|
|
Joined:
January 2005
Posts: 4903
Location: Phoenix AZ | OH MY GOD ...
Today I received my U681 12 string. WOW. Let me say up front that I was a little skeptical about this guitar wondering if it would turn out to be some kind of frankenstein project - wrong neck on the right body. Not so. Upon first opening the case my reaction was one of amazement at how "perfect" it looks. It's just a wonderful design and the execution by the factory is stunning. They replicated the body of the original U681 perfectly. The sparkle, the binding, the exact shading of the epaulet woods. Every is just as perfect as it could possible be. Fit and finish is as good as any guitar you'll find. And of course the slotted headstock is a thing of beauty. For everyone who owns a U681, this twin cousin is a "must have".
The only difference from the U681 (other than the number of strings, of course) is that teh 12-string has a slightly wider neck (1-7/8 inch), but the neck profile is identical. My 6 string was ordeed as acoustic only, while this 12'er has the wonderful OPPS. Now get this - my 6 string was custom ordered with gloss neck and headstock. And somehow one of the 12-strings just "happened" to come off the line also with matching gloss job. Talk about going the extra yard to THRILL your customer! The setup is perfect. Nice low action and the best playability of any 12 string I have EVER played.
Sooo, how's it SOUND ??? I was a little worried that the 6-string is such a boomer that maybe a 12 would just be "over the top". NOT SO. Yes thins thing is loud - SCARY LOUD. Warning, if you play seated or standing with the guitar held firmly against your torso, you better be wearing a cup. Because this thing will shake your nuts off. BUT, at the same time it's one fo the most delicate and angelic voiced 12 strings I have every heard. I've owned man y a 12 string going all the way back to shiny bowls, Glen Campbells, Pacemakers, Elites, Adamas 1 and 2. And THIS is the finest 12 string I have ever played. Let me say that again, so there is no misunderstanding. I've got an Adamas 1 and Adamas 2 twelve strings sitting at my knee right now, and this U681-12 is in a whole other league.
There is something (at least to me) about a 12 fret 12-string that is just "right". I play nothing past the 12th fret anyway. The voicing of the guitar just benefits so much by the 12 fret bridge placement. And another thing is that the 12 fret design makes the overall guitar seem much more in proportion. I'm not a big guy (5'9") and some 12'ers like the Adamas 1 with that big old broccoli headstock just feel huge to me. This 12 fretter is much more proportioned in my opinion.
I think this guitar is an absolute winner and with only 6 in existence I predict that it will become a highly sought after collectable almost immediately. Huge thanks to everyone at the factory who pulled this off (especially the guy who runs the glossing booth). Thanks to Bruce and the other members who pushed so hard to make it happen and a special huge thanks to Al for patiently listening to us whione and for having the vision to bring this baby to life. It's a stunning achievement.
Dave
PS - My Adamas 1 and Adamas 2 twelve strings are officially for sale. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 713
Location: Alberta, Canada | Yeah but do you like it??? :) :) :)
Glad to hear it turned out so well for you, Dave. Must be s sign it was meant to be. Enjoy!
Dave |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12755
Location: Boise, Idaho | Took him a jillion guitars to figure out what he wants. The neck on my Ute is glossy, too, but not as shiny as some and not as flat as others. It seems like AFG said something about making a change when he had to have the neck replaced. Someday I'll find another one and compare. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 4394
Location: East Tennessee | One word......
WOW!!! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
May 2006
Posts: 4226
Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent | Very...VERY Nice!!! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
October 2006
Posts: 5575
Location: big island | what a breathtaking week it has been...awesome dave, just awesome! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 2150
Location: Orlando, FL | Beautiful!
But does it really sound that much better than the Adamas I and II 12 strings???!? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 1478
Location: Michigan | That is what Adamas guitars are all about.
That is a superb guitar Dave . Congrats , GWB |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13987
Location: Upper Left USA | Al,
I'm an O Negative.
Which side do you want... |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2004
Posts: 799
Location: Athens, GA & Gnashville | Coooooooool Dave. You sick bastige!!!! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2005
Posts: 4903
Location: Phoenix AZ | You know, there's an odd connection between our eyes, ears and hands. The U681-12 feels so much better in my hands than a big Adamas 1 that it probably clouds my hearing a little.
Does it sound THAT much better than Adamas 1 or 2? Probably not by a whole lot. But the entire package is so "perfect" that it sure seems that way. The Adamas 1 might actually be a little louder than the U681-12, but I was just playing them side by side and whe you REALLY thump on the Adamas 1 it breaks up more so than the U681-12. You can lay into the U681-12 with all you've got and it just keeps singing. Now, they may have very different strings. I didn't consider that.
But let's just say at this point that I could not be happier with how this U681-12 turned out.
Dave |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15664
Location: SoCal | Dave, I'm glad for you. This is a guitar that you've been hoping and pushing for for the last few years.
My first thought when I saw it was "wow, the Adamas version of my GC 12", which might be pretty accurate. I'll look forward to playing it sometime this year.
If you're really selling the Adamii 1&2 12's, then a couple of people are going to have opportunities at some great guitars. Especially with the glossed neck and headstock of the A II 12. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2005
Posts: 4903
Location: Phoenix AZ | I just played around for the first time with the OP Pro Studio. I never had one before. Man is THAT nice. Compressor and exciter controls work really well.
I have a photo of the U681 6- and 12-strings side by side. I have been asked not to post it. Jockey doesn't have enough inventory to replace all the soiled shorts.
Dave |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2004
Posts: 1180
Location: Vermont USA | Hi Dave I was looking at your gallery is that an 07 collector you have. If so how is it? I have only seen pictures of it and I think it is one of the most beautiful guitars I've ever seen.
Pauly |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 212
Location: France | Very, very nice!!!! I need one! where is my lottery ticket???
Thanks for the photos and first impressions Dave, now you need to post a sound sample... please....
Tom |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 1673
Location: SoCal | Dave, Thanks for telling us that it meets and exceeds our expectations!
12 strings on a U681 just seemed right...
I think it will be a while before another Adamas-12 comes along that sounds and plays better.
Now that's my gut feeling... because mine will be on a Brown truck until Monday :D |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Dave....F*& U!
Al, got a PM coming at ya. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2005
Posts: 4903
Location: Phoenix AZ | Stephen, Not sure how to interpret your post.
OK, minor setback. I've been playing the crap out of this thing. But two of the Schaller tuners just broke. Both high E's. Not the tuner buttons, but the actual metal worm gears! The freaking things just stripped right out of the housings and the strings went "zing".
I'll transplant a couple from the 6 string to keep me going until I can find replacements. Damn.
Dave |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2005
Posts: 4903
Location: Phoenix AZ | Originally posted by Tupperware:
Stephen, Not sure how to interpret your post.
OK, minor setback. I've been playing the crap out of this thing. But two of the Schaller tuners just broke. Both high E's. Not the tuner buttons, but the actual metal worm gears! The freaking things just stripped right out of the housings and the strings went "zing".
I'll transplant a couple from the 6 string to keep me going until I can find replacements. Damn.
Dave Note to self: All future custom orders will have Weaverly tuners. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Dave....the post meant that you have screwed me once again by a glowing review that has caused me to visit the slush fund to find additional money to buy a guitar that I was hoping I wouldn't have to buy.....wheeewwww...
assuming there is still one left. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
October 2006
Posts: 5575
Location: big island | waverly |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2005
Posts: 4903
Location: Phoenix AZ | Originally posted by Lanaki:
waverly Yup, duly noted. They ARE the cats ass. I just paid $180. for a set for another guitar. I've paid less than that for entire guitars! But it's an investment I won't regret.
I'm hoping I can buy individual replacements for the broken Schallers. Having to buy a whole set would sure be a waste.
Dave |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Aren't they covered under warranty....new guitar etc? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 1421
Location: Orange County, California | It depends on what Dave was doing to himself with them at the time they broke. (Sorry Miles) :D :p :D :p
Yes, of course they're covered under warranty. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Dave,
My Custom Ute has a bum tuner as well- on the high E.
The Ute 12 has my knees week. I just boughta new vehicle and have to replenish the guitar fund for a while....
I'm jazzed it's every thing you hoped it'd be. Most Xcellent. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Sounds like Schaller must have shipped a bad batch of tuners to the boys at the factory. Bummer.... |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2005
Posts: 4903
Location: Phoenix AZ | More U681 Porn ...
 |
|
| |
|
Joined:
October 2006
Posts: 5575
Location: big island | this is absolute abuse in the first degree. there oughta be a law! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
May 2002
Posts: 651
Location: Australia | Nice set Dave.
I'm sure it sounds like a cannon.
I wonder what a 1688 with a 12th fret neck joint would sound like ? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2005
Posts: 1234
Location: Tidal Mudflats of Virginia | Ok,
Just gotta be the one to make an issue of it....Why did you go with a nontaper slothead? Sorry, but I don't care for the looks of the 12's head. Believe it or not, that's my heartache between my ute and fud, I like the ute's tapered head over that shovel blade...I know sound should be what matters most but to some extent, so does the looks...
Sorry Dave, nutcracking aside, I'm glad I passed 'cause I'd have been unhappy with it.
Tim |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2005
Posts: 1234
Location: Tidal Mudflats of Virginia | Ok, the deductive side of my brain is saying it had to be an engineering requirement (the tooling isn't setup to taper a 12 string head) or is a strength issue, lots of torque from all those strings might snap the head off. Yeah, that must be it...let me go back and keep looking at your picture...ok, so it could grow on me :)
Tim |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2005
Posts: 4903
Location: Phoenix AZ | Originally posted by Aloha_Tim:
deductive side of my brain is saying it had to be an engineering requirement (the tooling isn't setup to taper a 12 string head) or is a strength issue That is correct. Al tried VERY hard (you have no idea how many hours he puts into these projects) to get these done with the tapered headstock but it was not technically possible at this time. In hind sight, I'm glad he went with the non-taper. I actually think it looks better.
Dave |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | I like the Bigger headstock, both on the 12ers and the FDs . The tapered Headstocks are fine to, but I think it would look too skinny on a 12 and non-proporntional. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10582
Location: NJ | there were a number of issues involving the headstocks not matching.
I went with making a guitar that would sound great as opposed to a guitars that match. Sometime tooling issues win out.
Play one.
then decide. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2005
Posts: 4903
Location: Phoenix AZ | Al's right. PLAY one of these bad boys and you won't give a rats raincoat WHAT the headstock looks like. Dave |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15664
Location: SoCal | Looking at the pics of Tup's guitar, I'm starting to think that he's slipping a little (must be an age thing). He hasn't changed the tuner buttons from black to white. I thought that and a glossed neck were the first things he always did on receiving a new guitar..... |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | . . that and the gay GlenCampbell TRC . . . |
|
| |
|
Joined:
June 2006
Posts: 659
Location: Hiram, Georgia | nice pair, congrats Dave! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | That's what all the boys tell him. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2005
Posts: 4903
Location: Phoenix AZ | Moody, The neck was already glossed at the factory. Don't worry tuner buttons have been changed to pearloid and a new TRC has been installed. All is right with the world. Dave |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | Whatever you say there, RainMan . . . |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13987
Location: Upper Left USA | Waverly's, eh!
I wish I had a Custom Certificate...
Those are sweet. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2004
Posts: 799
Location: Athens, GA & Gnashville | Originally posted by cliff:
. . that and the gay GlenCampbell TRC . . . LMAO!!
Glen is gay? Come to think of it, the signature looks kinda........ |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | Not by ANY means.
What's "gay" is Witko's penchant for festooning every guitar he gets his paws on with one of these.
That's what I meant . . . |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | I dunno, Cliff.... 'Rhinestone Cowboy?'... Sounds a bit "Flamboyant" t'me. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | Oooo-Gaaaaahh!!!! . . . |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2004
Posts: 799
Location: Athens, GA & Gnashville | Cliff, it's not THAT weird.
I have the likeness of a GC TRC tatooed to the top side of my johnson. After a swim, it just looks like a tiny shark's tooth. :eek: :cool: :D |
|
| |
|
Joined:
October 2006
Posts: 5575
Location: big island | there are some things better left untold...and unimagined. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Does it read, "Glen Campbell Truss Rod Cover", before you swim, Goob? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2004
Posts: 799
Location: Athens, GA & Gnashville | No, I'm afraid it looks just like the TRCs on Dave's guitars and says "Glen Campbell." I think I could've gotten "HI! I"M GLEN CAMPBELL!"
on there, though. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15664
Location: SoCal | Goob, why do I get the feeling that you and Reed got along real well? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2004
Posts: 799
Location: Athens, GA & Gnashville | I've got some audio tapes of Jerry and Glen that I could make a fortune on, but I would have to go into the musician's protection program.
I'll bring them to OFC Tour and we'll party down and listen to them one night.....some funny stuff, bro! |
|
| |
U681 - 12 STRING FIRST IMPRESSIONS