Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your Ovation CE44P-SM Acoustic-Electric Guitar. Please read it thoroughly to ensure proper use and care of your instrument.
Product Overview
The Ovation Celebrity Elite Plus CE44P-SM features a mid-depth Lyrachord cutaway body with a spalted maple top, designed for clear highs and balanced bass response. It incorporates an Elite multi-soundhole design and quartersawn scalloped "X" bracing for optimal tone. The guitar is equipped with an Ovation Slimline pickup and OP-4BT preamp system for amplified performance.
Figure 1: Front view of the Ovation CE44P-SM Acoustic-Electric Guitar, showcasing the spalted maple top and multi-soundhole design.
Setup
1. Initial Inspection
Upon unboxing, carefully inspect your guitar for any signs of damage. Ensure all components are present and intact.
2. Battery Installation (for Preamp)
The OP-4BT preamp requires one 9V battery (included). Locate the battery compartment on the side of the guitar body, open it, and insert the battery, observing correct polarity. Close the compartment securely.
Figure 2: Close-up of the OP-4BT preamp and battery compartment on the guitar body.
3. Attaching a Guitar Strap
To attach a guitar strap, secure one end to the strap button located at the base of the guitar body. For the other end, loop it around the headstock or attach it to the second strap button if present near the neck joint. Ensure the strap is firmly attached before use.
4. Tuning the Guitar
Use the onboard tuner on the OP-4BT preamp or an external tuner to tune your guitar. The standard tuning for a 6-string guitar is E-A-D-G-B-e (from thickest to thinnest string).
Figure 3: Close-up of the guitar headstock, showing the gold die-cast tuning machines.
Operating Instructions
1. Acoustic Playback
The CE44P-SM can be played acoustically. Its mid-depth Lyrachord body and multi-soundhole design provide a natural, balanced tone suitable for various musical styles.
2. Amplified Playback (using OP-4BT Preamp)
- Connect a standard 1/4 inch instrument cable from the guitar's output jack to your amplifier or PA system.
- Turn on your amplifier.
- Use the volume/gain control on the OP-4BT preamp to adjust the overall output level.
- Adjust the three-band EQ (Bass, Mid, Treble) to shape your desired tone.
- The "Low Battery" light will illuminate when the 9V battery needs replacement.
Figure 4: Side view of the guitar showing the integrated OP-4BT preamp controls.
Maintenance
1. Cleaning
Wipe down the guitar body, neck, and strings with a soft, lint-free cloth after each use. For the gloss finish, use a guitar-specific polish sparingly. Clean the rosewood fretboard with a suitable fretboard conditioner periodically.
2. String Replacement
Replace strings regularly to maintain optimal tone and playability. The guitar comes with D'Addario EXP11 Coated 80/20 Bronze Light Acoustic (.012-.053 Gauges) strings. When replacing, change one string at a time to maintain neck tension.
3. Battery Replacement
When the "Low Battery" light on the OP-4BT preamp illuminates, replace the 9V battery promptly to ensure continued amplified performance.
4. Storage
Store your guitar in a stable environment, away from extreme temperature changes and humidity fluctuations. A hard case or a dedicated guitar stand is recommended for protection.
Figure 5: Back view of the Ovation CE44P-SM Acoustic-Electric Guitar, showing the Lyrachord body.
Troubleshooting
- No Sound from Amplifier: Check the instrument cable connection at both the guitar and amplifier. Ensure the amplifier is powered on and the guitar's volume/gain control is not set to zero. Verify the 9V battery in the preamp is charged and correctly installed.
- Distorted or Weak Sound: Replace the 9V battery if the low battery indicator is on. Check for loose connections in the cable or at the preamp. If distortion persists, consult a qualified technician.
- High String Action: If the strings are too high off the fretboard, it may affect playability. This often requires a neck adjustment (truss rod) or bridge saddle adjustment. It is recommended to have this performed by a professional guitar technician.
- Tuning Instability: Ensure strings are properly stretched after replacement. Check tuning machine tightness. If issues persist, consider replacing worn strings or consulting a technician for tuning machine inspection.
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Name | Celebrity Elite Plus, Mid-Depth Cutaway, Spalted Maple |
| Series | Celebrity Elite |
| Body Finish | Gloss |
| Body Shape | Mid-Depth Cutaway |
| Bracing | Quartersawn Scalloped X |
| Rosette | Multi-Wood |
| Body Binding | Black |
| Body Back | Lyrachord (Fiberglass) |
| Neck Material | Nato |
| Neck Finish | Satin |
| Scale Length | 25.25" (642 mm) |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood |
| Fingerboard Radius | 10" (254 mm) |
| Number of Frets | 20 Fully Accessible; 24 on High E String |
| String Nut | ABS |
| Nut Width | 1.6875" (42.86 mm) |
| Position Inlays | Abalone |
| Special Electronics | OP-4BT with Ovation Slimline Pickup |
| Bridge | Rosewood |
| Tuning Machines | Gold Die-Cast |
| Strings | D'Addario EXP11 Coated 80/20 Bronze Light Acoustic (.012-.053 Gauges) |
| Item Weight | 7.75 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 42.3 x 19.5 x 6.5 inches |
| Batteries | 1 9V batteries required. (included) |
| Top Material | Maple Wood |
| Hand Orientation | Right |
Warranty and Support
For warranty information and customer support, please refer to the official OVATION website or contact your authorized dealer. Keep your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.