Of all the acoustic guitars out there, for some reason only the Ovations keep increasing.
It's a guitar with a strong look, but once you play it, that uniqueness gets addictive.
It differs a little from a typical acoustic guitar in both appearance and how it sits in your arms.
And that slight difference is what's good about it.
The Ovation I met at a music store
Some time after I started working, KAZUKIN dropped by a music store on a whim and met an electro-acoustic guitar.
An electro-acoustic is an acoustic guitar you can plug into an amp.
The guitar's name was
Ovation.
A distinctive round body.
A presence a little different from an ordinary acoustic guitar.
From the first glance, it strangely caught my attention.
I had been away from guitar for a long time, but meeting this Ovation got me playing guitar again.
The individuality of the round back
The Ovation's biggest feature is on its back.
An ordinary acoustic guitar uses wood on the back, but the Ovation uses a rounded back made of FRP.
This round back creates the Ovation's unique look.
Seen from the side, it is clearly different from an ordinary guitar.
Some people seeing it for the first time probably think,
“That back is awfully round.”
It really is quite round.
The feel when you hold it is also unique, completely unlike a standard dreadnought-style guitar.
Some people apparently find it slippery or hard to hold.
The Ovation is a guitar whose appeal divides opinion.
But for KAZUKIN, this unique feel in the arms is part of its charm.
I like the sound when plugged into an amp
Because of the special round-back construction, the unplugged sound is a little different from an ordinary wooden guitar.
I think tastes divide on this sound too.
But the Ovation shows its appeal strongly as an electro-acoustic plugged into an amp.
What KAZUKIN especially likes is how the low end swells when I strum chords.
When I strum a big chord, the bass spreads out pleasantly.
This sensation suits my taste.
Of course, other guitars have their own strengths.
I know that.
I know, but when I casually reach for a guitar at home, my hand always goes to the Ovation.
The visual impact matters too
A guitar is an instrument, so sound and playability matter.
But if you own one, looks matter too.
The Ovation has a unique presence that other acoustic guitars lack.
Beyond the round back, there are models with several small sound holes in a row, models with decoration, and many designs instantly recognizable as an Ovation.
Even just sitting in a room, it's picture-perfect.
Just looking at it is satisfying.
Of course, a guitar is for playing.
But sometimes just looking is fine.
The satisfaction of owning is important in a hobby.
For some reason only the Ovations keep increasing
Since getting my first one, I've found myself curious about Ovations of different years and specs.
This model has a different body depth.
This one has a different preamp.
The design of this era is good too.
While looking at them like that, the number slowly grows.
Am I buying them to play guitar?
Or to collect Ovations?
Lately, even that boundary is getting a bit blurry.
But each one has its own different charm.
I know the Ovation is a guitar that divides opinion.
To people who prefer the sound and feel of an ordinary acoustic guitar, it probably looks like an odd one out.
But for me, that individuality is the appeal.
The unique feel of the round back.
The sound of the bass when plugged into an amp.
The visual impact recognizable at a glance.
And the satisfaction of owning one.
Before I know it, I'm looking for the next Ovation again.
Yeah.
Ovation is great, right?
KAZUKIN Rating
- 🎸 Quirkiness of the look (round back) — ★★★★★
- 🔊 Bass when plugged into an amp — ★★★★★
- 🤲 Feel in the arms (divides opinion) — ★★★☆☆
- 📈 The count that grows before I know it — ★★★★★
- 🖐️ Rate of my hand reaching for it unconsciously at home — ★★★★★
This article is a personal opinion and record of use. KAZUKIN LAB has no relationship with Ovation. I'm just an Ovation fan. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.
The illustration is an image based on KAZUKIN's experience. It may differ from real stores and products. It is not an official manufacturer image.