Brand/Model: Ovation AB24-RR
Number of Strings: 6
Hand Orientation: Right
Body Material: Nato top
Neck Material: Mora (Nato)
Fretboard Material: Rosewood
Price Range: Under $300
Our Rating: 8.4/10
Ovation AB24-RR Guitar Review
Ovation is a well-known guitar brand among amateurs and experienced players. With such a reputation to set the standard, their affordable acoustic guitars are definitely worth the buy!
Among the cheapest is the Ovation AB24-RR and AB24-4. The RR stands for the Ruby Red finish and the 4 is indicative of the natural finish, but that’s not all. There’s also the black and honey burst finishes to complete the set.
Why is it so cheap?
The cost cuts mainly come from the laminated spruce top, back, and sides. However, Ovation used the best of the nato woods, Mora, for the neck that compliments the standard rosewood fretboard.
The under $300 acoustic-electric guitar does away with the dreadnought body shape and instead opts for a round back lyrachord shape with a cutaway. This is iconic for the entire AB24 series.
Another aspect of cost cuts can be seen in the hardware. Synthetic material composites make up the saddle and the nut. With the die-cast chrome tuning machines to boot, you can probably expect your first issues to arise around here. But, to avoid and prevent issues, baby the guitar within its comfort zone and go for a professional set-up to maximize its life.
The sound is excellent for the cheap acoustic electric guitar. It has a lightweight preamp system, the OP-4BT. Here’s a tip for use: keep the gain low to ensure its bright tonal color for the best sound.
We’re not done here. Make sure you read the rest of this review to completely sate your guitar itch!
Pros
- Price
- OP-4BT Preamp with Tuner
- Multiple finishes
- Mid cutaway
- Available in a kit
Cons
- Bright tones
- Few quality control issues
Ovation AB24-RR Guitar Reviews
For the price, buyers can’t applause any harder for the Ovation AB24-RR acoustic electric guitar. It’s easy to play, tone is clear, and it has light action, the perfect combinations for a beginner git player.
It even comes equipped with a built-in tuner for newbies to hit the right note each and every time.
However, there are some players that complain about the high trebles. Perhaps, if they knew first what they were buying, there wouldn’t be any whinging. Do know that the guitar has colorful tones that’s bright heavy.
For a guitar under 200 bucks, you’re not going to get an indestructible instrument. We’ve already warned you where the cost savings occurred. You shouldn’t be surprised to find your guitar won’t be able to withstand heavy abuse if you don’t give this baby some TLC.
- Spruce Top with Ruby Red Finish
- Mid Depth Cutaway
- Rosewood Fingerboard
Alternative Acoustic-Electric Guitars to Consider
If you’re wanting a buy for the long haul, you might be really interested in the Yamaha APX500III OBB Thin Line Acoustic/Electric Guitar. Yes, it’s almost double the price of the Ovation, but it comes with the Yamaha name, reputation, and complete kit.
You’re also paying for double the quality in this one too. The Ovation made our list of 6 top acoustic electric guitars for less than $300.
However, if that’s beyond your budget, come down 100 bucks and you’ll find the Fender CD-60CE Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar. We are so impressed by this affordable guitar that we wrote its very own review right here!
However, for the exact same price right now, you can upgrade the quality and cutaway with the Fender CD-60SCE Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar bundle. The bottom line on these guitars? They’re Fenders – a great buy either way!
Ovation AB24-RR Guitar FAQ
Where is the Volume Dial on the Ovation Guitar?
The volume dial is replaced with a gain control on the preamp. Keep the gain low for better sound without fuzz and distortion. You can always control volume on the amp.
Is the Ovation AB24 Series Guitars Available as a Kit?
The entire AB24 Series is available as a kit, and for only a measly few bucks more. The kit comes with the guitar with its tuner and preamp, extra set of med-light strings, and four picks; 6′ cable, nylon strap, and an online guitar lesson.
Where is the Ovation Acoustic Electric Guitar Made?
This series is manufactured in Indonesia. All processing controls are strictly regulated by U.S.A. standards.
Does the Guitar come pre-strung with Nylon Strings?
The acoustic electric guitar comes pre-strung with steel strings.
Is the Mid-Depth Bowl of the Guitar loud enough to be played Unplugged?
This is an acoustic electric guitar, so it can be played without being plugged in and sounds great.
Does it have an Adjustable Truss Rod?
Yes, there the built-in truss rod is adjustable and can be made for DIY adjustments. Someone at a local music shop can also make the adjustments for you.
What is the Differences with the AB24-5?
The AB24-5 is the black finish of the AB24 series. Instead of having a spruce laminated top, it has a solid spruce top. Everything else is comparable to the rest of the series.
Why does the Ovation Black Kit Cost More?
The Ovation Black Kit costs the same as the other kits in the series. However, you may be looking at the 12 string Ovation that’s available in the black finish. It’s not available with the guitar only, just as a kit.
Hardware/Electronics You’ll Need:
We highly recommend buying this guitar as a complete kit if you decide the Ovation is worth your applause. As a complete kit, you won’t need any extra accessories except for a gig bag to get started.
Buying the guitar alone will cost you more than the kit package costs to accumulate all the necessary equipment.
Standout Features of the Ovation AB24-RR:
- Smooth playability
- Low action
- Comfortable to hold
Our Verdict on the Ovation Balladeer
To strum it up, the Ovation AB24-RR Applause Balladeer Acoustic-Electric Cutaway Guitar is worth a hearty applause. It’s a beautiful and lightweight instrument that will get the job done and more. Save big and strum on!
Further Reading:
- 4 Best Small Body Acoustic Electric Guitars for Adults & Children (+ Options for Little Hands)
- 5 Best Acoustic Electric Guitars For Beginners – Top Learner Instruments for Adults & Teens in2024
- 7 Best Acoustic Electric Guitars Under $200: We Review the Top Budget Options for2024
- Best Acoustic Electric Guitar Under $1000 In2024 – Top Rated & Superb Quality
- Best Acoustic Electric Guitar Under $300 In2024: Get a Top Quality Instrument for the Right Price
Trent is a music lover, musical instrument player and passionate audio afficionado.