Ovation guitars are well-known on the basis of two innovations introduced by their maker. One is the distinctive round back. The other is the development of the acoustic/electric guitar. Today, Ovation guitars are collected and discussed by vintage guitar enthusiasts who appreciate their uniqueness and historical importance. Modern players still enjoy their big, acoustic sound. Musicians praise the durability of Ovation guitars, many of whom have remained loyal to the brand over decades of use.

The founder of Ovation, Charles Kamen, was an avid guitar player who became a helicopter manufacturer. When his company lost a major defense contract in the 1960s, Kamen unexpectedly saw a way to apply the knowledge he'd gained from helicopter construction to guitars. By making the guitar back out of fiberglass instead of wood and giving it a bowl-like shape, he could both improve vibration transmission and reduce problems caused by wood shrinkage and cracking.

Although Kamen's guitars were well-received by some musicians, the company struggled along until it won the endorsement of singer Glen Campbell. Glen Campbell had a highly successful television show in the late 1960s, and he wanted an acoustic guitar with a built-in pickup so that he wouldn't have to stand behind a microphone on camera. Ovation designed one for him.

Ovation has dominated the acoustic/electric guitar market ever since. The company still thrives, making a wide variety of guitars for professional and amateur musicians alike. One needn't be a collector to appreciate these guitars; even entry-level players enjoy their sound and styling. The higher-priced Ovation guitars (Ovation I and II) earn particularly high marks for durability in varied temperature settings, which also makes them great investments for those looking to buy a used guitar.