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Posts: 302
Location: Buffalo,NY | Now that I have a 2080 I'm considering ,perhaps, maybe, if the planets are in alignment,just possibly but not too seriously, getting a 12 string Adamas.
There are a few on the bay now and I'm wondering what your impressions are of the newer 1598ME with one sound hole and the older #1598 - MERB with 2 sound holes.
What other 12 string Adamas should I consider ? I prefer cutaways as I play some lead at the 12th fret. Any opinions would be appreciated.I understand opinions are subjective but that's OK.Thank you.
Regards,
Tom |
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Location: Texas | Hi Dr. Tom
I have the 2007 1598 ME and I am completely thrilled with her. The action is very low and the sound booms acoustically and when plugged in - It is a thing of beauty. You would not be disappointed!
I noticed that there is an early model on the bay - looks mint and it has a best offer option. Would love to have this one but I have spent too much money in the last several days. :eek:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=26015187940... |
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Location: Buffalo,NY | vision
posted August 26, 2007 02:27 PM
Hi Dr. Tom
I have the 2007 1598 ME and I am completely thrilled with her. The action is very low and the sound booms acoustically and when plugged in - It is a thing of beauty. You would not be disappointed!
I noticed that there is an early model on the bay - looks mint and it has a best offer option. Would love to have this one but I have spent too much money in the last several days. vision,
Thank you. Do you know if the older version is comparable to the newer version?
Regards,
Tom |
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Location: Central Massachusetts | Thought I saw in another thread that Al has one 12-string, 12-fret Ute left. Very limited, and cool, but no cutaway. |
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Location: Texas | I wish I coud tell you if there were any strike differences - of course the seller said it sounded better than the new one - but..... :D
I would think the only difference would the op system. The new one has the OP-Pro and the older one, I am not sure what type it is. Actually, I don't think you could go wrong with either one.
Love the color on the older model! and obviously, you could get her for a great price. Looking at my credit card - nope,it is stil on fire. :) |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Too bad you can't get by with a 12-fretter. The U681 12-string is in a whole different league that the other Adamas models.
If you have a choice between a single epi or double epi, by all means choose the single. Especially on a mid-depth. Or at least buster the treble side holes.
Dave |
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Location: Japan | My first 12 was an Adamas II, 2 knobber with no cutaway and I loved that guitar, but had to sell it to get a pa system.
My next one was a 1598 with and much as I liked it, just found myself always playing the 6. Been thinking of getting another though... maybe the U-681 mentioned below. :p
Originally posted by Tupperware:
Too bad you can't get by with a 12-fretter. The U681 12-string is in a whole different league that the other Adamas models.
If you have a choice between a single epi or double epi, by all means choose the single. Especially on a mid-depth. Or at least buster the treble side holes.
Dave I've never had the chance to play a single, but does it really make such a noticeable difference?
The two guitars I play on a regular basis are an SSB and a SDB, both with doubles.
Maybe I'll try covering the holes on the SSB tonight and see if I can tell a difference. |
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Posts: 5567
Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | My next guitar will be a custom ordered 1688...already have the quote...After playing Woz's at the tour, I am hooked...never played a better sounding 12...and I have been playing 12's since I started playing guitar 42 years ago...I have 5 now; but the 1688 is in a class by itself! One awesome 12 string!
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Location: closely held secret | Originally posted by vision:
I would think the only difference would the op system. The new one has the OP-Pro and the older one, I am not sure what type it is. OP-24+C
OP-24 with chromatic tuner.
"It is NOT like most 12-strings (which are difficult to play because of all of the strings)." :rolleyes: |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Gotta agree with MusicMike.....the 1688 is an incredible sounding 14 fret 12 string. Don't think I will ever part with mine. |
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Location: Thailand | Very beautiful! Adamas 12 string. |
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Location: Buffalo,NY | It looks like the 1688 gives access to the 12th fret. Is that true ? What do they cost ?
Regards,
Tom |
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Location: Texas | Good Morning Dr. Tom
The ME give access to the 12th also - which ever 12string you pick - you can't go wrong - they all sound fabulous!!! Good luck |
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Location: Buffalo,NY | What would be a good price for the Early 2000's Adamas "Melissa Etheridge" 12-string Acoustic Guitar? As some one mentioned,it looks almost new . Thank you.
Regards,
Tom |
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| anything under 1000 is pretty much a steal.. up to 1400 or so... is about average depending on the phase of the moon and the play on the bay...
my 1885 only cost me $775 but I think everyone here was asleep the day I won it.
I've done side by sides and a/b on my 1885 and the SMT ME models...
look for an 1885...
Glenn |
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Location: Buffalo,NY | Glenn,
Thank you, but what is an 1885 ?
Regards,
Tom |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Tom, the 1688 is the cream de la cream of Adamas 12 strings.....simply the best. Access about the 12th fret is no problem and the clarity of the notes and ease at which you can barr anywhere on the neck is unsurpassed.
Anything under $2000 for a mint one would be considered a steal. Typical would be between $2200 and $2600. I believe I paid $2450 for mine and have never regretted it one bit.....it is probably the best 12 string I have ever played with only my custom Baxendale 12 fret slothead cutaway being it's equal (at twice the price!)
Hold out for a 1688 and you will never regret it! |
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Location: big island | +1 on stephen's two cents! |
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Location: Buffalo,NY | stephent28
posted August 30, 2007 05:31 PM
Tom,
the 1688 is the cream de la cream of Adamas 12 strings.....simply the best. Access about the 12th fret is no problem and the clarity of the notes and ease at which you can barr anywhere on the neck is unsurpassed.
Anything under $2000 for a mint one would be considered a steal. Typical would be between $2200 and $2600. I believe I paid $2450 for mine and have never regretted it one bit.....it is probably the best 12 string I have ever played with only my custom Baxendale 12 fret slothead cutaway being it's equal (at twice the price!)
Hold out for a 1688 and you will never regret it! stephent28,
Thank you for the advice . Did you buy yours second hand or did you order it ?
Regards,
Tom |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Got mine used. I think a new one, which would be a custom shop with the textured top, would probably be in the $3300 - 3700 range.....but that is really just a wild ass guess.
Al could quote you on a new one and be exact.
You could also try to pry one out of Tony Calman's hands. I think he has 4 or 5 of them. |
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Location: SoCal | 1685 Adamas II
1688 Adamas I  |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Originally posted by Dr.Tom:
what is an 1885 ? Super shallow Adamas II 12-string cutaway |
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Location: Buffalo,NY | Callimachus
posted August 31, 2007 05:21 AM
1685 Adamas II
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1688 Adamas I -
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Tony
Only the Phantom knows...low, never slow.
Posts: 3455 | From: SoCal | Registered: Aug 2003 | IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator Tony,
Does that mean you're interested in selling one or are you just "stoking the fire"?
Regards,
Tom |
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Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Gotta love the fact that the 1688 just HAPPENS to still have the hang tags attached!
How minty is that!!!! |
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Posts: 302
Location: Buffalo,NY | Another OFC member has contacted me about selling me their 1688-8 and I have a lead on an early 2000's ME 1598 for $1100.
Now i need to decide if I want to do this gradually for less than half the investment cost i.e. the 1598 or go after the 1688 for more than twice the price? Decisions, decisions !!!?? And it's not like I need another 12 because I do have the 1858LX, the Takamine FD400SC and the PRS Custom 22-12.
Keep the advice coming as to how to solve my dilemma ! :D
Regards,
Tom |
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March 2007
Posts: 302
Location: Buffalo,NY | Another question for you 1688 owners:
Does the 1688 have easy access to the 12 and 14th frets on the high e and b strings or does the heel of the guitar get in the way ? Thank you.
Regards,
Tom |
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April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Why waste money when you know you will ULTIMATELY NEED to get the 1688.....unless you just want a couple more 12's.
I have played the ME and it is a nice 12 but IMHO not even in the same ballpark as the 1688. |
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Joined:
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Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Originally posted by Dr.Tom:
Another question for you 1688 owners:
Does the 1688 have easy access to the 12 and 14th frets on the high e and b strings or does the heel of the guitar get in the way ? Thank you.
Regards,
Tom Well, it is not going to be cutaway easy, but I have no access problems at the higher frets.
I am like you.....as good as the UTE 12 string might be, a 12 fret 12 string is just not gonna get it done for me (unless it is a cutaway 12 like my Baxendale). |
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Posts: 15680
Location: SoCal | Doc, any REAL guitar player knows that all the money is in the first 3 frets. Of course I haven't found that money yet...
The 1688 is a piece of cake up high around the body. You really need to find one locally and take it for a test drive.... |
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Location: SoCal | Stephen,
Picture was when I first got it. It has been shorn of the tags for some time.
This is the one I got from Chris, traded the -7 back to him for it. He got the -8 on 12/24/04. Great timing for Christmas.
Tom, really hadn't thought about selling either but may consider one down the road.
The deep bowl textured top is my recommendation...I have played 12's starting with a Martin. My first was a Custom Legend 1158 (acoustic slothead). That Custom Legend 1158 made me a life-time supporter of Ovations.
For me, the Adamas I & II or the woodtop Custom Legend are just that good. Not taking anything away from the 12-str Elite. Why deep bowl? Every 12-stringer (except one) that I knew or know wanted the a/e but also played it as an acoustic. |
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Posts: 325
Location: Texas | I have never played the 1688 - but the 12 string ME has a beautiful deep tone to her and I just can't find one thing wrong with her. I just got the Adamas 1885 - beautiful lighter tone and I can hear more of the harmonics of the strings. Both are great and I would recommend either one. But like I said I haven't played the 1688 everyone is talking about - so I can't compare.
Adamas I - I would keep that puppy safe - the others you can take anywhere. IMHO |
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Location: big island | hey tom ~
i have no problems playing up to the 17th fret B and E strings on my 1688. not that i venture up there too often but easily do-able if needed.
i have not had occasion to play one of the U681T 12 strings, but i have played countless other brands and price ranges. the 1688 is far superior to any 12 i have ever heard or played. it is highly favored here in the islands with the professional musicians also. every day that i take mine out and strum, i get all fired up about its amazing tone, volume and ease of play all over again. it's a workhorse and made for giggin' too! ya' gotta get one! |
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Location: big island | not to mention, it is also gorgeous. even with its "gay" epaulettes! :rolleyes: 
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Tell me about Adamas 12 strings