Ovation introduces the revamped Applause Elite AE44, featuring a sleeker modern look with upgraded specs.
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This guitar is part of the updated 2017 Applause guitar line which debuted at the recently concluded Summer NAMM 2016. It joins the Applause Balladeer model, all of which follow Ovation’s distinct body design while keeping the price point more accessible.
2017 is still 6 months out, but this does not stop Ovation from looking forward to next year, to the point that they used it to label the revamped Applause guitar line. Being their more affordable line, the new Applause instruments will be made outside of the US, but each one will be built according to the design provided for by the main Ovation facility in California.
Ovation Brand Manager Bill Xavier said, “Our goal in the redesign of the 2017 Applause line was to update and refresh the line’s aesthetics to make it a stand out visually in the entry level price category and to demarcate the line from the highly recognizable look of the Ovation Elite and Balladeer models. What we accomplished is not only a sleeker, more modern look for Applause – but the line also offers durability, improved electronics, upgraded woods and hardware that make them an exceptional value.”
The Applause Elite AE44 is the first model mentioned in this newly revamped line, an acoustic-electric that is described as having a loud yet focused sound with improved playability. While it doesn’t have the Ovation label stamped on its headstock, it does have everything else, from the curves, to bowl back, to the distinct sound holes and cosmetic designs.
This guitar features a laminate spruce top with multiple soundholes, supported by a mid-depth roundback body that allows for improved durability, without sacrificing projection and weight balance. As expected, the guitar’s nato neck follows a comfortable profile with a scale length 25.25″, 10″ fretboard radius, along with a nut width of 1 11/16″. Ovation did not skimp on the cosmetic aspect, incorporating pearloid dot inlays on the rosewood fingerboard, as well as a white neck binding. For plugging in, this guitar features an Ovation OP-4BT pickup/preamp system that comes with a nifty built-in tuner. This particular pickup is designed to make the Applause Elite AE44 a viable workhorse instrument for beginners and experienced players alike.
In addition to the AE44, Ovation will be releasing more instruments for their 2017 line up, include guitars, basses and ukuleles. They also mentioned that they’ll be re-introducing the Elite Plus Celebrity Deluxe Double Neck Guitar, which will all come with improved electronics, Exotic-Tone veneer tops and upgraded hardware.
For more information on the Ovation Applause Elite AE44 2017, you can head over to Ovation Guitars.
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