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Best Roundback Acoustic Guitars Under $500 2025

Affordable roundback acoustic guitars under $500 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $200 Under $500 Under $800 Under $2,000
SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced
GENRES & STYLES: For World Music For Folk For Unique Sound For Cultural Music For Traditional Styles For Distinctive Tone
BRANDS: Ovation Harley Benton
Ovation Celebrity Elite CE44-4-G - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Ovation Celebrity Elite CE44-4-G

by Ovation
Unique Sound Traditional Styles World Music
Key Feature:
• Great for world music styles
✓ PROS
  • • Great for world music styles
  • • Comfortable playing position
✗ CONS
  • • Can be difficult to hold securely
  • • Limited to specific musical styles

Ovation Celebrity CE44-4-GSteel String GuitarCelebrity EliteCutawaySolid spruce topMulti-wood epaulette sound...

⭐ 4.8/5 (55 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 332706
$498
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ovation Celebrity Tradition CS28P-KOAB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Ovation Celebrity Tradition CS28P-KOAB

by Ovation
World Music Cultural Music Folk
Key Feature:
• Distinctive tonal character
✓ PROS
  • • Cultural authenticity
  • • Distinctive tonal character
✗ CONS
  • • Very specialized sound
  • • Can be difficult to hold securely

Ovation CS28P-KOAB Celebrity Std PlusSteel-String Guitar with PickupTop: Selected high-quality woodScalloped...

⭐ 4.8/5 (11 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 384506
$494
Buy at Thomann View Details
Applause Elite AE44-7S - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Applause Elite AE44-7S

by Applause
World Music Distinctive Tone Unique Sound
Key Feature:
• Unique round back construction
✓ PROS
  • • Great for world music styles
  • • Cultural authenticity
✗ CONS
  • • Limited availability and options
  • • Limited to specific musical styles

Applause Elite AE44-7SSteel-String Guitar With PickupElite seriesMid Depth RoundbackWith a...

⭐ 4.7/5 (24 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 526495
$370
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ovation Celebrity Tradition CS-24-5-G - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Ovation Celebrity Tradition CS-24-5-G

by Ovation
Unique Sound Folk World Music
Key Feature:
• Great for world music styles
✓ PROS
  • • Comfortable playing position
  • • Distinctive tonal character
✗ CONS
  • • May not suit all players
  • • Limited availability and options

Ovation Celebrity Traditional CS-24-5-GSteel String GuitarTop: Solid spruceMid-depth cutaway Lyrachord bodyPearloid...

⭐ 4.8/5 (26 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 332547
$488
Buy at Thomann View Details
Applause Elite AE44-4S - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Applause Elite AE44-4S

by Applause
Distinctive Tone Folk Cultural Music
Key Feature:
• Comfortable playing position
✓ PROS
  • • Great for world music styles
  • • Unique round back construction
✗ CONS
  • • Can be difficult to hold securely
  • • Very specialized sound

Applause Elite AE44-4SSteel-String Guitar With PickupElite seriesMid Depth RoundbackWith a...

⭐ 4.9/5 (54 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 526473
$329
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ovation Celebrity Tradition CS-24-RR-G - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Ovation Celebrity Tradition CS-24-RR-G

by Ovation
Cultural Music Unique Sound World Music
Key Feature:
• Great for world music styles
✓ PROS
  • • Great for world music styles
  • • Comfortable playing position
✗ CONS
  • • May not suit all players
  • • Limited to specific musical styles

Ovation Celebrity CS24-RR StandardSteel String GuitarSolid spruce topMid-depth cutaway Lyrachord bodyPearloid...

⭐ 4.4/5 (8 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 332710
$488
Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Roundback Acoustic Guitars

Budget Planning

  • • Under $200: Entry-level
  • • $200-$500: Intermediate
  • • $500-$1000: Advanced
  • • $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

  • • Sound clarity & tone
  • • Build materials & finish
  • • Hardware durability
  • • Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

  • • Your musical style
  • • Skill level match
  • • Intended use case
  • • Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced roundback acoustic guitars typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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