Ovations goal was to design a guitar that is affordable, but having the sound and tone of a more expensive instrument. The AE48, part of the Summit Series, is the successful result of Ovations endeavor.
Applause AE48
Reviewed by:
unregistered, on june 16, 2005 2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Price paid: $ 180
Purchased from: eBay
Features: 2004 or 5 Applause AE48 acoustic electric, made in China. 23 frets for the high E, mohagany neck, cutaway. It had 15 small holes instead of big ones. The preamp is a little skimpy, just tone and gain, but that's not why I bought it. I already have 2 electrics. Very, very nice for the price. // 8
Sound: Incredible! Sounds very rich and full, like a much more expensive guitar. A bit of fret buzz on the a, but that just took a little getting used to. Sounds great with everything from Jack Johnson to Metallica. Excellent! // 10
Action, Fit & Finish: The guitar had "standard action," which was a little low at first, but after I got used to it it was perfect. Its made as well as an Ovation. It is very easy to play, and feels like an electric. The super shallow bowl is not only loud and rich, but also very easy to play with. This guitar can't get much better for 180. // 10
Reliability & Durability: The guitar is solid, I would trust it anywhere, anytime. Surprisingly durable. The finish is gorgeous, and will undoubtedly last. // 10
Impression: For 180, you can't go wrong. However, I got mine off Ebay, you should expect to pay 300 for it from Guitar Center, etc. I would pay 300 for it, maybe even more. If it were stolen (like it will get out of my sight), I would replace it in a heartbeat. Just as good as the Ovation Celebrity. It's a buy. Go out and buy it now. You won't regret it. // 10
Applause AE48
Reviewed by:
unregistered, on may 27, 2005 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Price paid: $ 199
Purchased from: Daddy's
Features: Made in 2004, Roundback Applause made by Ovation in China. Passive electronics on the cheap side, just gain and tone. Hidden pick-up, stock tuners, rear jack, and no pins. // 8
Sound: I play a lot of Niel Young, folksy kind of stuff, with some country mixed in. The stock strings are very light and give way too much action, but this is an easy fix. With an amp it sounds like heaven, without one it sounds average, almost too bright. I get unreal sound using a DigiTech pedal, comparable to high end guitars. // 10
Action, Fit & Finish: The design is the Ovation round back with the feathers on the front and the scatterd sound holes. It looks stunning, it comes in black cherry, black and sunburst. No pick gaurd kinda sux, but it looks better without it. No flaws, loose action until you change the strings, and very comfortable. // 10
Reliability & Durability: Definately need a hard case for carrying, its too pretty to not have one. Strap buttons are solid, pegs stay put, I would gig with it every day. // 10
Impression: Great match for Folk music, or country. I can't believe how much better the quality is than on my Washburn pos. I would purchase another in a sec, 'specially at the price. // 10
It's not a top of the range Ovation and the intonation on the 6th (of mine, at least) is fractionally off, but not worth shaving the bridge for. A real pleasure to play, action not too heavy and a good overall sound, although like everything Ovation it benefits from amplification.
great guitar, great sound I play a lot on mine but I hate plastic backs I have had several issues with them seperating from the wood top will be getting an all wood one next.
You could do a lot worse for the money.