Applause AB24-4S Electric Acoustic Guitar Review: Is This the Ultimate Mid-Depth Performer for the Money?

For many of us, the search for the “perfect” guitar feels like a never-ending journey through a forest of compromises. You want the rich, resonant bark of a traditional acoustic, but you also need the sleek ergonomics and stage-ready capabilities of an electric. I remember my own struggle early on; I started with a bulky dreadnought that felt like holding a suitcase, and while the sound was huge, my shoulder would ache after thirty minutes of practice. When I shifted to electrics, I missed the organic connection of a vibrating wood top. This is exactly where the Applause AB24-4S Electric Acoustic Guitar enters the frame. It promises to bridge that gap, solving the problem of the “uncomfortable acoustic” without sacrificing the projection needed for a live performance. Failing to find this balance often leads to “closet guitars”—expensive instruments that sit unplayed because they are either too difficult to handle or too thin-sounding to inspire. We need a tool that feels natural in our hands and sounds professional through a PA system, and that is precisely what we are evaluating today.

Choosing Your Next Acoustic-Electric: A Comprehensive Buyer’s Guide

An Acoustic-Electric Guitar is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for the modern musician who needs flexibility across different environments, from the bedroom to the local open mic night. Unlike a purely acoustic instrument, these hybrids allow you to amplify your sound without the feedback nightmares often associated with standing in front of a microphone. They offer the portability of a single instrument that can handle unplugged practice sessions and high-volume stage performances with equal grace.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the ergonomic challenges of traditional boxy guitars, perhaps a player with a smaller frame or someone who finds standard dreadnoughts cumbersome. It is also perfect for the performing songwriter who needs reliable onboard electronics. However, it might not be suitable for the absolute purist who demands a 100% solid-wood construction and a deep, vintage dreadnought “thump” that only a massive air-chamber can provide. If you are looking for a purely traditional bluegrass cannon, you might consider a high-end solid mahogany dreadnought instead.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: The depth of the guitar body significantly impacts both the tone and the physical comfort. A “mid-depth” body, like the one found on the Applause AB24-4S Electric Acoustic Guitar, is designed to offer a compromise between the thin “super-shallow” models that can lack bass and the deep “contour” models that might feel too large. Look for a body shape that allows your picking arm to rest naturally without straining your shoulder.
• Capacity/Performance: In the world of acoustic-electrics, performance is measured by the quality of the preamp and the bracing of the top. You want a system that offers at least a 3-band EQ so you can notch out troublesome frequencies. Additionally, look for “scalloped” bracing, which allows the top to vibrate more freely, increasing resonance even in synthetic-backed guitars.
• Materials & Durability: Traditional wood is beautiful but sensitive to humidity and temperature changes. Composite materials, like Lyrachord, offer incredible durability and structural integrity. If you live in a climate with extreme seasonal shifts, a composite back can save you from the heartbreak of cracks and warping that often plague all-wood instruments.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Long-term care is vital. Consider guitars with oil-encapsulated tuners which stay lubricated and precise over years of use. Also, check the nut width and scale length; a standard 643mm scale provides familiar tension, while a 42.8mm nut width is generally comfortable for those with average to smaller hands, allowing for easier chord transitions.

As we transition into our hands-on evaluation, it’s clear that the design philosophy behind this instrument is centered on solving these exact pain points. While the Applause AB24-4S Electric Acoustic Guitar is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing the Applause AB24-4S Electric Acoustic Guitar

When the Applause AB24-4S Electric Acoustic Guitar arrived at our studio, the first thing that struck us was the packaging. It was double-reinforced, ensuring the instrument survived the transit without a scratch. Upon pulling it out of the box, the Natural Satin finish on the spruce top immediately caught the light. It has a refined, understated elegance that looks much more expensive than its price tag suggests. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to get a sense of how consistent this quality is across the board.

Holding the guitar for the first time, the mid-depth Lyrachord body felt incredibly ergonomic. It lacks the sharp edges of a traditional wood-bound acoustic, instead curving comfortably against the player’s ribs. The neck, made of Nato wood with a smooth satin finish, felt fast and unencumbered. Compared to previous generations of Applause guitars, the 24 series feels like a significant step up in terms of “fit and finish.” It doesn’t feel like a “budget” version of an Ovation; it feels like a legitimate entry in the legendary round-back lineage. Initial playability was good, though the action was a hair high for my personal preference—a common trait for factory-shipped acoustics that allows for user adjustment. Before we dive into the sound, you might want to check the latest price and availability to see if this fits your current gear budget.

A Deep Dive into the Performance of the Applause AB24-4S Electric Acoustic Guitar

To truly understand what makes the Applause AB24-4S Electric Acoustic Guitar tick, we spent several weeks putting it through its paces in different settings: a quiet home studio, a noisy rehearsal space, and directly into a digital audio workstation (DAW). The results were eye-opening, revealing an instrument that punches far above its weight class.

The Lyrachord Advantage and Body Ergonomics

The hallmark of this guitar is the mid-depth Lyrachord body. For those unfamiliar, Lyrachord is a composite material used by Ovation (Applause’s parent brand) that is designed to reflect sound more efficiently than flat wood backs. We found that the rounded back isn’t just a design gimmick; it actually serves to eliminate the “standing waves” that can cause muddiness in traditional acoustic bodies. When playing the Applause AB24-4S Electric Acoustic Guitar, the sound projects forward with a clarity that is frankly startling for a guitar at this price point.

In terms of comfort, the “mid-depth” choice is the “Goldilocks” of the range. It provides enough air volume to sustain a healthy low-end response while remaining thin enough that you don’t feel like you’re reaching over a barrel. We used it for a three-hour marathon writing session and noticed significantly less fatigue in the picking arm compared to a standard dreadnought. This ergonomic benefit is a feature that really sets it apart from its square-edged competitors. As one user noted, it “takes me back to my youth,” likely referring to the classic comfort that has made this body style a staple for decades.

Tonal Precision: Spruce Top and Scalloped Bracing

A guitar’s “voice” is primarily determined by its top. The Applause AB24-4S Electric Acoustic Guitar features a selected spruce top supported by Quartersawn Scalloped X-Bracing. This is a high-end construction technique where the bracing is carved out to reduce weight without compromising strength. The result? The spruce top can vibrate more freely. During our testing, we noticed a very “active” feel to the top; even light fingerpicking elicited a crisp, immediate response.

The tonal profile is balanced, leaning slightly toward the bright and punchy side. The mids are clear, which is a blessing for singers who need a guitar that doesn’t compete with their vocal range. When we pushed the guitar with heavy strumming, the scalloped bracing prevented the sound from “breaking up” or becoming compressed. If you want to explore the tonal possibilities further, you’ll find that the spruce will only sound better as it ages and “opens up” over the years. We were pleasantly surprised by the sustain, which lingered much longer than expected for a guitar with a composite back.

Electronics and Stage Readiness

Where the Applause AB24-4S Electric Acoustic Guitar truly shines is when you plug it in. It utilizes the CE304T active preamp, which includes a 3-band EQ (Bass, Mid, Treble) and a built-in tuner. Many budget preamps sound “quacky”—a common complaint where the piezo pickup creates a harsh, plastic-like sound. However, the system in the AB24-4S felt remarkably transparent. By backing off the mids slightly and boosting the treble, we were able to achieve a shimmering, professional acoustic tone that sat perfectly in a mix.

The built-in tuner is a lifesaver for live performers. It’s bright enough to see on a dark stage and kills the output when engaged, allowing for silent tuning. We tested the preamp through a variety of systems, including a dedicated acoustic amp and a direct-to-PA setup. One user mentioned that the amplified sound was “deludente” (disappointing), but in our expert evaluation, this is often a result of improper gain staging or a lack of EQ adjustment. When dialed in correctly, we found the pickup to be reliable and highly resistant to the feedback loops that often plague large-bodied acoustics. We recommend that you order yours today if you are looking for a reliable stage workhorse that won’t fail you under the lights.

Playability and Out-of-the-Box Setup

Finally, we must discuss the neck and fretboard. The 643mm scale length provides a familiar tension that most players will find comfortable. The Ovangkol fretboard is a great choice here—it’s a sustainable tonewood that feels very similar to Rosewood, offering a smooth surface for slides and vibrato. The 42.8mm nut width provides enough spacing for clean chording without feeling like a “stretch” for players with smaller hands.

We did find that the factory strings were a bit on the heavy side, which can make the guitar feel “stiff” or “hard to play” for beginners. Swapping these out for a lighter gauge (like 11s) and perhaps shaving a millimeter off the bridge saddle would turn this from a “good” playing guitar into an “effortless” one. This minor adjustment is common in the guitar world. As another user mentioned, the guitar is “flawless” in its finish, and with a quick setup, it “plays like a high-dollar Ovation.” The oil-encapsulated tuners held their pitch remarkably well, even after aggressive string bends, proving that the hardware is up to the task of regular gigging.

What Other Users Are Saying

The general sentiment surrounding the Applause AB24-4S Electric Acoustic Guitar is overwhelmingly positive, especially regarding its value-to-performance ratio. Many users have noted that the instrument feels like a much more expensive model. One reviewer exclaimed, “Love this guitar! Well made and sounds great! The built-in tuner makes for quick tuning.” This sentiment is echoed by many who find the electronic suite to be a major selling point. Another user pointed out the expert packaging and “beautiful natural finish,” noting that the wood grain is clearly visible and free of blemishes.

However, no review is complete without looking at the critiques. Some users have mentioned that the action is a bit high out of the box, and one player found it “molto dura da suonare” (very hard to play). This is a fair point—standard factory setups are often on the high side to avoid fret buzz during shipping across different climates. It’s a small hurdle that any local guitar tech can fix in fifteen minutes. Despite these minor gripes, the consensus is clear: for the price, you are getting an instrument that rivals professional-grade gear. To see more detailed testimonials, you can see what others are saying and decide for yourself if these experiences align with your needs.

Comparing the Applause AB24-4S Electric Acoustic Guitar to Its Top Alternatives

While we are big fans of the Applause, it is important to see how it compares to other heavy hitters in the acoustic-electric category. Here are three alternatives we recommend considering.

1. Yamaha FGX800C Acoustic-Electric Cutaway Guitar

The Yamaha FGX800C is a traditional dreadnought with a solid spruce top. Unlike the Applause, it features a full-depth wood body. This gives it a deeper, “boomier” low end when played unplugged. It is a fantastic choice for those who want a classic look and feel. However, it lacks the ergonomic round-back of the Applause, which may make it less comfortable for long standing sets or for smaller players. If you prioritize a traditional acoustic “thump” over sleek ergonomics and composite durability, the Yamaha is a stellar alternative.

2. Cordoba C5-CET Spalted Maple Cutaway Classical Guitar

For a completely different feel, the Cordoba C5-CET offers nylon strings and a thin-body design. This is an excellent alternative for players who find steel strings too painful or “hard to play.” The spalted maple back and sides are stunning, and the thin-body cutaway makes it even more portable than the Applause. However, it will not have the same “bite” or volume for rock or country strumming as the steel-string Applause. It’s the perfect choice for fingerstyle players or those looking for a softer, classical-fusion sound.

3. Fender CD-60SCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar Bundle

Fender’s CD-60SCE is a solid-top dreadnought that often comes as a comprehensive bundle. This is the go-to choice for the absolute beginner who needs everything—picks, strap, and case—in one go. It features a very comfortable “Easy-to-Play” neck profile. While the electronics are solid, the standard dreadnought shape doesn’t offer the unique feedback resistance or the ergonomic curves of the Applause AB24-4S Electric Acoustic Guitar. Choose the Fender if you want a complete starter kit, but choose the Applause if you want a more unique, stage-ready design.

Final Verdict: Is the Applause AB24-4S Electric Acoustic Guitar Right for You?

After a thorough evaluation, we can confidently say that the Applause AB24-4S Electric Acoustic Guitar is a standout instrument in the mid-range market. It successfully combines the innovation of the Ovation round-back design with a price point that is accessible to everyone. Its greatest strengths lie in its ergonomic comfort, its robust durability thanks to the Lyrachord body, and its surprisingly clear and versatile electronics. While it may require a quick string change or a minor setup to reach its full potential, the foundation of the instrument is rock-solid.

We recommend this guitar to intermediate players looking for a reliable gigging instrument, as well as beginners who want a guitar they won’t outgrow within a year. It’s a tool that inspires you to pick it up and play, which is the highest praise we can give any piece of gear. If you are ready to take your playing to the next level with an instrument that sounds as good as it looks, now is the time to invest in your musical journey and experience the unique voice of the AB24-4S for yourself.