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Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | I've been an Ovationite for 36 years yet I did not get the chance to play an Adamas until about 4 years ago.
Tragocaster just got the chance to play one for the first time.
Who else out there has yet to do the Carbon Graphite Shuffle? Or who else waited years for the chance to play one? |
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Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 5331
Location: Cicero, NY | My first time with an CGA was at the Tour a couple years ago. Was blown away. Have yet to add one to the stable but that day is coming... |
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Joined:
November 2007
Posts: 1486
Location: Cincinnati | I went a different route. I had never played or heard an Adamas. But I bought a 1581 a few months after joining the OFC based on what I read here. Fantastic guitar. |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15674
Location: SoCal | I've played Ovations since 1972 (like Brad, 36 years) but didn't play my first Adamas until 1995. On the wall of a small music shop that no longer exists, was a matched blue Adamas I 6 & 12 string. I wasn't a huge fan of the 6 string, but the 12'er was wonderful. I bought it the next year for cost (a great deal then and now).
Over the years, the 6 string Adamii have grown on me. My OFC guitar is a great instrument, but somehow, when I pick up a guitar at random, I go to the rebuilt 87C. I love the OFC guitar for the looks, the sound, but mostly for what it represents. But that 87C is just a serious "go to" instrument for me. Kinda like Beal with his Tak that he always grabs when he plays out. You just know it's going to sound good and do the job. Always..... |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | I bought my firat "real" guitar (CustomBalladeer) in Oct. of '76.
15 minutes later, I played SlotHead #54.
Talk about "blowing your load, early" . . |
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Joined:
August 2006
Posts: 3145
Location: Marlton, NJ | I never even knew they existed until I joined this site... then I purchased the 47RI... jumped in head first! |
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Joined:
November 2004
Posts: 4413
| Somebody sent one 3625 miles USPS to cheer me up.
It worked. And I never got round to sending it back. |
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Joined:
June 2003
Posts: 1792
Location: Rego Park, NY, | I wanted an Ovation since college in 1981 . My friend probably had a celebrity. The roundback just felt comfortable to hold. Then in 2003 I started looking for one. I needed something to help jump start my interest. I looked into Ovation and found out about the Adamas line. One lesson that my father told me was if you are going to by only one of anything then you should get the best you can find of whatever it is. I finally got the 1597 which for my skill level is alot of guitar. I know that many people are not crazy about that particular model but compared to my $79.00 guitar from Sam Goody back when they were still selling instruments and my Yamaha CG110A think) classical. It was a major improvement. My skill level does not make it possible to make the distinctions of the sounds, feels, actions of different guitars. So this model may not be the best but it is my first Ovation/Adamas.
Phil |
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Joined:
May 2006
Posts: 4232
Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent | I'm still waiting to really air one out. I flipped a 1598 once because I was after my 87C and needed the cash.
Someday....maybe someday soon if trading picks up a little. :rolleyes: |
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Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4065
Location: Utah | Still have never even seen an A in real life. I'm kinda scared to play one, because I don't want to ruin my love affair with my O's. |
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Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | Oh they are still an O.
They are just an uber-O. |
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Joined:
June 2007
Posts: 3084
Location: Brisbane Australia | I guess I started back the front, my first Ovation was my 1581 AD11.
That was however originally propagated by me playing a Balladeer about 30 years before.
It just so happened that whe I decided I wanted an Ovation that's what I came across.
A 1994 model that had been unsold in a music store for 9 years before I came along.
Meant to be I reckon!!
AJ |
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Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 2985
Location: Sydney, Australia | I bought my Ovation 1117 legend a few months after I started playing in 1982. Then in about 1983 I saw a woman playing a 12 string Adamas II - "What the heck is that? Looks like an Ovation, but it's not quite". In about 1985 a local music store had an Adamas I in stock - I got to play it (even though I had absolutely no money) and fell madly in love. In 2002 I bought a W597 and now I'm one month away from the big kahuna! |
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Joined:
January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | I first played one in 74 and it wasn't that good but by the time it was introduced in 76 they'd gotten it much better. |
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Joined:
October 2007
Posts: 2711
Location: Vernon CT | I'm still "A" Virgin when it comes to the ADAMAS.
They have allways been out of my price range AND other then a Melissa Etheridge 12 string, I have NEVER seen one in a store to even try and I don't know a single Local musician that owns one.
Welcome to Connecticut the Home of OVATION! :rolleyes: |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15674
Location: SoCal | Originally posted by Mauvais Beal:
I first played one in 74 and it wasn't that good but by the time it was introduced in 76 they'd gotten it much better. Wow. You musta known somebody "inside" the factory.... |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | Glen's Mom. |
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Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 5881
Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | StephenT introduced me to Adamas a few years ago, and I picked one up from a member here a few months later. I've owned an Ovation since '73. It was all electrics and a pawn shop woodie before then. |
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Joined:
May 2008
Posts: 1559
Location: Indiana | I was on the road playing in Miami in January of 83.
Walked into Rose Music for some strings and grabbed a black Adamas I of the wall.
Two things happened immediately when I got back to Tennessee. My girlfriend/wife-to-be and I moved in together, and I called Connecticut and ordered an Adamas.
I already owned 3 O's but my lady didn't complain.
After 25 years, those are still two of the best decisions I ever made. |
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Joined:
May 2003
Posts: 4389
Location: Capital District, NY, USA Minor Outlying Islands | I was familiar with ovations, but in 2003, I was looking to upgrade, and found this site and they kept mentioning the Adamas. So then I went to a bunch of music stores in New York and in Asia that had them, played 'em. Liked 'em.
To describe the sound:Like an ovation, but different. Like branch of an evolutionary tree. |
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Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4065
Location: Utah | Originally posted by ProfessorBB:
It was all electrics and a pawn shop woodie. Country music song title? |
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Joined:
January 2005
Posts: 161
Location: Atlanta GA | I never played one... I have never seen one in a store. I would love to try one out. Anyone seen a lefty version? |
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Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6995
Location: Jet City | I bought my first Ovation in '82, but I didn't buy my first ACOUSTIC Ovation until 2004, the 1778LX (I picked it over the Taylor I had been wanting).
Never saw an Adamas in person until a few months ago. I agreed to buy it after the first strum.
I'd like 2 more please. A 12 and a Baritone. OK, and an 08C too, so make it 3. |
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Joined:
May 2008
Posts: 154
Location: Michigan | Guess I'mgoing to give one a second chance.
I'm sure the model makes a difference.
Played the one below for about 3 minutes a couple weeks ago. I was a little pressed for time so maybe I didn't give it a fair shake.
I'm the kind of guy that likes good stuff without spending big bucks.
http://elderly.com/new_instruments/items/2008.htm
Wally |
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Joined:
January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | that one is pretty nice. I'd buy one if they had a wide neck............ |
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Joined:
May 2008
Posts: 4996
Location: Phoenix AZ | It's 1-3/4. How friggin wide ya want it?
Don't worry Bill, in a few years you're start getting water retention in your hands and all necks will feel like wide ones.
Dave |
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Joined:
October 2006
Posts: 5575
Location: big island | 282? |
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Joined:
June 2007
Posts: 3084
Location: Brisbane Australia | Originally posted by lanaki:
282?
Got the Big 282 there ain't no GAS stations around" :D
AJ |
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Joined:
January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | That's 1 3/4? Really. Someone else must have asked for it too then. |
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Joined:
January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | Jeff Hall was member number 282.
I guess it's a southern thing. You still see #3 on the rear windows of pickup trucks. |
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Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 5567
Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | I first saw an Ovation 12 string on the wall of a music store in Columbus, Ohio in 1967...I wanted it very badly (the beginnings of GAS) but since I was paying for it I had to wait until 1975 before I got my first Ovation: a 1115-4 Pacemaker. I wanted a pickup so I traded that for a 1615-4 in 1977...In my travels around the U.S. I saw several of the then new Adamas guitars: again I wanted one but had to wait until I had the money...The Elites I went to in 1988 were the ticket for quite a while...I still love them and am especially fond of the -6p's that I own...As much as I wanted an Adamas, I had trouble finding one and when I did it was a SSB Adamas II 12 in 1998; The Adamas I's were still beyond my means...Then, in '07 on the tour, I met Woz who kindly let me play his 1688-8: I fell in love at the first note: absolutely blown away! I was determined and even more importantly: GAS driven! So since May '07, I have owned 7 Adami...I own a bunch of other O's and other fine brands both acoustic and electric: but my Adamas I's are very special and will be the ones I play at my upcoming Concert next Saturday...I just love them!
282 |
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Joined:
April 2006
Posts: 1017
Location: Budd Lake, NJ | The first one I played was Robbie's burgendy one (W597...I think); it had the V-profile and I hated it. Loved the way it sounded, hated the way it felt in my hand. Have played his 2080 some, but the neck still feels a little big. Have played a few at the Mothership; the necks just aren't enough like Gertrude's to make me want to have one.
But...some day...I'll have the one I want...... (here's hoping........)
--Karen
282 |
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Joined:
July 2005
Posts: 3410
Location: GA USA | The first one I played was Samova's original slothead. When I went to his house to pick up the Deacon he showed me a couple. I had no idea what I was looking at. Then I played the slot at the first SE jam.
Now I keep good company and my boys keep coming up with A's all the time at the jams. |
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Joined:
November 2006
Posts: 3969
| After owning a single wood top Ovation - and a plywood one at that - for over 20 years, the first Adamas I ever played was 'Zilla's 47RI at Zillafest last year. Needless to say, that created major GAS pains.
I've been lucky enough to hook up with a number of folks here over the last year and have played a LOT of incredible Adamases. Even luckier to have a SWMBO who bought me one as a present (an 08C).
*282* |
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Joined:
May 2005
Posts: 486
Location: North Carolina | I've yet to play one. No one who stocks Ovies seems to have anything but the lower end models, and I've never even seen an Adamas in person. I'm suspecting the first time I do will be when I open the shipping container. I keep debating if I want to roll the dice and just buy one. |
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Joined:
July 2005
Posts: 3410
Location: GA USA | 1A, are you not coming to the NC jam? |
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Joined:
July 2005
Posts: 354
Location: Flushing, MI | Originally posted by First Alternate:
I've yet to play one. No one who stocks Ovies seems to have anything but the lower end models, and I've never even seen an Adamas in person. That's been a trend that has lasted for decades.
Obviously everyone going around screaming "Ovations suck, Ovations suck!" have never played anything beyond the average Celebrity.
I went back to my buddy's place last night with my CS257 in hand (and my girlfriend along for the ride). I got to try out his Adamas side by side with my Celebrity. Well I don't have to tell YOUZ guyz that my Celebrity sounded like a toy.
I told my friend that he needs to come aboard here, since he now owns two really fine O's.
I'll tell him to create a nickname because his REAL name is Jeff Hall - I kid you not.
All due respects to member Jeff Hall and his family. |
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Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 2985
Location: Sydney, Australia | First Alternate, talk to your SWMBO, think of something she really wants (to do, to have, to go to) and agree to it, then tell her about what you really want. Then, work out how to afford it all, and wait for that package from Al. You won't regret it. If there is no SWMBO then skip step 1. |
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Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 5881
Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | The only Adamas models I've seen is at OFC gatherings or at the home of other OFC members. If you haven't had the opportunity to check out the Adamas line, attend an OFC event. Most members are proud to shwo them off. The first Adamas model I ever tried I bought. |
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Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12759
Location: Boise, Idaho | I think the first one I tried was when I dropped in on Dave. I came home with pictures and SWMBO made the mistake of noticing that I didn't have any of those "blue ones." Also got the Ute about that time and it took me a bit to get used to it. I thought it was too bassey until I listened to someone else play it.
Finally got one of the ultimate blue ones last year with the OFC. |
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Joined:
June 2008
Posts: 74
Location: Agawam MA | I learned to play with teenage buddies. One had an O (1776 commemerative model), one had a Martin and I had and still have Guilds. I always liked the way my buddies O sounded plugged in but thought it was thin unplugged. That sentiment continued for 35 years. One day I went to the music store for strings and one of the salesmen said that he had just taken in a used guitar and that I just had to play it. Instead of running from the store ( the most fiscally responsible plan) I played it. It was a 1989 Adamas II 1681-7. I didn't even know that they existed. The straight out acoustic sound was amazing; plugged-in was better. I put some money down and went home to discuss this purchase with my wife. She said go for it. Having a six string just created a 12 string hole that needed to be filled. MusicMishka helped me with that and now I have one of his 1685-8s.
Everyone who plays either guitar immediatley wants one. |
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Joined:
May 2008
Posts: 154
Location: Michigan | I was wrong, went back to Eldrely saturday. Played it for a while. It is very nice and tone wise its superb.
Sure it would be nice but somehow I know I'd have a hard time with that kind of cash coming out of my hand. |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15674
Location: SoCal | Originally posted by Jonmark Stone:
I already owned 3 O's but my lady didn't complain.
After 25 years, those are still two of the best decisions I ever made. You stil have and play with both? |
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Joined:
May 2008
Posts: 1559
Location: Indiana | Yup... they're both in great shape too. Especially considering all I've put them through. |
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Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 1483
Location: Michigan | In 1999 I saw and played my first Adamas at the local guitar store.It was a Millinuiem CB with the cool guitar neck of the planets.I thought that it looked better than it played.I couldnt afford it so I bought a CS 257 instead.A few years later I wanted a 12 string and I won an E-Bay auction for a new 1598 MERB Adamas 1.This guitar has an incredible large sound to it.I finally realized that I now had to go in search for an Adamas Millimiuem CB.I bought a new one from a music store that was going out of buisiness on the Bay .I have to tell you that after having it set up and lowering the action on it that it sounds OK but I do not think it a very outstanding guitar for the money.I do not play it hardly at all but just keep it for the looks and hopefully someday the rareity of it will make it worth more than I paid for it.GWB |
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Joined:
May 2006
Posts: 4232
Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent | Got my first experience today when my Ute arrived. What can I say that hasn't been said already? |
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Joined:
October 2008
Posts: 3
Location: Upstate NY | I bought a Custom Balladeer 12-string in 1984 and have played it all these years. Wonderful instrument; very tight fast action and a sound that seems to have improved over the years.
Recently I bought an Adamas FRGW597 with the VIP electronics. As others have pointed out, very few stores stock Adamas, so I was buying it on faith.
As luck would have it (or bad luck as the case may be), I was unexpectedly sent out of town on a long business trip after I ordered it but before it arrived. Tried to cancel it but it was in transit. When I returned from my travels the return period for the instrument had already elapsed.
Nice looking guitar and generally sounds very good. But two things disappoint. First, the action was very high: I really don't understand why they ship them like this. If this guitar were hanging in a shop and someone tried it out, it seems to me this would tend to give a negative impression. Sure, it can be easily remedied, but first impressions are a powerful thing. In my case, a "setup" by the local guitar shop fixed the action -- but that's $40 out of my pocket for something the factory should have done (in my opinion).
Secondly, there is a stray resonance or slight buzz when the D-string is played open. Asked my local shop to look into it, but they did nothing. I'm thinking it's a slight buzz on the first fret since the problem only happens when the string is open. Maybe the nut slot is too low?
I'd like to get the problem fixed. But I'm hesitant to have it done by someone who may not really know what they're doing. I guess I could send it to the factory -- but they sent it out this way, so what's the chance they'll get it right on return?
Anyone recommendations that the more knowledgeable forum members might have are certainly welcome.
Oh yeah, the other thing. The VIP electronics are supposed to include a card or insert that describes the the images loaded in each of the 5 settings. That wasn't included.
Overall, a disappointing experience with what is supposed to be Ovation's premier product. Yes, I understand it's a refurb (FRG), but I never understood that to mean sub-standard. Maybe it does in this case. |
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Joined:
August 2005
Posts: 3736
Location: Sunshine State, Australia | I didn't own an 'O' until the '80s and I'd never played an Adamas until I visited Schroeder. Then I got to play the matching set of utes on the same day. Thanks Clive (and Jeff)
Still haven't played anything with a lump of broccoli stuck on it. (Yeah Cliff, I know... Acanthus :rolleyes: ) |
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Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 2985
Location: Sydney, Australia | jb607,
I had a resonance buzz on my W597 (optima) and it turned out to be the springs that connect to the battery terminals. I know the VIP is a totally different animal, but try removing the battery and see if you get the same problem. If that is the problem, I solved it with a small piece of cardboard.
You could have fixed the action for free by removing a few shims from under the saddle, as that was probably what the shop did. |
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The Adamas Experience