I have a stratacoustic, and have played an AE28, and given the choice I would choose the Ovation. The fender sounds fine plugged in, but unplugged I think it sounds very shallow/tinny (alot of top end… bass lacking) and since it is so shallow there isn’t much ‘volume’ when played unplugged… but I like the small size, makes a good practice/knock around guitar. In my opinion the ovation has a ‘fuller’ acoustic sound, and sounds better (acoustically) plugged in. I paid $115 for a used stratacoustic on ebay, and bought it on a ‘whim’, and for that price I like it but for $200 I would not buy it (and probally might not have if I played it first). but the strat looks like a strat, and plugged in sounds great ‘down and dirty’, so if your nephew is looking for a ‘cool’ guitar to jam with I would get the strat, if he plans to play ‘seriously’ I would get the ovation…. well thats my 2 cents worth, and check out the reviews at harmony central. : My nephew is starting to play the guitar and wants an acoustic/electric guitar for Christmas. He has it down between the Applause by Ovation AE28 and the Fender Stratacoustic. His parent’s price range is between $200-300. Anyone have any suggestions on these or alternatives? I’ve been searching online some and have heard good write ups on the Applause and mixed ones on the Fender. I came upon this site and thought I would ask you guys. Thanks a lot!