Best Ovation Guitars in 2026: 10 Picks Compared on Specs

Updated on Oct 26, 2026

The Adamas I GT Cutaway is our top pick in this Ovation roundup. It pairs the Adamas series name with a deep contour body, a cutaway, and an acoustic-electric design, so it covers both unplugged projection and stage-ready output. To choose the rest, we read the 10 Ovation listings in the pool and compared the stated specs: body depth and shape, string count, top material, and whether the guitar includes electronics. Prices on the page are live; no one here has played these instruments.

10 picks from 10 guitars that match this guide with a price we can quote today. Prices below are live, each shown with the time it was read.

Quick list

Which one is right for you?

• For stage players: If you want an Ovation you can plug in and play live, the Adamas I GT Cutaway pairs an Adamas-series acoustic-electric design with a deep contour body and a cutaway. See pick 1
• For 12-string strummers: The Standard Balladeer 2751AX is the only 12-string guitar in this pool, so it is the option to start with if doubled strings are part of your sound. See pick 2
• For solid-top shoppers: The CDX40-1-G is the only pick whose listing states a solid spruce top, making it the obvious first look if a solid top is a requirement. See pick 8
• For compact body fans: The CS28P-KOAB is the only guitar in the pool with a super shallow depth body, so choose it if you want the most compact listed Ovation shape. See pick 10

All 10 picks in detail

1 Best overall

Ovation Ovation Adamas I GT Cutaway Deep Contour Acoustic-electric

Type

Acoustic-electric

$5,399.00 (as of 10/26/2026 01:34 PDT - Details)

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There are two Adamas models in this pool. The Adamas I GT Cutaway is the deep contour version, while the MD80 uses the more compact mid-depth contour, so this pick represents the fuller Adamas body in the list.

Pros

• One of two Adamas-series listings in this pool
• Deep contour body stated in the listing
• Cutaway stated for upper-fret access
• Acoustic-electric output stated

Cons

• No top wood material is stated by the seller
• No pickup system or controls are stated
• Deep contour body is the largest stated body depth in this pool

Good fit if

• Players who want an Adamas acoustic-electric with a deep contour body
• Players who need a cutaway for upper-fret access

Skip if

• Players who prefer a more compact mid-depth or super shallow body
• Players who need exact tonewood or pickup specifications before buying

Verdict: A deep contour Adamas cutaway with acoustic-electric output, chosen as the best overall Ovation in this group.

2 Best 12-string

Ovation Standard Balladeer 2751AX 12-string Acoustic-electric Guitar

Type

Acoustic-electric

Strings

12

$1,224.00 (as of 10/26/2026 01:34 PDT - Details)

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The only 12-string guitar in the pool, the Standard Balladeer 2751AX is also one of nine acoustic-electric listings. Its black finish is unique among the picks.

Pros

• Only 12-string acoustic-electric in this pool
• Black finish is unique among the listed finishes
• Acoustic-electric output stated

Cons

• No body depth is stated by the seller
• No top wood material is stated by the seller
• Six additional strings mean more tuning and replacement compared with a six-string

Good fit if

• Players who want a 12-string Ovation with a pickup
• Players who like a black acoustic-electric finish

Skip if

• Players who want a six-string guitar
• Players who need a stated body depth before choosing

Verdict: The single 12-string Ovation in this list, and the obvious pick for players who want doubled courses with a pickup.

3 Best deep contour with textured finish

Ovation Mod TX Collection Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Type

Acoustic-electric

$946.79 (as of 10/26/2026 01:34 PDT - Details)

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One of only two deep contour guitars in this pool, the Mod TX Collection stands apart with its Textured Black finish. It shares the acoustic-electric label with nine of the ten picks, so its distinguishing feature here is the body depth and finish.

Pros

• One of two stated deep contour bodies in this list
• Textured Black finish, unique among the picks
• Acoustic-electric output stated
• Model number 2078TX-5 is stated in the listing

Cons

• No cutaway is stated in the listing
• No top wood material is stated by the seller
• Deep contour body is less compact than the mid-depth and super shallow models

Good fit if

• Players who want a deep-bodied Ovation with a modern textured finish
• Players who plan to use the acoustic-electric output on stage

Skip if

• Players who want a traditional wood-tone finish
• Players who need upper-fret access from a cutaway

Verdict: A deep contour acoustic-electric with a distinctive textured finish, chosen for its stated body depth.

4 Best reverse blue burst finish

Ovation Celebrity Elite CE44-RBB Mid-Depth Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Type

Acoustic-electric

$595.00 (as of 10/26/2026 01:34 PDT - Details)

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Among the four mid-depth guitars in this pool, the Celebrity Elite CE44-RBB is the only one named as a Reverse Blue Burst. It is a straightforward mid-depth acoustic-electric option for players who want an eye-catching color.

Pros

• One of four mid-depth guitars in this list
• Reverse Blue Burst finish, unique among the picks
• Acoustic-electric output stated

Cons

• No cutaway is stated in the listing
• No top wood material is stated by the seller
• No pickup system or controls are stated

Good fit if

• Players who want a mid-depth Celebrity Elite with a colored burst finish
• Players who plan to play through an amplifier

Skip if

• Players who need a cutaway for upper-fret access
• Players who prefer natural wood-finish guitars

Verdict: A mid-depth Celebrity Elite acoustic-electric distinguished by its Reverse Blue Burst finish.

5 Best Pro Series Classic entry

Ovation Pro Series Classic

$1,126.02 (as of 10/26/2026 01:34 PDT - Details)

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The Pro Series Classic 1773AX-4-G is the only guitar in this pool with that series name. Its listing states no pickup, body depth, or top material, so it remains here as the single Pro Series option rather than a spec-heavy recommendation.

Pros

• Only Pro Series Classic model in this pool
• Model number 1773AX-4-G is stated for cross-checking
• Listing does not state an acoustic-electric system, so it is the only pick without that label

Cons

• No body type, top wood, or string count is stated by the seller
• No pickup status is confirmed
• Limited specification data makes comparisons difficult

Good fit if

• Players who specifically want the Pro Series Classic name
• Players who will verify the full specs from the maker before buying

Skip if

• Players who want a confirmed acoustic-electric guitar
• Players who need a stated body depth or top wood in the listing

Verdict: The only Pro Series Classic in the pool, kept for the player who values that series name and will verify details separately.

6 Best mid-depth Adamas

Ovation Adamas MD80 Cutaway Mid-depth Contour Acoustic-Electric

Type

Acoustic-electric

$4,199.00 (as of 10/26/2026 01:34 PDT - Details)

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This is the second Adamas model in the list and the one with the stated mid-depth contour body. It includes a cutaway and acoustic-electric output, giving players a more compact Adamas alternative to the deep contour I GT.

Pros

• One of two Adamas models in this pool
• Stated mid-depth contour, the more compact Adamas body in this list
• Cutaway stated for upper-fret access
• Acoustic-electric output stated

Cons

• No top wood material is stated by the seller
• No pickup system or controls are stated
• Natural Woven Texture finish is described only by finish name

Good fit if

• Players who want an Adamas-series guitar with a more compact body
• Players who need a cutaway for higher-fret playing

Skip if

• Players who prefer the deep contour Adamas body
• Players who need a traditional burst finish

Verdict: A mid-depth Adamas cutaway with acoustic-electric output, the more compact Adamas in this selection.

7 Best mid-depth cutaway

OVATION CE44P-8TQ-G Celebrity Elite Plus CE44P Mid Cutaway Electric

Type

Acoustic-electric

$627.29 (as of 10/26/2026 01:34 PDT - Details)

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The CE44P-8TQ-G Celebrity Elite Plus combines a mid-depth body, a cutaway, and a stated precious wood top. Among the five Celebrity-family guitars in this pool, it is the only one with all three of those labels in its name.

Pros

• Stated precious wood top, a feature named on only two picks
• Mid-depth body and cutaway both stated
• Acoustic-electric output stated
• Celebrity Elite Plus series name

Cons

• No top wood species is stated by the seller
• No solid-top claim is made
• No pickup system or controls are stated

Good fit if

• Players who want a mid-depth cutaway with a precious wood top label
• Players who plan to amplify with an acoustic-electric guitar

Skip if

• Players who need a confirmed solid top
• Players who need the exact tonewood species before buying

Verdict: A mid-depth cutaway Celebrity Elite Plus with a stated precious wood top and acoustic-electric output.

8 Best solid spruce top

Ovation CDX40-1-G Celebrity Elite Deluxe CDX40 Electric Acoustic Guitar

Type

Acoustic-electric

Solid top

Yes

$599.00 (as of 10/26/2026 01:34 PDT - Details)

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This is the only guitar in the pool whose listing states a solid spruce top. It also states a deep contour body and an acoustic-electric design, so it is the pick to compare if solid top construction is a priority.

Pros

• Only stated solid spruce top in this pool
• Deep contour body stated
• Acoustic-electric output stated
• Celebrity Elite Deluxe CDX40 model number stated

Cons

• No cutaway is stated in the listing
• No body depth measurement is given
• No pickup system or controls are stated

Good fit if

• Players who want a solid spruce top Ovation
• Players who want a deep-body guitar with electronic output

Skip if

• Players who need a cutaway
• Players who prefer a mid-depth or shallow body

Verdict: The only solid spruce top in this group, paired with a deep contour Celebrity Elite body and electronics.

9 Best traditional cutaway

Ovation Celebrity Traditional Plus CS24X Mid Cutaway Electric Acoustic

Type

Acoustic-electric

$563.39 (as of 10/26/2026 01:34 PDT - Details)

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The Celebrity Traditional Plus CS24X is one of two picks with a precious wood top and one of four cutaway models. Its mid-depth Lyrachord body and Traditional Plus name make it the traditional-styled cutaway in this pool.

Pros

• Stated precious wood top, shared with only one other pick
• Mid-depth body and cutaway both stated
• Lyrachord body material is named in the listing
• Acoustic-electric output stated

Cons

• No top wood species is stated by the seller
• No solid-top claim is made
• No pickup system or controls are stated

Good fit if

• Players who want a traditional mid-depth Ovation with a cutaway
• Players who want the Celebrity Traditional Plus series

Skip if

• Players who want a confirmed solid top
• Players who want a deep contour body

Verdict: A traditional mid-depth cutaway with a precious wood top and acoustic-electric output.

10 Best super shallow body

Ovation CS28P-KOAB Celebrity Standard Exotic Super Shallow Depth

Type

Acoustic-electric

$595.00 (as of 10/26/2026 01:34 PDT - Details)

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The CS28P-KOAB is the only guitar in this pool with a Super Shallow Depth label, so it is the pick for players who want the most compact listed Ovation body. Its Koa Burst finish and Celebrity Standard Exotic name give it a distinct look.

Pros

• Only super shallow depth body in this pool
• Acoustic-electric output stated
• Koa Burst finish, unique among the picks
• Celebrity Standard Exotic series name

Cons

• No cutaway is stated in the listing
• No top wood material is stated by the seller
• No stated body measurement beyond the depth label

Good fit if

• Players who want an easy-to-hold super shallow Ovation
• Players who like the Koa Burst finish

Skip if

• Players who want a deep contour body for maximum projection
• Players who need a cutaway

Verdict: A super shallow Celebrity acoustic-electric with a Koa Burst finish, the most compact body in this selection.

Specs compared

How we chose these

The pool for this guide is the set of Ovation-brand listings returned by the brand filter: 10 guitars. No group rule further narrowed the list, so we kept every guitar and compared the specifications printed on each listing. Because the seller provides only a few details for some models, our comparisons rely on the stated series name, body contour (super shallow, mid-depth, or deep), cutaway, string count, top material, and acoustic-electric status. Where a spec is not stated, we say so rather than guess. Prices shown on the page are captured live from the listing and can change; the page prints the current amount next to each buy button. No one on the staff has played or measured these guitars. The awards below are based on the stated specs only.

What to look for

Body depth: super shallow, mid-depth, and deep contour

Ovation listings in this pool use three body-depth labels: Super Shallow Depth, Mid-Depth, and Deep Contour. A shallower body sits closer to your chest and is often easier to hold, while a deeper body has more internal air volume. As Martin's guitar body guide notes, body size and shape directly affect volume and tone, with larger bodies generally producing more projection and bass.

If a listing does not state a depth, treat the body size as unverified. The seller provides labels rather than measurements, so use the stated depth as a starting point and confirm with Ovation's model documentation when exact dimensions matter.

Tonewoods and top material

The top is one of the most influential parts of an acoustic guitar's voice. Martin's wood guide explains that the top responds directly to the strings and helps shape volume, attack, dynamic range, and tonal balance. In this pool, one listing states a solid spruce top, two list a precious wood top, and one name includes Koa Burst as the finish description; most listings state no top material at all.

Do not assume a missing top spec. Look up the model number on the maker's product page if you need exact wood species and whether the top is solid or laminated.

Electronics: what an acoustic-electric listing tells you

An acoustic-electric guitar includes a pickup and usually a preamp. The Martin electronics guide describes controls such as volume, tone, blend, phase, and built-in tuners found on many modern acoustic-electric systems. Nine of the ten guitars in this pool are labeled acoustic-electric; the Pro Series Classic does not state a pickup.

The seller rarely names the pickup system in these listings, so check the product name and maker documentation before choosing if onboard controls matter to you. If you are practicing through an amplifier or playing with a band, protect your ears; the NIDCD warns that long or repeated exposure to sounds at or above 85 dBA can cause hearing loss.

Strings: six and twelve

All the six-string models in this pool follow the standard acoustic layout, while the Standard Balladeer 2751AX is a 12-string. Martin's string guide explains that string material, gauge, and construction can affect brightness, warmth, volume, sustain, and feel. A 12-string adds six extra strings compared with a six-string, which means more strings to tune and replace.

If you want a classic six-string feel, choose any pick other than the 12-string. If you specifically want the doubled-course sound associated with 12-string acoustics, the Standard Balladeer is the only option in this pool.

Cutaways and upper-fret access

A cutaway is a notch in the body that lets the hand reach higher frets more easily. Four listings in this pool include the word Cutaway in the product name; the rest do not state a cutaway. Martin's guitar body guide notes that cutaway options exist across body styles.

If you play lead lines above the 12th fret, a cutaway is a useful feature to filter for. For every guitar without an explicit cutaway label, assume none is stated rather than inferring one.

Finishes and CITES considerations

The pool includes Koa Burst, Reverse Blue Burst, Reverse Beige Burst, Textured Black, Natural Woven Texture, and Black finishes. Some acoustic guitars use tonewoods that are regulated under CITES, the international treaty that controls trade in protected plant and animal species.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's CITES page explains how permits and appendices work. The listings here do not state which woods are used in most cases, so verify with the maker before crossing borders if wood provenance matters to you.

Questions

Are Ovation guitars acoustic-electric options?

Most of the Ovation guitars in this pool are acoustic-electric: 9 of the 10 listings state Acoustic-Electric in the title. The Pro Series Classic listing does not state a pickup. If you want to amplify without a microphone, look for a listing that clearly says acoustic-electric and check the maker's site for the pickup system and controls.

What is the difference between mid-depth and deep contour bodies?

In this pool, the listings use three depth labels. Super Shallow Depth is the most compact, Mid-Depth sits in the middle, and Deep Contour is the largest stated body. As Martin's guitar body guide explains, larger bodies generally produce more volume with stronger bass, while smaller bodies can feel easier to hold. Use the stated depth as a starting point; the seller does not list measurements.

Should I choose a six-string or 12-string Ovation?

The only 12-string Ovation in this pool is the Standard Balladeer 2751AX. If you want the doubled-course sound associated with 12-string acoustic guitars, that model is the one to compare. A 12-string has six additional strings, which means more strings to tune and replace over time. All the other picks are six-string models as far as the listings state.

Does any pick in this list have a solid wood top?

One pick, the CDX40-1-G, is listed with a Solid Spruce Top. Two other Celebrity models state a Precious Wood Top but do not specify the species or whether the top is solid. The remaining listings do not state a top material. If a solid top is a hard requirement, the CDX40 is the only pick that clearly meets it.

What should I do if a listing does not state a specification?

Several listings in this pool omit details such as top wood, body depth, or pickup system. Do not assume a missing spec; treat it as unverified. Search the Ovation model number or consult the maker's product page before making a decision. This is especially important for features like solid tops and pickup controls, where the exact system can change the way the guitar performs.

Update history

• 2026-10-07: First published.

Sources

• Martin Guitars: Acoustic Guitar Types
• Martin Guitars: Acoustic Guitars Wood Guide
• Martin Guitars: Acoustic Guitar Electronics Guide
• Martin Guitars: Types of Acoustic Guitar Strings
• NIDCD: Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
• U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service: CITES