Ovation Guitar Marks 60 Years of Innovation in Acoustic Design
Ovation Guitar is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, marking six decades since the company revolutionized acoustic guitar design with its signature round-back construction. Founded in 1966 by Charles Kaman in New Hartford, Connecticut, the brand remains a significant entity in the music industry, known for utilizing aerospace-grade materials to alter the traditional sonic profile of acoustic instruments.
How Ovation Changed Acoustic Guitar Construction
The company’s defining innovation was the development of the Lyrachord bowl back, a departure from the flat-backed wooden construction used by competitors like Martin or Gibson. According to official company records, Kaman, an aerospace engineer, applied principles from helicopter rotor design to guitar building. By replacing traditional wood sides and backs with a synthetic, parabolic composite material, Ovation guitars were designed to project sound more efficiently and withstand environmental fluctuations that often caused wooden instruments to warp or crack.
The Evolution of the New Hartford Facility
The New Hartford, Connecticut, facility serves as the historical heart of the brand. While production has shifted over the years—moving at various points to international locations—the New Hartford site remains synonymous with the company’s “Made in USA” legacy instruments. In recent years, the brand has navigated transitions in ownership, moving from Kaman Music Corporation to Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, and eventually to its current ownership under Drum Workshop (DW). This transition has allowed the brand to refocus on its heritage while maintaining the production of its high-end, USA-made models.
Legacy and Industry Impact
Ovation’s impact on the music industry is largely tied to its role in the development of the acoustic-electric guitar. By integrating piezoelectric pickups into their round-back designs in the 1970s, the company provided a solution for stage performers who struggled with feedback issues when amplifying traditional acoustic guitars. This technological shift made Ovation a staple for live touring musicians throughout the 1970s and 1980s, including notable users such as Glen Campbell and Al Di Meola.
Key Milestones in Ovation History
- 1966: Charles Kaman introduces the first Ovation guitar, the Balladeer.
- 1970s: The company pioneers the use of built-in electronics for acoustic guitars.
- 2014: The New Hartford factory briefly closes before production is restructured.
- 2024: The brand celebrates its 60th anniversary, continuing production of its classic composite-back models.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ovation Guitars
- Why does the back of an Ovation guitar look different?
- Ovation guitars use a proprietary Lyrachord bowl back. This composite material allows for a specific, rounded shape that reduces feedback and increases acoustic projection compared to traditional wooden boxes.
- Are Ovation guitars still made in the United States?
- Yes, high-end Ovation guitars are manufactured at the company’s facility in New Hartford, Connecticut.
- Who owns Ovation Guitars today?
- Ovation is currently owned by Drum Workshop (DW), which acquired the brand to preserve its manufacturing heritage and continue the development of its iconic acoustic-electric models.
As the company enters its seventh decade, it continues to balance its historical identity with modern manufacturing techniques. While the acoustic guitar market has seen a resurgence in traditional wooden construction, Ovation’s 60-year track record highlights the enduring demand for instruments designed with unconventional materials and stage-ready electronics.
