AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Ovation Roundback Acoustic Guitars 2026
The top pick is Ovation CE44 Celebrity Elite ($536). Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 38 models, 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.
-
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 ↗ -
- Nut width43.2 mm (1.7")
- Scale642 mm (25.28")
- Frets20 frets
You get a flamed maple top, a Lyrachord body, and a built-in Ovation pickup with a tuner. This one suits you if you want a plugged-in acoustic with a comfortable neck. The Rounded C profile and 642 mm scale make it an easy guitar to hold and play.
Pros
- Flamed maple top gives this guitar a figured look
- Ovation slimline pickup with OP-4BT preamp and integrated tuner
- Optimised X-bracing supports the body construction
Cons
- Lyrachord body is a different build than a solid-wood guitar
48AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$501 now$501€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$691 now$691€619 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42.8 mm (1.69")
- Scale642 mm (25.28")
- Frets20 frets
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
This Ultra 1516DTD-G is a solid choice if you need a stage-ready acoustic with a unique vibe. The roundback gives it a distinctive amplified voice, and the electronics are surprisingly good for the price point. It’s perfect for gigging singer-songwriters or anyone wanting that iconic Ovation sound.
Pros
- Thermo-treated spruce top offers surprisingly warm and responsive projection.
- Lyrachord back delivers Ovation's signature amplified presence and sustain.
- OCP-2000 pickup system provides clear, usable amplified tones with minimal feedback.
Cons
- The roundback design isn't for everyone; it affects the acoustic resonance.
- Thermo-treated spruce, while stable, might lack the complexity of aged tonewoods.
47AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$725 now$725€649 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42.8 mm (1.69")
- Scale642 mm (25.28")
- Frets20 frets
- FingerboardPau ferro fingerboard
This St. Elite is a solid choice for players who want a comfortable, amplified acoustic with a distinctive look. The spruce top gives you a balanced tone, while the pickup system is fantastic for stage work. It's ideal for gigging musicians needing a reliable, easy-to-play instrument with a modern aesthetic.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers clear, articulate projection and warmth.
- Deep Contour body offers excellent comfort and resonance, unique feel.
- OCP-1K pickup system provides versatile amplified tones with built-in tuner.
Cons
- Roundback design lacks the traditional acoustic projection of a flat-top.
- Pau Ferro fingerboard can feel slightly less smooth than ebony to some players.
47AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,115 now$1,115€999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42.8 mm (1.69")
- Scale643 mm (25.31")
- Frets20 frets
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This is a steel-string roundback acoustic with a solid spruce top and a cutaway, so you can reach the upper frets easily. The OCP-1K pickup with built-in tuner lets you plug in when you need to, and the Ovation soft case is included to carry it. It suits you if you want a plug-in acoustic with a case already in the box.
Pros
- Solid AAA Stika spruce top gives a solid wood soundboard
- OCP-1K pickup with OP-Pro preamp and built-in tuner for plugging in
- Abalone dot and diamond inlays with abalone oak leaf rosette add visual detail
47AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,765 now$1,765€1,581 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 38 roundback acoustic guitars
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Ovation Custom Balladeer 2762BL-5-GOvation47Stable$1,953€1,749$1,953€1,749Check ↗
- 12
Ovation Celebrity Elite Plus CE44P-SM-Ovation45↓ 1.9%$579€519$579€519Check ↗
- 13
Ovation Celebrity Deluxe CDX40-PB-G PBOvation45↓ 2.6%$591€529$591€529Check ↗
- 14
Ovation Celebrity Tradition CS-24-5-GOvation44Stable$496€444$496€444Check ↗
- 15
Ovation Celebrity Traditional CS24-1-GOvation44Stable$501€449$501€449Check ↗
- 16
Ovation Celebrity Tradition CS-24-4-GOvation44Stable$508€455$508€455Check ↗
- 17
Ovation Celebrity Elite CE44-1-GOvation44Stable$512€459$512€459Check ↗
- 18
Ovation Celebrity Trad. LH CS24L-5G-GOvation44Stable$524€469$524€469Check ↗
- 19
Ovation Celebrity Deluxe CDX40-5-G BLSOvation44Stable$568€509$568€509Check ↗
- 20
Ovation Celebrity Deluxe CDX40-1-G VSBOvation44Stable$579€519$579€519Check ↗
- 21
Ovation Celebrity ElitePlusCE44P-8TQ-GOvation44Stable$591€529$591€529Check ↗
- 22
Ovation CelebrityElitePlusCE48P-KOAB-GOvation44Stable$602€539$602€539Check ↗
- 23
Ovation Celebrity Elite PlusCE48P-RG-GOvation44Stable$602€539$602€539Check ↗
- 24
Ovation Celebrity El. Plus CE44LX-1R-GOvation44Stable$620€555$620€555Check ↗
- 25
Ovation CelebrityElitePlusCE48P w/bagOvation44Stable$658€589$658€589Check ↗
- 26
Ovation Celebrity Elite PlusCE4 w/BagOvation44Stable$658€589$658€589Check ↗
- 27
Ovation CelebrityElitePlusCE44P-FKOA-GOvation44Stable$669€599$669€599Check ↗
- 28
Ovation Celebrity Elite Deluxe CDX40POvation44Stable$758€679$758€679Check ↗
- 29
Ovation Ultra 1526PBM-G Pitch BlackOvation44Stable$891€798$891€798Check ↗
- 30
Ovation Ultra 1526VRM-G Vampira RedOvation44Stable$891€798$891€798Check ↗
- 31
Ovation Pro Series Elite Gus G SigOvation44Stable$1,194€1,069$1,194€1,069Check ↗
- 32
Ovation Pro Legend 1767-4S-G USAOvation43↓ 4.4%$2,455€2,199$2,455€2,199Check ↗
- 33
Ovation Celebrity Elite CE48-1-GOvation41Stable$535€479$535€479Check ↗
- 34
Ovation Pro Series Elite 1868TX-5-GOvation41Stable$892€799$892€799Check ↗
- 35
Ovation Pro Series 2771AX-CCB-G SBalOvation41Stable$1,060€949$1,060€949Check ↗
- 36
Ovation Pro Series 2771AX-5-G Std BallOvation41Stable$1,082€969$1,082€969Check ↗
- 37
Ovation Pro Elite 1768-4S-G USAOvation41Stable$2,668€2,390$2,668€2,390Check ↗
- 38
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 $602 — 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
Body Shape & Construction
The iconic roundback isn't just for looks. It's engineered for increased volume and projection, often at the expense of that traditional acoustic 'warmth'. This makes them surprisingly versatile for genres needing clarity.
Lyrachord Rosette
This synthetic material replaces the traditional wood rosette. It's more resistant to cracking and humidity changes, which is a huge plus for gigging musicians, but some purists dislike the lack of wood resonance.
Pickup Systems
Ovation's integrated pickups are a defining feature. While early versions could be harsh, modern systems like the MultiSound and UltraTalkbox offer surprisingly natural acoustic voicing and impressive headroom - important for recording and live use.
Neck Profile & Playability
Ovations often have a wider, flatter neck profile than many traditional acoustics. This can be a love-it-or-hate-it thing, but it often makes them easier to play for players with larger hands or those coming from an electric guitar background.
Sustain & Articulation
The roundback design and often-lighter bracing contribute to exceptional sustain and a clear, articulate tone. You'll hear every note ring out, which is fantastic for fingerstyle playing and complex chord voicings, but can also expose sloppy technique.
Buying guide
Let's be honest, Ovation roundbacks get a bad rap sometimes. People think they're just for cheesy 80s ballads, but that's a massive oversight. These guitars offer a unique blend of acoustic projection and electric-like sustain that's genuinely useful - especially when you need to cut through a loud band or record a clean, articulate part. I've gigged with them for years, and I'm here to tell you why they're still relevant.
Don't expect an Ovation to sound like a Martin. They have a distinct character - a brighter, more focused tone with incredible projection. Older models (especially pre-2000) can have brittle bracing and lackluster pickups, so play before you buy.
Spending a bit more for a newer model with a MultiSound or UltraTalkbox pickup system is generally worth it, as the pickup voicing has improved dramatically.
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 41 roundback acoustic guitars from the Thomann catalogue (of 66 in the category). 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 Ovation guitars really as loud as people say?
Yes, they are. The roundback design and the often-thinner bracing contribute to significant acoustic volume. They'll cut through a band without needing a mic, which is a huge advantage.
Are Ovation guitars 'un-acoustic'?
They definitely have a different acoustic character. You lose some of that traditional acoustic warmth and complexity, but gain projection and sustain. It's a trade-off, not a lack of acoustic qualities.
What's the deal with the Lyrachord material?
It's a synthetic material designed to replace the wooden soundhole rosette. It's durable and resistant to cracking, which is great for touring, but it doesn't resonate like wood.
Are Ovation necks uncomfortable?
The neck profile can be wider and flatter than many traditional acoustics. Try before you buy to see if it suits your hand size and playing style. It's not inherently uncomfortable, just different.
Are Ovation guitars good for recording?
Absolutely, especially newer models with upgraded pickup systems. The clarity and articulation are a real asset, though you might need to EQ to tame the brightness depending on the recording context.





