Rare Early 1970's Applause AA-14-4 Acoustic Guitar

Serial Number: 064803, Weight: 4 Lbs. 13 Ozs.

CONDITION: Excellent overall condition. We have given this a complete going over and cleaning. We set the intonation and it is just amazing. It shows very little wear, no damage or repairs. It is a great Guitar, includes the original Chipboard case it came to us in. Very Cool Guitar

 Applause AA-14-4 is a vintage acoustic guitar produced in the United States by Ovation (Kaman Corporation) in the mid-to-late 1970s, notable for its unique cast aluminum neck and fretboard.

HistoryThe Applause brand was launched by Ovation in the 1970s as a more affordable line that still utilized the innovative Ovation design principles, such as the round Lyrachord composite bowl back. The AA-14-4 model was part of the original U.S. production run, which took place in New Hartford, Connecticut, from approximately 1975 to 1979, before production moved overseas to Korea. The AA-14-4 was an "AA" model, denoting Applause Acoustic. The "4" in the model number often indicates the "Natural" finish.

Key Specifications and Features

  • Neck and Fretboard: The most distinct feature is the one-piece neck and frets made from cast aluminum, encased in a synthetic material that feels and looks like wood. This design was intended to be extremely durable and resistant to warping caused by humidity and temperature changes, though the top wood itself is still susceptible to finish cracks.
  • Body: It features the signature Ovation round back, made from a fiberglass-like composite material called Lyrachord, which helps with projection and durability. It has a wood top, typically a laminated Sitka spruce top, not a solid top.
  • Sound: Reviewers often praise its surprisingly loud sound with a unique depth, clarity, and "sparkle" attributed to the combination of the aluminum neck and the composite body.
  • Electronics: Some versions included a basic piezoelectric pickup with volume and tone controls, but no active preamp or battery.
  • Playability: The neck is often described as feeling solid and straight, with low action making it easy to play. 

The Applause AA-14-4 represents a unique and somewhat daring period in guitar manufacturing history, where aerospace technology was directly applied to instrument design to create a durable, entry-level instrument with a distinctive sound. 

About Capital City Guitars:

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Capital City Guitars

(360) 956-7097

108 4th Ave. E

Olympia, WA 98501

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ConditionVery Good (Used)
Very Good items may show a few slight marks or scratches but are fully functional and in overall great shape.Learn more
Brand
Model
  • AA-14-4
Finish
  • Natural
Categories
Year
  • 1970's
Made In
  • United States
Body Shape
  • Dreadnought

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Capital City Guitars

Olympia, WA, United States
Joined Reverb:2014

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