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Location: NJ | Ok everyone the 15th is here and I can tell you what I know about the plans for Ovation and Adamas in the next coming year or so.
2005 collector's
Next year, Ovation will offer a collector's guitar with a twist. It has a totally redesigned bowl. Yes you read that right. Now there will NEVER be a chance of someone saying that the guitar slips off their lap. Although the bowl looks flat on the back it is tuned with many parabolas to tune the body much like an equalizer. The guitar does not have to "hug" the stomach of the user and it can actually be free and vibrate. I played this guitar and I have to admit it is a very unique innovation that has been several years in the works. According to Rick this will eliminate the need for a shallow bowl guitar because it is somewhere in the middle of the shallow and mid depth. The interior space (volume) is just slightly smaller than a deep/non-cutaway bowl.
The standard bowl will not go away, but the new one will probably be worked into the line or into a different line of guitars. "06 brings the 40th year of Ovation and look for a tradtional series of guitars. These will be guitars with hand laid figerglass shiny bowls just like in the beginning of ovation. These guitars will be catalogued as a traditional series and will be offered for those that want that type of retro instrument.
Next year is the 30th anniversary of the Adamas and there are big plans. There are plans for 5 different guitars.
12 Fret slothead acoustic
The first quarter will offer a 12 fret clear of the body slot head acoustic only Adamas. Those of you who were up at the factory saw the prototypes at the tour and in fact both prototypes now are in the hands of OFC members. These guitars are fantastic and sound awesome probably one of the best sounding guitars I have ever heard. They are textured top guitars and a interesting marriage of old and new.
Adamas II reissue
The second quarter will offer an Adamas II reissue, It will be a dead on reissue of the original. If you think that Ovation people don't read this board think again, I was told that one of the guys called from a trip in China to say, " when we make these reissues they have to be dead on right or these guys will NEVER let us live it down" (or words to that effect) I was assured that ever measure will be made to make these guitars like the originals. This guitar will be a deep bowl cutaway. this guitar will be available in black.
Adamas I reissue
The third quarter will give us an Adamas I reissue like the first two quarters these will be limited to 100 guitars worldwide. This guitar again an exact reissue for Adamas I lovers. complete with a revamped 2 knob electronics. This guitar will be a deep bowl non cutaway.
this guitar will be available in blue.
Adamas slothead #47 reissue
The fourth guitar is where we get special. This will be a slot head reissue. it will be exactly like #47, Charlie's favorite guitar. I have played this guitar and it is wonderful. They assure me that they will do everything to make this guitar a direct copy and will take great pains to make it sound great. They will take orders for this guitar and make as many as ordered. So the slot head will not be limited to 100 guitars according to what the information I have. I can place orders for these Jan 05 so if interested contact me and I can make a list of pre orders. I do not have a price on this guitar but the number of a 5K list was thrown around, so think in that neighborhood. if you are not familiar with #47 it is a deep bowl non cutaway. This guitar will be available in red.
OFC slothead reissue
Where does the OFC guitar come in? Well I was shocked by their offerings for next year and thought that the slot head woud be fantastic BUT since they are redesigning the 2 knob preamp for the Adamas I and II because there are not the same parts available and #47 is acoustic only, I thought for the OFC we can make the slothead with the two knob electronics. It will only add a little bit of extra weight to the guitar but IMHO make it far more versitle to the members that want a guitar that they can also plug in and can afford only one guitar. Rick also mentioned that they can laser something into the guitar to denote that it is a fan club guitar.
I have also been given the option to get low serial numbers for fan club members on all of these instruments. So as soon as I get some pricing I can accept pre orders and you will be guaranteed to get a low serial number. In fact contact me for pre orders so I can reserve YOUR guitar.
But what about the OFC guitar Al? the Hot rod with all the LX technology combined with the slothead technology of the old. I have to admit, I put the idea to rest because they will offer us a new Adamas next year. It is a totally new guitar not a reissue not a Q. Although I feel my ideas of meshing the old and new technologies were great, it is sorta like buying a 59 caddy, putting 24 inch yokohama tires and spinner rims, a big 454 with a blower through the hood, a wing on the trunk and lcd monitors in it. You just dressed up a classic piece and to some it will be gawdy to others it will fill a void.
New Adamas for 05
Well, this new guitar just throws out the classic "old school" adamas look and brings it into the 21th century, it gives you all the features that you would want in an Adamas guitar but with a look that is updated. This guitar will NOT appeal to the purists but I'll tell you what I WANT ONE!!!.
What they did was take the LX technology and put it into an Adamas guitar. They made it a single sound hole on the bass side side of the fingerboard that looks like a teardrop, or cat's eye or eyebrow. VERY cool!!! it also uses the new bowl design and the op pro pre amp system. The top was also redesigned so that it is slightly thicker in layers with a cross weave pattern and it has NO FINISH on the top. it is the black color of the natural graphite, so the top has room to breath and vibrate. I had this guitar in my hands for over an hour and I fell in LOVE!! It was the perfect marriage of old and new technology! The guitar was well balanced sounded great acoustically, was very even and would just ring forever.
After seeing this guitar I knew that my idea for hot rodding the slothead was not right. Everything that I wanted in a new guitar was sitting in my hands. This guitar may not be for you especially if you are a traditionalist but all I can say is that I want one. Look for this guitar mid year. They have yet to name it but if all goes right they will name this one after me also (LOL)
This is all the info I have, no I don't have all price info yet but as soon as I get it I will let you know. There is much happening at the factory these days and some remarkable stuff.
If you are interested in any of these guitars be sure to contact me ASAP so I can insure that you get a low serial number. I have a feeling that these guitars will not be around too long. They are all winners in every way.
here is some additional information that Rick gave me.
USA Ovation
Basic Overview
Traditional Series: A historically accurate lineup of baseline models
LX Series: The "upgrade package" including all the LX features
Elite T Series: Designs that fit trends in the market - not bound to tradition
Ultra: Our "Global Alliance" series. Bridges the import/USA made price categories
Adamas: Graphite top models
For 2005, we have retro-designed our core USA models to better represent classic Ovation styles and features. The core Traditional models are:
Standard Balladeer: 1711, 1771, 1861
Standard Elite: 6778
Legend: 1717, 1777
Elite: 1718
Custom Legend: 1719, 1779
Custom Elite: C778
Custom Legend LX
Model C779LX
Colors: -5, CCB
Retail: $1999.00
Custom Elite LX
Model C778LX
Colors: -5, BCB
Retail: $1999.00
2005 Collectors'
Introduction of the new Deep Contour Bowl
Lightweight Lyrachord GS bowl
Englemann Spruce top
Abalone rosette
Original Patented Pickup and OP Pro preamp
Model: 2005-ES
Retail: $1999.00 including 9158 case
Elite T
Expansion of the series with two new finishes:
1778T-LR - "Lusty Red"
Retail: $1069
1778T-BFT - Blue Flame top
Retail: $1579
*More limited run custom finishes for later in 2005
I am sure you will be seeing this ad EVERYWHERE but you saw it first on the OFC.
I want to Thank all my pals at Ovation for having me come up and view the new models and enhancements for the coming year. I really feel priviledged that they want to include me and essentially the OFC and that they value my opinion. I guess that on some days I am slightly more than "just an idiot that sells gear for a living".
If you have any questions let me know and I will try to get them answered. |
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Location: NJ | uh, . . . cool!
;) |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Al,
I would like to be put on the list for the 12 fret slot head acoustic only. What do I need to do?
Also put me on the list for the last one you were describing ....the one with the cats eyebrow and black top.
I will send a private email also.
:) :) :) :) |
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Location: Upper Left USA | Very exciting!
Very mysterious still!
I am going to sleep on it and I hope to see some pictures as soon as possible.
The new bowl, new top sounds really cool.
Thank you Ovation for listening!!!!
Thank you Al! |
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Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire | awesome......gonna take some time to process this all. I just feel Al has tossed a mess of pearls before this unworthy swine. I may have to break down and, finally, buy a NEW guitar! |
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Location: SoCal | well, Al deserves # 1 and I have # 7... |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | #7 for which one Tony...Al mentioned 4 of them...or were you planning on adding all FOUR GUITARS!!! |
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Location: SoCal | only commiting to the OFC at this time ;) the slothead plus pre-amp.
would like to see what the 2005 Collector's looks like. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Tony, I was kinda unclear on that one.
Is it #47 with the 2 knobs and an OFC laser engraving? |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Never mind Tony...I re-read the post for the 5th time and my brain finally kicked in. |
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Location: Tennessee | I want one of each, however, enough dead presidents may not rise to the occasion. In any case, put me down for an OFC guitar ... check your email, Al. Interesting to see the return of the 1711, 1717, 1718 and 1719 guitars ... non-cutaways all. Will they also be deep bowls ala 30CM? This would be a great time to win the Lotto. |
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Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | OFC Guitar (hopefully #1 or #2) and one of the New Adamas guitars. |
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Location: Scotland | The new bowl design looks great! I want all of these, but realisticaly, if I want to stay attached to my testicles it'll have to be one (or possibly 2). Roll on NAMM. Al, do you know if all of these guitars will be at the show? |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | When one of the guys called in from a trip to china he said "when we make these reissues they have to be dead on right"........
Why is this conversation coming from China?
The teardrop single eppi is very cool and the no finish on the top gets the sooouuuuund. |
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Location: NJ | I added some info to the original post and will continue to do so when I get the information.
Paul T
I think all 4 Adamii will be at the Namm show in Anaheim and the new one probably at the show in INdianapolis.
CWK
My point was the board was being read even while they were in China on business. And that is when one of our conversations about the details on the Adamas slothead and Adamas I guitars were taking place. It was noted that we rabid fans will not settle for a reissue that falls short of the original guitars. |
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| Al, thanks for all the info. I've been saving! I like the amount of new choices. |
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Location: Louisville, OH 44641 | I love to love Ovation Guitars! I was such a fool to think 5 Ovation guitars were enough. Seems like the hunt for the ultimate guitar is a hell of a lot more fun (and expensive)than I ever thought possible.
Thanks for the Xmas gift Al. Looks like I'll be taking back the kids toys.
Jim |
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Location: Anchorage, Alaska | Well I just bought an Al DeMeola but if the OFC guitars price isn't out of this world I've gotta have one too. |
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Location: Central Florida | WOW... Thanks, Al!
That's a lot of info to process, but my first question (and I'm sure I'll have others) is about the new "Traditional Series." Al, are these going to be essentially reissues of the 60's shiny bowls with period correct detailing?
Excited and curious...
Jeff |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | Jeff, I think that is the plan. Not the hole line up though, probably a Josh, Balladeer and ???? |
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Location: SoCal | GC DB? |
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Location: Central Florida | Thanks, Bill. Apreciate the info.
Paul, now you've REALLY got me salivating at the thought of a possible reissue GCDB!!!!!! :eek:
Jeff |
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Location: Lafayette, Louisiana | One word........AWESOME! |
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Location: Phoenix, AZ | Originally posted by alpep:
.... This guitar will NOT appeal to the purists but I'll tell you what I WANT ONE!!!.
.... This guitar may not be for you especially if you are a traditionalist ....
My, how far we've come. Since the beginning, acoustic afficienados never accepted Ovations. We've gone from two camps; true box guitar tradionalists and Ovation trend setters, to three camps; true box guitar tradionalists, original Ovation traditionalists, and, now, second roundback generation (not counting the LX back) Ovation enthusiasts.
Imagine an original roundback traditionalist looking down his or her nose at something new! |
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Location: Upper Left USA | Monday: enjoy Vanilla
Tuesday: enjoy Rocky Road
Wednesday: enjoy Electric Fudge
Thursday: relax with French Vanilla
Friday: Plug in with a Sherbert
Saturday: Chocolate Chip Mint
Sunday: Sundae
I think I understand now :eek: |
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Location: NC | Love to have the OFC edition.......need to see the final product. :D |
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Location: Fort Worth, Texas | Cool....Lot of things to see at the tour this year!!!
:D |
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Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire | As I contemplate the commitment to a new guitar acquisition, are those the purchase prices, or MSRP? |
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Location: Upper Left USA | MSRP
May Seriously Require Payments |
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Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | "Although the bowl looks flat on the back it is tuned with many parabolas to tune the body much like an equalizer...... The interior space (volume) is just slightly smaller than a deep/non-cutaway bowl."
So does this mean there is room for more cereal and the milk won't splash out? |
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Location: Burbank | You can super-size your salad! |
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Location: Central Oregon | Thanks for the new hot scoops Al! That new bowl looks absolutely *fascinating!*, I may even have to move something (probably several somethings to get the $$) out of my stable to make room. But WHAT?? Which ones? How? I love the guitars I have now :/ My GAS pressure is going through the roof! Oh man, Oh man, Oh man, Oh man.... Ow ow ow ow ow... I don't want to be a bachelor! The pain! I CAN'T buy another guitar. I HAVE to buy another guitar! I CAN'T buy another guitar. I'm doomed :/ I just won't look at them. Yeah, that might work... |
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Location: Upper Left USA | Too late Bro...
We are all doomed. |
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Location: Lafayette, Louisiana | I really like that new bowl design. I bet it feels great playing the new Ovations with this bowl. 2005 will be a great year for Ovation. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | One testicle gone, one to go ... |
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Location: Lafayette, Louisiana | aw nuts! :D |
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Location: Capital District, NY, USA Minor Outlying Islands | I'm especially excited about the reissues and the new adamas. I can't wait to try them out. But jeez, I gotta go out and buy some lottery tickets. |
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Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire | Yeah, that may be our only hope........ |
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Location: Minden, Nebraska | I've bought and sold a lot of Ovations in search of THE ONE.... Maybe the new bowl is a step closer. The new models are exciting news. |
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Location: Converse, Texas | Oh my... decisions, decisions, decisions... |
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Location: North Carolina | Holy Sh!t!
This is enough to bring me back out of lurking and actually make a post! I want one of those new Adamases! I am already thinking of a few customizations I'm going to want. Mid-2005? Damn! Looks like I will have to be patient. I will contact you about it, Al. Holy Sh!t!!!!!!
Franklin
http://www.franklinmoore.com |
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Location: Converse, Texas | Al should get some kind of an award for this being his longest post ever!
Isn't the plural of Adamas Adamii? |
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Location: Vernon, CT | And they all came down like a hurricane on a screen door. Play On!
John L. |
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Location: Atlanta,Ga. | Hizzoner,tell me about the Richard Starkey reference in your posts? Is it the same Rickard Starkey that i know former Ovation employee who now works at Martin and does martin clinics?
Now back to your regularly scheduled topic!! |
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Location: NJ | First Bill tries to start urban legends that Glen Campbell's mom used to work at the Factory . . . now Sam's spreading rumors that Ringo Starr works for Martin! . . .
oy!!
(I might've believed "Ludwig" . . . ;-) |
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Location: NJ | here is some more information.
IF you are interested in the 2005 collectos'let me know so I can get you on the list and place an order for a guitar.
the 12 fret black slothead will have the op pro preamp system.
U681-5 list 2669. with case
The adamas II cutaway
1581II-5 list 2999
If interested in these models contact me and I can pre order guitars.
More information will come as I get it. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | the 12 fret black slothead will have the op pro preamp system.
U681-5 list 2669. with case
Al, Is this another guitar other than those from the original post? The 12 fret slothead you talked about earlier was acoustic only. I am confused!!!
Stephen |
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Location: Converse, Texas | posted by cliff: First Bill tries to start urban legends that Glen Campbell's mom used to work at the Factory . . . now Sam's spreading rumors that Ringo Starr works for Martin! . . .
And don't forget that W-2 is buying Fender! |
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Location: SoCal | Is that why Fender's got a round back?? |
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Location: NJ | I made a mistake I thought the 12 fret would be acoustic only but I was informed it will have the op pro
sorry for the confusion |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Al, was the guitar you played that you said sounded amazing and one of the best you had ever heard......
was that a prototype that did not have the op-pro preamp in it?
Adding the op-pro will not change the amazing sound you said it had as an acoustic, will it?
........OK.....UPS just showed up at the door with the Elite you just sent me......I will be unavailable to converse with the human race for the next 3-4 hours.
Good day all!! :D :D :D
Stephen
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Location: NJ | the 12 fret now has the op pro
the prototype for next year has the op pro
am I that unclear? |
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Location: NJ | what? nuclear?? |
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Location: SoCal | You blow up on a regular basis. |
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Location: Converse, Texas | No. Nucular. :D |
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Location: NJ | . . . so says your Clown Prince . . |
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Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | Will there by any pictures of the new back and the '05 Adamas with the "teardrop" or do we need to wait on NAMM for those to be released? |
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Location: NJ | the guitar I played was a prototype. No pics you will probably have to wait till july 05 |
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2005 Ovation Adamas OFC guitars