AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Roundback Acoustic Guitars for Beginner 2026
The top pick is Harley Benton HBO-850BK ($144). Ovation Custom Balladeer 2762BL-HB-G leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 52 models across 4 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 8, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
-
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale650 mm (25.59")
- Frets24 frets
- FingerboardJatoba fingerboard
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.
Cons
- ABS body, while lightweight, lacks the resonance of solid wood construction.
- Thermally treated maple fretboard can feel slightly 'slick' for some players.
58AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$144 now$144€129 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale643 mm (25.31")
- Frets20 frets
This guitar plays nice for both picking and strumming thanks to its spruce top and cutaway shape. The Lyrachord body keeps it light while adding warmth to the sound. It comes with a built-in tuner and EQ, making it ready for practice or recording right out of the box. Great for players who want a deep cutaway without the heavy price tag.
Pros
- Solid spruce top offers responsive attack for flatpicking
- Lyrachord back and sides provide a balanced, mid-focused tone
- Cutaway design gives easy access to upper register notes
Cons
- Satin black finish may show fingerprints and wear quickly
- Ovangkol fingerboard can feel slippery without rosin
-
- Nut width42.8 mm (1.69")
- Scale643 mm (25.31")
- Frets20 frets
The Applause Elite AE44-4S is a surprisingly capable guitar, especially for the price. The roundback design is comfortable and looks unique, and the onboard pickup system is genuinely useful for stage or recording. It’s a great option for beginner to intermediate players looking for a versatile, amplified acoustic with a warm voice and a touch of visual flair.
Pros
- Lyrachord back/sides offer a warm, resonant tone previously unheard at this price.
- The CE304T active preamp delivers clean, usable amplified sound with onboard tuner.
- Mid-depth roundback design provides comfortable ergonomics and unique aesthetics.
Cons
- Plastic nut and saddle are budget concessions impacting sustain and potential intonation.
- Nato neck, while stable, lacks the premium feel of mahogany or maple.
42AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$334 now$334€299 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42.8 mm (1.69")
- Scale643 mm (25.31")
- Frets20 frets
This guitar feels comfortable with its shallow body and cutaway. The Lyrachord wood makes a nice tone for both acoustic and amplified playing. It is a solid choice for players who want easy access to high notes.
Pros
- Lyrachord back and sides offer strong, resonant tone
- Super shallow body design for easy playing
- Cutaway shape lets you reach high frets
Cons
- Plastic nut may wear down faster over time
- No specified weight makes handling unknown
-
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale643 mm (25.31")
- Frets20 frets
This guitar feels solid and plays well for both strumming and picking. The spruce top gives it a lively voice that cuts through a mix, while the Lyrachord back and sides keep the tone open and balanced. It works great for players who want easy access to high notes thanks to the cutaway. The active pickup makes it ready to plug in and sound good anywhere.
Pros
- Spruce top offers bright attack for strumming and cutting through a band mix.
- Lyrachord back and sides provide a balanced, open sound without heavy density.
- Active pickup with 3-band EQ lets you shape tone on the fly.
Cons
- Natural finish lacks a protective coating, making it vulnerable to spills.
- Mid-depth body may lack the warmth and volume of a deeper dreadnought.
-
Ovation CE44 Celebrity Elite
Celebrity Elite CE44-RRB-G · Ovation
111 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale641 mm (25.24")
- Frets20 frets
You get a solid spruce top, a Lyrachord body, and an Ovation pickup with a built-in preamp and tuner, so it is ready to plug in. It suits you if you want an acoustic-electric with a rounded C neck and a mid-depth cutaway that gives you easy reach up the neck.
Pros
- Solid spruce top is a classic tonewood choice for steel-string guitars
- Ovation slimline pickup and OP-4BT preamp with built-in tuner make it easy to plug in
- Rosewood fretboard and bridge (Dalbergia latifolia) add a durable, traditional look and feel
Cons
- Lyrachord body is a different build from a traditional wooden acoustic guitar
-
Ovation CE44P Celebrity Elite Plus
Celebrity El. Plus CE44P-TGE-G · Ovation
55 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width42.8 mm (1.69")
- Scale643 mm (25.31")
- Frets20 frets
You get a cutaway acoustic with a built-in pickup, preamp and tuner, so you can plug it into an amp and tune up without extra gear. The quilted maple top and ovangkol fingerboard give it a distinctive look, and the cutaway makes the upper frets easy to reach. It suits you if you want an acoustic you can plug in and play, and you will need to bring your own amp.
Pros
- Selected quilted maple top gives the guitar a distinctive figured look
- Ovation CP-100 slimline pickup with OP-4CT preamp and built-in tuner
- Cutaway body gives easy access to the upper frets
Cons
- No case or bag is included with the guitar
66AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$579 now$579€519 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Ovation CE48P Celebrity Elite Plus
Celebrity Elite CE48-RR-G · Ovation
37 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale643 mm (25.31")
- Frets23 frets
This is a steel-string guitar with a solid spruce top, a cutaway, and a built-in pickup and tuner, so you can plug it in and play with an amp. It suits you if you want an acoustic-electric guitar you can tune right on the instrument. The Lyrachord body and roundback shape make it a different build from a standard wood acoustic.
Pros
- Solid spruce top, a sound-producing wood many players prefer
- Ovation slimline pickup with OP-4CT preamp lets you plug in and play through an amp
- Built-in tuner in the preamp lets you tune up without a separate clip-on tuner
Cons
- Lyrachord Super Shallow body is a different build than a standard wood body
63AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$557 now$557€499 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Ovation CE44C-4A Celebrity Elite Nylon Mid-Depth
Celebrity Elite CE44-4-G · Ovation
13 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale641 mm (25.24")
- Frets17 frets
You get a cutaway acoustic with a solid spruce top, a rosewood fretboard and bridge, and a built-in Ovation Slimline pickup with a tuner. It suits you if you want to play acoustic and plug in when you need to be heard. The cutaway lets you reach the upper frets more easily.
Pros
- Solid spruce top gives this guitar a solid tonewood foundation
- Ovation Slimline pickup with OP-4BT preamp and integrated tuner for plugging in
- Cutaway body gives you easier access to the upper frets
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$506 now$506€453 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42.8 mm (1.69")
- Scale643 mm (25.31")
- Frets20 frets
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This is a steel-string acoustic with a cutaway, so you can reach the higher frets with ease. It has a solid sitka spruce top, an ebony fingerboard, and a pickup with a built-in tuner, so it suits you if you want to plug in and play. It is a good pick if you want an acoustic-electric with abalone trim and a solid top.
Pros
- Solid AAA sitka spruce top gives the guitar a strong, quality wood base
- Ebony fingerboard and ebony bridge with abalone dot and diamond inlays
- OCP-1K pickup with OP-Pro preamp and built-in tuner for easy amplification
51AudioFu
Index↓ 7.7%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$2,009 · Aug 17$1,853 now$1,853€1,660 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 52 roundback acoustic guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Adamas MD80-NWT Mid-Depth ContourAdamas · 2 finishes51↓ 14.9%$4,130€3,699$4,130€3,699Check ↗
- 12
Ovation Celebrity Tradition CS-24P-TBBOvation · 2 finishes48Stable$501€449$501€449Check ↗
- 13
Adamas 1687-AG-G 50th Anni DNC LTDAdamas48↓ 15.9%$5,135€4,599$5,135€4,599Check ↗
- 14
Ovation Ultra 1516PBM-G Pitch BlackOvation47Stable$691€619$691€619Check ↗
- 15
Ovation Ultra 1516DTD-G Dusk till dawnOvation47Stable$725€649$725€649Check ↗
- 16
Ovation Pro Series 2778AX-5-G St.EliteOvation47Stable$1,115€999$1,115€999Check ↗
- 17
Ovation Custom Balladeer 2762BL-VB-GOvation47Stable$1,765€1,581$1,765€1,581Check ↗
- 18
Ovation Custom Balladeer 2762BL-5-GOvation47Stable$1,953€1,749$1,953€1,749Check ↗
- 19
Ovation Celebrity Elite Plus CE44P-SM-Ovation45↓ 1.9%$579€519$579€519Check ↗
- 20
Ovation Celebrity Deluxe CDX40-PB-G PBOvation45↓ 2.6%$591€529$591€529Check ↗
- 21
Ovation Celebrity Tradition CS-24-5-GOvation44Stable$496€444$496€444Check ↗
- 22
Ovation Celebrity Traditional CS24-1-GOvation44Stable$501€449$501€449Check ↗
- 23
Ovation Celebrity Tradition CS-24-4-GOvation44Stable$508€455$508€455Check ↗
- 24
Ovation Celebrity Elite CE44-1-GOvation44Stable$512€459$512€459Check ↗
- 25
Ovation Celebrity Trad. LH CS24L-5G-GOvation44Stable$524€469$524€469Check ↗
- 26
Ovation Celebrity Deluxe CDX40-5-G BLSOvation44Stable$568€509$568€509Check ↗
- 27
Ovation Celebrity Deluxe CDX40-1-G VSBOvation44Stable$579€519$579€519Check ↗
- 28
Ovation Celebrity ElitePlusCE44P-8TQ-GOvation44Stable$591€529$591€529Check ↗
- 29
Ovation CelebrityElitePlusCE48P-KOAB-GOvation44Stable$602€539$602€539Check ↗
- 30
Ovation Celebrity Elite PlusCE48P-RG-GOvation44Stable$602€539$602€539Check ↗
- 31
Ovation Celebrity El. Plus CE44LX-1R-GOvation44Stable$620€555$620€555Check ↗
- 32
Ovation CelebrityElitePlusCE48P w/bagOvation44Stable$658€589$658€589Check ↗
- 33
Ovation Celebrity Elite PlusCE4 w/BagOvation44Stable$658€589$658€589Check ↗
- 34
Ovation CelebrityElitePlusCE44P-FKOA-GOvation44Stable$669€599$669€599Check ↗
- 35
Ovation Celebrity Elite Deluxe CDX40POvation44Stable$758€679$758€679Check ↗
- 36
Ovation Ultra 1526PBM-G Pitch BlackOvation44Stable$891€798$891€798Check ↗
- 37
Ovation Ultra 1526VRM-G Vampira RedOvation44Stable$891€798$891€798Check ↗
- 38
Ovation Pro Series Elite Gus G SigOvation44Stable$1,194€1,069$1,194€1,069Check ↗
- 39
Ovation Pro Legend 1767-4S-G USAOvation43↓ 4.4%$2,455€2,199$2,455€2,199Check ↗
- 40
Ovation Celebrity Elite CE48-1-GOvation41Stable$535€479$535€479Check ↗
- 41
Ovation Pro Series Elite 1868TX-5-GOvation41Stable$892€799$892€799Check ↗
- 42
Ovation Pro Series 2771AX-CCB-G SBalOvation41Stable$1,060€949$1,060€949Check ↗
- 43
Ovation Pro Series 2771AX-5-G Std BallOvation41Stable$1,082€969$1,082€969Check ↗
- 44
Ovation Pro Elite 1768-4S-G USAOvation41Stable$2,668€2,390$2,668€2,390Check ↗
- 45
Adamas 156SP-5-G Evolution DeepAdamas41Stable$3,921€3,512$3,921€3,512Check ↗
- 46
Adamas 1687GT-9-G RevBrownBurstAdamas41Stable$4,911€4,399$4,911€4,399Check ↗
- 47
Adamas 1687GT-8 RBBAdamas41Stable$5,022€4,498$5,022€4,498Check ↗
- 48
Adamas 1687GT-2 RRBAdamas41Stable$5,023€4,499$5,023€4,499Check ↗
- 49
Adamas 1687GT-5 BKAdamas41Stable$5,023€4,499$5,023€4,499Check ↗
- 50
Ovation Pro Series Elite 2078TX-5-GOvation38Stable$948€849$948€849Check ↗
Roundback Acoustic Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 66 models we track, not a sample.
Median $591 — half of all roundback acoustic guitars here cost less.
median of 64 models · 42.8 mm (1.69")–43 mm (1.69")
median of 64 models · 641 mm (25.24")–650 mm (25.59")
median of 54 models · 20–24
most common · 17 models
How to choose the best roundback acoustic guitars
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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 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 66 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
What's the difference between a roundback and a dreadnought?
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.
Does a solid top really matter for a beginner?
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'.
I want to plug it into an amp - what should I look for?
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.
What's a 'setup' and do I need one?
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.
Should I buy online or from a local shop?
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.
