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Brand profile · United Kingdom, est. 1970s

Applause

Applause guitars emerged in the late 1970s as a subsidiary of Selmer, capitalizing on the burgeoning interest in affordable, mail-order instruments. Initially known for their distinctive roundback designs, Applause quickly gained popularity for offering unique aesthetics and playability at accessible price points. While not a traditional powerhouse, Applause carved out a niche for itself within the entry-level and intermediate acoustic guitar market.

Roundback Acoustic Guitar Designs12-String AcousticsUnique Body ShapesMail-Order DistributionAffordable Price Point
1970sfounded
United Kingdomcountry
17products in stock
$178–$373price range

All 17 Applause products

Sorted by AudioFu Index — the strongest models of every category first.

Applause AAS-69-HB Jump

Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

$257€229Check ↗

Applause AEO-69-VC Jump

Miscellaneous Acoustic Guitars

$324€289Check ↗

Applause AEO-69-HB Jump

Miscellaneous Acoustic Guitars

$324€289Check ↗

Applause AAS-69-VC Jump

Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

$279€249Check ↗

Applause Elite AE44-7S

Roundback Acoustic Guitars

$327€292Check ↗

Applause Elite AEB4-7S

4-String Acoustic Basses

$343€306Check ↗

Applause AAO96-M Orchestra Mahogany

Miscellaneous Acoustic Guitars

$219€195Check ↗

Applause Elite AE44-4S

Roundback Acoustic Guitars

$335€299Check ↗

Applause Jump Dark Matter

Miscellaneous Acoustic Guitars

$308€275Check ↗

Applause Jump Blank Canvas

Miscellaneous Acoustic Guitars

$347€310Check ↗

Applause AAP-96-AN OOO Vintage

Folk Acoustic Guitars

$301€269Check ↗

Applause AAP-96-AN OOO Vintage

Folk Acoustic Guitars

$301€269Check ↗

Applause Elite AE48-1

Roundback Acoustic Guitars

$335€299Check ↗

Applause AED96-5HG Black Gloss Electro

Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

$303€270Check ↗

Applause AEJ96-1 Jumbo Cut Electro

Jumbo Acoustic Guitars

$364€325Check ↗

Applause AAD96-M Mahogany

Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

$178€159Check ↗

Applause Traditional AB24-4S

Roundback Acoustic Guitars

$335€299Check ↗

Applause, honestly

What Applause does well
  • Unique aesthetic and comfortable roundback designs
  • Good value for the money, excellent entry point
  • Wide range of body styles caters to varied tastes
  • Relatively easy to play for beginner and intermediate players
What to watch for
  • Build quality can be inconsistent across models
  • Materials often reflect the budget-friendly positioning
  • Limited high-end appointments or premium features
  • Resale value is typically lower than more established brands

Questions about Applause

Where are Applause instruments made?

Applause guitars were primarily manufactured in Asia, predominantly in Japan and Korea, under contract with Selmer. Production locations shifted over the years depending on cost and availability.

Are Applause guitars any good for learning?

They are a reasonable choice for beginners, offering a comfortable feel and accessible price point to learn the fundamentals, though more advanced players might find limitations.

Why are Applause guitars so distinctive looking?

Applause pioneered and popularized the roundback acoustic guitar design, deviating from the traditional flat-top shape for a visually unique and often more comfortable playing experience.

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