Ovation CS24-RR Celebrity Standard Mid-Depth Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the setup, operation, and maintenance of your Ovation CS24-RR Celebrity Standard Mid-Depth Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar. Designed for optimal sound and playability, this instrument features a classic mid-depth Lyrachord cutaway body, a solid spruce top, and an integrated OP-4BT preamp system.

Figure 1.1: The Ovation CS24-RR Celebrity Standard Mid-Depth Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar in Ruby Red.

2. Key Features

• Body: Mid-Depth Lyrachord Cutaway body for comfortable playability and balanced sound projection.
• Top: Solid Spruce top with quartersawn scalloped "X" bracing for enhanced resonance and tonal clarity.
• Finish: Elegant Ruby Red gloss finish with pearloid rosette and ivory white binding.
• Neck: Nato neck with a natural satin finish and rosewood-veneer headstock.
• Fretboard: 20-fret bound Rosewood fretboard with pearloid microdot inlays.
• Electronics: Ovation Slimline pickup and OP-4BT preamp system, featuring a three-band EQ, volume/gain control, onboard tuner, and low-battery indicator.
• Hardware: Rosewood bridge and Chrome Die-Cast tuning machines.

3. Setup

3.1 Initial Inspection

Upon unboxing, carefully inspect your guitar for any signs of damage. Ensure all components are present and securely attached. The guitar comes with D'Addario EXP11 Coated 80/20 Bronze Light Acoustic strings (.012-.053 Gauges) pre-installed.

3.2 Battery Installation for Preamp

The OP-4BT preamp system requires one 9V alkaline battery (included). To install or replace the battery:

1. Locate the battery compartment on the side of the guitar body, near the preamp controls.
2. Open the compartment cover.
3. Insert a fresh 9V alkaline battery, ensuring correct polarity.
4. Close the compartment cover securely.

A low-battery light on the preamp will indicate when the battery needs replacement.

3.3 Tuning the Guitar

Your Ovation guitar is equipped with an onboard tuner for convenient and accurate tuning.

1. Press the "Tuner" button on the OP-4BT preamp to activate the tuner.
2. Pluck each string individually. The display will show the note being played and indicate if it is sharp, flat, or in tune.
3. Adjust the corresponding tuning machine head until the display indicates the string is in tune.
4. Repeat for all six strings.
5. Press the "Tuner" button again to deactivate the tuner.

Figure 3.3.1: Headstock with Chrome Die-Cast Tuning Machines. These machines ensure stable and precise tuning.

Figure 3.3.2: Close-up of the soundhole with pearloid rosette, showcasing the instrument's aesthetic details.

4. Operating the Guitar

4.1 Playing Acoustically

The Ovation CS24-RR is designed to produce a rich, resonant acoustic tone. Its mid-depth Lyrachord body and solid spruce top contribute to excellent projection and clarity without amplification.

4.2 Using the OP-4BT Preamp System

To amplify your guitar's sound, connect a standard 1/4" (6.35mm) mono phone plug cable from the guitar's output jack to an acoustic amplifier or PA system.

• Volume/Gain Control: Adjust the overall output level of the amplified sound.
• Three-Band EQ (Bass, Mid, Treble): Use these sliders to shape your tone. Adjust Bass for low-end presence, Mid for midrange clarity, and Treble for high-end sparkle.
• Onboard Tuner: As described in Section 3.3, activate the tuner by pressing the "Tuner" button.

Figure 4.2.1: The Rosewood bridge and saddle, which can be adjusted for string action.

5. Maintenance

5.1 Cleaning

Regular cleaning helps maintain the guitar's finish and playability.

• Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe down the body, neck, and strings after each use.
• For the gloss finish, a guitar-specific polish can be used periodically. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
• Clean the fretboard with a specialized fretboard conditioner to prevent drying and cracking.

5.2 String Care and Replacement

Strings should be replaced regularly to maintain optimal tone and playability. The guitar uses D'Addario EXP11 Coated 80/20 Bronze Light Acoustic strings (.012-.053 Gauges).

• Replace strings one at a time to maintain neck tension.
• Stretch new strings gently after installation to help them settle and hold tune.

5.3 Storage

Store your guitar in a stable environment, away from extreme temperature changes and humidity fluctuations, to prevent damage to the wood and finish. A guitar case is recommended for protection.

6. Troubleshooting

• No Sound or Weak Sound when Amplified:
  • Check if the 9V battery in the preamp is fresh and correctly installed. The low-battery indicator should be off.
  • Ensure the guitar cable is securely connected to both the guitar and the amplifier/PA system.
  • Verify that the amplifier is powered on and its volume is turned up.
  • Check the volume/gain control on the guitar's preamp.
• Distortion or Feedback when Amplified:
  • Reduce the volume/gain on the guitar's preamp or the amplifier.
  • Adjust the EQ settings on the preamp; excessive bass or treble can sometimes cause feedback.
  • Move away from the amplifier or monitor speakers.
  • If experiencing "back feed through the amp" as noted by some users, this could indicate an internal wiring issue or a faulty component. Consult a qualified technician.
• Difficulty Keeping Tune:
  • Ensure strings are properly stretched after installation.
  • Check for worn or old strings; replace if necessary.
  • Verify that tuning machines are functioning correctly and are not loose.
  • Environmental factors (temperature/humidity changes) can affect tuning stability.
• High or Low String Action:
  • The guitar's action can be adjusted by modifying the shims underneath the bridge saddle. This is a delicate procedure and should ideally be performed by a qualified guitar technician to avoid damage.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty and Support

For specific warranty information and customer support, please refer to the documentation provided with your purchase or visit the official Ovation website. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

9. Safety Information

• Avoid exposing the guitar to extreme temperatures or humidity, as this can cause damage to the wood and finish.
• Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive materials for cleaning.
• When replacing strings, exercise caution to avoid injury from sharp string ends.
• Ensure proper handling and storage to prevent accidental falls or impacts.