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Location: Marlton, NJ | Since I was a teenager (about 25 years ago) I've always been intrigued by Adamas guitars but I've never had the chance to play one. Looking at the current prices, I see they cost between $3,000 and $4,000 - so I ask myself, "Are they worth it?" What is it about Adamas guitars that is so unique? Do they sound that much better than a good Ovation? Or is it not about the sound but rather the build quality of the guitar with all the decorative elements and bling?
I'd love to get a chance to play one, but until then maybe someone could help me understand what makes them special (and expensive).
Thanks!
Mark |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | matter of taste but for me yes....I have sold all my Ovations and only have Adamas.
Keep your eyes open and you can pick up some good ones for under 2k. |
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Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | MarkF786 - 2012-07-16 8:55 PM
Since I was a teenager (about 25 years ago) I've always been intrigued by Adamas guitars but I've never had the chance to play one. Looking at the current prices, I see they cost between $3,000 and $4,000 - so I ask myself, "Are they worth it?" Yes... But I got mine Used.
You can buy them for much less Used.
But for Thousands of dollars you get a custom-made guitar.
What is it about Adamas guitars that is so unique? The carbon-fiber laminate top sounds different. More acoustic volume, clearer notes.
Do they sound that much better than a good Ovation? Not necessarily "Better", but they sound Different.
Or is it not about the sound but rather the build quality of the guitar with all the decorative elements and bling? Yes, they are Purdy...
But the carbon-fiber laminate ain't cheap. Nor the hours of hand labor.
I'd love to get a chance to play one, but until then maybe someone could help me understand what makes them special (and expensive).
Thanks!
Mark I hope that you have a chance to play one.
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Location: Nashville TN. | Its not so much it sounds better ..... they sound different. The top very thin and very responsive. They have unque voice very rich and full tone. They are very loud! Are they worth it..... Yes they are. |
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Location: Upper Left USA | RE: "Yes... But I got mine Used." OMA, that one wasn't used, it was abused and loved back into shape. Mark, You need to attend an OFC get together and try a whole bunch of them!
Edited by MWoody 2012-07-16 11:52 PM
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Location: Sunshine State, Australia | MWoody - 2012-07-17 2:50 PM You need to attend an OFC get together and try a whole bunch of them! in Brisbane... |
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Location: Marlton, NJ | To Pez's comment, "They are very loud!", so I assume they are generally louder than an Ovation? I frequently play my guitar unplugged, so any increase in volume would be helpful. |
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Location: Marlton, NJ | If anyone sees an Adamas 2081 GT for a decent price, please let me know ;-) I'll really like the look of them - especially in blue - but I can't justify paying retail price when it would probably halve in value once I bought it  |
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Location: Sydney, Australia | Keep a watch out on the for sale section here. It's a matter of opinion, but to me they are just better. Other guitars sound muddy to me |
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Location: Sunshine State, Australia | My '05C sounds 'muddy' to you??? |
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Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | "Are Adamas Guitars Worth It?" YES.
If you want one, contact Al at Lost Art Vintage, he is probably your best source, IF he has any left. |
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Location: NJ | even though I have tried to trade in my Adamas for a takamine and a guild I keep playing the adamas everytime I play out live. I just love it.
so the answer is
YES |
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Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | MWoody - 2012-07-16 9:50 PM
RE: "Yes... But I got mine Used."
OMA, that one wasn't used, it was abused and loved back into shape
My 1681 six-string was Used.
The 1685 12-string was Rescued! 
and I am grateful...
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Location: Utah | MarkF, where are you located? Perhaps you are near an OFC member and could get together to hear an Adamas?
Al has a screaming unF'n believable price on a new Adamas 2080 on his website right now. I have a 2080 and love it. At Al's price you will never regret buying it!
There was a thread recently here where a new guy asked the same kind of question. The brief response is that the wood topped USA made LX Ovations are great guitars with a nice crisp and full tone. The Adamas models which are built on the same body have a slightly richer tone, with more complexity. The carbon fiber top is more responsive to differences in right hand touch than the wood top.
I am a hobbiest not a pro. When I play a good Ovation I feel that the guitar is up to anything I can ask of it. When I play my Adamas I feel that the guitar has far more capability than I do.
You ask if the Adamas is worth the price. That is a subjective question based on your own budget and priorities. If I wasn't paying tuition on 3 kids' educations I would have at least one custom Adamas already, and probably more on order! But my budget currently says I can't afford anything new at any price point. If you are looking at the $2K to $4k price range already, the Adamas is going to compete very favorably with anything else out there. |
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Location: Chicago | Adamas was a revelation to me. I had long struggled to get the "BIG" acoustic sound I heard in my head. After spend lots of time with home recording and the plugged-in option, I finally acquired my first Adamas (1581-5). The natural acoustic sound was so huge I realized that Jeff and I should record in a good studio straight up: no effects, nothing-plugged in. The result is quite satisfactory, I think:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSBAu52CeOw&feature=plcp
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Location: Chicago | PS now I have my second: the red prototype from Lost Art Vintage. Will post pics and audio soon.
http://www.lostartvintage.com/Categoryinfo.aspx?categoryid=10&categ...
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Location: Connersville, Indiana | Because of a very good friend Iffy who sold me a 1598 Adamas 12 string I couldn't be happier. No effects needed it just booms with sound when played with out an amp, Oh Yeah their worth it, and some day I have one of those nice blue or red 6 strings. |
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Location: Australia | The problem is that not many guys ever get a chance to play one because very few stores stock them. So many guys have had shocked looks on their faces after they've played my Adamas guitars, they never thought any O sounded at all. Also lets face it, it does matter how good they sound or play, the majority won't go for that Adamas look.
Yes they are special instruments. I have 3 Adamas's and 7 O's in total and my favourite guitar of the lot is my 30th ann.blue Adamas. So playable, such a rich acoustic and plugged in tone. Also virtually indestructible.
Edited by richardd 2012-07-18 6:53 PM
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Location: Right now? | Yes, Mark, Adamas guitars are 'worth it'!!! I love it when (on more than one occasion) someone comes over, spies my cache of A's & O's, and says something like: "Oh, an Ovation, or Oh, an Adamas, I'm not too keen on those..." Then they pick a few up, play one or more , and you see 'it' sinking into their brains as they HEAR and play them. Then they'll pick up one of my Martins or others for comparison, put those down and pick up the O or A again. I can see the 'wheels turning", ha. Four or five hours later, after I've had to pull the guitar from their hands and throw them out because it's late, they ask me if I might possibly considering selling one to them, ha. Even better is when, a couple of weeks later they'll call and ask again!! I have given some away as gifts to my friends, and they still have them. My own brother still wants my Adamas 1598 MERB 12 string (such a great 12'er!). He calls at least once a week and every time he does, he asks, "Still got that 12 string? Don't sell it! That's gonna be mine." He's a funny guy. Of course, aside from their playability and amazing sound, I think Adamas guitars are totallly unique and beautiful in appearance!  Willa
Edited by WillaMuse 2012-07-20 11:59 AM
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Location: Newington, CT | Greg: can't WAIT to hear the output of your new acquisition! |
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Location: Flahdaw | MarkF....look for an Adamas Ute (u681T) Occasionally you might find one for as low as $1500. Best deal on the planet. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Doesn't Weaser (Bill) kinda halfway have one for sale?....(meaning he is not trying very hard to sell it). |
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Are Adamas Guitars Worth It?