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Joined: November 2009 Posts: 22
Location: Epworth, Yorkshire, England | For those who have experience of the different 12 string models, if you were going to buy an Ovation 12 string, which model would you go for and why?
Many thanks
Mick |
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Joined: December 2001 Posts: 10581
Location: NJ | adamas |
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Joined: October 2005 Posts: 5327
Location: Cicero, NY | No question that Al's dead on. The O's are good 12's but the Adamas 12's are fantastic. Hate to say it but sometimes you do get what you pay for. |
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Joined: September 2003 Posts: 815
Location: Colorado | Some years back I played a brand new 1685 Adamas 12 string (deep bowl) as well as some other decent wood box 12 strings in the same music store. The Adamas was just in a different class--unmatched projection and sustain, a much fuller sound. While that is a bit of an unfair comparison, the USA Ovation wood-topped 12s are also really good guitars. But I would still choose the Adamas. If you don't want a deep bowl, the 1885 Adamas is a great shallow bowl alternative. Best of luck in your search.
Edited by Todd G. 2017-02-06 3:18 PM
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Joined: November 2009 Posts: 22
Location: Epworth, Yorkshire, England | Thanks Al and Weaser. Is there a stand-out Adamas? Finding an available Adamas 12 in the UK will probably be a challenge, so will need to save up some more for the 20%+ import tax to get one from the US. |
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Joined: November 2009 Posts: 22
Location: Epworth, Yorkshire, England | Thanks Todd. I can find an Elite or a Legend here in UK without too much trouble. An Adamas 12 (that someone's prepared to sell) is a taller order. The fuller unplugged sound of a deep bowl would be my preference. Have you played both? Would you agree with my presumption about how much "bigger" the sound would be from a deep bowl? |
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Joined: September 2003 Posts: 815
Location: Colorado | Mick, it has been a while since I played an Adamas 12. But the 1881 Adamas shallow bowl I used to own was a great guitar but not nearly as full sounding as the 1581 I just bought a little over a week ago. To be fair, these are both six strings, but I think the comparison between a shallow cutaway six string and a deep cutaway six string would translate very well when comparing a shallow bowl 12 to a deep bowl 12. Others here may be more help with that comparison. |
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Joined: December 2003 Posts: 846
Location: Canada | alpep - 2017-02-06 2:01 PM adamas Yeah one comes on sale every other year or so for astronomical price. I don't have one myself, but from reading the threads here it seems that the early 12-fret 12-strings (pacemaker, glenn campbell, custom legend) were great, but they are now around 40 years old so getting a mint one may be a tough call. I personally owned a late 90s or 6751 that played great and sounded as good as many guitars that cost three times as much, and still have a 6756LX (both with medium bowls) which is also quite nice. I don't know how the current production models are, but among used you can't go wrong.
Edited by d'ovation 2017-02-06 4:12 PM
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Joined: November 2009 Posts: 22
Location: Epworth, Yorkshire, England | Guys, Thanks for all the input so far, it's really helpful. If I wait until Trump and May do a zero tax trade deal, perhaps it will improve my prospects of sourcing an Adamas at a reasonable price. |
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Joined: April 2004 Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Check with Paul Templeman over in Scotland. He might have a lead or two to help you out. |
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Joined: February 2014 Posts: 699
Location: moline,illinois | Mick-Yorkshire-UK - 2017-02-06 3:50 PM
Thanks Todd. I can find an Elite or a Legend here in UK without too much trouble. An Adamas 12 (that someone's prepared to sell) is a taller order. The fuller unplugged sound of a deep bowl would be my preference. Have you played both? Would you agree with my presumption about how much "bigger" the sound would be from a deep bowl?
The Adamas 1688 is the king of the 12 strings,a tone monster with lots of sustain and volume.
Comparing my 1688-8 to my 1885-5 the 1885 is very comfortable to play with great tone for a SSB but doesn't have the bottom end or projection of the deep bowl,great sustain and a pleasure to play but a little lacking next to a 1688
1688's are pricey when they show up,one just went on feebay for $3205 plus shipping and if you see one you like you just have to go for it because you don't know when the next one will show up.
There is a Adamas II 1685 12 string with the same deep bowl and top as the 1688 but a traditional neck although those don't show up often either,another option is the Adamas 1598 SMT 12 string,it's mid depth bowl with no AST ring,good tone,not quite the sustain of the 1688 but a healthy low end and decent projection,the 1598's are a lot cheaper and show up more often so depending on your budget a decent alternative and they have a beautiful top.
Considering they are making new guitars in the USA you could see about ordering a new Adamas 1688.
No guitars pictured are for sale and are posted for illustrative purposes only.(Disclaimers are a b*tch Huh)
Edited by 2wheeldrummer 2017-02-06 8:08 PM
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Attachments ---------------- IMG_0912.JPG (98KB - 1 downloads) IMG_0790.JPG (87KB - 0 downloads) IMG_1164.JPG (94KB - 0 downloads)
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Joined: April 2008 Posts: 2985
Location: Sydney, Australia | +1 on the 1688/1685 Adamases. |
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Joined: October 2005 Posts: 5327
Location: Cicero, NY | Talk to Al about what he has in stock. He might be able to fix you up. |
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Joined: September 2003 Posts: 815
Location: Colorado | Al does have a gorgeous Adamas I 1688 on his website, 70's era, no label...
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Joined: November 2009 Posts: 22
Location: Epworth, Yorkshire, England | Thanks again for all the help and advice. I'll follow up on the leads and let you know how I get on. |
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Joined: May 2010 Posts: 110
Location: Moscow, Russia | Mick-Yorkshire-UK - 2017-02-06 9:31 AM For those who have experience of the different 12 string models, if you were going to buy an Ovation 12 string, which model would you go for and why? Many thanks Mick There is nicest blackie Elite 1758 on sale in UK (listed on reverb) - one of the best 12er woodtop and cost 1/3 of Adamas price (esp. taking in account postage and UK import taxes). Just my 2 cents Best, Alex |
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Joined: November 2009 Posts: 22
Location: Epworth, Yorkshire, England | Thanks Mature Wolf,
I took a look at the Elite on Reverb. Very pretty guitar in excellent condition. £1,100 asking price = around $1,375.
Anyone have a view what this guitar would go for in the US?
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Joined: February 2014 Posts: 699
Location: moline,illinois | That's a pretty black 12 string but priced a little high IMHO.There are 2 other 1758 Elite's on Reverb right now going for about $800.
Price range depends on condition but i'd say $700-$1000 USD.
FWIW watch out for 12 strings that have sat in there case a long time unplayed,if they were not de-tuned they can have neck issues so ask about the action,bowing of neck,etc.Good luck in your search.
BTW if your not going for an Adamas my second choice would be a Custom Legend 12 string 1659/1759.
Edited by 2wheeldrummer 2017-02-12 2:28 PM
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Joined: November 2009 Posts: 22
Location: Epworth, Yorkshire, England | Thanks 2Wheeldrummer,
My thoughts on the price for the Elite same as yours.
I still prefer the Adamas options anyway. There's no rush. Something fantastic will show its face at some point.
Cheers |
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Joined: August 2003 Posts: 888
Location: Louisville, OH 44641 | Which 12? This 12: http://ovationfanclub.com/megabbs/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=47660&...
A great way to start. You'll always be proud of this one. |
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Joined: December 2003 Posts: 13983
Location: Upper Left USA | All of them... |
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Joined: December 2003 Posts: 846
Location: Canada | Ya right it was gone within hours of posting. |
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Joined: November 2011 Posts: 44
Location: Mexico City | Hello Mick,
You want the best possible 12 string within a budget, right? I have a 1598 MERB, and love the sound. Has a midth depth bowl, comfortable, good projection unplugged. Have no desire of anything else. It´s the less expensive 12 string Adamas as I can tell, yet great sounding and playing guitar.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ovation-Adamas-1598-MERB-12-String-Melissa-...
You can buy this budget model, and buy a set of Thomastik Infeld Strings, either Spectrum SB210 .010-.050
http://www.juststrings.com/toi-sb210.html
or Plectrum AC211 .011-.050.
http://www.juststrings.com/toi-ac211.html
The last one has like 4 lbs more pressure.
The Mammoth Ivory pick sounds wonderful, and do make a difference in the strummed, and leading sound.
http://tide-mammoth.com/eshop/es/18-guitar-pick
Altough I bought mine from tuskbuffer.net, it´s currenty closed. I strumm with the rounded side of the pick.
And also, a peterson tuner with the sweetened 12 string tuning, you can get either the expensive one wich I have:
https://www.petersontuners.com/products/stroboplus/
Or the inexpensive app if you have iphone,
https://www.petersontuners.com/products/istrobosoft/
Good volume, sound great with pick, or bare hands. The clarity, and tone you get is superb. The Thomastik strings do make a great difference, because prior I had Adamas strings, ok but nothing remarkable. The Thomastiks plus the sweetened peterson tuning, added an spectacular resonance, great sustain and beautiful, orchestal lows. Without the sweetened tuning, sounded louder, but sharper.
So, you can invest in a low budget Adamas, and then investing in great strings, tuner, and pick. I bet you won´t want anything else. I have 3 years with the SB210 set, need to change for slighty loose in volume, but still tune very well and have good intonation and sustain.
I´m sure a deep bowl 12 string Adamas would be a cannon, but the Melissa Etheridge is good enough. |
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Joined: September 2003 Posts: 815
Location: Colorado | The heart wants what the heart wants. |
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Joined: December 2008 Posts: 1453
Location: Texas | If those mammoth-tusk picks become too popular…
we might see the wooly mammoth added to the endangered species list. |
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Joined: November 2009 Posts: 22
Location: Epworth, Yorkshire, England | Hi Leo,
Thanks for the comprehensive view of the 1598 MERB. I't's definitely on the short-list and it's also more in line with my planned budget. Interesting comments re the IF strings. I have not tried them.
Best regards
Mick |
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Joined: May 2010 Posts: 110
Location: Moscow, Russia | d'ovation - 2017-02-17 9:59 AM Ya right it was gone within hours of posting. There is one more 1658-4 on reverb ;-) and nicest 1659-4 on the eBay (last belongs to OFCer I through, possibility to save 10% at least) Best, Alex |
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Joined: November 2009 Posts: 22
Location: Epworth, Yorkshire, England | Guys,
I've found this for sale in the UK
OVATION GLEN CAMPBELL 12 STRING.
ORIGINAL 1981 (292*** SERIAL).
It's a slothead, brown deepbowl by the look of it, big oak leaf rosette, GC signature on TR cover and looks mint.
Is this a rare guitar and what would it cost in the US?
Cheers
Mick |
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Joined: February 2014 Posts: 699
Location: moline,illinois | The GC 12 strings are getting harder to find but they're available.
There are 2 listed on Reverb right now one for $650 one for $500 |
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Joined: May 2011 Posts: 751
Location: Muenster/Germany | Adamas 1688. And Elite 1758. Better pay little more and get one in good condition. (If you are very lucky and find a 1538 grab it).But if you ever played a 1688 you will not be satisfied with any other 12string guitar. |
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Joined: November 2009 Posts: 22
Location: Epworth, Yorkshire, England | Thanks guys. From what you said, this one seems expensive at £995 (about $1200). The search continues!!!! |
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Joined: April 2011 Posts: 27
Location: Honey brook, PA 19344 USA | I owned an Ovation 12 string open head deep bowl from 1977 and I never thought I would find another acoustic that would sound as good both acoustically and electrically. Then I had the pleasure of purchasing an Adamas 1685-8 12 string and fell in love all over again. It sounds better feels better and smoother. Both are excellent but the Adamas is so much better. My only regret is not spending the extra 300 and getting the Super Adamas because I've always wanted one but I just didn't have it. So I would recommend either but if I had to make a choice I'd keep my Adamas. |
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Joined: May 2010 Posts: 110
Location: Moscow, Russia | I recommend to consider this one http://www.ebay.com/itm/252878510368?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&s...
Best,
Alex |
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Joined: November 2009 Posts: 22
Location: Epworth, Yorkshire, England | I missed a used Adamas at a local guitar shop recently while I was abroad on holiday which was annoying. Alex, I have sent a message to the seller in the e-bay link and asked if they would be prepared to ship to the UK. Fingers crossed it's a yes, and we might be in business. |
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Joined: November 2009 Posts: 22
Location: Epworth, Yorkshire, England | Didn't get it. The guy came back to me about the shipping to UK in the early hours here, so I never made a bid. It sold for $1,675. If I add £420 for import tax and $100 for shipping, it would cost $2,200 in total. We continue..... |
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Joined: February 2014 Posts: 699
Location: moline,illinois | I was hoping you were the one who won it,somebody got a good price although the fretboard looked pretty dry.
Have you considered getting a brand new one,Ovation is making new Adamas guitars in New Hartford,I'm not sure what 12 strings might be available but if you figure a used adamas 1688 12 string has been going for around $3000 on feebay it could we worth it to splurge and get a brand spankin new one in your choice of color,I'm trying to save so I can get a Adamas 1588 12 string cutaway otherwise I would have bid on that 1685.
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Joined: November 2009 Posts: 22
Location: Epworth, Yorkshire, England | A brand spanker would be lovely but I expect would be expensive. I'll keep it in mind but if I did go this way, I'd look to time it to coincide with a visit to the US.
Edited by Mick-Yorkshire-UK 2017-04-28 2:28 PM
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Joined: March 2017 Posts: 16
Location: UK | Hi
Any interest in an 'as new' 1981 Glen Campbell 12 String (1618) in UK (Bournemouth)?
I bought it some years ago from a senior executive of a well known telecoms co. who'd owned it from new. He used it little - as have I - but he polished both guitar - and case(!).
He removed the pickup and controls but they are in the case and can be reinstalled easily.
I attach some pics.
If you'd like a look, give me a bell.
Regards
Adrian 07786341090. |
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Joined: March 2017 Posts: 16
Location: UK | Sorry - can't see how to attach pics - there's no attachment option. Adrian |
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Joined: September 2006 Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | Adrian1900 - 2017-05-01 1:42 AM
Sorry - can't see how to attach pics - there's no attachment option. Adrian
There should be a little box down below that sez... [ ] Attach a file after posting
Or you can post a link to existing photos on another site.
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