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Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 121
Location: Powder Springs, Ga. | I must say even though I was nervous buying from ebay the Adamas SMT is in near perfect condition. The owner said it was a 2001 but it's actually a 1998. I obviously didn't do my homework. My guess is is that there's not much of a difference. Looks like it was never played.
The strings must be replaced. I've been using Elixir Polyweb Acoustic Medium Strings which I like but is there a better string for this guitar? How about removing the shims for better action? Is this an easy thing to do and should I do it? If so, how many? Don't care to have a buzz in the strings but I really like a close action.
The guitar has the Optima Pre-Amp. Was this standard in '98 and is it the best Ovation has to offer next to the Op-Pro?
I've been playing a Tama 3555 and I must say this is a nice move up. Maybe you guys should start a club or something. |
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Joined:
October 2004
Posts: 124
| just consider yourself lucky!!! it's quite dangerous to buy from strangers on ebay, especially from someone with low feedback. the seller clearly lied - he said it's cvt597 (more expensive & newer model than 1597), he said he paid $2300 (retail was $1799 in 1998 & $2199 for 2005 model), etc.
did u pay over $1200 for this '98 1597? though it's essentially the same as newer 1597, u could have got a better & newer model with the $. buy from someone u know or at least more honest seller next time. some forum member could have sold u the same guitar for less.
in general, use light gauge string. check the neck & action. is the truss rod wrench inside the case? |
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Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 121
Location: Powder Springs, Ga. | You're so right on your advice. Thank you.
There is no wrench in the case.
Part of me wants to return it to sender but another part says I may have to fight to get my money back. However it does look brand new.
I guess you're never too old to learn by you're mistakes. |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15682
Location: SoCal | $1200 is a good price for that guitar. Smile and be happy about it. I've purchased a number of guitars from sellers on ebay and by and large been pretty happy about it. Don't let somebody tell you you've screwed up. You did fine.
As to strings, shims and all, every guitar is different. You're just going to have to try different configurations to see what works. Most Ovations don't need much neck adjustment, especially with a Kbar in the neck. Put on the strings you normally use, pull out a couple of shims, and see how it feels. You're going to need to play it a lot over the next couple of weeks to get it right. Tough task....
Enjoy! |
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Joined:
October 2004
Posts: 124
| u may want to get some partial refund from the seller.
(1) tell him the guitar was misrepresented in the ad
& he told u the wrong thing over the phone too. it ain't special edition, etc.
(2) tell him it's older than he described. it's '98 model.
avg selling price on ebay is $750-850. be polite & firm. hopefully he will give u some partial refund. |
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Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13997
Location: Upper Left USA | Keep in mind that as we compare the used prices that we are buying and selling these Ovations and Adamas' for - they are really great deals!
I have learned that when I buy something it seems a "nicer" or "Cheaper" one shows up almost immediately! Less than $1500 fo a great sounding guitar is a value!
I too find myself acting like a kid with a quarter looking over the assortment of 5 cent candies. Sometimes it takes weeks!
Now, was the Seller truthful? Where they educated on the product or not? Where you able to learn about the product yourself? Those are concerns to follow up with. |
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Joined:
September 2004
Posts: 96
Location: Eugene, OR | Make NO attempt to return it.!!!
I did that once with a new Elite via a middleman in the early 80's. Seller ran off with my cash and the guitar, after I returned it.
I would love to have that guitar in my possesion today.
Consider yourself way ahead. |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15682
Location: SoCal | Why send it back? You ended up with a great guitar. I've seen the prices of Ovations bounce all over the place. $1200 is a fair price. Tell you what, take your guitar, put fresh strings on it, then take it to a guitar store and compare it to Taylors and Gibsons and others costing twice as much. You'll walk away feeling pretty good about your new guitar. |
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Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 7247
Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | I too have done a lot of biz on eBay. In this case, it's not what you thought you were buying, but it is a good price and good guitar. I would contact the seller and as someone stated, be polite yet firm that you aren't totally happy about it. Their response will dictate the feedback you leave. It could just be an education issue. There are plenty of people selling things on eBay that they know little to nothing about and are just guessing based on other ads. As I say, the response you get will let you know what to do next. |
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Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 265
Location: Warrenton, Virginia | p moody is right......press forward..enjoy the damn thing..sounds like you did well.
r/
sam |
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Joined:
April 2003
Posts: 2503
Location: Fayetteville, NC | I'd just let it Slide. You've do have a great guitar and you got it at a great price. Just keep it and enjoy it. If you do business on ebay in the future, Look at the persons(Sellers) feeedback,their experience selling on ebay, and ask questions, questions and more questions. When you feel confident you've gotten the answers to satisfy your curiosity, Then PUll The trigger.
but Don't fret(No Pun Intended) You got a deal in my opinion, enjoy the guitar. |
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Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 234
Location: Phoenix, AZ | If you're going to ask for some money back, don't forget to remind the seller your wife is a lawyer who just happens to have a good law school classmate living/practicing close to the seller. |
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Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 121
Location: Powder Springs, Ga. | You guys are great. Thanks for your tech help and for making me feel more at ease. I will contact the seller and see if they'll make a financial gift to my amp fund.
Thanks |
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Adamas has arrived + Question