If you’re a left-handed guitarist, you’ve probably struggled to find a good selection of guitars that cater to your needs. Many major brands either offer a limited selection or neglect left-handed players altogether. So, where does Ovation stand in this regard?
Does Ovation Make Left Handed Guitars?
Yes! At the time of writing, Ovation does indeed make left handed guitars. Four different models, in fact.
If you’re lucky enough to get one, you’ll get a uniquely designed instrument with excellent playability and a distinctive tone.
Go straight to the left handed Ovation guitars.
Who Are Ovation?
Ovation Guitars was founded in the mid-1960s by Charles Kaman, an aerospace engineer with a passion for guitar innovation.
In 1966, Kaman engineers concluded that a semi-parabolic guitar back produced a richer, more balanced sound than traditional flat-backed designs. However, wood’s limitations; fragility, inconsistent density, and the need for internal bracing that dampened vibrations, led them to seek a better material.
Drawing from aerospace technology, they tested advanced composites used in aircraft and missiles. This led to the development of Lyrachord, a synthetic material that could be chemically “tuned” for precise resonance. The result was a more durable, consistent, alternative to wood, giving a richer, fuller sound, while making the guitar more comfortable to hold..
Ovation guitars became particularly popular in the 1970s and 1980s, with artists like Glen Campbell, and Paul Simon using them extensively.
Their built-in electronics and superior amplified sound made them a favourite among live performers, and their unique look set them apart from other acoustic guitars. Today, Ovation continues to push the boundaries of guitar design, combining advanced materials with modern electronics to create instruments suited for both stage and studio use.
What Do I Think of Ovation?
I’ve always found Ovation guitars quite fascinating. Their unconventional round-back design can be divisive; some players love the ergonomic feel, while others find it feels weird and takes some getting used to.
I like Ovation’s forward-thinking approach and the fact that they prioritise durability and playability. I think they feel pretty comfortable to play compared to regular guitars without the rounded backs.
For left-handed players, the biggest challenge is availability. Ovation makes fantastic guitars, but they’re not always easily available, which can be frustrating. These guitars are definitely worth a try. The plugged-in sound is excellent, making them great for gigging musicians, and their build quality is solid, offering a unique alternative to traditional acoustic guitars.
Would I recommend an Ovation to left-handed players? If you can get your hands on one, absolutely. But be prepared to hunt for it; or consider a custom order if you’re set on owning one.
Ovation’s distinctive tone, innovative design, and stage-ready electronics make them a compelling choice for lefties looking for something different from the usual acoustic options.
Pros and Cons of Buying an Ovation Guitar
Pros:
- Unique round-back design that enhances comfort and sound projection.
- Durable Lyrachord material that resists cracking and warping.
- Excellent built-in electronics for live performance and recording.
- Lightweight and easy to handle.
Cons:
- Limited left-handed model availability.
- The round-back design can feel unusual for some players.
- Can be difficult to find in local stores.
Different Types of Ovation Guitars
Ovation offers various guitars that cater to different playing styles and preferences:
- Celebrity Series – Provides an affordable entry into Roundback guitars, featuring quality tonewoods, versatile body depths, and built-in electronics, with Traditional and Elite models distinguished by their soundhole designs.
- Pro Series – The Ovation Pro Series showcases high-end craftsmanship, combining iconic models like the Balladeer, Legend, and Elite to deliver exceptional sound and quality, trusted by professionals for over five decades.
Related reading:
Left Handed Breedlove Guitars
Left Handed Faith Guitars
Left Handed Godin Guitars
Ibanez TOD10N Review
Left Handed Taylor Guitars
Left Handed Ovation Guitars
Here are the current left-handed Ovation guitars available at the time of writing.
Celebrity Traditional CS24L Mid Cutaway (Natural)
The Ovation Celebrity Traditional CS24L Mid Cutaway is an acoustic-electric guitar designed for versatile playability and rich sound.
It features a solid spruce top with scalloped, quartersawn X-bracing, enhancing resonance and tonal clarity. The mid-depth Lyrachord body offers a balanced acoustic output and comfortable feel. A nato neck paired with an ovangkol fingerboard and bridge ensures smooth playability.
The guitar comes equipped with an Ovation Slimline pickup and OP4BT preamp system, which includes a built-in tuner for precise amplification and tuning control.
Check price/availability at:
Celebrity Traditional CS24L Mid Cutaway (Black)
Check price/availability at:
Celebrity Elite CE44L Mid Cutaway
The Ovation Celebrity Elite CE44L Mid Cutaway combines innovative design with quality craftsmanship.
It features a solid spruce top with scalloped, quartersawn X-bracing, enhancing resonance and tonal clarity.
The signature multi-soundhole design increases both the vibration surface and also projects sound closer to the player’s ears, resulting in a unique auditory experience.
The mid-depth Lyrachord body ensures a balanced acoustic output and comfortable playability, and a nato neck paired with an ovangkol fingerboard and bridge offers smooth playing. It’s equipped with an Ovation CP-100 Slimline pickup and OP-4CT preamp system, which includes a built-in tuner for precise amplification and tuning control.
Aesthetically, it boasts multi-wood epaulettes, pearloid-dot inlays, and black body binding with multi-part purfling, adding to its distinctive appearance.
Check price/availability at:
Celebrity Elite Plus CE44LX Mid Cutaway
The Ovation Celebrity Elite Plus CE44LX is designed for both aesthetic appeal and superior performance; featuring a selected premium wood top with scalloped, quartersawn X-bracing, enhancing resonance and tonal clarity. The mid-depth Lyrachord body ensures a balanced acoustic output and comfortable playability.
It’s equipped with an Ovation CP-100 Slimline pickup and OP-4CT preamp system, which includes a built-in tuner for precise amplification and tuning control.
Aesthetically, it boasts multi-wood epaulets, abalone dot inlays, and black body binding with abalone inlay, adding to its distinctive appearance.
Check price/availability at:
Final Thoughts
Ovation guitars stand out for their innovative comfortable design, durability, and stage-ready performance features.
While left-handed players may struggle to find a model easily, those who do will benefit from a well-built and distinctive instrument. If you’re looking for an acoustic-electric guitar with excellent amplified sound, an Ovation could be a fantastic choice. Just be prepared to do a bit of searching if you’re left-handed!
What do you think of Ovation guitars? Do you have one? Tell us your experiences with it in the comments below.
Photo credits: ovationguitars.com
I guess a lefty acoustic bass isn’t in your lineup at this time.
Hi Chris,
Thanks so much for reaching out — I totally understand your disappointment. You’re absolutely right; Ovation does produce a few right-handed acoustic bass guitars, but don’t currently offer any lefty versions, which is frustrating.
The good news is that there are other brands out there making left-handed acoustic basses. Takamine, for example, has a the GB30CELH available in natural and black (and I’ve just covered it recently in the Takamine blog post!).
Brands like Ortega (I’m planning on writing a post on this brand), Warwick (this one too), Marcus Miller, Dean, and a few budget options also have left-handed acoustic basses in their catalogues, though you may need to check out places like eBay or Reverb.
I’ve been meaning to dive deeper into some of these, and your message has given me the perfect push — I’ll be working on a new blog post about left-handed acoustic bass guitars soon.
In the meantime, feel free to drop me a line if you want help finding something that suits your style and budget!
Cheers,
Chris