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Location: Utica, NY | With my 1680 due here Weds I was poking around the archives today and found a couple interesting threads. One from earlier this year made a reference that it's now a discontinued model. I assume that this is so. The more interesting point form me was how many have actually been made.
Someone postulated that based on their high end construction methods that production was probably limited to a couple pieces a month and over it's couple year run that there may have only been around 50 made. It struck me because they seem to be available all over the world on the internet which would have initially led me to believe that there would have been hundreds made to satisfy this sort of distribution. But that post got me thinking that perhaps not.
Does anyone know for sure just how many total 1680's were actually made? |
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Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | To be honest, I haven't seen very many offered. Prior to playing Keith's (War Eagle) at Smokey's Jam and obtaining mine, they were quite scarce.
Maybe the MS can shed some light/numbers/manf dates... Mine is # 22011. The Ovation site still has it listed in their current Adamas list.  |
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Location: Bluffton, SC | No idea here but that's a fantastic guitar, nervous. I've played a few, including iffy's, and I've yet to play one that I didn't want to take home. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | They weren't that popular so I doubt many were made. |
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Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | My 1860 Balladeer is discontinued... But I think that the 1680 Adamas is still available.
I am not sure of the current production, but the Ovation website lists six Authorized Dealers.
Prices range from $2000 to $3000. |
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Location: Nashville TN. | why isn't al lisrted?? |
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Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Dave,
Your probably right on both counts.
I hadn't heard 'bout the 1680 until the SJ in Oct. There I played three UTEs which were/are touted as the best bang for the buck here on the OFC. And there was one (can't remember whose) that really caught my ear. But when Keith pulled out that 1680 with the 'shit epis' and did his magic, there was no doubt in my mind that that model was to be my next guitar.
The 1680 was considered over priced compared to the capabilities and cost of the UTE. But by the time I started my quest to get an 1680, the price gap had drastically narrowed (Don't ya love the free market! Hope it survives...)
So yes, the 1680 did not get the wide spread initial exposure and acceptance, I think, primarily due to it's higher cost at it's release.
I'm not a rabid fan of multi-semi-exotic epis, so the 1680 immediately appealed to me due to it's basic walnut eloquence and strikingly similar tonal qualities.
So again, I can agree with your comment. But, whenever I announce my intentions for attending a 'gathering', the 1680 is the one guitar that is requested for me to bring and garners much praise when I do.
Therefore, I hope that the 1680 continues to fly below the radar, so that those who appreciate an awesome Adamas can get one at a decent price! |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Originally posted by PEZ:
why isn't al lisrted?? Probably hasn't been updated in years. I go to sites all the time that list dealers that closed shop years ago or stopped carrying the manufacturers products.
Sad for the dealers who are actually actively supporting them. |
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Location: South of most, North of few | I believe when I was talking to JB about the actual production figures, he said it was less than 100. More like 75 or so. |
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Location: Sydney, Australia | I think the 1680 was badly marketed (or not marketed at all??). Ovation doesn't seem to do much marketing these days now that I think of it.
However, this is a seriously good guitar (can't wait to get my hands on mine). Look at the specs: deep bowl, textured top, wide neck, 12 fretter. Obviously a wide neck is a personal preference, and a 12 fretter is not suitable for playing high up the neck (or not suitable to be your only guitar if you want to do that). But, as a finger picker with no-compromise sound, it is seriously good. |
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Location: Brighty in Blighty | Originally posted by TAFKAR:
However, this is a seriously good guitar... as a finger picker with no-compromise sound, it is seriously good. You bet. |
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Location: NJ | the ute was a better bang for the buck but the 1680 is truely the better sounding guitar. |
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Location: Utica, NY | Originally posted by Trader Jim:
I believe when I was talking to JB about the actual production figures, he said it was less than 100. More like 75 or so. This is interesting to me. So, looking at this model simply from a production numbers perspective, would a model with less that a 100pc run be considered 'rare' or somehow exclusive considering that a normal production could mint thousands?
What would the annual or total number be on an 'average' Adamas model relative to the 1680?
And, with that <100pc figure to work with what percentage of them are owned by folks right here in the OFC, 10%, 20%? That could be equally impressive |
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Location: Brighty in Blighty | Who cares if it's rare or not. |
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Location: Bluffton, SC | I should probably know this but, specifically, what are the differences between the 1680 and the Ute? |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Originally posted by Weaser P:
I should probably know this but, specifically, what are the differences between the 1680 and the Ute? - different top
- different binding
- different epaulets
- different neck
- different electronics |
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Location: Brighty in Blighty | 1680 is nicer looking too ;) |
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Location: Bluffton, SC | Yikes. Must've been sleeping though that class... |
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Location: Sydney, Australia | Originally posted by Gallerinski:
Originally posted by Weaser P:
I should probably know this but, specifically, what are the differences between the 1680 and the Ute? - different top
- different binding
- different epaulets
- different neck
- different electronics |
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Location: Bluffton, SC | C'mon! Was it made by Taylor too? |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | What's different about the bowl ??? |
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Location: Utica, NY | Originally posted by dweezil:
Who cares if it's rare or not. Obviously, I do or I would not have asked the question. Perhaps to some, if not to you, given the detailed and sometimes wonkish discussions that I read here, there is an appreciation for all the uniquities and the smallest details that make each model what it is. Sure they all sound good but rarely is there a concensus on which is 'best' nor should there be. The ownership of something of high quality that's interesting and unusual, be it a guitar, car, firearm, whatever can encompass far more than it's simple utilitarianism and knowing a little more about everything that makes it what is is interesting to me. And, while the 1680 might be the sonic God of Tone I have an honest interest in the entire package, which is why I originally asked the question. For me, and perhaps to only me, it adds to my joy of ownership and I apologize to those who may not share the same total package appreciation. |
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Location: Brighty in Blighty | I just play 'em ;) |
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Location: Bluffton, SC | I don't see where any apology is necessary, nervous. You like the details, dweez just plays 'em. It's all good. |
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Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent | Originally posted by nervous:
Originally posted by dweezil:
Who cares if it's rare or not. Obviously, I do or I would not have asked the question. Perhaps to some, if not to you, given the detailed and sometimes wonkish discussions that I read here, there is an appreciation for all the uniquities and the smallest details that make each model what it is. Sure they all sound good but rarely is there a concensus on which is 'best' nor should there be. The ownership of something of high quality that's interesting and unusual, be it a guitar, car, firearm, whatever can encompass far more than it's simple utilitarianism and knowing a little more about everything that makes it what is is interesting to me. And, while the 1680 might be the sonic God of Tone I have an honest interest in the entire package, which is why I originally asked the question. For me, and perhaps to only me, it adds to my joy of ownership and I apologize to those who may not share the same total package appreciation.  |
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Location: Sydney, Australia | Originally posted by Gallerinski:
What's different about the bowl ??? 1680 is a deep bowl, UTE is a medium bowl. |
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Location: Bluffton, SC | Actually the Ute is a deep bowl. And I did know that the epi's, the neck and the electronics were a different - I didn't realize the top and the binding was. |
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Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Does the UTE have the suspension ring like the 1680? |
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Location: South of most, North of few | No, and the bowl on the 1680 doesn't have a rear hatch like the UTE and others do. |
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Location: Bluffton, SC | They're actually quite a bit different then. I always thought the 1680 was the somewhat upgraded production model of the limited production Ute but, with all the changes, I'm not so sure that's an accurate description. |
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Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | by Trader Jim:
No, and the bowl on the 1680 doesn't have a rear hatch like the UTE and others do. So how do you get inside there to tinker? |
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Location: Bluffton, SC | You don't. It's that good. |
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Location: Utica, NY | [/qb] So how do you get inside there to tinker? [/QB]
I read in another posting that you remove the preamp and get someone with small hands and forearms to assist. |
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Location: South of most, North of few | Actually, if you pull the outer "can", which is easy, you can reach inside fairly easily. Shouldn't have to though. Nothing to see in there folks, shows over... |
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Location: Bluffton, SC | ...and, believe me, it's VERY easy to get in trouble playing with someone's can... |
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Location: Denver, PA | Nervous - I've had my 1680 since April. I too have wondered how many were accounted for among members of the OFC. By keeping an eye on signature lines I think I've spotted about 6 - but there is no telling how many members that either do not post frequently (like me) or who do not maintain a listing in their signature lines (like me) also have 1680's.
You will almost certainly be thrilled as soon as you see it - and again when you bring it up to pitch and hear it. Be warned... it is loud. |
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Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | ...and, believe me, it's VERY easy to get in trouble playing with someone's can...
I am a shade-tree mechanic-type of person. I took all may toys apart when I was a kid.
When my Mom got her Thunderbird (automobile) I wanted to look under the hood...
She said "You can look, But Don't Touch Anything!"
When I get a new guitar, after I tune-it-up and play it for awhile, I have to look inside the hatch!
See if there is anything written on the wood, see what the wood looks like on the other side... Y'know?
This one looks like carbon fiber on the other side too... |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Originally posted by Trader Jim:
No, and the bowl on the 1680 doesn't have a rear hatch like the UTE and others do. Some U681's don't have hatch doors either. |
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Location: South of most, North of few | Sorry, just going by the 3 that I've had and the other 4 or so I've seen in person. I stand corrected. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Originally posted by Trader Jim:
Sorry, just going by the 3 that I've had and the other 4 or so I've seen in person. I stand corrected. No need to be sorry. It was actually a trick question. There's a few acoustic only ones (technically called U681-TA) and some ut not all of those are doorless. I think 4 acoustic only, and 2 have doors and 2 don't. Go figger.
Originally posted by 2ifbyC:
Does the UTE have the suspension ring like the 1680? Please explain. You may be correct, since I can't compare a U681 and 1680 side by side. But checking a few guitars in hand looks to me like the U681 has the same top attachment as Adamas I, 47RI, OFC guitar etc. What am I looking for and maybe not seeing? |
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Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Originally posted by Gallerinski:
Please explain. HERE ya go Dave. Great pics and info links there. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | I know WHAT it is. I don't understand the comment that the U681 doesn't have it. When I look at the U681 top attachment it seems identical to the other adamas models I mention. |
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Location: Newington, CT | Originally posted by alpep:
the ute was a better bang for the buck but the 1680 is truely the better sounding guitar. What's a ute? |
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| Originally posted by AlanM:
What's a ute? (said in his best Fred Gwynne imitation)
OFC shorthand for Adamas model U681-T |
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Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Originally posted by Gallerinski:
I don't understand the comment that the U681 doesn't have it. Ummm, I can't find that comment. I just inquired as to whether the UTE has one.
Do all Adamii have the that 'ring' configuration? |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | I didn't see the question mark. Oh well. |
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Location: East Wenatchee, WA | I bought my 2008 Collector for a lot of reasons mentioned (rarity and uniqueness among them), but don't get any hopes up on the rareness of any Ovation/Adamas increasing the value like it does for other guitars.
Maybe when Fender closes the doors, or perhaps the universal belief that "wood is always better" fades into oblivion, Ovation will finally be recognized for what it is, but I am not holding my breath on that to occur.
Of course, the fact that 71-73 Mustangs/Cougars are now considered muscle cars and appreciating may indicate there is a ray of hope (I owned and restored 4 of them cause they were dirt cheap).
Mainly the 2008 C had all the Adamas features I wanted in a guitar, but then so did the 2080 and I sold it cheap (should have kept that one with the 2008C).
I would love to tray a 1680 as it looks like a fantastic guitar, but another expensive "A" is not in the cards for me for a while. |
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Location: Bluffton, SC | Originally posted by AlanM:
Originally posted by alpep:
the ute was a better bang for the buck but the 1680 is truely the better sounding guitar. What's a ute? |
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1680 question