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Pros:
- Great projection
- Good build
- Affordable
Cons:
- Basic electronics (but sufficient for this model)
- Action might be too high
Ovation guitars have been a go-to for beginners and professionals alike, for years and years. They have been especially popular among musicians who are looking for more affordable acoustic-electric guitar options but do not want to compromise the great quality. If you are one of the many beginners or intermediate players who seeks acoustic-electric guitar under 300 the Ovation AB24-5 is here to save you.
Build
This model features solid Spruce Top with Black Finish and Nato, also known as eastern mahogany, neck with a Satin finish. The selection of this tonewood enhances the volume and gives more depth to the tone. The fingerboard is made of Rosewood. Is also has a mid-depth cutaway that makes it more comfortable to hold. All in all, the selected tonewood is or good quality but what takes it to the other level (in terms of sound, durability and comfort) is the combination. These materials fit very well together to provide the needed volume and beautiful sound that even more high-priced models cannot match sometimes. The rounded back provides extra projection
Hardware
The AB24-5 features old fashioned rosewood bridge with compensated synthetic saddle and nut. I know the synthetic saddle is not a favorite of guitar purists but the reputation of the real bone aside, certain synthetic materials, if chosen well for the tonewood create the amazing affect that matched the real bone and the nut on the AB24-5 is one of them.
Moving on from my constant need to say that the real bone is not the only viable option for the nut material, this model also features standard die-cast chrome tuning machines. Since this is an affordable model (and might I say, Very affordable) you will get only the standard, more “basic” hardware and details but that definitely does not mean it is bad. Of course, there might be some tweaks and changes you might need to make to the guitar but nothing that will cost you hundreds or take a lot of time.
And finally, this guitar comes with D’Addario EXP strings which are very durable and go pretty well with this model. In terms of electronics, this model comes with basic stuff (you cannot really expect a guitar with this price to have overly complicated electronics).
BUT what it does have is definitely not sub-par – OP-4BT, the lightweight preamp system with pickups, bass, mid, and treble controls is of surprisingly good quality. It definitely is not the electronics you would find sufficient if you are playing for hundreds of people but it is good enough if you are a beginner looking for basic electronics and tools.
Ovation AB24 Sound
With the rounded back that gives this guitar great projection and tonewood, that take the sound of this model to a different level, you would think you are playing a different guitar. Something in a much higher price range. A lot of people often assume that if a guitar is cheap it either has bad-quality tonewood or construction. Fortunately for us, that is not always the case, especially with Ovation guitars. This model, in spite of being so much cheaper than a lot of other models, has sound and tonal clarity exceeding any expectations.
Conclusion
Overall, the AB24-5 is a great beginner’s guitar meeting all the requirements, and in some cases exceeding them. The tonewood, construction and comfort that this model brings are unmatched in its price range.
