Applause by Ovation - AA21

$603.57 Price Tier: Standard

3.5 (3)

1 Review

0 wishlisted

4 saved

Page last updated Jun 13, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 13, 2026.

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5.0 (1)

$603.57 1 available New

$299.00 2 available Used

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Average Price: $451

Standard/Professional

$200

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Acoustic-Electric Guitars category, Applause by Ovation - AA21 is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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The Applause by Ovation - AA21 is a versatile acoustic-electric guitar that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation. Known for its Lyrachord composite body, this guitar offers a durable and lightweight design that enhances sound projection and tonal clarity. The AA21's unique rounded back and mid-depth cutaway shape ensure comfortable playability for both beginners and seasoned musicians alike.

Equipped with an Ovation Slimline pickup and OP-4BT preamp system, the AA21 delivers clear and dynamic amplified sound, perfect for live performances and studio recordings. The preamp includes a built-in tuner, offering easy tuning and tonal adjustments on the fly. Its spruce top provides a balanced tone with a rich resonance, making it suitable for a wide range of musical styles from folk to rock.

The AA21 features a sleek rosewood fretboard and a nato neck, providing smooth playability and a comfortable grip. Reliable die-cast tuners ensure stable tuning during extended play sessions. Whether you're jamming at home, performing on stage, or recording in the studio, the Applause by Ovation - AA21 is designed to meet the needs of today's dynamic musicians.

Key Features:

Lyrachord composite body for enhanced durability and sound projection
Ovation Slimline pickup with OP-4BT preamp and built-in tuner
Spruce top for balanced tone and rich resonance
Mid-depth cutaway design for comfortable playability
Rosewood fretboard and nato neck for smooth playability
Die-cast tuners for stable tuning
Ideal for a variety of musical styles and settings

Product specs

Brand	Applause
Model	AA21
Finish	Natural
Year	2011
Categories	Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp	No
Back Material	Composite
Body Shape	Dreadnought
Color Family	Natural, Tan
Fretboard Material	Rosewood
Number of Frets	20
Number of Strings	6-String
Pickup	None
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Sides Material	Composite
String Type	Steel
Top Material	Spruce

FAQs

What materials are used in the construction of the Applause by Ovation AA21 guitar?: The Applause by Ovation AA21 features a spruce top and composite back and sides, providing durability and a unique tonal quality. The fretboard is made of rosewood, offering a smooth playing experience.
Does the Applause AA21 come with a built-in pickup or preamp system?: No, the Applause by Ovation AA21 does not include a built-in pickup or active preamp system, making it purely an acoustic guitar.
Is the Applause by Ovation AA21 suitable for beginner guitarists?: Yes, the Applause AA21 is a great choice for beginners due to its durable construction, comfortable dreadnought body shape, and affordable price point.
What kind of sound can I expect from the Applause AA21?: The Applause AA21 delivers a balanced tone with a bright and clear sound, thanks to its spruce top and composite back and sides, making it versatile for various musical styles.
How many frets does the Applause by Ovation AA21 have?: The Applause by Ovation AA21 features 20 frets, providing ample range for both rhythm and lead playing.

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Applause by Ovation - AA21.

User experience

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The round back design is challenging for seated play, making it better suited for standing with a strap.
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Long-term Ovation users prefer super shallow models for comfort, especially if they have a thicker waist.
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Some experienced players find super shallow Ovation models more comfortable over time, especially as their body shape changes.
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Setup and maintenance

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The nut width is 1.69”, making chord stretches easier but difficult for players with larger fingers.
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The saddle offers minimal adjustability with one removable spacer, and sanding it down might affect intonation.
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Comparisons

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Compared to Martin D28, the AA21's playability while seated is limited by its bowl shape, but it is considered a good deal at $100 with a case.
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Users compare the Yamaha FG 700S to the Yamaha FH 730S, noting that the 730 has a richer tone due to rosewood back and sides.
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A Yamaha FG 700S, cleaned and set to specs with D’addario 12s, light gauge, is considered a better option for beginners seeking ease of seated play.
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Use cases and applications

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Known for sparkling highs, the AA21 might not appeal to those seeking a bass-heavy sound.
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The deep bowl design offers a good sound but may not be suitable for players with larger body types.
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It's been noted that standing while playing with a strap significantly improves playability due to the round back design.
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Value and pricing

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For $100 with a case, it's seen as a solid starter guitar despite the challenges with the round back design.
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Build quality

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The pinless bridge design is appreciated for ease of string changes.
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Features and functionality

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The Applause AB-24 model, differing by having a cutaway, offers a slightly different playing experience compared to the AA21.
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3.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

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offsetsolid

1199

over 9 years ago

It's... ok

This was the first real guitar I ever owned, and I was so excited when I got it. But now that I've experienced playing many more guitars, my liking to this one has decreased. The round back I really don't like, it gets in the way when putting it into a case, or playing it standing up. The plastic top is also a bit of a drawback, as it doesn't have that nice, natural look to it that most acoustics do. It's a good guitar for beginners, but Ovation can do better

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Bassist

Genres:

Rock Pop Alternative rock