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Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4075
Location: Utah | Ah, the gas attack continues. I almost bought a W597 off the bay last week and can't get it off my mind, although I've never even seen an Adamas in real life. Part of it is that I am a hardware kind of person - I appreciate design, materials, and technology that come together in a fine machine. So I'll admit that the appearance and technology of the Adamas is a big plus to me. I'm not into bling, and I am into value.
Anyhow, the daughter's 1778T sounds great and I love to play it. It seems, though, that I should have an acoustic 6 string of my own. That's my rationalization, so go with me on this one!
So, with my only real data point being the Elite T that I play, which guitar would you recommend to me? Note that about $1k is the way upper limit, so there's a good chance it'll have to be purchased used, if that makes a difference. Probably it will have to be without ever playing one first. Also note that I am just a hobbyist with not enough time to practice. IOW, this guitar is to please me, not a big audience!
The W597 is the double weave carbon fiber top, compared to the 1597's unidirectional. Is there a significant difference in sound or durability?
How do the LX compare to the two Adamas? Is the contour bowl worth the extra money for either the Adamas or the O?
This is certainly a nebulous and subjective question, but your suggestions, advice and comments are welcome. |
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Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12759
Location: Boise, Idaho | Time for you to make a trip up to Boise. Unfortunately, I can't help you with any of the LXs. I don't have one and they don't seem to have heard of them here. The only Adamas I have is the U681t. The only Adamas I ever played before that were Dave's in Phoenix. For those of us who aren't near a decent dealer it is way too difficult to compare. I'm hoping to do so at the NW Gathering in August, but the sound may be muddled by beer and hubbub. |
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Joined:
June 2006
Posts: 659
Location: Hiram, Georgia | Even in a city as big as Atlanta, when asking about an Adamas in stores, I couldn't get more stares, if I had foot tall spiked hair! |
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Joined:
September 2005
Posts: 3619
Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | I think a deep bowl is a must, especially if you are playing for yourself. The difference is that big sound that you can actually feel when you play. You may have to wait paitiently for a while. I paid under your 1K amount for my Adamas II, and it was definitely worth it. I've played the newer models and they play and sound nice, but to me the sound doesn't seem to be nearly as good. |
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Joined:
September 2004
Posts: 777
Location: East Wenatchee, WA | I bought the W597 (used) upon the recommendation of this group OVER the 1597 and other some initial action problems (that were remedied at my guitar shop) it has been a fantastic guitar. It is Mid-Bowl, yet much louder than the "wood box" that plays with me when I lead worship. The sound is a lot different than my 1537, but it is a crisp, very articulated difference.
I like the electric like action, the light weight, mid bowl accomodates my "mid-paunch" better than my deep bowl 1537, and the Op50 electronics with built in tuner are a clincher for me. That is why I won't buy one of the re-issues actually....I have a two knobber now and the on-board tuner and modern electronics are great. People speak highly of the acoustic tone it has...different, but they like it anyway as it cuts through. I do plugged in on Sunday and unplugged on Wednesday nights.
I am thinking of selling it, but only to move up to a 2080 if I can find one reasonable enough. The 2080 has the contour bowl, even newer electrics and from what folks are saying here, it sounds awesome.
Only complaint on my W597 is that the electronics have a tad lower output than either my 1537 or other AE's I have used. Not much, but I just notice that I am having to bump up the slider a tad more (even with new batteries).
I think it is a great guitar and the woven top looks very new tech. I don't remember why others nixxed the 1597, but I didn't like the faux wood look the straight grain graphite had. To each his own.
Oh...some of the earlier 597's will have the older electronics (can't remember which version, Op30 maybe...square box vs. oval)...so look at that if it makes a difference.
Jeff |
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Joined:
September 2005
Posts: 3619
Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | If I WAS going to buy a newer model Adamas, I really like the looks of that cobalt blue one. I forgot about the conflict between deep bowls and the mid-life spread. I've just gotten used to it now. Maybe I'll lose some weight this year:) |
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Joined:
September 2005
Posts: 3619
Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | Here's one just like I was talking about ... Ebay sale ending soon |
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Joined:
September 2004
Posts: 777
Location: East Wenatchee, WA | I like the cobalt blue too, but the natural graphite is growing on me. The example you showed is what I mentioned about electronics. It has the earlier version whereas mine has the Op50.
I saw someone post that they had a 597 with the Op30 and thought that was odd... Would Adamas do that???? |
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Joined:
November 2004
Posts: 286
Location: North Idaho | The last used one going thru flebay had an op30. I thought only the 40s would interchange with the 50s. Will the 30 operate thru the XLR jack? |
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Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | Nope. |
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Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4075
Location: Utah | Originally posted by bvince:
I think a deep bowl is a must, especially if you are playing for yourself. The difference is that big sound that you can actually feel when you play. That big sound will do a better job of covering up my singing voice, another plus!
Maybe the 2080 contour bowl should be considered, as long as the fleabay price stays below $1k. |
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Adamas W597 or 1597, or Ovation 1778 LX or C778 LX?