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Location: East Wenatchee, WA | Okay....I will admit it. After a week I am dissappointed with the Adamas W597. A lot of folks will say I told you so, and to them I humbly extend my YOU WERE RIGHT!!! :rolleyes:
Don't get me wrong, it is a great guitar, but I really wish I would have had the opportunity to sit and play one for a while first. So what are my complaints.
1) Volume: Acoustically it is stronger than many guitars I have played, but it is not in the same league as my 1537. I do Wednesday night worship acoustically right now as we have a small group. My 1537 would have people asking me to turn it down. The Adamas get's...."were you playing". Maybe they are all singing louder, but I don't think so.
2) The Neck: I honestly have always thought of my self as a "thin neck" sort of guy (no jokes here okay). I thought the 1537 and my Carvin DC400 were thin necks. They are not. The Adamas is so thin (I haven't actually measured it, so this is somewhat subjective) that it makes me alter my entire style of playing. The action since pulling the shims is fine, but it just seems like I have adapted to something with a bit more "purchase" and am having a hard time hitting the chords without bumping adjoining strings.
3) The Sound: Okay...it's an Adamas, but it just has something I have not quite adjusted to. Like it has a great bottom and top, but nothing in the middle if you know what I mean.
What I like:
1) Looks great, and love the Carbon Fiber weave.
2) The Op50 electronics are pretty sweet and the microphone and line recordings are very nice.
3) Light weight and easy handling
4) The satin finish on the back of the neck feels nice and smooth.
I am going to give it another couple of weeks, but I think I would have been better off to buy something like the U681T which folks mentioned is much more like the 1537. I still want an Adamas and the W597 would have been a perfect instrument if I hadn't met my 1537 first.
I guess we shall see how my perceptions change with a bit of time. I decided to detune my 1537 and lock it in the bedroom for the next couple of weeks so that I am not always drawing comparisons. I will have more plugged and unplugged nights doing worship, so maybe I can arrive at an understanding. BUT....I have no ambition to collect guitars, so if we cannot see eye to eye in a couple of weeks, the Adamas will be looking for a new owner.
:( I feel like such a traitor. |
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Location: SoCal | Jeff, guitars are a very personal, subjective thing. Everybody on this board raves about the U681. I've played several and while I think it's a good guitar, it just doesn't talk to me. I have no problem with that. After all, I'm buying a guitar to satisfy my needs, not somebody else's. You should sell you W597 and look for an older Adamas I or II. Keep trying different guitars until you find the one that talks to you. |
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Location: closely held secret | Jeff, I have played a few of the newer A's, and felt the way you do. Asked for comparisons between the 1581 and 1591 in this thread.
I am so glad I waited for the 1581! As Dave had said, the difference was marked. While I really like the look of the crossweave tops, I think the textured tops are more unique.
My advice would be to look for an Adamas II, or save up for the reissue. The 1581's do come up on ebay, but you really have to watch and be ready to pounce.
If the cutaway is not essential to you, I think StephenT's 1681 is still available. It's a beautiful guitar (the non-cutaway version of mine!) and I bet it's got the sound you were looking for when you bought the W597.
StephenT28's 1681
My 1581 (bad lighting)
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Waskel, My 1581 has no treble side holes and no goo-guard. Try plugging your treble side holes and give it a listen. It's completely different again ...
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | I would also suggest trying different makes and gages of strings. |
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Location: closely held secret | I'll do that, Dave... Any suggestions short of buying a whole set of plugs? |
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Location: south east Michigan | I'm sorry you are dissappointed C.F.
I agree with Paul that guitars can be a very personal and subjective choice.
On the next tour I'm going to play as many different types that I can to help make the next one the right one (and most likely, the last one). Perhaps this time I will not be so dazzled and amazed that I can do some serious comparing.
I see that you are all the way out on the left coast. It is a long trip for you but I know it would be worth it.
If you can't make it, concider giving Waskel your credit card and let him make the choice for you. :eek: |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | He'd just max it out on carrots... |
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Location: closely held secret | Originally posted by Jeff W.:
He'd just max it out on carrots... No, I'm stuffing the 1581 full of 'em for the trip.
Originally posted by Slipkid:
If you can't make it, concider giving Waskel your credit card and let him make the choice for you. :eek: Mmmmm. Better still, Mark, place a custom order now. I'll pick it up and get it to you by, oh, let's say in time for Christmas... |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | ...that's where the cutaway is a minus...
.....burp it before you seal it. |
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| ...Cardinal Flyer Jeff, I'll trade you my 1767 straight up right now for your w597...(I know, I'm dreaming...)
Steve |
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Location: Keller, TX | Jeff,
I don't have and have never heard a 1537, so I cannot compare that one. However, I do have a 1681 and a Millenium (similar to the W597 I previously had).
First off, I must say that I love both. Yes, they are different. Yes the 1681 has a fuller sound. But the Millenium is much more musical. Depends on what sound you are looking for. I have both hanging side by side on the wall and pickup whichever one I am in the mood for, depending on what I feel like playing/hearing. I find that they both get about equal time.
Different strings play very differently on the Adamas guitars. I prefer Elixir Nanoweb Lights on the Millenium, but prefer the Adamas 1818 lights on the 1681. I think the Nanos help bring out the overtones on the Mill much better than the Adamas strings.
I would suggest trying some different strings on your W597 before you give up on it. Plus, remember it is not a 1537, it is a W597; it has its own sound. If you want to play a guitar that sounds like the 1537, play that one.
See my review of these guitars (plus the C778LX) here . |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Originally posted by Waskel:
Any suggestions short of buying a whole set of plugs? Use the blue scotch masking tape to cover the holes. Dave |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | Jeff, don't dispair. I loved my Matrix until I got my Collector's, loved it until I got the 1713 and still love the 1537. They are just different. Treat them like kids. Don't love one more than the other, just be thankful for the variety. You were fortunate to have stumbled upon the 1537 as your first O. It is tough to beat. Enjoy the Adamas for the differences. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Waskel, what Dave said. I believe it is called painters tape because it will peel off the surface easily without leaving any sticky residual. |
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Location: East Wenatchee, WA | I took a deep breath last night and downloaded the owners manual. Got out my dial caliper and feeler gauges and set to the task of verifying the action.
The measurement at the 12th fret is at the high end of the range given in the owners manual (3/32nd if my memory is correct or .090). The 5th fret measurement was .010 using the capo between the 1st and nut, and holding down at the 13th....again in spec.
Considering I still get that b-string buzz, it leads me to believe I may have a slight warp.
Next I will pull the back off and give a quarter turn to try and induce a bit more bow. Can this be down without buying the special tools? If so, what do I need, and how long before you see the effect of the adjustment (done this on my bass, and it is pretty immediate, but never on a 6 string). |
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Location: North Texas | You might have a bur on a fret which could cause buzzing. First locate the offending fret(s) by going up the board, note by note, until you hear the buzz. Sometimes you can "lightly" touch the fret with a smooth mill file and the noise will disappear. Also, the truss rod might need a slight tightening. Good luck
3/32 = .09375. |
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Location: closely held secret | Originally posted by cardinalflyer:
how long before you see the effect of the adjustment Jeff, it took about 1-2 hours on my 1777LX for the neck to settle in. |
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Location: East Wenatchee, WA | I finally decided to just bite the bullet and take it to a well respected music store in Kennewick that I have bought a lot of stuff through.
The 40 something owner said..."hey...I have this 20 something wizkid". Wiz kid picks up my Carvin DC400 (took them both), plays some incredible licks all the way up the fret board hands me the guitar and said "Man...don't touch a thing. That puppy is just the way I set them up, neck is straight as an arrow and it plays like silk". A guy looking at a couple of PRS's comes over to the kid and said "WHAT WAS THAT AND WHERE CAN I GET ONE". Kind of fun. Kid says..."Mail-order only man."
Picks up the Adamas. Plays it a bit and says "Man I bet this is tough to play isn't it". Needless to say he said that he will keep it and set it up this week to play just like the Carvin. The Adamas drew some interesting looks and observations in a primarily Taylor Martin shop, but they never spoke down, said it was a sweet guitar that just needed some TLC. We will see if that is the case. I didn't even ask for a quote as I have spent thousands in there, so trust they will treat me fair.
While I like to learn new things, I do only when I know I will use them a lot. For everything else, there is Mastercard. |
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Location: Keller, TX | Let us know what happens. |
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Location: closely held secret | I have a good feeling about this, Jeff. |
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Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | ... "Try plugging your treble side holes and give it a listen. It's completely different again ..."
... You know, I didn't think of it before, but if you had the dual hole version, you COULD use double sticky back tape and some black cardboard and cover the treble side holes from inside. You should be able to get the same effect. |
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Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | As a matter-of-fact I think I'm going to try it on my 1537. |
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Location: Keller, TX | CardinalFlyer,
Have you got the W597 back yet? How does it sound? |
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Location: East Wenatchee, WA | Not yet....caught them right when they had 10 other guitars come in for set-up, so I told him to take his time and do it right. Hope to have it by next weekend....I will advise. |
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Location: East Wenatchee, WA | **UPDATE**
Talked to Nathan "guitargod" at Music Machine in Kennewick today. He said the Adamas is all set up, no problems and was ready to go for $39.95 (plus sales tax). He didn't note any issues, so now it is a matter of getting my buns up there to pick it up. Either tonight or tomorrow. We shall see. |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | I hope it is money well spent. I'm sure it is. Now you can show my wife that I really need an Adamas. |
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Location: East Wenatchee, WA | Adamas is home.
Nathan said he not only straightened out the neck, but "lowered the nut and bridge a bit", whatever that means (I took out all the shims?).
Anyway after all this is done...................
SSSSWWWWWEEEEEETTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!
It is a different guitar. Absolutely perfect set-up and nearly as easy to play as my electric all the way up to doing bar chords on the 14th fret. Not buzz and the prior problem I had with my finger hitting the high e inadvertantly is almost completely gone. The balance has to be just the thinner neck and me relearning some technique. Only happens on one or two chords and just barely.
It absolutely changed this instrument into a work of art.
The owner of the store was there. Said he didn't like Ovations (they are a dealer, but only by special order) because he couldn't get comfortable with the round back, but he admitted the Adamas was a lot nicer guitar than he remembered (in his stacked deck of Taylor and Martins). So....not bad all in all.
I am pleased with the $40 investment and can't wait to get her back into church.
Thanks for all the advice and encouragement everyone |
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Posts: 286
Location: North Idaho | Sure glad to hear you have a likeable setup now. I really have enjoyed my w598 and am GAS'n for one of the new deep bowl models with the new electronics. |
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Location: closely held secret | Originally posted by Waskel:
I have a good feeling about this, Jeff. Man, I love it when I'm right. :D
Now we need to find time to meet up and see how they sound together! |
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Posts: 777
Location: East Wenatchee, WA | Originally posted by Waskel:
Originally posted by Waskel:
I have a good feeling about this, Jeff. Man, I love it when I'm right. :D
Now we need to find time to meet up and see how they sound together! |
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Location: closely held secret | My wife and I stayed at the Skamania Lodge for our anniversary in October. On the way back we took the Historic highway past all the waterfalls, and stopped at the Vista House. This place was built in the 30's, and recently restored. Dome shaped, nothing on the top floor but lots of air surrounded by glass and marble. I asked the guard if he would mind me playing my guitar in there, he said sure.
Wow. What a cool sounding room. Long, rich reverb, almost approaching echo. We should meet there. |
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Posts: 777
Location: East Wenatchee, WA | Originally posted by Waskel:
My wife and I stayed at the Skamania Lodge for our anniversary in October. On the way back we took the Historic highway past all the waterfalls, and stopped at the Vista House. This place was built in the 30's, and recently restored. Dome shaped, nothing on the top floor but lots of air surrounded by glass and marble. I asked the guard if he would mind me playing my guitar in there, he said sure.
Wow. What a cool sounding room. Long, rich reverb, almost approaching echo. We should meet there. I am quite familiar with it. Have stopped to visit it several times in the past year to show others. So....anyone else wish to join us for a "Jam at the Vista House" outside of Portland Oregon this year. After that, we can move a few miles more to the East and maybe sit by Multanomah Falls while picking and grinning too! |
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Location: Central Massachusetts | You forgot to mention the view...
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Location: Cicero, NY | Now that's just stunning. And with a acoustic playing in the background? Niiice. |
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Location: closely held secret | Nice pic, Jeff. Weas, the acoustic was playing in that building. |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | I've got a few pictures from the Vista House, but in mine, these Porsches kept getting in the way. I doubt I get over there until maybe spring break. David in Forest Grove is just a couple miles from my parents in Hillsboro. |
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Location: Central Massachusetts | I can't claim credit for the photo. I couldn't find one of my own so I linked to one from the vistahouse.com website. It's always fun to show off the Gorge to flatlanders.. :-)
Mark, small world! I grew up in Hillsboro. Had to move to FG to find an affordable house! |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | My sister has lived there since the 70s, west of the airport. Had farm land all around her until recently. Now there's a huge subdivision north of her and an Intel plant and a bunch of other stuff between her and he airport.
My parents moved there in the late 80s just south of the fairgrounds on Brogden. That place sure has grown. My daughter is at UP and is leaning toward living there after college, if there's any room left. |
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Location: North Idaho | Pick a date, I'll try to be there. My sister is in Aloha and we often travel over to visit. |
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Location: Waurika OK | You guys are making me want to go to Oregon, my wife grew up in The Dalles. The gorge is beautiful. She has a large picture hanging on the wall of the native americans fishing on platforms in the dalles before the dam was built. |
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Location: Michigan | i love my Dean markley alchemy strings. i played elixer nanos for years and while they sounded wonderful and felt great, the deans have a much more complex tone than any string ive ever played. and they stay bright LONGER than my elixers ever did. only problem is they're not as soft on the fingers as elixers, but hey no biggy there. oh and there actually available around me too, nanos i have to drive at least an hour for. |
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Dissappointed