Say hello to curvaceous tone.
In 1965, aerospace engineers at our parent company began an extensive research project to determine whether an acoustic guitar could be sonically improved by modifying its shape and construction. Using audio oscillators and spectrum analyzers, they measured the sonic characteristics of dozens of conventional guitars, and then began exploring new designs. Ultimately they discovered a bowl-shaped body dramatically enhances a guitar's projection, sustain, and frequency response. From this intensive R&D, the Ovation roundback guitar was born. When it debuted in 1966, our groundbreaking instrument drew immediate acclaim for its superior tone and volume. Guitarists love the powerful sound of our roundback guitars. We think you will too.
The next step in acoustic guitar evolution.
Our bowl bodies are made from Lyrachord, a durable yet lightweight composite material designed to efficiently transmit vibration. A Lyrachord body has a smooth interior surface that reflects sound better than porous wood. A molded Lyrachord bowl doesn't require internal braces that can block soundwaves traveling inside the guitar. And unlike wood, Lyrachord is virtually indestructible-our bowls won't warp, chip, crack, or split. Thanks to Lyrachord, the Ovation roundback is the world's most scientifically advanced acoustic guitar.
Embrace total playing comfort.
In addition to offering superior projection and durability, our roundback design has another advantage: A bowl-shaped body is comfortable to hold. The back and sides of a traditional flatback guitar form sharp, perpendicular edges that can dig into your ribs and make it difficult to find a relaxed playing position. By contrast, the gentle slope of our roundback body invites you to embrace the guitar. Whether sitting or standing, you can wrap yourself around the bowl and feel its vibrations. Simply put, a roundback Ovation connects you to the music.
The world's original acoustic/electric is still its best.
When our engineers developed the Ovation roundback in the mid '60s, they weren't content to design the world's most advanced acoustic guitar-they also wanted to amplify it. Applying their considerable R&D skills and resources to this task, they developed a musically balanced piezo pickup housed in an intonated bridge saddle, and a sophisticated preamp to control the pickup's output. This innovative pickup-and-preamp combination became the heart of the world's first professionally accepted acoustic/electric guitar. Today, we're still at the forefront of guitar design, building cutting-edge instruments from the ground up to deliver superior tone with or without amplification. If you want the ultimate acoustic/electric, play an Ovation.
