1680 opinions
anchbartdude
Posted 2011-12-29 9:22 PM (#345012)
Subject: 1680 opinions


Joined:
February 2006
Posts: 75

Location: San Antonio, TX
I was at the local shop looking at the A's... Touched the Mill( Geo, it is still there), and several Customs( they looked really nice! but $4K is a bit steep for the sound) Then I played the 1680... Wow!! much like the 2080 but even fuller sound, nice to finger pick with the wider neck....

Anyone else have any experience with one?
It gets the GAS going really bad.... May have to part with the 1858 and 02 C...... hmmmmm
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bburg
Posted 2011-12-30 5:34 AM (#345013 - in reply to #345012)
Subject: Re: 1680 opinions



Joined:
August 2009
Posts: 1137

Location: Germany, where delicious wine is growing (Rheinh)
Also my best one.

Bernie
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TAFKAR
Posted 2011-12-30 6:12 AM (#345014 - in reply to #345012)
Subject: Re: 1680 opinions



Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 2985

Location: Sydney, Australia
I like mine. I prefer my 08C (also wide neck), but my nephew would grab the 1680 first if my house was on fire.

If I had two free hands, I'd grab both in a house fire.
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Nick B.
Posted 2011-12-30 10:03 AM (#345015 - in reply to #345012)
Subject: Re: 1680 opinions



Joined:
December 2009
Posts: 686

Location: Route 66, just east of the Cadillac Ranch
I had one and loved it. Being a 12 fretter it was very comfortable playing in my recliner. It has a real punch and IMO is a classy looking guitar. I was forced to sell several guitars earlier this year and it was among the first to go. The new owner is quite happy. ;)
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Weaser P
Posted 2011-12-30 10:07 AM (#345016 - in reply to #345012)
Subject: Re: 1680 opinions


Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 5331

Location: Cicero, NY
Personally, I think the 1680 is without question in the Top Ten of anything Ovation has ever put out but that's just this guys opinion.
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CanterburyStrings
Posted 2011-12-30 12:35 PM (#345017 - in reply to #345012)
Subject: Re: 1680 opinions


Joined:
March 2008
Posts: 2683

Location: Hot Springs, S.D.
I had one for a while. Didn't care for the wide neck. It sounded good, but to be honest, some of my other Adamas' sound better IMO. But it sure was pretty.
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anchbartdude
Posted 2011-12-30 2:28 PM (#345018 - in reply to #345012)
Subject: Re: 1680 opinions


Joined:
February 2006
Posts: 75

Location: San Antonio, TX
Thanks for the wisdom ;)

I thought the Customs would be even better, but the 1680 just had a deeper, fuller tone.
The wide neck is alright for me, My 12 string is wide and doesn't give problems, and my sausages kind of like the added real estate.

Maybe the biggest pull is I can pick it up new for less than $2K

The temptation may be unbearable. :) )
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TAFKAR
Posted 2011-12-30 5:19 PM (#345019 - in reply to #345012)
Subject: Re: 1680 opinions



Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 2985

Location: Sydney, Australia
Go for it.
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anchbartdude
Posted 2011-12-30 5:43 PM (#345020 - in reply to #345012)
Subject: Re: 1680 opinions


Joined:
February 2006
Posts: 75

Location: San Antonio, TX
I may have a buyer for my 02 C here(friend of mine) that may tip the boat and open my wallet.......

Peer pressure..... ;)
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WillaMuse
Posted 2011-12-30 11:33 PM (#345021 - in reply to #345012)
Subject: Re: 1680 opinions



Joined:
May 2009
Posts: 1433

Location: Right now?
Love, love, LOVE the 1680.

;)
willa
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FlySig
Posted 2011-12-31 11:22 AM (#345022 - in reply to #345012)
Subject: Re: 1680 opinions



Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4065

Location: Utah
Under $2k for a new 1680 is a very good deal.

My daughter's Ute is pretty much the same as a 1680, and I like it a lot. I think I like the tone better than my 2080. The wide nut definitely appeals to me.

You've got a bricks and mortar store with O's and A's on the wall? You don't know how lucky you are!
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bburg
Posted 2011-12-31 12:16 PM (#345023 - in reply to #345012)
Subject: Re: 1680 opinions



Joined:
August 2009
Posts: 1137

Location: Germany, where delicious wine is growing (Rheinh)
Originally posted by TAFKAR:
Go for it.
They don't show up very often, somebody told me, that there were only hundred built. Maybe less, so GO FOR IT !!
For a new one the price is dirt cheap!

Bernie
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bburg
Posted 2011-12-31 12:22 PM (#345024 - in reply to #345012)
Subject: Re: 1680 opinions



Joined:
August 2009
Posts: 1137

Location: Germany, where delicious wine is growing (Rheinh)
Originally posted by Nick B.:
I had one and loved it. Being a 12 fretter it was very comfortable playing in my recliner. It has a real punch and IMO is a classy looking guitar. I was forced to sell several guitars earlier this year and it was among the first to go. The new owner is quite happy. ;)
and I am the new owner of Nick's 1680 and I am not only quite happy, I love it, too!! This would be the last one who has to leave my stable...
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WillaMuse
Posted 2012-01-01 11:52 AM (#345025 - in reply to #345012)
Subject: Re: 1680 opinions



Joined:
May 2009
Posts: 1433

Location: Right now?
Bernie,

I knew you'd especially love the 1680. You've got some collection there, Sir!

;)
Willa
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bburg
Posted 2012-01-01 12:02 PM (#345026 - in reply to #345012)
Subject: Re: 1680 opinions



Joined:
August 2009
Posts: 1137

Location: Germany, where delicious wine is growing (Rheinh)
Thanks, my Dear!!

Bernie
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alpep
Posted 2012-01-01 6:19 PM (#345027 - in reply to #345012)
Subject: Re: 1680 opinions


Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10583

Location: NJ
1680 is a sleeper out there

great guitar
loads better than a u681t

but you gotta pay for the quality
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anchbartdude
Posted 2012-01-02 4:45 PM (#345028 - in reply to #345012)
Subject: Re: 1680 opinions


Joined:
February 2006
Posts: 75

Location: San Antonio, TX
Got it.... 1949 including case.... Got a deal there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Time to play!!!!
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anchbartdude
Posted 2012-01-02 6:57 PM (#345029 - in reply to #345012)
Subject: Re: 1680 opinions


Joined:
February 2006
Posts: 75

Location: San Antonio, TX
Here are the pair..

1680 and friend

Cheers!!
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Tony Calman
Posted 2012-01-02 7:06 PM (#345030 - in reply to #345012)
Subject: Re: 1680 opinions



Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 4619

Location: SoCal
Not to rain on anyone's parade but...

I thought that when I checked it out at NAMM that the 1680 was a cross-weave CVT? The U681T is a textured top. Yet, the street price for the 1680 was at least $1,000 more. Later, in a play test, I appreciated the dark neck but didn't see the superior sound quality that has been expressed lately for the 1680 v. U681T.

Nothing wrong with a SMT or CVT (I have a Millennium) but IMHO they do not match a textured top on a U681T, Adamas II, or the Adamas I.
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anchbartdude
Posted 2012-01-02 8:05 PM (#345031 - in reply to #345012)
Subject: Re: 1680 opinions


Joined:
February 2006
Posts: 75

Location: San Antonio, TX
No rain here, no parades for that matter :)

Maybe some snow and cold, makes it easier to stay in and play...
To my ear the 1680 was the best of 6 I played including a mill, ME sig, 3 customs($5K tags.) so each had its own voice, the 1680 was just the best for my ears in the fullness of tone. it was quite amazing!! I went in banking on getting the Mill, but...... The rest is happy history.
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Tony Calman
Posted 2012-01-02 8:46 PM (#345032 - in reply to #345012)
Subject: Re: 1680 opinions



Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 4619

Location: SoCal
Let me address, they are all three great guitars - textured top, SMT, and CVT.

Adding a slothead adds an extra bonus.

Years ago, I was advised to go textured. Anyone get a chance, play an earlier Adamas I (or II). I bought my first 1687 without ever playing one first. The first time I played it, just sat there amazed. Sold my two SMT's and bought another 1687. Millennium is different - 1st of all, Pluto is a planet; 2nd, wife likes the look and has it in the living room; 3rd, the harpsichordic effect.

Where? Probably at a regional get-together. I understand that is tougher in Alaska.
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stonebobbo
Posted 2012-01-02 9:20 PM (#345033 - in reply to #345012)
Subject: Re: 1680 opinions



Joined:
August 2002
Posts: 8307

Location: Tennessee
The millennium looks way cooler and that counts for a lot.
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Nick B.
Posted 2012-01-02 9:50 PM (#345034 - in reply to #345012)
Subject: Re: 1680 opinions



Joined:
December 2009
Posts: 686

Location: Route 66, just east of the Cadillac Ranch
Originally posted by anchbartdude:
Here are the pair..

1680 and friend

Cheers!!
Congratulations on the new guitar. It'll be interesting to hear how you compare the two after you've had a chance to get comfortable with the 1680. Stay warm.
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anchbartdude
Posted 2012-01-03 12:01 AM (#345035 - in reply to #345012)
Subject: Re: 1680 opinions


Joined:
February 2006
Posts: 75

Location: San Antonio, TX
OK... Sat down with both the girls and did some playing.
The 2080 is really good at faster licks and more of an electric type play. low action, fast and neat. Great tone throughout the fretboard. The ability to reach the higher frets is a plus also, of course the contour bowl fits my ever expanding midriff. :)

The 1680 is like its more mature throaty big brother, deeper bass that resonates the room, mellower highs, but extremely clear all the same.
The comfort came instantly with this instrument, really quite exceptional. Such a warm and deep tone, I can feel it through the bowl into my stomach.. Never felt it like that even with a well seasoned wooden dread..
The wider neck suits the meaty appendages I sometimes refer to as fingers..
I have found a jewel of a guitar..
Quite pleased.
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TAFKAR
Posted 2012-01-03 6:06 AM (#345036 - in reply to #345012)
Subject: Re: 1680 opinions



Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 2985

Location: Sydney, Australia
Originally posted by Tony Calman:
Not to rain on anyone's parade but...

I thought that when I checked it out at NAMM that the 1680 was a cross-weave CVT?
It is cross-weave, but is also textured, as it is not covered in a thick layer of lacquer to make the top smooth (unlike the CVT and SMT models). In fact, unlike most textured top Adamaii, the 1680 appears to be totally unpainted, so technically, the top is probably (a few microns) thinner than a 1687.
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Jonmark Stone
Posted 2012-01-03 11:28 AM (#345037 - in reply to #345012)
Subject: Re: 1680 opinions


Joined:
May 2008
Posts: 1559

Location: Indiana
That's quite a store you have there in Anchorage.
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mbedard
Posted 2012-01-03 1:02 PM (#345038 - in reply to #345012)
Subject: Re: 1680 opinions



Joined:
December 2005
Posts: 247

Location: Seacoast NH
Originally posted by Tony Calman:
Millennium is different - 1st of all, Pluto is a planet; 2nd, wife likes the look and has it in the living room; 3rd, the harpsichordic effect.
Love that comment! Picked up my Millennium this fall, and my best friend and partner in music crime (a hardcore wood box fan) said when playing it for the first time "How is it that it sounds like this thing is in stereo?" Its the Harpsichordic effect! LOL
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anchbartdude
Posted 2012-01-04 1:22 PM (#345039 - in reply to #345012)
Subject: Re: 1680 opinions


Joined:
February 2006
Posts: 75

Location: San Antonio, TX
Originally posted by TAFKAR:
Originally posted by Tony Calman:
Not to rain on anyone's parade but...

I thought that when I checked it out at NAMM that the 1680 was a cross-weave CVT?
It is cross-weave, but is also textured, as it is not covered in a thick layer of lacquer to make the top smooth (unlike the CVT and SMT models). In fact, unlike most textured top Adamaii, the 1680 appears to be totally unpainted, so technically, the top is probably (a few microns) thinner than a 1687.
According to the Spec sheet, The Top is:
Adamas 2 * 2 Twill, Textured, Plywood Core

Cheers!
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