Ovation vs Applause Guitars: What Is the Difference?

What is Applause?

Applause is a sub-brand that shares the same basic design philosophy as Ovation but is positioned as a more accessible entry point. The name appears on guitars that use the same rounded synthetic back that Ovation made famous, but with a simplified feature set to keep the price lower.

In practice, this means you get the signature roundback shape and the convenience of an acoustic-electric guitar without paying for the higher-grade woods and more complex preamps that come on Ovation models. For many players, an Applause is the first guitar they plug in.

Roundback construction and body shape

The defining difference between Ovation-family guitars and traditional flatback acoustics is the molded synthetic bowl. Instead of a wooden back and sides, the bowl is one continuous curve, which gives the instrument its distinctive look and helps control feedback when amplified. The back and sides play a major role in shaping resonance, projection, and sustain, and in this case the synthetic bowl does that job very differently from wood.

Body size still matters. Larger bodies produce more volume and a boomier low end, while smaller bodies offer a more balanced and intimate voice. Ovation and Applause both offer a range of body sizes, from the deep, punchy dreadnought shape to the more compact concert and parlor styles. The same principles apply whether you are looking at a roundback or a traditional flatback, so spend some time with the guitar body shapes guide to understand what you are getting.

If you are comparing from a comfort perspective, the curved back can sit differently against your body than a flat back. Some players find it more stable when standing, while others prefer the familiar feel of a flatback. It is a personal choice, and the only way to know for sure is to try both.

Electronics and amplification

A major reason to choose an Ovation-family guitar is the built-in pickup and preamp system. Both Ovation and Applause offer acoustic-electric models, but the complexity of the electronics varies by tier.

On Applause models, the preamp typically includes a simple volume and tone control. That is enough to plug into an amplifier or PA and shape your sound in a basic way. Ovation models often add a three-band EQ, a phase switch, and sometimes a built-in tuner, giving you more control over feedback and tonal shaping before the signal reaches your amp.

For a beginner, a simple volume and tone control is perfectly adequate. You can always adjust the tone on the amp itself. As you play more live shows or record, the extra EQ flexibility on an Ovation becomes more useful. The Acoustic Guitar Preamps article explains these features in more detail.

Model lines and shared features

Ovation and Applause are not completely separate kinds of guitars. They share body shapes, the roundback construction, and a general approach to building an amplified acoustic. The differences lie in materials and appointments.

Applause models use laminated tops, which are more resistant to humidity changes and less expensive to produce. Ovation models step up to solid tops, which typically offer more tonal nuance and improve with age. The back and sides on both lines are the synthetic bowl, so the biggest tone difference comes from the top wood.

Both lines also rely on the same type of undersaddle pickup, but the preamp on Ovation is more refined. A simple way to think about it is that Applause gives you the essentials, while Ovation gives you the full toolkit. If you plan to record, you will likely appreciate the extra headroom and tonal control on an Ovation, but for practice and small gigs, an Applause is perfectly serviceable.

If you are deciding between the two for your next guitar, consider the Best Ovation Guitars in 2026 and Best Applause Guitars 2026 guides to see how the current models stack up.

Body size and playing comfort

The roundback bowl can change how the guitar balances on your leg or against your chest. Some players find it more secure than a flatback, while others miss the familiar wooden feel. Either way, body size remains the biggest factor in tone and comfort.

A larger body, like a dreadnought shape, pushes more air and gives you a louder, bass-heavy sound that suits flatpicking and playing with others. A smaller body, like a concert or parlor shape, offers a tighter, more balanced voice that works well for fingerstyle and quiet practice. It is a good idea to try both sizes before you commit.

If you are just starting out, a smaller body is easier to handle, but a full-size guitar will sound bigger. The right choice depends on your physical frame and how you plan to use the guitar. Many beginners prefer a smaller body until they build comfort.

• Dreadnought bodies: loud, projective, strong bass.
• Concert and parlor bodies: balanced, quieter, easier to hold.

How to choose between Ovation and Applause

The choice comes down to your budget and how much tonal flexibility you need. An Applause is the obvious pick for a beginner or for someone who wants a reliable beater that still feels like a roundback. You get the same comfortable body and a functional pickup at a lower price point.

An Ovation is worth the step up if you are a regular performer, if you record frequently, or if you simply want a nicer top wood and a more responsive instrument. The extra money goes into a solid top and a more versatile preamp, both of which contribute to a more professional sound.

If you are still on the fence, think about how many years you plan to keep the guitar. A solid-top Ovation will age with you, while a laminated-top Applause is more about getting a usable instrument today. Either way, you are getting the roundback sound that Ovation made famous.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Is Applause made by Ovation?

Yes, Applause is a sub-brand that shares the same roundback design and general construction as Ovation, but it is built to a more accessible price point with simplified features.

Do Ovation and Applause guitars sound the same?

They have the same roundback body and similar pickup systems, but the top wood differs. Ovation models use solid tops, which give more tonal nuance and a richer sound over time, while Applause models use laminated tops that are more consistent but less refined.

Which one is better for beginners?

An Applause is a great starting point because it gives you the roundback experience and a pickup for less. You can always upgrade to an Ovation later if you outgrow it.

Can I use an Applause guitar for live gigs?

Yes, the Applause pickup works well for small gigs and practice. For larger venues, an Ovation with a more advanced preamp gives you better feedback control and EQ flexibility.