1/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
5/10
Value:
10/10
Harley Benton HBO-600NT
Nut width
43 mm (1.69")
Scale
650 mm (25.59")
Frets
24 frets
Cultural Music
World Music
Unique Sound
Key Feature:
The HBO-600NT is a seriously quirky instrument—that roundback design is a conversation starter! While it won’t replace a high-end acoustic, it’s a surprisingly fun and playable option for beginners, students, or anyone wanting a unique travel guitar with basic amplification. It's a neat novelty that actually plays well.
PROS
- • Spruce top delivers surprisingly bright and articulate tone for the price.
- • ABS roundback construction provides a unique, comfortable playing experience.
- • Built-in pickup and EQ offer basic amplification for practice or small gigs.
- • Roseacer fretboard is smooth and stable, exhibiting good playability.
CONS
- • ABS body, while unique, lacks the resonance and warmth of traditional wood.
- • Diecast tuners are functional but may lack the refinement of higher-end options.
- • 650mm scale length feels slightly compact, potentially affecting string tension.
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1.1/5
AudioFu Score
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8/10
Detail:
5/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 138708
$109
#3
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1.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
5/10
Value:
10/10
Harley Benton HBO-600TB
Nut width
43 mm (1.69")
Frets
24 frets
Folk
World Music
Unique Sound
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton is a real curiosity – a surprisingly playable and fun guitar with a unique roundback design. The spruce top delivers decent acoustic projection, and the onboard pickup makes it a convenient option for practice, recording, or small gigs. It's perfect for beginners or players wanting a quirky, budget-friendly instrument that stands out from the crowd.
PROS
- • Spruce top provides a surprisingly bright and resonant acoustic tone
- • ABS roundback body offers unique ergonomics and a distinctive look
- • Diecast tuners provide stable tuning, uncommon at this price point
- • Built-in pickup system allows for easy amplification and recording
CONS
- • ABS construction lacks the warmth and complexity of traditional wood bodies
- • Roseacer fretboard, while stable, may feel slightly different than rosewood
- • Limited tonal versatility; not ideal for nuanced fingerstyle playing
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1.0/5
AudioFu Score
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8/10
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5/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 456254
$109
#4
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1.1/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
6/10
Value:
10/10
Harley Benton HBO-850 Classic Black
Nut width
48 mm (1.89")
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Frets
23 frets
Distinctive Tone
Folk
World Music
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton is a quirky, budget-friendly nylon-string that's surprisingly fun to play. The roundback design is comfortable and the pickup system makes it versatile for practice, songwriting, or casual gigs. It's a great option for students or anyone looking for an affordable, unique nylon-string instrument.
PROS
- • Spruce top offers surprisingly bright and resonant tones for the price.
- • ABS roundback construction provides unique acoustic projection and comfort.
- • Roseacer fretboard is smooth and plays well, a nice touch at this level.
- • Built-in pickup system allows for easy amplification and recording.
CONS
- • ABS body, while comfortable, lacks the tonal complexity of wood.
- • Open-gear tuners might not offer the absolute finest tuning stability.
- • The thermally treated Roseacer fretboard, while playable, isn’t a premium material.
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1.1/5
AudioFu Score
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8/10
Detail:
6/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 410261
$142
#5
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1.1/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
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Value:
10/10
Harley Benton HBO-850SB
Nut width
43 mm (1.69")
Scale
650 mm (25.59")
Frets
24 frets
Cultural Music
Traditional Styles
Unique Sound
Key Feature:
The HBO-850SB is a quirky and surprisingly playable guitar. The roundback design makes it comfortable for almost anyone, and the onboard pickup means you can plug in easily. It’s a great option for students, travel, or anyone wanting a unique acoustic experience on a budget.
PROS
- • Spruce top delivers a surprisingly bright and resonant acoustic tone.
- • ABS roundback body is incredibly lightweight and comfortable to hold for extended periods.
- • Built-in pickup and 3-band EQ offer basic amplification for practice or small gigs.
- • Die-cast tuners provide stable tuning, a significant upgrade for the price point.
CONS
- • Thermally treated maple fretboard can feel slightly 'slick' compared to traditional rosewood.
- • ABS construction, while lightweight, lacks the tonal complexity of solid wood.
- • The .011-.052 string gauge is a bit heavy for beginner players or lighter styles.
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1.1/5
AudioFu Score
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8/10
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Value:
10/10
Art. 252606
$142
#6
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1.1/5
AudioFu Score
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8/10
Detail:
5/10
Value:
10/10
Harley Benton HBO-850BK
Nut width
43 mm (1.69")
Scale
650 mm (25.59")
Frets
24 frets
World Music
Traditional Styles
Distinctive Tone
Key Feature:
The HBO-850BK is a fun, quirky instrument that's hard to beat for the money. Its roundback shape and built-in pickup make it a great option for beginners or players looking for a unique acoustic-electric. Don’t expect a high-end tone, but it’s surprisingly versatile and a blast to play.
PROS
- • Spruce top provides a surprisingly balanced and articulate tone.
- • Roundback design offers unique ergonomics and comfortable playing position.
- • Built-in pickup with EQ is genuinely usable for basic stage or recording needs.
- • Die-cast tuners offer reliable tuning stability, uncommon at this price point.
CONS
- • ABS body, while lightweight, lacks the resonance of solid wood construction.
- • Thermally treated maple fretboard can feel slightly 'slick' for some players.
- • Sapele neck might exhibit some movement with significant humidity changes.
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1.1/5
AudioFu Score
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8/10
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5/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 196798
$142
#7
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1.1/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
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5/10
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Harley Benton HBO-850NT
Nut width
43 mm (1.69")
Scale
650 mm (25.59")
Frets
24 frets
Unique Sound
Folk
Distinctive Tone
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton is a quirky, affordable instrument perfect for beginners or players wanting a unique stage presence. The roundback design is eye-catching, and the onboard pickup makes it a solid option for basic amplified performances. Don't expect a high-end acoustic feel, but it’s a fun and surprisingly capable guitar for the price.
PROS
- • Spruce top provides a surprisingly bright and resonant acoustic tone.
- • ABS roundback construction offers unique aesthetics and surprisingly good projection.
- • Die-cast tuners ensure stable tuning, a rarity at this price point.
- • Built-in pickup and EQ make it stage-ready without external amplification.
CONS
- • ABS body, while visually interesting, lacks the warmth of traditional wood.
- • Roseacer fretboard, while thermally treated, may feel slightly less smooth than ebony.
- • 650mm scale length feels shorter, potentially impacting playability for larger hands.
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1.1/5
AudioFu Score
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8/10
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5/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 196793
$142
#8
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1.1/5
AudioFu Score
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8/10
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7/10
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10/10
Harley Benton HBO-850 Classic Blue
Nut width
48 mm (1.89")
Scale
648 mm (25.51")
Frets
23 frets
Unique Sound
Folk
Traditional Styles
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton is a seriously quirky and fun instrument. The roundback design is eye-catching, and the spruce top offers a surprisingly decent acoustic voice, while the onboard EQ makes it gig-ready. It's a great option for students, casual players, or anyone wanting a unique nylon-string experience without spending a fortune.
PROS
- • Spruce top delivers surprisingly balanced, clear tone for the price.
- • ABS roundback construction offers unique aesthetics and surprisingly resonant projection.
- • Roseacer fingerboard provides a smooth, fast playing experience, avoiding common fret buzz.
- • Built-in 3-band EQ allows for easy tonal shaping and performance amplification.
CONS
- • ABS body, while resonant, lacks the warmth and complexity of traditional wood construction.
- • Open gear tuners are functional but may lack the precision of geared machine heads.
- • The 'Modern C' neck profile might not suit players accustomed to vintage or more pronounced shapes.
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1.1/5
AudioFu Score
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8/10
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7/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 410214
$142
#9
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1.1/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
5/10
Value:
10/10
Harley Benton HBO-850 Blue
Nut width
43 mm (1.69")
Scale
650 mm (25.59")
Frets
24 frets
Folk
Unique Sound
Distinctive Tone
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton is a quirky, budget-friendly option for beginners or players needing a super-portable acoustic. The roundback design is comfortable, and the pickup makes it stage-ready, but don't expect a high-end acoustic tone – it's more about fun and functionality than nuanced acoustic projection.
PROS
- • Spruce top delivers surprisingly bright and resonant tones.
- • ABS roundback construction offers unique ergonomics and portability.
- • Die-cast tuners provide stable and accurate tuning performance.
- • Built-in pickup and EQ allow for amplified performance and tonal shaping.
CONS
- • ABS construction lacks the acoustic complexity of traditional wood.
- • The shorter 650mm scale feels cramped for players with larger hands.
- • Roseacer fretboard may exhibit slightly less durability than ebony.
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1.1/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
5/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 408647
$142
#10
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1.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
9/10
Value:
10/10
Harley Benton HBO-600TB w/Bag
Nut width
43 mm (1.69")
Frets
24 frets
Folk
Unique Sound
Cultural Music
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton is a quirky, budget-friendly option that’s surprisingly playable. The roundback design is comfortable, and the pickup system is a great bonus for practice or small gigs. It's perfect for beginners or players wanting an unusual, affordable instrument for casual fun.
PROS
- • Spruce top delivers surprisingly warm, balanced acoustic tone.
- • ABS roundback construction offers unique ergonomics and visual appeal.
- • Built-in pickup with EQ expands versatility for performance and recording.
- • Roseacer fretboard provides a smooth, comfortable playing experience.
CONS
- • ABS body lacks the resonance and complexity of traditional wood construction.
- • Thermally treated Roseacer fretboard may feel slightly unfamiliar to some players.
- • Diecast tuners are functional but lack the refinement of higher-end options.
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1.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
9/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 537023
$131
#11
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1.1/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
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9/10
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10/10
Harley Benton HBO-850BK w/Bag
Nut width
43 mm (1.69")
Scale
650 mm (25.59")
Frets
24 frets
World Music
Distinctive Tone
Cultural Music
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton is a genuinely interesting acoustic – the roundback design is cool and surprisingly comfy. The Spruce top gives it a decent voice, and the pickup makes it usable for basic amplification. It's a fantastic option for beginners or players wanting a unique and affordable stage-ready acoustic.
PROS
- • Spruce top delivers surprisingly balanced and articulate tones.
- • Roundback design offers comfortable ergonomics and unique aesthetics.
- • Built-in pickup system provides basic amplification capabilities for practice or small gigs.
- • Sapele neck provides a stable platform and good sustain.
CONS
- • ABS construction, while lightweight, lacks the resonance of solid wood.
- • Thermally treated maple fretboard might feel a bit 'slick' to some players.
- • EQ is basic, limiting tonal shaping options for amplified sound.
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1.1/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
9/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 540013
$164
#12
⭐
1.1/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
9/10
Value:
10/10
Harley Benton HBO-850SB w/Bag
Nut width
43 mm (1.69")
Scale
650 mm (25.59")
Frets
24 frets
Traditional Styles
Cultural Music
World Music
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton is a genuinely interesting acoustic – the roundback design is surprisingly comfy, and the spruce top gives it a decent voice. It's a great option for students, travel, or anyone needing an affordable, amplified acoustic that's a little different from the norm. Don't expect a high-end experience, but for the money, it’s hard to argue with the value.
PROS
- • Spruce top delivers a surprisingly bright and articulate acoustic tone.
- • The shallow bowl back offers comfortable ergonomics for various playing styles.
- • Built-in pickup with EQ provides decent amplified sound for basic performance needs.
- • Die-cast tuners ensure reliable tuning stability, a nice touch at this price.
CONS
- • ABS construction, while lightweight, lacks the resonance of traditional wood.
- • Thermally treated maple fretboard can feel a bit slick for some players.
- • The .011-.052 string gauge might be a bit heavy for beginners or those preferring lighter action.
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1.1/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
9/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 539213
$164
#13
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1.1/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
9/10
Value:
10/10
Harley Benton HBO-850 Blue w/Bag
Nut width
43 mm (1.69")
Scale
650 mm (25.59")
Frets
24 frets
Unique Sound
Traditional Styles
World Music
Key Feature:
The HBO-850 Blue is a quirky and surprisingly playable acoustic – the roundback design is a real conversation starter. It's ideal for beginners, travel, or anyone wanting a fun, affordable instrument with a basic amplified option. Don't expect a high-end tone, but it delivers a lot for the money.
PROS
- • Roundback design offers unique ergonomics and a surprisingly resonant tone.
- • Spruce top provides a bright, articulate voice with good projection.
- • Integrated pickup with 3-band EQ allows for basic amplification and shaping.
- • Roseacer fingerboard offers a smooth playing experience, a step above basic options.
CONS
- • ABS body, while durable, lacks the tonal complexity of wood.
- • Shorter 650mm scale length may feel cramped for players with larger hands.
- • Die-cast tuners are functional, but might lack the refinement of higher-end options.
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1.1/5
AudioFu Score
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8/10
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9/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 545331
$164
#14
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1.1/5
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8/10
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9/10
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Harley Benton HBO-850NT Bundle
Nut width
43 mm (1.69")
Scale
650 mm (25.59")
Frets
24 frets
Cultural Music
Folk
Distinctive Tone
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton is a quirky and affordable option for beginners or players wanting a unique look and amplified convenience. The roundback design is visually striking, and the spruce top delivers a decent acoustic voice. It's a great practice guitar or a fun stage prop – just don’t expect a high-end acoustic experience.
PROS
- • Spruce top provides a surprisingly bright and responsive acoustic tone.
- • ABS roundback construction offers unique aesthetics and surprising resonance.
- • Built-in pickup and EQ make it stage-ready for amplified performances.
- • Roseacer fretboard offers a smooth playing experience with a slightly warmer feel.
CONS
- • ABS construction lacks the tonal complexity of traditional wood bodies.
- • Shorter 650mm scale may feel cramped for players with larger hands.
- • Diecast tuners, while functional, might lack the precision of higher-end options.
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1.1/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
9/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 545355
$165
#15
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1.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
10/10
Harley Benton HBO-600TB Bundle
Nut width
43 mm (1.69")
Frets
24 frets
World Music
Unique Sound
Traditional Styles
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton is a quirky and surprisingly capable instrument. The roundback design is comfortable, the spruce top offers decent acoustic projection, and the onboard pickup makes it stage-ready. It's a great starter guitar or a fun, affordable option for players who want something different.
PROS
- • Spruce top provides a surprisingly resonant and bright acoustic tone.
- • ABS roundback construction offers unique ergonomics and surprisingly robust durability.
- • Built-in pickup with EQ allows for easy amplification and tonal shaping.
- • Roseacer fretboard provides a smooth playing experience and resists humidity warping.
CONS
- • ABS body lacks the acoustic complexity and warmth of traditional wood construction.
- • Diecast tuners are functional but may lack the precision of higher-end geared machines.
- • The included accessory pack is basic; experienced players will likely upgrade items.
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1.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 549352
$138
Every roundback acoustic guitars that matches
73 models match this page. The 15 above are covered in detail; the rest are listed here with their published specifications.
| # | Model | Specifications | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Harley Benton HBO-600TB Bundle | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Frets 24 frets | $138 |
| 17 | Harley Benton HBO-850NT w/Case | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 650 mm (25.59") · Frets 24 frets · Strings 12-string · Weight 4.2 kg | $226 |
| 18 | Harley Benton HBO-850BK Bundle | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 650 mm (25.59") · Frets 24 frets | $171 |
| 19 | Harley Benton HBO-600TB Bundle | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Frets 24 frets · Weight 3.1 kg | $219 |
| 20 | Ovation Custom Balladeer 2762BL-VB-G | Nut width 42.8 mm (1.69") · Scale 643 mm (25.31") · Frets 20 frets · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $1,978 |
| 21 | Ovation Custom Balladeer 2762BL-5-G | Nut width 42.8 mm (1.69") · Scale 643 mm (25.31") · Frets 20 frets · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $1,924 |
| 22 | Ovation Custom Balladeer 2762BL-HB-G | Nut width 42.8 mm (1.69") · Scale 643 mm (25.31") · Frets 20 frets · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $1,924 |
| 23 | Ovation Pro Series 2778AX-5-G St.Elite | Nut width 42.8 mm (1.69") · Scale 642 mm (25.28") · Frets 20 frets · Fingerboard Pau ferro fingerboard | $1,099 |
| 24 | Ovation Ultra 1516VRM-G Vampira Red | Nut width 42.8 mm (1.69") · Scale 642 mm (25.28") · Frets 20 frets · Fingerboard Laurel fingerboard | $714 |
| 25 | Ovation Ultra 1516DTD-G Dusk till dawn | Nut width 42.8 mm (1.69") · Scale 642 mm (25.28") · Frets 20 frets · Fingerboard Laurel fingerboard | $714 |
| 26 | Ovation Ultra 1516YS-G Yukon Spray | Nut width 42.8 mm (1.69") · Scale 642 mm (25.28") · Frets 20 frets · Fingerboard Laurel fingerboard | $692 |
| 27 | Ovation Ultra 1516SSM-G Silver Shadow | Nut width 42.8 mm (1.69") · Scale 642 mm (25.28") · Frets 20 frets · Fingerboard Laurel fingerboard | $692 |
| 28 | Ovation Ultra 1516PBM-G Pitch Black | Nut width 42.8 mm (1.69") · Scale 642 mm (25.28") · Frets 20 frets · Fingerboard Laurel fingerboard | $681 |
| 29 | Ovation Celebrity Tradition CS-24P-KOA | Nut width 43.2 mm (1.7") · Scale 642 mm (25.28") · Frets 20 frets · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $582 |
| 30 | Adamas 1687GT-5 BK | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 642 mm (25.28") · Frets 22 frets | $5,499 |
| 31 | Adamas 1687GT-2 RRB | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 642 mm (25.28") · Frets 22 frets | $4,949 |
| 32 | Adamas 1687GT-9-G RevBrownBurst | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 642 mm (25.28") · Frets 22 frets | $4,888 |
| 33 | Ovation Ultra 1526PBM-G Pitch Black | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 642 mm (25.28") · Frets 21 frets | $878 |
| 34 | Ovation Ultra 1526VRM-G Vampira Red | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 642 mm (25.28") · Frets 21 frets | $878 |
| 35 | Ovation CelebrityElitePlusCE44P-FKOA-G | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 641 mm (25.24") · Frets 20 frets | $659 |
| 36 | Ovation Celebrity El. Plus CE44LX-1R-G | Nut width 42.8 mm (1.69") · Scale 643 mm (25.31") · Frets 20 frets | $611 |
| 37 | Ovation Celebrity Deluxe CDX40-5-G BLS | Nut width 42.8 mm (1.69") · Scale 643 mm (25.31") · Frets 23 frets | $604 |
| 38 | Ovation Celebrity ElitePlusCE44P-8TQ-G | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 641 mm (25.24") · Frets 24 frets | $600 |
| 39 | Ovation Celebrity Deluxe CDX40-PB-G PB | Nut width 42.8 mm (1.69") · Scale 643 mm (25.31") · Frets 23 frets | $597 |
| 40 | Ovation CelebrityElitePlusCE48P-KOAB-G | Nut width 42.8 mm (1.69") · Scale 642 mm (25.28") · Frets 20 frets | $593 |
| 41 | Ovation Celebrity Elite PlusCE48P-RG-G | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 643 mm (25.31") · Frets 24 frets | $593 |
| 42 | Ovation Celebrity El. Plus CE44P-TGE-G | Nut width 42.8 mm (1.69") · Scale 643 mm (25.31") · Frets 20 frets | $571 |
| 43 | Ovation Celebrity Elite CE48-RR-G | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 643 mm (25.31") · Frets 23 frets | $565 |
| 44 | Ovation Celebrity ElitePlusCE48P-TGE-G | Nut width 42.8 mm (1.69") · Scale 642 mm (25.28") · Frets 20 frets | $560 |
| 45 | Ovation Celebrity Deluxe CDX40-1-G VSB | Nut width 42.8 mm (1.69") · Scale 643 mm (25.31") · Frets 23 frets | $549 |
| 46 | Ovation Celebrity Elite CE44-RBB-G | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 641 mm (25.24") · Frets 20 frets | $549 |
| 47 | Ovation Celebrity Elite CE44-RRB-G | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 641 mm (25.24") · Frets 20 frets | $549 |
| 48 | Ovation Celebrity Elite CE44-RR-G | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 641 mm (25.24") · Frets 24 frets | $549 |
| 49 | Ovation Celebrity Tradition CS28P-RG-G | Nut width 42.8 mm (1.69") · Scale 642 mm (25.28") · Frets 20 frets | $538 |
| 50 | Ovation Celebrity Elite CE44-5-G | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 641 mm (25.24") · Frets 20 frets | $538 |
| 51 | Ovation Celebrity Trad. LH CS24L-5G-G | Nut width 42.8 mm (1.69") · Scale 643 mm (25.31") · Frets 20 frets | $516 |
| 52 | Ovation Celebrity Tradition CS-24P-NBM | Nut width 43.2 mm (1.7") · Scale 642 mm (25.28") · Frets 20 frets | $516 |
| 53 | Ovation Celebrity Trad.Plus CS24X-7C-G | Nut width 42.8 mm (1.69") · Scale 643 mm (25.31") · Frets 20 frets | $505 |
| 54 | Ovation Celebrity Traditional CS24-1-G | Nut width 42.8 mm (1.69") · Scale 643 mm (25.31") · Frets 20 frets | $505 |
| 55 | Ovation Celebrity Tradition CS-24P-TBB | Nut width 43.2 mm (1.7") · Scale 642 mm (25.28") · Frets 20 frets | $505 |
| 56 | Ovation Celebrity Elite CE44-1-G | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 641 mm (25.24") · Frets 20 frets | $505 |
| 57 | Ovation Celebrity Tradition CS-24-4-G | Nut width 43.2 mm (1.7") · Scale 642 mm (25.28") · Frets 20 frets | $501 |
| 58 | Ovation Celebrity Elite CE44-4-G | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 641 mm (25.24") · Frets 17 frets | $498 |
| 59 | Ovation Celebrity Tradition CS-24-RR-G | Nut width 43.2 mm (1.7") · Scale 642 mm (25.28") · Frets 20 frets | $488 |
| 60 | Ovation Celebrity Tradition CS-24-5-G | Nut width 43.2 mm (1.7") · Scale 642 mm (25.28") · Frets 20 frets | $488 |
| 61 | Applause Elite AE44-7S | Nut width 42.8 mm (1.69") · Scale 643 mm (25.31") · Frets 20 frets | $370 |
| 62 | Applause Elite AE44-4S | Nut width 42.8 mm (1.69") · Scale 643 mm (25.31") · Frets 20 frets | $329 |
| 63 | Harley Benton HBO-600TB Bundle | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Frets 24 frets · Weight 10 kg | $246 |
| 64 | Ovation Pro Legend 1767-4S-G USA | Nut width 42.8 mm (1.69") · Scale 643 mm (25.31") | $2,639 |
| 65 | Ovation Pro Elite 1768-4S-G USA | Nut width 42.8 mm (1.69") · Scale 643 mm (25.31") | $2,629 |
| 66 | Ovation Pro Series 2771AX-5-G Std Ball | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 642 mm (25.28") | $1,073 |
| 67 | Ovation Pro Series 2771AX-CCB-G SBal | Nut width 42.8 mm (1.69") · Scale 642 mm (25.28") | $1,044 |
| 68 | Ovation Pro Series Elite 1868TX-5-G | Nut width 42.8 mm (1.69") · Scale 642 mm (25.28") | $879 |
| 69 | Ovation Celebrity CE44P Elite Plus FES | Nut width 42.8 mm (1.69") · Scale 643 mm (25.31") | $714 |
| 70 | Ovation Celebrity Elite CE48-1-G | Nut width 42.8 mm (1.69") · Scale 643 mm (25.31") | $527 |
| 71 | Ovation Celebrity Tradition CS28P-KOAB | Nut width 42.8 mm (1.69") · Scale 642 mm (25.28") | $494 |
| 72 | Ovation Pro Series Elite 1778TX-5-G | Scale 642 mm (25.28") | $769 |
| 73 | Ovation Pro Series Elite 2078TX-5-G | Fingerboard Pau ferro fingerboard | $934 |
Roundback Acoustic Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 73 models in this category, so «wide», «short» or «expensive» mean something you can check.
Price
median $549
from $131 to $2,629
Nut width
median 43 mm (1.69")
from 42.8 mm (1.69") to 43.2 mm (1.7") · 71 models
Scale
median 642 mm (25.28")
from 641 mm (25.24") to 650 mm (25.59") · 66 models
Frets
median 21
from 20 to 24 · 63 models
Fingerboard
laurel, ebony, pau ferro
most common · 11 models
How to Choose the Best Roundback Acoustic Guitars
1
Playability (Action & Neck Profile)
A high action (string height) will make barre chords a nightmare, plain and simple. Look for a comfortable neck profile - a 'C' shape is generally pretty universal and easy to get used to. Don't be afraid to have a local tech give it a quick setup.
2
Overall Tone (Balance & Articulation)
Beginners often get caught up in 'big' sound, but what you really want is clarity. A roundback shouldn't be muddy or boomy - it should have decent articulation so you can hear individual notes, even when strumming. It's about getting a balanced response across the frequency spectrum.
3
Body Size & Comfort
Roundbacks are often smaller, but the exact shape still matters. A smaller body will be easier to hold and manage, especially if you're younger or have a smaller frame. Consider how it sits against your body - a comfortable fit makes practice a lot less of a chore.
4
Construction & Materials (Bracing & Tonewoods)
Solid tops (usually spruce) are a big step up from laminate, offering more dynamic range and a richer tone. Bracing patterns affect sustain and responsiveness; generally, simpler bracing is easier to understand for a beginner. Don't sweat the fancy tonewoods too much at this stage.
5
Pickup Voicing (If Applicable)
Many beginner guitars come with pickups. These often sound...okay, but rarely great. Listen carefully for harshness or a lack of naturalness. A decent onboard pickup can be useful for plugging into an amp or PA, but don't expect miracles.
Buying Guide
Don't chase the loudest guitar in the shop. Focus on playability and a balanced tone. Cheaper instruments often cut corners on bracing or use lower-grade laminate tonewoods, which can lead to a dull or lifeless sound. Spending a little more on a solid top model is usually worth it, and a quick setup from a tech can make a world of difference.
How This List Is Built
We don't play these instruments — we're a catalog, not a review desk, and we'd rather say so than pretend otherwise. This page covers 73 roundback acoustic guitars from the Thomann catalogue, which is the largest single source of specification data in this category: 15 in detail, the rest listed with their specifications.
Position is computed, not curated. We parse the manufacturer's own description into actual values — nut width, scale, fret count, fingerboard radius, size, alloy — and rank on them: how many specifications a model has published, how many of them are measurable numbers, and how precisely it meets this page's criterion. A product image adds a little. Price is not a ranking signal: it tells you nothing about whether a neck fits your hand. The same inputs always produce the same order, so nothing here is shuffled to look fresh.
What this list is good for: narrowing a category down to a shortlist by spec and budget. What it isn't: a substitute for hearing an instrument. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
Frequently Asked Questions
A dreadnought has a more squared-off back and sides, generally producing a louder, more bass-heavy sound. Roundbacks are typically more comfortable and have a slightly warmer, more focused tone.
It does, but not as much as a comfortable action. A solid top will respond better to your playing and age gracefully, while a laminate top will sound a bit 'flat'.
Look for a guitar with a decent onboard pickup system. Fishman and LR Baggs are generally considered reliable, but even the basic versions are usually better than the super-cheap ones built in. Expect to spend a bit more on a quality preamp.
A setup involves adjusting the action, intonation, and other elements to optimize playability. Most new guitars benefit from a setup - it's like a tune-up for your instrument.
Ideally, try before you buy. A local shop can let you play a few different models and offer a setup. If buying online, check the return policy carefully.
