What is the body depth of the Ovation Applause AEB4?

The AEB4 features a mid-depth body, which is designed to balance acoustic volume with physical comfort and a lightweight feel.

What material is used for the back of the AEB4?

The back is made from Lyrachord, a proprietary composite material used by Ovation to provide a durable, contoured, and resonant structure.

Does the AEB4 include a built-in tuner?

Yes, the integrated Applause AP3TP preamp system includes a digital chromatic tuner for easy tuning on stage or during practice.

What type of bracing is used in this model?

The bass utilizes scalloped X-bracing, which helps to optimize the vibration of the spruce top for better clarity and projection.

What finish is applied to this specific AEB4 model?

This model features a Honeyburst Satin finish, providing a smooth feel and a classic sunburst aesthetic.

Can I access the higher frets easily on the AEB4?

Yes, the AEB4 is designed with a cutaway body shape specifically to allow players easier access to the upper register of the fingerboard.

What controls are available on the AP3TP preamp?

The AP3TP preamp features a 3-band EQ, allowing the player to adjust the bass, middle, and treble frequencies to suit their performance environment.

What wood is used for the neck of the Applause AEB4?

The neck is made from nato wood, which provides a stable and comfortable playing surface.

Is the Ovation Applause AEB4 suitable for live performances?

Yes, it is designed to be stage-ready straight out of the box due to its onboard electronics and clear, defined tonal output.

How does the sound of the AEB4 differ from all-wood basses?

The Lyrachord body tends to offer a more focused and balanced tone with enhanced clarity, whereas all-wood basses may offer more traditional resonance but can be more susceptible to feedback.

What is the typical price range for this acoustic bass?

The typical price for the Ovation Applause AEB4 in Honeyburst Satin is approximately GBP 285.

How does the AEB4 compare to the Gear4Music Roundback bass?

Both feature the rounded back design, but the Ovation Applause AEB4 is a branded instrument featuring specific components like the AP3TP preamp and selected spruce top.

Gear article

Ovation Applause AEB4 Mid Cutaway Acoustic Bass Honeyburst Satin

The Ovation Applause AEB4 is a mid-depth, cutaway acoustic-electric bass guitar designed for ergonomic comfort and balanced tonal projection. Featuring a selected spruce top and a synthetic Lyrachord body, it integrates traditional acoustic construction with Ovation's signature bowl-back design and modern electronics.

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Overview

The Applause AEB4 Mid Cutaway Acoustic Bass is an instrument engineered for players seeking a blend of rich acoustic tone and ergonomic playability. Its primary design feature is the mid-depth Lyrachord body, which provides a lightweight alternative to traditional all-wood acoustic basses. The instrument is finished in a Honeyburst Satin, offering a classic aesthetic that aligns with the established Ovation visual identity.

Construction and Key Features

The AEB4 utilizes a selected spruce top supported by scalloped X-bracing, a combination intended to deliver a lively and balanced sound profile. The neck is constructed from nato, a wood frequently chosen for its durability and tonal properties. The mid-depth body includes a cutaway design, allowing the player easier access to the higher frets, which is often a limitation on larger-bodied acoustic basses.

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Electronics and Stage Use

For amplified performance, the AEB4 is equipped with the Applause AP3TP preamp system. This onboard unit includes a 3-band EQ for precise tonal shaping—allowing the user to adjust bass, middle, and treble frequencies—and a built-in digital tuner for convenience. This setup ensures the bass is stage-ready and capable of maintaining a clear, defined presence within a live mix.

Sound Character

The combination of the spruce soundboard and the Lyrachord bowl produces a tone characterised by warmth and clarity. The scalloped bracing allows the top to vibrate more freely, enhancing the instrument's responsiveness. The resulting sound is described as lively and balanced, avoiding the excessive boominess sometimes associated with deeper acoustic bass bodies while retaining sufficient low-end definition.

Target Audience and Comparison

This bass is suited for players who prioritises comfort during long sessions, thanks to its lightweight synthetic body and mid-depth profile. In the market, it competes with models such as the Fender CB-60SCE and the Ibanez AEGB24E. While traditional wooden basses like the Martin 000CJrE offer a different resonance, the AEB4's Lyrachord construction provides unique durability and a distinct contoured feel that appeals to those who find standard acoustic bass bodies too bulky.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the body depth of the Ovation Applause AEB4?: The AEB4 features a mid-depth body, which is designed to balance acoustic volume with physical comfort and a lightweight feel.
What material is used for the back of the AEB4?: The back is made from Lyrachord, a proprietary composite material used by Ovation to provide a durable, contoured, and resonant structure.
Does the AEB4 include a built-in tuner?: Yes, the integrated Applause AP3TP preamp system includes a digital chromatic tuner for easy tuning on stage or during practice.
What type of bracing is used in this model?: The bass utilizes scalloped X-bracing, which helps to optimize the vibration of the spruce top for better clarity and projection.
What finish is applied to this specific AEB4 model?: This model features a Honeyburst Satin finish, providing a smooth feel and a classic sunburst aesthetic.
Can I access the higher frets easily on the AEB4?: Yes, the AEB4 is designed with a cutaway body shape specifically to allow players easier access to the upper register of the fingerboard.
What controls are available on the AP3TP preamp?: The AP3TP preamp features a 3-band EQ, allowing the player to adjust the bass, middle, and treble frequencies to suit their performance environment.
What wood is used for the neck of the Applause AEB4?: The neck is made from nato wood, which provides a stable and comfortable playing surface.
Is the Ovation Applause AEB4 suitable for live performances?: Yes, it is designed to be stage-ready straight out of the box due to its onboard electronics and clear, defined tonal output.
How does the sound of the AEB4 differ from all-wood basses?: The Lyrachord body tends to offer a more focused and balanced tone with enhanced clarity, whereas all-wood basses may offer more traditional resonance but can be more susceptible to feedback.
What is the typical price range for this acoustic bass?: The typical price for the Ovation Applause AEB4 in Honeyburst Satin is approximately GBP 285.
How does the AEB4 compare to the Gear4Music Roundback bass?: Both feature the rounded back design, but the Ovation Applause AEB4 is a branded instrument featuring specific components like the AP3TP preamp and selected spruce top.