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May 2003
Posts: 69
Location: UK | I'm thinking of returning to the Ovation fold after a 3 year hiatus. I last owned an Adamas II, a nice guitar but it was the single epaulet version and I always felt I was having to play harder to get the same level of response.
I've been looking around e-Bay for various Ovations and the range has changed a lot. I play a mixture of fingerstyle and flatpick, mostly folk type standards and some louder stuff too.
I've seen good prices for things like the Al DiMeola 1769 but also for close-out Adamas IIs. Then there are completely new models I haven't seen like the reissue balladeers and Glen Campbells.
What is the prevailing opinion about these models? Would you choose an Adamas over a Al DiMeola or similar premium Sitka topped guitar or not? Are there any really good buys that I shouldn't miss at present given my style?
Thanks in advance for anyone who responds to this rambling post.
LouisB |
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October 2005
Posts: 4048
Location: Utah | Best buy right now, bar none, on a new guitar is the 2007BCS collector's edition, if Al has any left. The Al DiMeola is a fine looking guitar and should be an outstanding instrument, but it costs a lot more new than Al's 2007BCS (they're factory reconditioned, ask him if you need details). I've got a 2007BCS from Al and it is a really great guitar for twice the price!
If it were me, I'd love to get an Adamas 2080. If that is out of reach or unavailable for you, I'd be looking at one of the nice Ovations, like the two already mentioned. The deep contour bowl is, to me, the way to go these days. I would also look for the OpPro Studio preamp, which imho would be the best choice for performing live. The difference between the grade of wood on the top is, to me, less important. ie you might find a great buy on a model that is exactly the same as a top-end model except the wood is one grade lower.
Value is always important to me, so I tend to look at it that way. If you have the funding for whatever you want, your choices are nearly unlimited. AlPep at Lost Art Vintage has a lot of experience shipping overseas. Give him a call. |
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Location: Jet City | 2080 would be a good choice. Or an A braced Legend. |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | call Al |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | I don't have what I would call a discerning ear, but I notice a big difference between an Adamas and a wood topped Ovation. It's not a matter of what's better, the sound is just different. You really need to listen and play both and decide what you like. |
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Posts: 777
Location: East Wenatchee, WA | 2080, 2007C, 2005C all great guitars. |
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May 2003
Posts: 4389
Location: Capital District, NY, USA Minor Outlying Islands | There all good. Since we know what you play ... fingerstyle and flatpick, mostly folk type standards and some louder stuff too .... need to know the where you play ... In the living room? Occassional Garden party? Weddings? Sweaty bar? Coffee house? |
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Joined:
May 2003
Posts: 69
Location: UK | Thanks for all the responses. Called Al and he was very helpful. Considering the opportunities that are out there.
If it helps I only play at home, in my living room, my days of being out there are definitely over :-)
I think it comes down to an Al Di Meola or a 2080, although Al does have a picture of a delicious 12-fret slot head Adamas which is very, very tempting - is the neck width on the 12-frets identical to the 14 fret ones or is it wider?
LouisB |
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Posts: 12759
Location: Boise, Idaho | 12 fretters are usually, maybe always, wider. |
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Location: East Tennessee | Same width at the nut. 1 7/8". I have one of each. |
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May 2003
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Location: Capital District, NY, USA Minor Outlying Islands | Since you're going to be just in your living room then I'd go with whichever is cheaper. That said, those three guitars are all excellent, you won't be settling. |
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Location: Sunshine State, Australia | Don't dismiss an '05ES collectors just yet. |
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Location: Marlton, NJ | +1 on the '05! |
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Posts: 3618
Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | I say Buy as Many as you can afford! And buy often. Of course if that is not an option and you like the sound of a wood top and the projection of an Adamas, I say buy the 1537 Elite. That way you get a good degree of both. |
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Purchase advice