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Description
Experience the harmonious blend of tradition and innovation with the Applause AE128-4, an acoustic-electric guitar that brings Ovation's renowned craftsmanship to your fingertips. This instrument is designed for musicians who crave both aesthetic appeal and dynamic sound. The super shallow roundback body ensures comfortable playability while producing a rich, resonant tone that cuts through any setting, whether on stage or in the studio. The calibrated spruce top provides clarity and projection, and its slim neck is tailored for lightning-fast fingerwork, making it an ideal choice for both seasoned performers and aspiring artists.
Engineered for versatility, the AE128-4 comes equipped with the OP-4B electronics package, featuring a built-in pickup and a comprehensive EQ system. With a gain knob and sliders for bass, mid, and treble, you have complete control over your sound, allowing you to seamlessly switch from warm, mellow tones to bright, punchy highs. The cutaway design not only adds a sleek modern touch but also grants access to higher frets, thus expanding your creative horizons. Whether you're strumming solo or leading an ensemble, this guitar is your ticket to inspiring performances.
Key Features:
- Super shallow roundback body for comfortable playability
- Calibrated spruce top for clear, resonant sound
- Slim neck designed for fast and effortless action
- OP-4B electronics with gain knob and 3-band EQ
- Built-in pickup for enhanced acoustic-electric versatility
- Cutaway design for easy access to higher frets
FAQs
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What type of wood is used for the top of the Applause AE128-4 guitar?
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The Applause AE128-4 features a spruce top, which is known for its bright and clear sound, making it ideal for a wide range of musical styles.
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What is the body style of the Applause AE128-4, and how does it affect the sound?
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The Applause AE128-4 has a Super Shallow Roundback Cutaway body style, which enhances playability and produces a balanced tone with good projection, especially suited for live performances.
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Does the Applause AE128-4 guitar have any built-in electronics?
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Yes, the Applause AE128-4 is equipped with OP-4B electronics, allowing you to easily amplify your sound for live performances or recording sessions.
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What is the scale length of the Applause AE128-4, and why is it important?
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The scale length of the Applause AE128-4 is 25-1/4", which provides a comfortable playing experience and contributes to the guitar's tonal characteristics, offering a balance between playability and sound projection.
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Is the Applause AE128-4 suitable for beginner guitarists?
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Yes, the Applause AE128-4 is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable Super Shallow body and easy playability, making it an excellent choice for those starting their musical journey.
Videos
Sound of Seventy Three
So73 - Applause by Ovation AE128 acoustic electric guitar & Zoom A2 acoustic guitar processor
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Applause AE128-4.
Features and functionality
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The Applause AE128-4's rounded back design can make seated playing challenging, as it tends to tilt away, requiring adjustments like higher knee positioning or strap use.
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Ovation guitars have a slim neck with a 1-5/8 nut, similar to electric guitars, offering a familiar feel for electric players transitioning to acoustic.
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User experience
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Owners note the Applause AE128-4 sounds better when amplified, aligning with its design purpose to cater to artists requiring amplified acoustics during the late 60s and 70s.
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Owners report that the textured back on newer models helps prevent slipping during seated play, addressing a common issue with older versions.
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Build quality
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The plastic bowl construction contrasts with traditional wood acoustics, contributing to a unique sound profile but potentially feeling less robust.
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The piezo pickup is sealed inside the bridge with epoxy, making it difficult to replace or upgrade without altering the guitar significantly.
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Use cases and applications
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The guitar's brighter sound and compatibility with effects suit players looking for a modern, amplified acoustic tone, as used by artists like Jimmy Page.
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The Ovation's tone, described as bright and full, stands out in mixes, making it suitable for chord work and leads in recording settings.
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Comparisons
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While newer models offer improved lap stability, the AE128-4's design may seem antiquated compared to budget acoustics with advanced pickup systems.
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The Ovation is noted for requiring less maintenance compared to all-wood guitars, which need de-tuning and humidification for optimal care.
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Setup and maintenance
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Ovation guitars come from the factory with action set intentionally high to allow for easy adjustment using shims under the bridge pickup.
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It's crucial to ensure the Focusrite Scarlett is set as the input device in Logic's Audio Preferences and the correct input channel is selected for successful connection.
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Logic users emphasized the importance of activating the Input Monitoring in the channel strip for proper signal detection from the guitar.
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Software and compatibility
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Some users had issues with Logic Pro recognizing the guitar until switching from a TRS to a TS cable, which resolved the connectivity problem.
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3.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings
90
http://www.ovationguitars.com/guitars/applause/applause-balladeer
Ovation Applause AE128-4 offers a loud and well-defined voice, smooth playability and great value that make it ideal for beginning and intermediate players.
Premium features include a laminated spruce top for clearly articulate tone, and a mid- depth Roundback® Lyrachord® body for greater volume and projection, excellent balance and supreme durability. The guitar also features fast, comfortable action and an easy-playing neck profile, and an Ovation pickup/preamp system with built-in tuner for superior amplified tone and performance.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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