The Complete Ovation Guitar Price Guide 2026: Aerospace Innovation Meets Acoustic Excellence

Last updated: January 2026

When Glen Campbell stepped onto The Tonight Show in 1969 with a strange-looking guitar featuring a rounded fiberglass back, audiences were witnessing a revolution. That aerospace-engineered Ovation wasn't just different—it was the birth of the modern acoustic-electric guitar. Today, Ovation's roundback design remains one of the most distinctive and innovative approaches to acoustic guitar construction, beloved by touring professionals from Melissa Etheridge to Al Di Meola.

Ovation Guitars represents the fusion of aerospace engineering and musical instrument craft. From carbon fiber Adamas flagship models to accessible Celebrity roundbacks, Ovation offers something unique that no other brand can replicate. This guide breaks down Ovation pricing across their entire lineup.

Ovation Guitar Market Overview 2026

Ovation occupies a unique niche: the roundback acoustic-electric specialist. While divisive among acoustic purists, Ovation guitars are prized by performing musicians for their feedback resistance and consistent amplified tone.

Key Market Statistics:

• Average Used Ovation Price: $580 (up 2% from 2025)
• Active Listings: Approximately 2,400 guitars currently for sale
• Monthly Sales Volume: Around 680 guitars sold per month
• Price Range: $150 (used Celebrity) to $6,000 (new Adamas)

The market divides between vintage USA-made instruments (premium values) and more accessible Celebrity imports. Adamas models with carbon fiber tops represent the highest tier.

Understanding Ovation's Unique Design

The Roundback Revolution

Charles Kaman, a helicopter pioneer and aerospace engineer, applied aerospace principles to guitar design:

Lyrachord Composite Bowl:

• Semi-parabolic shape projects sound more efficiently than flat-back designs
• Fiberglass composite material provides durability and consistency
• Eliminates feedback issues common with traditional hollowbodies
• Different bowl depths affect tone and comfort

Bowl Depth Options:

• Deep Bowl: Maximum bass response and projection
• Mid-Depth: Balanced tone, most popular choice
• Super Shallow: Stage comfort, reduced feedback, brighter tone

Why Musicians Choose Ovation

1. Feedback Resistance: The roundback design virtually eliminates feedback at stage volumes
2. Consistent Amplified Tone: Pioneering piezo pickup systems deliver reliable live sound
3. Durability: Lyrachord composite withstands touring rigors
4. Stage Presence: Distinctive appearance stands out on stage
5. Comfortable Standing: Rounded back fits naturally against the body

Adamas Series Pricing: $4,199-$5,599

The Adamas represents Ovation's ultimate achievement—carbon fiber composite tops with aerospace-grade construction.

Current Adamas Models

Adamas MD80-NWT (~$4,199):

• Top: Multi-layered carbon fiber/birch composite
• Body: Mid-depth Lyrachord bowl
• Electronics: OCP-1K Pickup with OP-Pro Studio Preamp
• Finish: Natural Woven Texture Black

Adamas 1687GT Deep (~$5,399):

• Top: Carbon fiber with Adamas Suspended Top (AST) technology
• Body: Deep contour Lyrachord bowl
• Electronics: Premium OCP-1K system
• Enhanced bass response and projection

Adamas 1688GT-8 12-String (~$5,599):

• 12-string configuration
• Deep bowl for full frequency response
• Premium appointments throughout

Adamas U581T-SPM (~$4,749):

• Super shallow bowl for stage comfort
• Carbon fiber top
• Premium electronics

Adamas Specifications

• Top: Multi-layered carbon fiber and birch—provides wider frequency response than wood
• Bracing: Adamas X-Bracing with suspended top technology
• Body: Hand-laid Lyrachord composite
• Neck: Walnut with ebony fingerboard
• Scale: 25.25" (642mm)
• Electronics: OCP-1K with OP-Pro Studio preamp and tuner
• Tuners: Sperzel Solid Pro in satin chrome

Vintage Adamas Values

Original Adamas guitars (1977-1990s) are increasingly collectible:

• 1977-1985 Adamas: $2,500-$4,500
• 1986-1995 Adamas II: $2,000-$3,500
• Adamas SMT (Soundhole-mounted): $1,800-$3,000

Pro Series / USA Pricing: $2,500-$3,000

Professional-grade USA-made instruments:

Pro Series Legend 1767 (~$2,500-$3,000)

Specifications:

• Top: Solid AA-grade Sitka spruce
• Body: Deep Lyrachord bowl
• Bracing: Traditional Legend Curved A-Bracing
• Electronics: OCP-1K system
• Made in USA (New Hartford, Connecticut)

Pro Series Elite 2078TX (~$2,800)

Specifications:

• Top: Solid spruce
• Body: Deep contour Lyrachord
• Bracing: Optimized X-bracing
• Electronics: Premium pickup system

Pro Series Elite 1868TX (~$2,600)

Specifications:

• Top: Solid spruce
• Body: Super shallow Lyrachord
• Ideal for stage performance
• Reduced feedback, brighter tone

Custom Legend Series: $1,800-$3,000

Professional-grade with premium appointments:

• Solid spruce or cedar tops
• USA construction
• Premium electronics
• Various bowl depths available

Used Pro Series/Custom Legend: $1,200-$2,000 (excellent condition)

Celebrity Elite Series Pricing: $600-$1,200

The Celebrity Elite offers professional features at accessible prices:

Celebrity Elite CE44-5-G (~$600-$800)

Specifications:

• Top: Solid Sitka spruce
• Body: Mid-depth Lyrachord
• Electronics: Ovation OCP-1K pickup
• Finish: Various colors available

Celebrity Elite Plus CE44P-FLE-G (~$800-$1,000)

Specifications:

• Top: Figured koa
• Body: Mid-depth Lyrachord
• Enhanced appointments
• Premium electronics

Celebrity Elite 12-String (~$700-$900)

Specifications:

• 12-string configuration
• Solid spruce top
• Mid-depth bowl

Celebrity Elite Exotic (~$900-$1,200)

Specifications:

• Exotic wood tops (quilted maple, figured koa, etc.)
• Premium appointments
• Mid-depth or deep bowl options

Used Celebrity Elite: $400-$700 (excellent condition)

Celebrity Standard Series Pricing: $400-$550

Entry point for the Ovation experience:

Celebrity Standard CS24 (~$400-$500)

Specifications:

• Top: Laminated spruce
• Body: Mid-depth Lyrachord
• Electronics: Basic Ovation preamp
• Good for beginners and backup guitars

Celebrity Standard CS28 (~$400-$500)

Specifications:

• Super shallow body
• Laminated top
• Comfortable for extended playing

Celebrity Nylon (~$450-$550)

Specifications:

• Classical nylon-string configuration
• Roundback design
• Built-in electronics

Used Celebrity Standard: $200-$350 (excellent condition)

Vintage Ovation Valuation Guide

USA-Made Era (1966-2014) Values

The original New Hartford production represents peak Ovation:

Adamas (1977-2014):

• Original 1977-1985: $2,500-$4,500
• Adamas II (1986-1995): $2,000-$3,500
• Later USA Adamas: $1,800-$3,000

Elite Series (1988-2014):

• 1537/1778 Elite: $1,200-$2,000
• Elite models with multiple soundholes
• USA construction premium

Legend/Custom Legend:

• 1756/1767 Legend: $800-$1,500
• Custom Legend: $1,000-$1,800
• Deep bowl models slightly higher

Balladeer Series:

• Custom Balladeer 1612/1712: $600-$1,000
• Standard Balladeer 1111/1117: $400-$700
• 1970s examples: $500-$900

Value Factors for Vintage Ovation

1. Production Location: USA > Korea > China
2. Era: Pre-2014 USA commands premium
3. Bowl Condition: Cracks significantly reduce value
4. Electronics Function: Working original electronics add value
5. Model Tier: Adamas > Elite > Legend > Balladeer > Celebrity
6. Originality: Original pickup, preamp, tuners preferred

Where to Buy Ovation Guitars: Platform Comparison

Online Marketplace Analysis

Reverb (Average Price: $650)

• Best selection of vintage USA Ovations
• Knowledgeable community
• 3.5% price appreciation year-over-year
• Best for: Vintage, Adamas, Pro Series

eBay (Average Price: $520)

• Larger selection of Celebrity models
• More auction opportunities
• 2.0% price trend
• Best for: Budget finds, common models

Guitar Center Used (Average Price: $560)

• 45-day return policy
• Physical inspection available
• 2.5% appreciation
• Best for: Try-before-buy

Local Shops (Average Price: $480)

• Often undervalue Ovation brand
• Negotiation opportunities
• 1.5% growth
• Best for: Budget deals

Tips for Buying Used Ovation Guitars

1. Bowl Inspection: Check for cracks, especially at neck joint and around edges
2. Electronics Test: Verify preamp functions on all settings; check battery compartment for corrosion
3. Neck Joint: Examine where neck meets bowl—common stress point
4. Production Location: Check label inside soundhole for USA vs import
5. Model Number Decode: First digit indicates body depth (1=deep, 2=super shallow, etc.)
6. Original Parts: Verify original pickup, preamp, and tuners

Ovation vs. Traditional Acoustics: Tone Comparison

For buyers considering Ovation vs. traditional guitars:

Ovation Advantage: If you primarily play amplified or need reliable stage sound, Ovation excels. For unplugged playing or traditional acoustic recording, conventional guitars may suit better.

Famous Ovation Players and Their Guitars

Ovation has attracted touring professionals across genres:

• Glen Campbell: Original endorser (1969), developed piezo pickup system; 1771 signature model
• Melissa Etheridge: Signature 12-string, powerful live performances
• Al Di Meola: Custom Legend 1769 ADII for jazz fusion
• Adrian Legg: Fingerstyle virtuoso
• Richie Sambora: Bon Jovi acoustic performances
• Nancy Wilson: Heart's acoustic segments
• Kaki King: Modern fingerstyle
• Joan Armatrading: Career-long Ovation player
• Paul Simon: Used in various recordings

Signature Model Values

Glen Campbell Signature:

• Recreation of his iconic 1771
• Premium appointments
• Collectible for Glen Campbell fans

Melissa Etheridge 12-String:

• Signature specifications
• Powerful 12-string voice
• Sought after by fans

Investment Potential: Which Ovations Appreciate?

Strong Investment Candidates

Original Adamas (1977-1985):

• First carbon fiber guitar tops
• Increasingly recognized as innovative
• Limited supply, growing demand

Vintage USA Elite (1988-2000):

• Multi-soundhole design unique to era
• Quality USA construction
• Undervalued compared to other vintage guitars

Glen Campbell Signature:

• Artist association adds value
• Limited production runs

Models for Players (Value, Not Investment)

• Celebrity series: Excellent players, typical depreciation
• Post-2014 imports: Good value, minimal appreciation
• Common Balladeers: Stable but modest value

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Ovation

For Beginners ($150-$400)

Recommended Models:

• Used Celebrity Standard CS24: Genuine roundback at used prices
• Used Celebrity Elite: Solid top upgrade when available
• Applause (Ovation sub-brand): Budget entry point

What to Prioritize:

• Functional electronics
• No bowl cracks
• Comfortable bowl depth

For Intermediate Players ($500-$1,200)

Recommended Models:

• Celebrity Elite CE44-5: Solid top quality at ~$600-$800
• Celebrity Elite Plus: Figured tops at ~$800-$1,000
• Used Custom Legend: USA quality at used prices

What to Prioritize:

• Solid top construction
• Working OCP-1K electronics
• Bowl depth matching your needs

For Professionals ($1,500-$3,000)

Recommended Models:

• Pro Series Legend 1767: USA flagship at ~$2,500-$3,000
• Pro Series Elite: Professional stage guitar
• Used Adamas: Carbon fiber excellence at used prices

What to Prioritize:

• USA construction
• Premium electronics
• Professional-grade components

For Collectors ($3,000+)

Recommended Models:

• New Adamas: Current flagship at $4,199-$5,599
• Vintage Adamas: Original carbon fiber innovation
• Limited Editions: Signature and special models

What to Prioritize:

• Condition and originality
• Documentation and provenance
• Historical significance

The Ovation Sound: Understanding What You're Buying

Ovation guitars have a distinctive sonic character:

Amplified Characteristics:

• Focused midrange with clear highs
• Controlled bass response
• Excellent note separation
• Minimal feedback even at high volumes
• Consistent tone venue to venue

Unplugged Characteristics:

• Bright, projecting tone
• Less bass warmth than traditional acoustics
• Good for cutting through a mix
• Different, not worse, than wood-bodied guitars

Who Should Consider Ovation:

• Touring musicians needing reliable amplified tone
• Singer-songwriters performing regularly
• Players in loud band contexts
• Musicians who prioritize feedback resistance
• Those seeking a unique tonal character

Who Might Prefer Traditional Acoustics:

• Recording artists using microphones
• Players seeking warm, woody tone
• Acoustic purists
• Fingerstyle players wanting maximum bass

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are Ovation guitars good quality? A: Yes, particularly USA-made Pro Series and Adamas models. The Celebrity series offers good value for the price. Ovation pioneered acoustic-electric technology and continues to innovate with their roundback design.

Q: Why do some guitarists dislike Ovations? A: The roundback design and composite material produce a tone different from traditional wooden acoustics. Some players find the bowl uncomfortable sitting down. These are legitimate preferences, not quality issues—Ovation simply sounds and feels different.

Q: Are vintage Ovations valuable? A: USA-made Ovations, especially Adamas and Elite models from 1966-2014, hold value well. The most collectible are original Adamas guitars (1977-1985) with carbon fiber tops, which were revolutionary for their time.

Q: What's the difference between Celebrity Elite and Celebrity Standard? A: Celebrity Elite has a solid spruce top and better electronics (OCP-1K pickup). Celebrity Standard has a laminated top and basic preamp. Both have genuine Lyrachord bowls. Elite provides noticeably better tone.

Q: Do Ovation guitars work unplugged? A: Yes, but they sound different from traditional acoustics—brighter and more focused. They're designed primarily for amplified use. If you mainly play unplugged, a traditional acoustic might suit you better.

Q: Where are Ovation guitars made now? A: Under GEWA ownership (2020-present), Pro Series and Adamas are made in New Hartford, Connecticut, USA. Celebrity series guitars are imported. Always check the label inside the soundhole to verify origin.

Conclusion

Ovation represents one of guitar history's great innovations: applying aerospace engineering to create an entirely new category of instrument. The roundback design isn't better or worse than traditional acoustics—it's different, optimized for the amplified musician who needs reliable, feedback-free stage sound.

For touring professionals, Ovation remains the gold standard for acoustic-electric performance. Glen Campbell, Melissa Etheridge, and countless others have proven that the roundback design delivers night after night. The Adamas carbon fiber models represent the ultimate expression of this technology—instruments as technically advanced today as they were revolutionary in 1977.

For buyers, Ovation offers exceptional value. Used Celebrity Elite guitars provide professional features at accessible prices. Vintage USA models offer quality that rivals far more expensive traditional acoustics. And for those seeking the ultimate, the Adamas delivers aerospace-grade innovation in musical form.

Charles Kaman proved that a helicopter engineer could revolutionize guitar design. Sixty years later, his vision continues to enable musicians worldwide.

For the most current pricing and availability, always verify with authorized Ovation dealers or the official Ovation website. Prices fluctuate based on market conditions and model availability.

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