Ovation
Since 1966
Ovation was founded in 1966 by Charles Kaman, an aerospace engineer and helicopter pioneer, in New Hartford, Connecticut. Applying aerospace technology to guitar design, Kaman developed the revolutionary Lyrachord composite roundback body that became Ovation's signature. The brand pioneered the acoustic-electric guitar with their innovative piezo pickup system, making them the choice of touring professionals from Glen Campbell to Melissa Etheridge. After ownership by Fender (2008-2015) and Drum Workshop (2015-2020), Ovation is now owned by GEWA Music and continues producing guitars in Connecticut.
60
Years in Business
3M+
Guitars Sold
$25M+
Annual Revenue
Complete Ovation Guitar Guide
Comprehensive buying guide, price analysis, model comparisons, and expert insights to help you understand everything about Ovation guitars.
Ovation Price Overview
Ovation covers a wide range of instruments from entry-level to professional models. Typical used prices vary by condition, series and year. Higher-end USA models and limited editions retain value better than mass-market lines, while rare or vintage pieces often command significant premiums.
When evaluating value, consider originality (pickups, hardware), structural condition (neck, frets, finish) and documentation (serials, receipts, setup reports). Price dispersion across platforms is common; local stores offer service and inspection, whereas online marketplaces provide broader selection and price transparency.
For detailed buying advice, model comparisons and condition-based pricing, read the full guide linked above.
Market Overview
Average Price
$580
+2% vs last year
eBay Listings
2,400
Active listings
Sold This Month
680
+3% vs last month
Price Range
$150-$6,000
Current market range
Data sourced from eBay, Reverb, and Guitar Center used listings
Ovation Timeline
Company Founded
Charles Kaman, aerospace engineer and helicopter pioneer, founded Ovation in New Hartford, Connecticut, applying aerospace technology to guitar design.
Lyrachord Development
Developed Lyrachord, a fiberglass composite material for the revolutionary roundback body design.
Glen Campbell Partnership
Glen Campbell became Ovation's first major endorser, helping develop the acoustic-electric piezo pickup system.
First Acoustic-Electric
Introduced the first commercially successful acoustic-electric guitar with onboard piezo pickup system.
Adamas Introduction
Launched the Adamas series with carbon fiber/birch composite tops and multiple soundholes—the most advanced acoustic guitars of their time.
Celebrity Series Launch
Introduced the Celebrity series, making Ovation's roundback design accessible to more players.
Elite Series
Introduced the Elite series with distinctive multiple soundhole design for enhanced projection.
Fender Acquisition
Fender Musical Instruments Corporation acquired Kaman Music Corporation, including Ovation, for $117 million.
New Hartford Factory Closes
Fender closed the original New Hartford factory, shifting production overseas.
Drum Workshop Acquisition
Drum Workshop acquired Ovation from Fender/KMC, reopening a smaller factory in New Hartford.
GEWA Music Acquisition
German-based GEWA Music acquired Ovation, continuing production in New Hartford, Connecticut.
Complete Ovation Product Lineup
Ovation: Where aerospace engineering meets acoustic innovation since 1966
Adamas Series
Flagship carbon fiber composite top guitars
Mid-depth carbon fiber top at ~$4,199
Deep bowl carbon fiber at ~$5,399
12-string carbon fiber at ~$5,599
Super shallow premium at ~$4,749
Pro Series / USA
Professional USA-made instruments
USA deep bowl at $2,500-$3,000
Deep contour with solid spruce at ~$2,800
Super shallow for stage at ~$2,600
Professional grade at $1,800-$3,000
Celebrity Elite Series
Mid-range professional quality
Mid-depth solid spruce at $600-$800
Figured koa top at $800-$1,000
12-string mid-depth at $700-$900
Exotic wood tops at $900-$1,200
Celebrity Standard Series
Accessible roundback quality
Mid-depth entry at $400-$500
Super shallow at $400-$500
Classical roundback at $450-$550
Signature & Special
Artist signatures and limited editions
Recreation of his iconic 1771
Signature 12-string model
Custom Legend signature
"Ovation: Where aerospace engineering meets acoustic innovation since 1966"
Model-Specific Buying Guide
Each model has unique characteristics that affect both tone and value. Here's what to look for when buying specific models.
Adamas Series Buying Guide
Carbon Fiber Technology
Multi-layered carbon fiber/birch top provides wider frequency response, more projection, and exceptional stability in any environment
Premium Electronics
OCP-1K pickup with OP-Pro Studio preamp—professional-grade amplification with built-in tuner
Investment Consideration
Vintage Adamas from 1977-1990s are increasingly collectible; current production maintains quality standards
Celebrity Series Buying Guide
Elite vs Standard
Elite: Solid spruce top, better electronics ($600-$1,200). Standard: Laminate top, basic preamp ($400-$500)—both have genuine Lyrachord bowls
Bowl Depth Selection
Deep: Maximum bass and volume. Mid-depth: Balanced tone. Super shallow: Stage comfort, less feedback
Electronics Check
Verify preamp functionality and battery compartment condition—common issue point on used Ovations
Vintage Ovation Buying Guide
Era Identification
USA 1966-2014: Most desirable. DW era 2015-2020: Continued USA quality. Post-2020 GEWA: USA Pro/Adamas, import Celebrity
Common Issues
Check bowl for cracks (especially around neck joint), verify electronics function, inspect binding on older models
Model Hierarchy
Adamas > Custom Legend/Elite > Legend > Custom Balladeer > Balladeer > Celebrity—pricing follows this order