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Posts: 108
Location: Westerville, Ohio | Okay, so I know that the Adamas is a step above the rest buy why??
I currenty play a 6778LX-NEB and I love it, but I'm always looking to buy something new (my wife loves this part of me)
So here are some questions about Adamas's I hope you guys can help me with.
1. Why Adamas over Ovation Elite?
2. Do they play that much smoother ie..action?
3. More durable?
I have all the faith in the world that if anyone can talk me into buying one it would be you guys. |
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Posts: 13996
Location: Upper Left USA | 1 - More hands-on time and in some cases superior choice of materials. Resin impregnated fretboards for example. More intricate inlay, upgrade Tuners, etc.
2 - Argueably (sp) yes. Some discussion over neck shape and such to continue.
3 - Yes. Although it is hard to see something more durable than an O!
You just have to hold a few examples and decide for yourself.
Can anyone in Ohio help this brother from another mother out? |
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March 2005
Posts: 12759
Location: Boise, Idaho | The biggest difference is the top, obviously, carbon graphite vs. wood. My one Adamas is noticeably louder than any of my Ovations. There is a difference in the sound that is hard to describe, but there are also similarities.
It's kind of like the differences between one model of car and another, bigger engine, etc. |
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Location: NJ | It's an entirely different animal with an entirely different sound . . .
"Better"?? . . . that's highly subjective.
Y'need t'play/hear it to fully understand. |
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Posts: 108
Location: Westerville, Ohio | bring it on....I need some help!! No guitar shops around here have any and I would hate to drop that much money on a guitar without playing one.
Maybe I could talk my buddy at GC into ordering all of them that way I can "test drive" them. hummmmmm......somehow I don't see that happening. |
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Location: Orange County, California | It's something you need to hear and feel for yourself. Remeber Charlie's dream was to make the best sounding guitars possible using space age materials. They proved that the vibrosonic top on the Adamas could do that. Some 30 years before anyone else, they had a machine that could vibrate & measure the frequency performance of the top, define it graphically, and make it match characteristics of guitars that people said they really liked. I know allot of people who say they don't like Ovations, but few will say they sound "bad". Fewer yet will not be very impresssed the first time they play/hear a textured topped Adams.
Your 6778LX is a very nice guitar. I'd try to get my hands on an Adamas 2080 if I were you. |
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Posts: 108
Location: Westerville, Ohio | Fred,
That's the model I am currently looking at...good call. I wonder if I could order one without the Nike symbol:-0
My playing style: I'm a fingerpicker (no picks)never could use those funny little things. I do a lot of hammer/pulls double bends and borderline frailing. I'm sure some of you are familiar with Adrian Legg, I'm currently learning the songs in his book and that's all I play. I had my 6778LX set up and I'm happy with it but I'm sure (or I want to believe) that an Adamas will be easier to fret. |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | It's a great guitar and another one that you just plain need. Your wife will understand that concept. |
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Posts: 108
Location: Westerville, Ohio | cwk2...have you played the 2080?
You guys want to hear something funny???? The other day my wife said to me "you have a nice guitar, why do you need another one? Don't you like that one you have?"
I tried to explain that if money wasn't an object I would have every USA Ovation and Adams I could find........women...can't live with em...just turn the amp up louder. |
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Location: Orange County, California | Scartozi,
*if* you can live without the cutaway, I'd suggest also the 1680, or a U681T. What most of the world consider nominal (1 3/4" nut width), Ovation considers wider than normal, but for fingepicking, it sure is nice. When you say Nike™ symbol are you talking about the "countour bowl" 12th fret marker, or the aluminum trimmed cat-eye sound hole? :D :p :D :p |
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Posts: 108
Location: Westerville, Ohio | 12th fret marker. I kinda like the cat-eye sound hole, I'd like to see it in person though. |
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March 2005
Posts: 12759
Location: Boise, Idaho | I would have jumped into the discussion about your wife saying "why do you need another guitar", but my wife wrote and mailed the check for the U681t recently and even suggested I buy it earlier than I anticipated being able to do so. Last weekend she was asking when I was going to get a new Porsche. Some aliens took my wife and replaced her.
Back on topic, I'm sure there have to be more Adamases to try in Ohio than there are in Idaho. The first one I played was in Arizona, the dealer here didn't even know what they were, GC only had a brochure from 2005 and I have the only one I know of within 300 miles. Like Cliff said, you really need to try one yourself and then sit across from someone and listen to one. |
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Posts: 108
Location: Westerville, Ohio | You would think that GC and places like that would carry at least 2 Adamas, espically since they have a room full of 3000.00 and up Taylors, Gibson and Martins. I guess I'll wait and see who has the best price on the 2080's and buy one without playing it, which I would hate to do but it doesn't seem like I have much of a choice.
Mark.....have your wife contact the mothership and have them send an alien clone for me!!!! |
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Posts: 4394
Location: East Tennessee | scartozi,
Welcome to the OFC.
I noticed you mentioned Adrian Legg in one of your posts. He has played an Adamas on some of his video on youtube. Check out the "Unofficial You Tube thread for a link. :cool: |
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Posts: 1634
Location: Chehalis, Washington | scartozi,
Welcome aboard. If you can live without the cutaway and are not completely in love with the "cat's eye" holes, I would check out the 1680 or U681T. I played a 1680 in a local store recently, and it is absolutely incredible. It's the 12-fret-to-body slothead model, so it's not quite as practical for upper-fret scaling, but the wider neck is easy to pick on and the deep tone is better than any other O or A I've played yet.
As to the Adamas vs. Ovation, I have a shallow body 1881 Adamas II that is my primary 6-string for playing live. I used to use a shallow-body Custom Legend, and between the two the Adamas has a much cleaner tone, unplugged or amped, but primarily when amplified. I've also noticed that when playing with other instruments, that th Adamas blends easier into a mix of guitars, etc than the more traditional wood-tops.
Acoustic, I still love to play my deep-body 1987 elite (which is a real boomer) or the mid-depth 1778T if I'm more in a rock'n mood...
Basically, you can't go wrong, but EVERYONE eventually needs an Adamas! :D |
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February 2004
Posts: 1634
Location: Warren,Pa. | So...if you've decided to buy, give Al a call.
Just my opinion but I have a 6778NEB and I think anything more expensive falls into the Law of Diminishing Returns. You should get the Adamas, but it won't be THAT much better than what you have. Just different.
Call Al. |
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February 2005
Posts: 1132
Location: Parrish, FL | YES, ...CALL AL.....
I bought my U681T from him, great transaction, great price, no better place to buy from.
Make your choice, give Al your CC # and soon UPS will be at your door. Couldn't be easier.
CALL AL! NOW! |
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May 2006
Posts: 108
Location: Westerville, Ohio | I appreciate all the help and info. I'm going to call around a 75-100 mile radius this weekend, maybe somebody has one I can play. Of course it doesn't have to be the 2080, I like all of them!! |
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Posts: 1792
Location: Rego Park, NY, | Welcome to the club scartozi. When I was finally able to buy my first real guitar I just dove in head first and bought my Adamas 1597. This model
may not be the best sounding of all the Adamas's but I can really tell the difference when I play my friend's guitars. My level of guitar playing probably doesn't warrant my owning this level of guitar. the little that I know how to play does sound nice though.
I have a cousin who lives in Westerville. I have never visited her since she moved out there though. Always wanted to but never had the chance.
Phil |
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April 2006
Posts: 1138
Location: CT | I've never seen an Adamas at G.C., or at Sam Ash, or at Mannys, Alex, Rudys, or anywhere else in NYC. What's up with that? Don't they think they can sell them? Not enough profit margin? Or are they counting on the expensive wood guitars to go dry in a decade so they can sell another one? |
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Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | C'mon up and try out my U681T.
It might be a little more than 175 miles.  |
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Posts: 580
Location: NW NJ | Originally posted by bauerhillboy:
So...if you've decided to buy, give Al a call.
Just my opinion but I have a 6778NEB and I think anything more expensive falls into the Law of Diminishing Returns. You should get the Adamas, but it won't be THAT much better than what you have. Just different.
Call Al. I agree. I have a 6778NEB also, and a few others. You will see the phrase "different flavors of ice cream" tossed around here frequently. That really describes it well. Once you get into the high end versions of guitars, Ovation in this instance, but other brands as well, you get fine instruments, just different characteristics. The main reasons I think we are so rabid for Ovations is the value for the dollar, which simply cannot be surpassed, and the appreciation for something "different" -- in this case literally outside the "box". Anybody can build a wood box guitar that sounds great. The formula is no secret. It takes a special company and its people to create something revolutionary that really is exceptional. |
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Posts: 108
Location: Westerville, Ohio | Brad,
Thanks for the invite! However, since my brother is getting married that weekend and I'm the best man I don't think he'd like it if I told him I'd rather go play guitars.....even though that's what I'd rather do.
Like most of you I can't figure out why GC and places like that don't carry Adamas. I went to GC last week to get some strings and went into the acousitc room and more than half the ovations that where there a month ago where gone. But that room full of Taylors, Martins, Gibson's where all still there. If you can buy them on their website then they should at leat have one in their showroom!!
Sam Ash.....that is the worst place I've ever been, I refuse to even walk in their door. The last time I was there they had one Ovation, but that's not why I think they suck.
-Adam |
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Location: CT | I don't think my 12 year old battered Buick will make it to Michigan. Sounds like fun, though. |
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January 2006
Posts: 208
Location: Illinois | Originally posted by scartozi:
...The other day my wife said to me "you have a nice guitar, why do you need another one? Don't you like that one you have?"...
Been there heard that. Look around the house. I'm sure she has her own collections, shoes, clothes, jewelry, fragrances, tchotchkes,.. kids. You might want to bring that up when she asks "Isn't one enough?" Or not. I very rarely win that analogy, but I feel better for a moment.
.......women...can't live with em...just turn the amp up louder. Well said. |
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Posts: 13996
Location: Upper Left USA | Tommy,
Try this approach
Ask her when she is going to donate her spare shoes and purses! |
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April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | You might also consider a nice used Adamas 2. Soundwise, I have found little to no difference between a 2 and a 1....mainly more ornate headstock, etc. Some of our prominate (sp) members won't even buy an Adamas 1 because of the additional cost and the appearance of the headstock (Tupperware/Dave, Noah/Bruce, etc).
Several members have 1's and 2's available for sale. I think Tony Calman might have some 1's available and I have a nice 2 available and I am sure there are several others. |
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Posts: 108
Location: Westerville, Ohio | When I want to buy a guitar or whatever she will always give me grief, so I just grab her ring finger and say "nice ring....how much was that again" of course she loves it when I do that. The way I see it I have quite a few guitars to buy before I'm caught up with her.
stephent28: Have any pics of your Adamas?
My email "scartozi@hotmail.com"
Woody: I need to get one of those shirts!!!!!! |
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Posts: 12759
Location: Boise, Idaho | Another clever idea, scartozi. I never thought of that, but I suspect my wife already has. She didn't put up a fuss over the Ute, but a few days later said she wanted her ring redone for our anniversary. I never made the connection.
She bought her own "engagement" ring on our 10th anniversary and I couldn't guess what it cost within $1000. I don't even want to know what the new one will cost, but I expect I'll find out when I overdo scartozi's idea. |
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Posts: 108
Location: Westerville, Ohio | Hey I only think it's fair. When it comes to engagement/wedding rings women always make out better than the guys.....I'm just trying to even it out a little bit:-)
Of course I only use this tactic when all else fails....you must use the power wisely. |
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March 2006
Posts: 1634
Location: Chehalis, Washington | Beware the dark side...
If you really want to blow the budget, this 1680 locally here is tagged at $2500, which is a bunch less than the $3600 list...
Just food for thought! |
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Location: SoCal | The $3600 is list, the $2500 is the proper street price. |
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Posts: 108
Location: Westerville, Ohio | I think I'll have to stay in the 2000.00 dollar range. Hopefully I'll be able to locate one around here to play.
Since the 2080 is pretty new I'll give it some time to get into stores. It'll be a few months before I'm REALLY looking |
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March 2006
Posts: 1634
Location: Chehalis, Washington | Originally posted by moody, p.i.:
The $3600 is list, the $2500 is the proper street price. "Street" is the optimal word here. I don't know who in their right mind would ever pay full list for anything, particularly something this hefty.
I'm just trying to coax our new friend into removing temptation from my accessibility... :D |
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September 2004
Posts: 777
Location: East Wenatchee, WA | I only own two O's, a 1537 which I have always greatly appreciated (even though I only discovered this board when I was thinking of selling it to buy an Adamas) and a W597.
The W597 was my putting my toes into the Adamas waters. It is now my primary instrument that I use twice a week for church.
The sound is very different than the 1537. I feel it is nearly as loud, but not quite. The sound is unique and I prefer it to several wood guitars I have played with.
The neck sets up like an electric. The only fault I see is that it is just a bit slimmer than I am used to, so I am having to retrain myself not to drag on the high E when playing some chords. Great electronics package.
I will be saving my pennies for a 2080 as I want the newer electronics and built in tuner. I suspect it will sound every bit as good as the 597 and probably a lot better, but the 597 was a great place to start and they can be had used for about $800 on fleabay. |
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Posts: 375
Location: Rocky River, Ohio | Scartozi,
There is a good chance I will be in Worthington next weekend on business. If you want, I could bring my 1681-8 blue Adamas II for you to test drive at the hotel?
I'll be close to I-71 and I-270.
Let me know,
Ernie |
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Posts: 108
Location: Westerville, Ohio | Ernie,
This is just my luck, I'd get a chance to finally play one and I'll be out of town!!!!! I really appreciate the offer, 71/270 is just down the street from me!!!
Just in case.....how long will you be in town?
-Adam |
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Location: Rocky River, Ohio | No problem Adam..
If I make it down there, I would probably check out that COSI exhibit downtown on Monday the 31st, then head home, but there is a chance i might be there until Tuesday morning.
What's your schedule on returning home?
Ernie |
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July 2005
Posts: 92
Location: Northeast Ohio | Hello Scartozi, there is an Ovation dealer in Massillon, Ohio about an hour and a half northeast of you. R & H Music. Call them at 330-834-3334. He has at least 15 -20 Ovations hanging in his showroom and i think i saw an Adamas or two. Good Luck!
James |
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Posts: 108
Location: Westerville, Ohio | Thanks James, I'll have to give them a call.
Ernie,
I should be back about 1 or 2 on Sunday. I don't know what my hours will be the following week though. Are you staying in the Polaris area or souther part of 71/270?
-Adam |
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Posts: 375
Location: Rocky River, Ohio | Adam,
I usually stay at a hotel near the I270 / route 23 exit...
I'll find out more this week. You could probably stop by Sunday in the evening if you have time.
I'll get confirmation by Wednesday.
Ernie |
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Posts: 375
Location: Rocky River, Ohio | Adam,
I have confirmed my reservations. Let me know if you want me to bring my Adamas.
I think the only day we could hook up would be Sunday evening for maybe an hour.
Ernie |
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