Lena Torres
Ovation guitars are known for their unique design, featuring a rounded back and space-age engineering. While some guitarists appreciate their progressive features, such as the carbon fiber top and built-in electronics, others find the shape uncomfortable to play, especially when sitting down. The sound of Ovations is a matter of personal taste, with some describing it as thin and generic, while others appreciate its balanced voice. Intonation issues, particularly with the high E string, have also been noted. Ultimately, Ovations occupy a niche market, attracting enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate their distinct characteristics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | An ovation is a large amount of applause from an audience for a particular performer or speaker |
| Etymology | Ovation-, ovatio (Latin), from ovare (to exult); akin to Greek euoi, interjection used in bacchic revels |
| Synonyms | Enthusiastic reception, standing ovation, acclaim, welcome |
| Antonyms | N/A |
| Usage | "He was welcomed by a warm ovation when he came out onto the stage." |
| Examples | In the context of guitar playing, Ovations are acoustic guitars known for their unique sound and round back. They are divisive among guitarists but are appreciated by enthusiasts and collectors. |
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What You'll Learn
Ovation acoustic guitars have an unusual sound unplugged
Ovation acoustic guitars have a distinctive and unusual sound when played unplugged. Some guitarists describe the sound as "heavy on the mids", lacking the full-bodied sound that is typically desired from an acoustic guitar. This unique sound has made Ovation guitars somewhat divisive among players, with some appreciating their progressive, electric-like voice, while others find it underwhelming compared to traditional acoustics.
The Ovation guitar's sound is influenced by its innovative design features, such as the rounded or bowl-shaped back, which some users find awkward to play, especially when sitting down. The curved back can cause the guitar to slide around, making it challenging to maintain a comfortable playing position. However, others appreciate the ease of playability due to the neck profile resembling that of an electric guitar.
Despite the mixed opinions on playability, many guitarists agree that Ovation acoustics produce deep, resonant tones and crisp, bright high notes when unplugged. The guitars are also praised for their accessibility, particularly for beginners or students, due to their thin bodies and ease of playing. The brand has a range of models, from the lower-end Celebrity and Matrix lines to the higher-quality guitars produced in their US plant.
Ovation guitars have a unique place in the history of acoustic-electric instruments. They were popular in the 1960s and 1970s as one of the first options for guitarists seeking an acoustic-like sound when plugged in. While Ovation guitars may not have the same acoustic sound as a Martin or Gibson, they filled a specific niche during the space age with their progressive design and balanced voice.
Overall, the unusual sound of Ovation acoustic guitars when unplugged is a result of their innovative design and intention to push the boundaries of guitar technology during their peak popularity. While some guitarists may not prefer their unique tone, others appreciate their accessibility, playability, and distinct voice, showcasing the subjective nature of musical instrument preferences.
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Ovations are divisive among guitarists
Ovation guitars have a reputation for being divisive among guitarists. Some guitarists appreciate the unique design and sound of Ovation guitars, while others find their round backs uncomfortable and their sound underwhelming when played acoustically.
Ovation guitars were introduced during the space age with the intention of being progressive. They played similarly to electric guitars and had a more balanced voice. One of their defining features is their round or bowl-shaped backs, which some guitarists find uncomfortable, especially when the guitar is on their lap. The unusual shape of Ovation guitars can also make them more prone to neck warping and other issues.
The sound of Ovation guitars when played acoustically has been described as "plasticky" and unusual, with a heavy emphasis on mid-range frequencies. This is partly due to the construction of the guitars, which often have a plastic back and may not have a large amount of wood in their construction. While some guitarists find this sound appealing, others prefer the more traditional sound of guitars made primarily from wood.
Ovation guitars were particularly popular in the 1960s and 1970s as they were one of the first guitars to offer a reasonably good-quality acoustic sound when plugged in. However, in recent years, other acoustic-electric guitars have entered the market that offers a more realistic acoustic sound. As a result, some guitarists may prefer the sound and playability of these more modern options.
Despite the mixed reactions, Ovation guitars have their advantages. They are known for their durability and ability to handle frequent travel, temperature changes, and humidity changes. Additionally, some guitarists appreciate the unique look and sound of Ovation guitars, finding them more interesting and motivating to play than traditional acoustic guitars.
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Ovation guitars are durable and travel-friendly
Ovation guitars have a reputation for being durable and travel-friendly. Their durability is often attributed to their ability to withstand frequent travel and varying temperature and humidity conditions. This makes them a popular choice for musicians on the go, including "road" musicians who require a guitar that can handle the rigours of touring.
The Ovation Applause Traveler Mini Acoustic Guitar, model AA12, is a prime example of their travel-friendly design. Its compact size makes it convenient for travelling, lessons, or simply relaxing at home. Despite its smaller stature, the AA12 delivers a rich, full-bodied acoustic output thanks to its spruce top and engineered body shape.
Ovation guitars were particularly popular in the 1960s and 1970s, as they were the first instruments to offer an acoustic-like sound when plugged in. This made them ideal for large stages and outdoor performances. Their unique sound, characterised by a heavy emphasis on mids, may not appeal to those seeking a traditional acoustic guitar sound. However, when plugged into a system, Ovation guitars can sound just as good as any other guitar.
The physical design of Ovation guitars, particularly the round back or bowl back shape, has been a point of contention for some players. Some users have reported that the guitar tends to slide off their lap, making it uncomfortable to play while seated. On the other hand, the thinner-bodied models are well-suited for seated playing and are preferred by some guitarists.
Overall, Ovation guitars offer a combination of durability, portability, and unique sound characteristics. While they may not be to everyone's taste, they have earned a dedicated following among enthusiasts and collectors who appreciate their innovative features and stable performance.
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Ovation guitars played like electrics
Ovation guitars were designed with the founder's engineering training and development of Kaman helicopters in mind. The company aimed to address the structural weaknesses in the orthogonal joining of the sides of conventional guitars, opting for a composite material to create a smooth body. Ovation guitars are known for their round backs, which give them a unique and recognisable shape.
The Ovation Guitar Company primarily manufactures steel-string acoustic guitars (both 6 and 12-string versions) and nylon-string guitars, often with pickups for electric amplification. Their guitars have been described as playing similarly to electric guitars, with more balanced voices and necks resembling those of electric guitars. The thin necks were designed to provide the feel of an electric guitar's neck while adding strength through layers of mahogany and maple reinforced by a steel rod in an aluminium channel.
The acoustic sound of Ovation guitars when unplugged has been described as unusual, with a heavy emphasis on mids, which is generally not preferred by acoustic guitar enthusiasts. However, when plugged in, Ovation guitars were popular in the '60s and '70s for providing a reasonably good-quality acoustic-like sound. They were favoured by live acoustic musicians due to their ability to reduce feedback issues caused by high volumes.
Some users have expressed frustration with the round back design, stating that it makes the guitar uncomfortable to play, especially when sitting down, as it tends to slide off the lap. However, others have praised the unique shape, citing that it allows for a comfortable playing position, especially for those accustomed to electric guitars.
Overall, while Ovation guitars may have a unique playing experience due to their round backs and thin necks, they have been appreciated for their sound and innovative features, especially when plugged in.
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Ovation guitars have a plasticky sound
Ovation guitars have been described by some as having a "plasticky" sound. This perception may be due to the unique construction of Ovation guitars, which often feature a bowl-shaped back and non-traditional materials such as Lyrachord and carbon fibre. While some appreciate the distinct sound of Ovation guitars, others find it unappealing compared to the warmer, fuller sound of traditional acoustic guitars.
The bowl-shaped back of Ovation guitars, also known as the round back or bowl back, is a distinctive feature that contributes to their unique sound. This design can make the guitar feel unbalanced when sitting or standing, and it may not be comfortable for everyone. The round back can also make the guitar more challenging to play, as it tends to slide off the player's lap.
The materials used in Ovation guitars also set them apart from traditional acoustic guitars. The back and sides of many Ovation models are made from Lyrachord, a synthetic material, while the tops may be solid spruce or a combination of wood and carbon fibre. These non-traditional materials contribute to the "plasticky" sound that some associate with Ovation guitars.
While some guitarists prefer the warmer, fuller sound of traditional acoustic guitars like Martin or Gibson, others appreciate the progressive, electric-like sound of Ovations. Ovation guitars were particularly popular in the 1960s and 1970s when they were one of the first options for guitarists seeking an acoustic-electric sound. Even today, some guitarists continue to appreciate the unique tone and stage presence of Ovation instruments.
Despite the mixed reactions to their sound, Ovation guitars offer several advantages. They are known for their durability and resistance to temperature and humidity changes, making them ideal for frequent travellers. Additionally, their carbon fibre construction can result in lower maintenance requirements compared to wooden guitars.
Ultimately, the sound of an Ovation guitar may be considered "plasticky" due to its unconventional design and materials. However, whether this unique sound is appealing or off-putting is a matter of personal preference. Some guitarists embrace the progressive, electric-like tone of Ovations, while others prefer the more traditional acoustic sound of wooden guitars.
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Frequently asked questions
Ovations have an unusual sound when played unplugged, with a lot of mids. Some people dislike this sound, but others seem to enjoy it.
Ovations are more durable than most all-wood instruments and can handle frequent travelling better. They are also less susceptible to temperature and humidity changes.
Ovations tend to have a round back, which can be uncomfortable for some people, especially those with round bellies. They also have a reputation for neck warping issues.
Ovations can be good for beginners because they are thin and easy to play. However, some people may find the sound when unplugged to be disappointing.
