Ovation Celebrity Acoustic Electric Guitar For Sale (2024 Update)

I love Ovation Guitars. The neck is slim and easily playable. The frets are smooth. The action out of the box is good. This thin body guitar has sufficient volume unplugged and sounds great plugged in. This is a great mid value guitar for both those who are learning guitar and esxperienced musicians. Grab one. You won't be dissapointed.Dan

For those who don't like the Ovation, pick one of these up and play it for a while. It will change your mind, it adjust your attitude. Well constructed, action is smooth, and you can reach the 24th fret on the e and b strings. Not many acoustic guitars have more than 22 frets total.Pappy

First and foremost, this guitar is gorgeous. I purchased the transparent regal to natural (blue) color scheme, and as great as I thought it looked online, it looked even better in person. It's sort of like a "moonburst" with a pearl color transitioning to a deep blue on the edges – very unique. If you do a google search for this particular guitar, you can find owner-posted pictures that give different visual perspective (and more accurate) from the stock GC picture. Guitar sounded great right out of the box after a quick tuning. Great quality strings, electronics (battery included) worked perfectly, and I didn't need to have anything adjusted. Quality seems high, no flaws were noted after delivery. As for the sound, it seems like there are some mixed reviews on the "super shallow" bowl from Ovation, but I was pleasantly surprised by the range of sound from the guitar. Obviously the highs and the mids are clear and bright, but the lows are much better than I anticipated for the shallow body style. I personally opted for the shallow bowl as I wanted a comfortable guitar with a compact size (yet full size) to play around the house, and I certainly feel like the sound doesn't disappoint. Sure, it doesn't have the bass presence of my full size dreadnought, but it sounds great nonetheless for its size, better than I anticipated. I was strongly considering a mid-depth bowl Ovation while purchasing this particular guitar, but I am happy I went with this particular model. After owning this guitar for a several weeks now, I still wear a big smile every time I pick it up. Would pick this guitar up again in a heartbeat.Ashcon

This is a very nice guitar. More than what I expected. Great sound, very forgiving and beautiful. This is one of the guitars you should have in your collection.batmanforever

I recently bought this guitar and was aware of the reviews on here criticizing the action and frets. Straight out of the box, those reviews ain't wrong, BUT if you put in a little setup work, this is a really fun guitar. After putting a shim under the saddle, tweaking the truss rod, and swapping out the strings (Elixir nanowebs are my preferred), this guitar plays like a dream- none of the buzzing I've seen listed in the other reviews on here. That said, I can't speak to the electronics since I bought this one strictly for messing around at home; for practice purposes and entertaining my toddler, it already serves its purpose well. Most exciting though: NO MORE LOST PICKS IN THE SOUNDHOLE!Tom

Great acoustic electric guitar for this price range. Well balanced tones from low to high. Works well with or without an amplifier. It doesn't have the rolling lows like my dreadnoughts, however, you wouldn't expect that from an instrument of this design. The intonation of the instrument was the first thing that really impressed me, which was dead on, all the way up the neck. Acceptably lower action than a regular acoustic (probably adjusted), with no fret buzz. The neck itself is slightly narrower than I'm used to, however, it is very fun to play, and easy to adapt to. I use lighter gauge strings on this, which seems to be preferable, as opposed to medium strings, which I use on other instruments. It is a beautiful instrument with a striking, unique design.gvbrown

I think all hecho en China models have a hump in the fretboard beginning around the 12th fret, which causes the B & E strings to sound brittle and tinny, if they don't outright buzz. A guitar tech friend calls this hump "ovation-itis". That's why they set them up med/high at the factory, which is hardly playable. This one was a surprise ! The action was almost low enough to be fun and required only a fret dressing, levelling on the 12th and above frets, and action adjust. It needs a little more, but it's fun to play now. This is the 4th celeb elite I've ordered, and 2nd one I've kept. The first, a supershallow bowl, required popping the frets off above the 10th and fretboard plained before re-fretting. The cost was almost as much as I paid for the guitar, cha-ching, lesson learned. Once you get the kinks out, these guitars are great for almost anything. The mid-deep bowl has much better lows and overall projection than the supershallows.SecretAgentMan

Always liked the look and feel of the Ovation. This was such a great deal, I had to buy it. Feels just right with very easy action for an acoustic. The Koa wood and abalone accents are a nice touch. Bought as a "blem" but it looks perfect to me.SJPeters

Put on lighter gauge of strings which made the guitar even easier to play. Very pleased with the range of sound from high to low notes and chords.Curly Bob

Very sloppy tuners, does not stay in tune. I won't take it out because I do more tuning than playing. A well done instrument except for the tuners. really good looking. Sounds best finger style and plugged in. Not great flat picked.Jimbo

Professionals I know we're on board for me to get this in left handed for my daughter. Some reviews say set up was bad but I handed it to a friend to check out. Put on lighter strings just because of my daughters style not because of the way it came. Great set up. Shipped IN the case and well packed. How cool is that in this excess packaging world we live in? Go for it.Twosax

I'm not really sure what it is with half of us lefties playing this with a Christian tag, but I want to get this for use at my church. I found one in a local guitar store and have stopped in many time to play it, it is very worth the price listed here, but it seems like you can find these much cheaper at individual retailers, the one ive seen is only 250 dollars and it still works and plays fine. great guitar.Anonymous

I used to have an Adamas. Naturally, this doesnt compare acoustically, but for the price, its an excellent guitar. The workmanship is outstanding as well. I have been a professional musician for over 50 years, as well as a music educator. This guitar will work well as both backup or main axe for any performer.edjudie

This Ovation guitar plays well above its price-point – comfortable to play both sitting and standing, C-shaped neck that allows for speed and precision. As with most Ovations, this one has a punchy high range with a decent middle and surprisingly deep low end. On board electronics and pickups make this sound great plugged in.gravitysshadow

Professionals I know we're on board for me to get this in left handed for my daughter. Some reviews say set up was bad but I handed it to a friend to check out. Put on lighter strings just because of my daughters style not because of the way it came. Great set up. Shipped IN the case and well packed. How cool is that in this excess packaging world we live in? Go for it.Twosax

I'm not really sure what it is with half of us lefties playing this with a Christian tag, but I want to get this for use at my church. I found one in a local guitar store and have stopped in many time to play it, it is very worth the price listed here, but it seems like you can find these much cheaper at individual retailers, the one ive seen is only 250 dollars and it still works and plays fine. great guitar.Anonymous

Pros: I have this exact guitar. It play, sounds and looks amazing. Value? I don't know if you can get an overall bang for the buck than this guitar.weldzilla

This guitar is amazing for under the price. I've been playing for almost 15 years so I always hesitate with instruments in this price range (I know, I'm spoiled) I played its cousin guitar, the thinner-bodied model, at a store but they only had that one. So I went online for the bulkier version. This thing sounds great unplugged, which is saying something for the ovation line, generally having a reputation as good plugged-in guitars. The construction is what one would expect for the price but this thing walks and talks like a much more expensive rig. I'm thoroughly impressed. Do yourself a favor and grab one of these even if you don't have that much experience, I can already see this one standing strong with several of my guitars that are worth tons more.Ricky

I am very impressed by the quality of construction and materials. A tweak of the truss rod, removal of the bridge shims, and a new set of strings, and this is very playable, good sounding, and attractive instrument.Grand Stickist

I played this instrument at a jam session once and thought that i really liked it and the round back was comfortable. So I got one. when it came it did look great but the action was pretty high (even after rmoving the factory shims). Unplugged it just doesn't have a great sound. while it is super comfortable sitting down i found that when you wear it straped on while standing it becomes awkward as it tends to tip over a bit totally unlike a standard shape acoustic. So, i sent it back. For just another 50 you can get an Ibanez artwood series acoustic electric that has much superior sound. that's what i did and I'm very happy with that.h2oboy

Very clean , plays like I had hoped . Super pretty ! Pleased with electronics . Big Bang Guitar for the price . The Blue Maple top is a conversation in it self . If you want a Ovation Celerty Eilite , get the Case . It needs to be protected . I had a USA made Ovation that was In a Sunburst years back . I can't tell much has changed in it quality from China Made . This new Ovation has a awesome mother of Perl inlay and it is very nice . I have other nice Guitars and feel proud to have this Great playing guitar in My life . My sweet wife give to me for a special Christmas gift and it will be use to bless her ears everyday .Doug

A former guitarist in my band owned an Ovation (although different model) and I always loved picking it up and playing on it. About a month ago, I began looking for a replacement to my old go-to Fender acoustic-electric, as it's road days are about finished. While researching what I may want, I remembered that Ovation and decided I would get one for myself. Ordered this one with the blue finish and the three day delivery. MF had it at my door in two days!!! Let me say, first, that the pictures don't do this guitar justice. This thing is an absolutely beautiful guitar!!! When I finished drooling and tuned her up, she played smoothly and had a very lovely sound without plugging in. Plugged in the first time at practice the next day and it was even better. Can't wait until Saturday's live show. She'll be the eye of the stage and will sound great!!! Get this guitar.Ccunn

You will be drawn to this guitar because it's both atypical and beautiful in appearance once you are captured by the grape clustered multiple sound holes as was I. It's also relatively inexpensive given its features. I found it an "economical" way to purchase the Ovation look for my collection without having to move up to the Adamas models which are three to four time more expensive. FYI,Ovation Adamas guitars remain Ovation's USA made brand (New Hartford, CT) while all other Ovations are now produced in Korea, as is the Elite, covered here. Fender music corporation, who now owns Ovation, chose this route after acquiring the company. The Elite has no sonic limits when plugged in. The Pro-Op pre-amp system features an "expressor" slider that adds or subtracts harmonic richness to the overall Elite sound. It works in conjunction with a drive dial that controls the level of expression. Along with the three band tone control and an outstanding pick up, the Elite can conjure up some enticing sounds. (I play it through a Fishman Loudbox Performer.) The neck is more akin to what you'd expect with an electric guitar (albeit a bit fatter) with a nut width of 1 5/8 inches. Nice for easier to attain bar chords but less accomdating for finger-pickers. The deep contour bowl is reasonably comfortable but plan on using a strap to hold the Elite in a comfortable position. The action out of the box is reasonable but at least in my Elite's case, could benefit from a set-up. This is not a lightning fast neck but falls within what one might expect for a mid-level acoustic guitar. As alluded to above, acoustic tone is average and in my opinion volume is somewhat subdued when compared with a similarly priced Ovation Legend that uses a standard centered round sound hole. (I own one of those as well, an older USA made model)I would not compare its acoustic tone to a high end Martin or a highend Taylor. The Ovation Elite has a sound of its own that works just fine so long as you are not expecting a rich sounding, all wood, Martin Dreadnaught. Again, the Elite comes to life when plugged into a sweet sounding acoustic amplifier. All things considered, I've no regrets on the purchase and the Elite looks beautiful when not being played,hanging on the wall. Guitar art work, if you will…. Over and OutMarty

The finish was good although there were some rough spots on the neck. The was a small separation of the body between the top and the bottom. However it was easily fixed with some superglue. The keys worked fine, but the strings were really old. Just a slight bow in the neck that was easily adjusted. The guitar sounds great.cuevas533

You will be drawn to this guitar because it's both atypical and beautiful in appearance once you are captured by the grape clustered multiple sound holes as was I. It's also relatively inexpensive given its features. I found it an "economical" way to purchase the Ovation look for my collection without having to move up to the Adamas models which are three to four time more expensive. FYI,Ovation Adamas guitars remain Ovation's USA made brand (New Hartford, CT) while all other Ovations are now produced in Korea, as is the Elite, covered here. Fender music corporation, who now owns Ovation, chose this route after acquiring the company. The Elite has no sonic limits when plugged in. The Pro-Op pre-amp system features an "expressor" slider that adds or subtracts harmonic richness to the overall Elite sound. It works in conjunction with a drive dial that controls the level of expression. Along with the three band tone control and an outstanding pick up, the Elite can conjure up some enticing sounds. (I play it through a Fishman Loudbox Performer.) The neck is more akin to what you'd expect with an electric guitar (albeit a bit fatter) with a nut width of 1 5/8 inches. Nice for easier to attain bar chords but less accomdating for finger-pickers. The deep contour bowl is reasonably comfortable but plan on using a strap to hold the Elite in a comfortable position. The action out of the box is reasonable but at least in my Elite's case, could benefit from a set-up. This is not a lightning fast neck but falls within what one might expect for a mid-level acoustic guitar. As alluded to above, acoustic tone is average and in my opinion volume is somewhat subdued when compared with a similarly priced Ovation Legend that uses a standard centered round sound hole. (I own one of those as well, an older USA made model)I would not compare its acoustic tone to a high end Martin or a highend Taylor. The Ovation Elite has a sound of its own that works just fine so long as you are not expecting a rich sounding, all wood, Martin Dreadnaught. Again, the Elite comes to life when plugged into a sweet sounding acoustic amplifier. All things considered, I've no regrets on the purchase and the Elite looks beautiful when not being played,hanging on the wall. Guitar art work, if you will…. Over and OutMarty

The finish was good although there were some rough spots on the neck. The was a small separation of the body between the top and the bottom. However it was easily fixed with some superglue. The keys worked fine, but the strings were really old. Just a slight bow in the neck that was easily adjusted. The guitar sounds great.cuevas533

I have read very positive and then very negative reviews about the Celebrity Series Ovation instruments. In this instance I would have to say I got a guitar that while used, had not been abused in any way, and while Chinese mfr.'d., seems to have been done properly. I generally own about a half dozen or so acoustics at any given time, and wanted something I could set up with a very low action, quickly, and play duets with my Mrs. whenever she gets in the mood to play and work on a song or two with me. We use a couple of VOX Pathfinder 15R's upstairs in our dining and living room area and this instrument really sounds amazing plugged in with low amplification; what I would call "coffee shop levels." The cedar top is very flat and has nice grain, but the finish is much thicker than it needs to be. Cedar takes the upper edge off the highest note harmonics for very smooth sustain and sounds unlike any guitar I have owned. Pinless rosewood bridge is a snap for restringing. Abalone dot position markers on the fretboard are so small they may as well not be there, IMO. Frets are somewhere closer to jumbo than vintage and also help provide a different sound and feel than most acoustics with phos bronze 10 guage strings that are my standard. The rosewood fingerboard is so dark and almost dry slick, I would have sworn it is ebony, but it feels and plays wonderfully. I guess the US and some upper end Korean-made models use Schaller-OEM tuning machines, but two of these were shot after a couple of years service. The entire set was replaced with high-ratio Grover polished chrome keys with the standard chrome kidney bean knobs, and I don't think we will be worrying about them at any point in the future. Beautiful abalone rosette that you can actually see from a distance, and the pre-amp and on-board tuner are excellent. The neck is pretty narrow at the nut, something like 1.65" and with a radius that is close to 7 1/2, so it fingers more like a vintage Strat or Tele, and it WILL make you pay attention if you are used to wider, Gibson-style or most any other acoustic necks like Takamine or Alvarez. This model has the deeper, full-sized bowl, with a nice cutaway, and is a comfortable distance from the body when played standing or seated. I purchased a moderate quality TKL gig bag and an Oasis humidifier, and keep it close to where I do my enjoyment listening. Ovations have a long history with some outstanding A-listers, and these folks can play anything they would like. Very pleased with this purchase, and will definitely keep Ovation in mind for future acoustic/electrics. I have been playing for over 40yrs., and can't believe I spent no time looking closely at these in the past.temescaltackle

You will be drawn to this guitar because it's both atypical and beautiful in appearance once you are captured by the grape clustered multiple sound holes as was I. It's also relatively inexpensive given its features. I found it an "economical" way to purchase the Ovation look for my collection without having to move up to the Adamas models which are three to four time more expensive. FYI,Ovation Adamas guitars remain Ovation's USA made brand (New Hartford, CT) while all other Ovations are now produced in Korea, as is the Elite, covered here. Fender music corporation, who now owns Ovation, chose this route after acquiring the company. The Elite has no sonic limits when plugged in. The Pro-Op pre-amp system features an "expressor" slider that adds or subtracts harmonic richness to the overall Elite sound. It works in conjunction with a drive dial that controls the level of expression. Along with the three band tone control and an outstanding pick up, the Elite can conjure up some enticing sounds. (I play it through a Fishman Loudbox Performer.) The neck is more akin to what you'd expect with an electric guitar (albeit a bit fatter) with a nut width of 1 5/8 inches. Nice for easier to attain bar chords but less accomdating for finger-pickers. The deep contour bowl is reasonably comfortable but plan on using a strap to hold the Elite in a comfortable position. The action out of the box is reasonable but at least in my Elite's case, could benefit from a set-up. This is not a lightning fast neck but falls within what one might expect for a mid-level acoustic guitar. As alluded to above, acoustic tone is average and in my opinion volume is somewhat subdued when compared with a similarly priced Ovation Legend that uses a standard centered round sound hole. (I own one of those as well, an older USA made model)I would not compare its acoustic tone to a high end Martin or a highend Taylor. The Ovation Elite has a sound of its own that works just fine so long as you are not expecting a rich sounding, all wood, Martin Dreadnaught. Again, the Elite comes to life when plugged into a sweet sounding acoustic amplifier. All things considered, I've no regrets on the purchase and the Elite looks beautiful when not being played,hanging on the wall. Guitar art work, if you will…. Over and OutMarty

The finish was good although there were some rough spots on the neck. The was a small separation of the body between the top and the bottom. However it was easily fixed with some superglue. The keys worked fine, but the strings were really old. Just a slight bow in the neck that was easily adjusted. The guitar sounds great.cuevas533

Je suis complètement satisfait de ma commande , j'ai reçu mon colis rapidement et très bien protégé. Cette Ovation 2078tx 5 Black ma surpris par la qualité de finition ainsi que les rendu des basses qui est excellent. De plus elle très agréable a jouer, que du plaisir .Denov45