Ovation Celebrity Traditional Plus E-Acoustic Guitar CS24X-7C Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

Welcome to the world of Ovation guitars. This manual provides essential information for the setup, operation, and maintenance of your new Ovation Celebrity Traditional Plus E-Acoustic Guitar, model CS24X-7C. This instrument features a distinctive figured top, a mid-depth Lyrachord body, and an advanced OP4BT preamp system, designed to deliver optimal sound and playability.

Figure 1: Front view of the Ovation Celebrity Traditional Plus E-Acoustic Guitar. This image displays the guitar's overall design, including the figured top, central soundhole with abalone rosette, and the bridge.

2. Setup

2.1 Initial Inspection

Upon unboxing, carefully inspect your guitar for any signs of damage. Ensure all components, including the bridge, tuners, and electronics, are securely in place. The guitar comes factory-fitted with high-quality Adamas or Hannabach strings.

2.2 Tuning the Guitar

Your Ovation Celebrity Traditional Plus guitar is equipped with an OP4BT preamp that includes a built-in tuner. To tune your guitar:

1. Press the 'Tuner' button on the OP4BT preamp to activate the tuner.
2. Pluck each string individually. The display will indicate the note being played and whether it is sharp or flat.
3. Adjust the corresponding tuning machine head until the display shows the correct note in tune.
4. Repeat for all six strings.
5. Press the 'Tuner' button again to deactivate the tuner.

2.3 Connecting to Amplification

The guitar features a 1/4" (6.35mm) audio jack for connecting to an amplifier or PA system. Use a standard instrument cable to connect the guitar to your desired audio equipment. The Ovation Slimline pickup and OP4BT preamp will process the acoustic signal for amplified output.

Figure 2: Close-up view of the Ovation OP4BT preamp controls. This image highlights the tuner, gain, bass, mid, and treble sliders located on the side of the guitar body.

3. Operating

3.1 Using the OP4BT Preamp

The OP4BT preamp provides control over your amplified sound:

• Gain: Adjusts the overall output level of the guitar. Start with a lower setting and increase as needed to avoid distortion.
• Bass: Controls the low-frequency response. Increase for a fuller, warmer tone; decrease to reduce muddiness.
• Mid: Controls the mid-frequency response. Adjust to shape the guitar's presence and cut through a mix.
• Treble: Controls the high-frequency response. Increase for brightness and clarity; decrease to soften the tone.
• Tuner: Activates the built-in chromatic tuner (refer to Section 2.2).

Figure 3: Detailed view of the guitar's bridge, central soundhole, and the integrated preamp. This image shows the serrated bridge inlay and the abalone rosette.

3.2 Playing the Instrument

This E-Acoustic guitar is designed for both acoustic and amplified performance. Experiment with different strumming and picking techniques to explore its tonal range. The mid-depth Lyrachord body offers a comfortable playing experience while contributing to the guitar's balanced sound.

4. Maintenance

4.1 Cleaning

• Body: Wipe the Lyrachord body and figured top with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth after each use to remove fingerprints and sweat. For deeper cleaning, use a guitar-specific polish sparingly.
• Fretboard: Periodically clean the Nato Wood/Ovangkol fretboard with a specialized fretboard cleaner and conditioner to prevent drying and cracking.
• Strings: Wipe down strings after playing to prolong their life and maintain tone.

4.2 String Replacement

Replace strings regularly to maintain optimal tone and playability. When replacing strings, change them one at a time to maintain neck tension. Use high-quality acoustic guitar strings, such as Adamas or Hannabach, to ensure the best performance.

4.3 Storage

Store your guitar in a climate-controlled environment, away from extreme temperature changes and humidity fluctuations. A guitar case is recommended for protection during storage and transport.

Figure 4: Rear view of the guitar's neck joint and upper body. This image illustrates the smooth transition from the Nato neck to the Lyrachord body.

5. Troubleshooting

• No Sound When Amplified:
    - Check the instrument cable connection at both the guitar and the amplifier.
    - Ensure the amplifier is turned on and its volume is up.
    - Verify the guitar's preamp battery is not depleted. The OP4BT preamp requires a 9V battery.
• Poor Sound Quality / Distortion:
    - Adjust the Gain control on the OP4BT preamp. If set too high, it can cause distortion.
    - Check the EQ settings (Bass, Mid, Treble) on the preamp and amplifier.
• Tuning Instability:
    - Ensure strings are properly stretched after installation.
    - Check for worn or improperly wound strings.
    - Verify the die-cast Ovation machine heads are functioning correctly.
• Buzzing Strings:
    - Check for proper string action. If too low, strings may buzz against frets.
    - Ensure the neck relief is correctly set. This may require professional adjustment.
    - Inspect frets for uneven wear.

Figure 5: Rear view of the guitar's body, highlighting the preamp unit and the battery compartment. This area is crucial for maintaining the amplified functionality of the instrument.

6. Specifications

7. Warranty Information

For detailed warranty information regarding your Ovation Celebrity Traditional Plus E-Acoustic Guitar, please refer to the warranty card included with your purchase or visit the official Ovation or Gewa website. Warranty terms and conditions may vary by region and retailer.

8. Customer Support

Should you require technical assistance, spare parts, or have any questions not covered in this manual, please contact your authorized Ovation dealer or visit the official Gewa website for customer support contact information. Please have your model number (CS24X-7C) and purchase date available when contacting support.