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March 2006
Posts: 2
Location: Virginia | I'm within days of buying a new guitar. I have an older Ovation (Model 1617, serial number 168886) that needs a little work, and I've got some studio work to do ASAP and can't wait for the work to be done.
I've considered Martin, Takemine, a few customs, and I've come VERY close to buying a Morris, specifically the S107. The Morris "S" series is made especially for finger style guitar (note the offset betweeen the fifth and sixth strings and the special bracing to create a "piano-like" sound here: http://www.morrisguitars.com/s107.htm. The S 107 retails for about $3,000.
I did spend a lot of time with that old Ovation, composed quite a bit on it, so have a soft spot for Ovations. I don't have unlimited funds, however, and need to make other major music related purchases, so I figured I would take a new look at Ovation.
The 2006 Ovation Collector with KOA top caught my eye, as did the high-end Adamas. My question is, will I be disappointed that I did not buy the Morris?
(TO make matters worse, I can "test-drive" the Ovations and Adamas at the local Guitar Center, but the Morris guitar retailers are several states away.)
Your thoughts welcome!
Thanks
Tom |
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November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Welcome from Virginia....
Which Adamas are you considering? I would recommend the Adamas II reissue. |
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March 2006
Posts: 2
Location: Virginia | Thanks for the reply, Jeff. I was thinking of the ADAMAS 1581, said to be a II reissue, but that is solely based on the looks of the instrument on the Adamas website, nothing more.
Frankly, if the tonal quality of the Adamas and the Ovation are in the same ballpark, I'd be tempted to go with the less expensive KOA-topped Ovation.
I mean, tone is everything, though. This has all come to the forefront, because (a) I've booked studio time and (b) the Morris dealer emailed me yesterday and (c) the old Ovation is not ready for prime time.
I am really tempted to call the Morris dealer and bite the bullet but figured I'd ask y'all what you think.
THanks for the fast reply!
Tom |
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Joined:
May 2003
Posts: 4389
Location: Capital District, NY, USA Minor Outlying Islands | Bro' if you're laying out money for serious studio time, not rehearsal time, and you're going to depend on that guitar to make you money, you really should play before you buy. This thing is just not an experiment for you, it's like getting married.
That said, the Adamas are great guitars, with that classic Ovation / Adamas sound, you won't go wrong. I'd say defer this Morris dealer, because it sounds like your hesitating. and try some more guitars. |
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September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | The Koa Collectors is going to be the first guitar to offer the new modeling type pre-amp. I think you would do well to get details on it.
Al Pepiak (board moderator & Ovation dealer) has a Koa Collectors in stock and ready to go.
A good number of us played the prototype of the Koa last June at the factory tour. It got good reviews.
Be it fact or just reputation, there is a world of difference between an Adamas and the Koa in construction and unplugged sound. But this new pre-amp, at less money, may be someting to think about. |
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Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | And...
Since Hartford is not very far from you, think about coming up to the factory and jam in May.
And...Welcome to the OFC. |
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February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | Tom, I've got an '93 1581. I haven't played the reissue yet, but I have it on good authority that it's everything the original was and more. And that's a bunch.
This is a guitar I wouldn't hesitate for a second to take into a studio. We played the prototype of the '06 Koa last year, and it does have a beautiful tone. You can't really compare the two, not that one is better, they're just different. Both very nice.
I haven't played a Morris, but I've heard them in recordings. Sweet voice.
Tough choice, my friend.... |
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December 2004
Posts: 4394
Location: East Tennessee | Tough choice, my friend....
They always are.
Good luck. :) |
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Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | The 1581 reissue is fabulous. A big crisp sound and the sound preamp reissue when plugged in is stunning. The VIP preamp might have some exciting new features but people have recorded guitars for over a 70 years without them. The VIP might be the cat's ass for playing live but for studio work, I am not sure it would hold any advantage over a well equipted room.
I don't think you could go wrong with the 1581 reissue. Plus from a value standpoint, the Adamas line seems to hold value better than the Ovations. |
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June 2005
Posts: 231
Location: N.J. | Heres a completely different approach...
If its serious studio time your doing you may want to check and see if you can find some instrument rental places that deal with high end guitars.Most of the time those guitars are well maintained and play very well. Cost will depend on the value of the instrument,etc. but it beats having to be put into a postion where you HAVE to buy something asap and possibly regret your choice later on.Just a thought.... ;) |
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November 2004
Posts: 1330
Location: ms | I agree with Sleepy Eyes,maybe you have a friend that has something nice you can use.I have often let friends use one of my guitars,and i in turn have used theirs in the studio and live.It also sounds like the neck is something ,if you play finger style you really need to try hands on.As for as sound,as most here have posted you can`t go wrong with a Adamas or a top of the line Ovation. |
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May 2003
Posts: 4389
Location: Capital District, NY, USA Minor Outlying Islands | Just a thought, but it might be worth a drive up to Baron Audio. I don't know how'd you arrange it, but, I know Baron Audio has a lot of ovations and Adamas. You might want to call him, to rent say an hour or two (you wouldn't need more) and if he has these guitars, you could lay some simple tracks on tape (do they still use tape?) and then you could bring them home and listen at your leisure. Then see if you could find a studio that uses a Morris guitar and lay a track there. It might be worth the $200 investiment, that way you'd have no regrets.
You know as I write this, I'd probably stick to an Adamas. Why. Because I've never heard of a well stocked studio having a Morris ... but I have seen Ovations and Adamas. Just a thought to ponder. Or maybe I've been to the wrong places, and explains why I've ended up here and have become an ovantionista. Where did I go wrong! |
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December 2003
Posts: 13987
Location: Upper Left USA | Same rules for cars as for guitars:
Stay between the lines, keep the shiny side up (out) and go as fast as your wallet will let you! |
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Joined:
July 2004
Posts: 474
Location: Anchorage, Alaska | You just can't go wrong with an Adamas purchase IMHO. They are a "cut above" most anything out there... |
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Joined:
May 2002
Posts: 651
Location: Australia | I'd go Adamas particularly if you plan to record with it.
They have a very even and balanced tone which records effortlessly.
....their not bad played live either |
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June 2002
Posts: 6197
Location: Phoenix AZ | The Adamas II reissue would be my first choice (I own the original 1581). Reissues are usually better than the originals. Dave |
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August 2003
Posts: 4619
Location: SoCal | As a reissue, I have placed my Adamas I 1687 reissue up against the three older 1687's that I have. As good or better. As to an Adamas II 1681 or the 1687 reissue...my understanding is the cost is whithin $100, yet the 1687 commands a higher price on the resell market (about a $1,000 difference).
For a newer pre-amp, the 2006 Collectors with the VIP-5, the 2005 Collectors with OP-Pro/XLR, or (if you can find one)one of the few available 1719-30CM 30th Anniv Custom Legend or slothead Adamas U681T, both with OP-Pro/XLR.
Several years ago, I was told that I should get a textured top (Adamas I, II, or U681T) - it was good advice. |
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Buying a Guitar: Adamas? Or Ovation?