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Joined:
May 2005
Posts: 21
Location: Woodbridge, VA | Hello,
I was browsing and found this forum on Ovations so I decided to join in order to ask some of you a few questions.
I've been playing for about 30 years, mostly in churches, a jazz band, and several solo ventures.
I own a D-35 Martin, a 000 Martin vintage 1935 (with classical strings - my most played guitar at home), a Yamaha 4X Acoustic-Electric (E-bay), a Carvin acoustic-electric (E-bay), a Fender (American, of course) Fat Strat, and a 12-string Alvarez-Yairi.
I've read a lot of your posts, and like many who write here, I am still pursuing that elusive Holy Grail sound especially when I'm in a band (loud, percussive environment).
My Yamaha does the trick (to a point) at lower volumes but can't stand up to the test in a high volume situation.
This is why I am writing: I've played Ovations in the past and have loved their sound but never their playability due to the high fret thickness on the neck (yes, I'm spoiled). I was told that Adamas fixed that so I managed to find one and played it. I must say that it is a lot better than other ovation models, but not as smooth as some rounded frets I've played.
I'm very interested in buying an Adamas (I figure I can learn to like the fretboard if I can have that kind of sound.
So here's my dilemna:
In previous posts you talked about the difference between the SMT and CMT Adamas' (Straight grain vs. cross-weave) and then I've read posts raving about the U681T and the 2005 C model.
Since I can't seem to find any dealers around here that have any Adamas' to put these comparisons to the test, I would like to hear your opinions on which model I should buy.
The Adamas website says that SMT favors fingerstyle and that CMT favors mid-range "cutting through the mix". I would like the guitar I buy to be able to do both when needed.
Any suggestions?
I've really enjoyed reviewing your posts....they are what pursuaded me to join. I hope that I can continue to discuss this issue with some of you and other topics in the future as well.
Happy to be here! |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15664
Location: SoCal | Thanks for joining the group. Let me ask a blunt question -- how much are you looking to spend? Is a cutaway important? Will you be playing more plugged in or unplugged? All this and more is important in recommending the right guitar. |
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Joined:
May 2005
Posts: 21
Location: Woodbridge, VA | Thanks for responding so quickly.
I'm in it to buy a new one so I'm willing to spend around $1600-1800.
I rarely use the cutaway when I'm playing an acoustic. I really only go up beyond the 12th fret on my strat. I like the look of one and it could come in handy for that occasional note but quite honestly, functionally speaking, it hasn't really mattered.
I will be playing plugged in. I would only get an Ovation for that reason. I think the peculiar dynamics of this guitar blow any other guitar away when plugged in. For example, Martin's are very hard to beat on sound but are dreadful when amplified...they were made for a microphone.
I'm looking for something that can really sing across the registers when plugged in and that can handle solo as well a band situation. |
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Joined:
May 2005
Posts: 21
Location: Woodbridge, VA | Thanks for responding so quickly.
I'm in it to buy a new one so I'm willing to spend around $1600-1800.
I rarely use the cutaway when I'm playing an acoustic. I really only go up beyond the 12th fret on my strat. I like the look of one and it could come in handy for that occasional note but quite honestly, functionally speaking, it hasn't really mattered.
I will be playing plugged in. I would only get an Ovation for that reason. I think the peculiar dynamics of this guitar blow any other guitar away when plugged in. For example, Martin's are very hard to beat on sound but are dreadful when amplified...they were made for a microphone.
I'm looking for something that can really sing across the registers when plugged in and that can handle solo as well a band situation. |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15664
Location: SoCal | Instead of an Adamas, why not look at the 05 Collectors? Great sound plugged in, comfortable with the contoured back, and good acoustically. Or get one of the U681T's. A 12 fret Adamas with an unplugged sound that will knock you out. Doesn't sound like a Martin, but more importantly, it's not supposed to. One of the members here on the board bought both and is keeping the 05 Collectors and selling the U681T.
I would get either ahead of a SMT or CVT. |
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Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | The U681T has a better unplugged sound than the 05 by a good margin. Plugged in they both sound wonderful.
The frets on the 05 might be less desirable to you than the frets on the U681T, but having only 12 frets does throw some people off a bit.
You could probably search and find out who is selling the U681T. Seems he had a great price on a guitar that was less than a month or so old.
Either will withstand heavy gigging with ease! |
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Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 6197
Location: Phoenix AZ | Stephen, does the 05C and U681 have similar neck profiles? Dave |
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Joined:
May 2005
Posts: 21
Location: Woodbridge, VA | Thanks for the info. I hope more will pour in.
Is the factory the best place to order any of the guitars mentioned above? or do some of you go through Musician's Friend or the like? Lahoff |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15664
Location: SoCal | You can't buy directly from the factory. You've got to go thru a dealer. Go to the front page of this site and click on the link to Lost Art/Vintage Instruments. That will take you to Al Pepiak. He's a troll (see other thread), but he'll make you a good deal, stands behind his sales, and is honest as the day is long. I wouldn't consider going any place else. IMHO. |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | I've never played an '05Collector's, but the U681T is a stonkin' guitar!
That'd be my $0.02 worth . . . .
(and by ALL means, talk to Al) |
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Joined:
May 2005
Posts: 21
Location: Woodbridge, VA | Thanks,
I will certainly talk to Al....
Sounds like from everything I'm hearing that the U681T Adamas is better than the SMT and CMT even though it also has the carbon layered top. Any reasons why? and why does the Spruce top of the 05 seem to please many in spite of all the carbon top hype (please forgive me if these questions seem to sound elementary - I've never owned an Ovation and just want to be sure before I invest....)
Thank you all for coaching me.....perhaps I'll be able to return the favor someday.
Standing by.... |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15664
Location: SoCal | The U681T is a 12 fret to body guitar, which means that the bridge is located more towards the center of the large bout of the guitar, which is a better spot with which to get a better sound. It also has a deep bowl as well as the new neck bracing system (lighter than the old K-bar system). Lastly, it has a slotted headstock, which means a sharper angle over the nut for a better transfer of sound to the guitar. Take a look at this link
http://www.adamasguitars.com/?fa=detail&mid=1847&sid=511
and this one
http://www.adamasguitars.com/?fa=30th_anni |
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Joined:
May 2005
Posts: 21
Location: Woodbridge, VA | Thanks,
Talked to Al.....we'll see if I can get my hands on a U681T. Hoping this (and more practice, as always) will take me to the next level.
Cheers. |
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Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 6197
Location: Phoenix AZ | Personal opinion - CMT and SMT are "OK", but not even in the same league as U681 and other textured top models (Adamas I and II).
Another personal opinion, if you are not in a hurry (maybe can wait a month), you should check out the Adamas II reissue. It's a cutaway deepbowl Adamas, 14 fret neck, with epaulets only on bass side. The reason I bring this up, is that I just bought a used version of the original that this re-issue is based on. And MAN O MAN, this is an amazing sounding guitar. Adn if you are playing live in church or wherever, this is a more "traditional" guitar in terms of size, neck, etc. than the U681. Almost more like the 05 Collectors in that regard. Check it out on the adamas website. I know Al is taking orders for them now.
Dave |
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Joined:
May 2005
Posts: 21
Location: Woodbridge, VA | Thanks for the input. Still in not too much of a hurry, although once the buying fever gets going.....you know what I mean...
What is frustrating is that I can't sit down and compare one guitar to the other before buying!
It's almost a roll of the dice....I'm just rying to improve the odds.
Wish there was a place - besides the factory that one could go to, to A/B different models. |
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Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | So come to the factory next month and try them! |
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Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 1421
Location: Orange County, California | Originally posted by GtrMn4Hm:
Thanks,
Talked to Al.....we'll see if I can get my hands on a U681T. Hoping this (and more practice, as always) will take me to the next level.
Cheers. It's funny you should mention practice. The U681T is single-handedly responsable for a vast improvment in my miniscule skill level. I got a chance (OFCTX get together) to play some really nice gear. Adamas I&II, W681T, '05C, Custom EliteT, Milenium, Custom Legend LX, even a really nice Taylor. None of these sucked, but I brought home the U681T that was there. I've been playing allot more since then, and I have to force myself to take a break from this guitar. My wife says my Classical playing is getting better too (Chops, Chord/scale memory etc). Your 000 Martin is going to get a well desrved break. BTW have you tried the John Pearse Thomastics on it?
JP Strings
I played them on my 1763 and tricked a couple of people into think they were steel. I get them from Lou. His prices and service are good.
Shameless Plug
Congrats!! Let us know when you get it!! |
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Joined:
May 2005
Posts: 21
Location: Woodbridge, VA | Can't escape the logic - A factory tour might be the only answer. I'll mull it over. However, it sounds like everyone is saying the same thing about the U681T......
I've never tried JP strings either - interesting! |
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Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Dave, I find the "feel" of the necks to be similiar but "fretting" solidly goes to the U681T. |
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Joined:
November 2004
Posts: 67
Location: Los Angeles, CA | GtrMn4Hm,
I agree with standingovation that an Adamas II is another very good choice. There are quite a few "blessed" people here with a large collection of Ovations. If you ask nicely enough, someone might offer you one at an extememly good price.
That's how I ended up with my Adamas II (thanks, PlayAdamas). |
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Joined:
May 2003
Posts: 4389
Location: Capital District, NY, USA Minor Outlying Islands | I saw Kaki Kings guitar and I think it resembles the reissue. I will second Dave's opinion, it sounds great. It seems to have deeper tones with only a slight loss of the upper register. Which is good if you're playing plugged in at volume. I think that this is a function of the missing lower bout soundholes and a top that resonates more of the lower frequencies. Well, that's how it sounds to me. |
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Joined:
May 2005
Posts: 21
Location: Woodbridge, VA | Thanks to all who provided input.
It has given me a lot to chew on. I'm not sure I can make the gig in Connecticut but it has inspired me to definitely purchase an Adamas model: U681T, Adamas II, or SMT/CMT.
Now I have to figure out the "financin'". I'll probably sell a couple of my guitars on E-Bay.
If anyone knows of some sweet deals out there, I'd appreciate a heads up. Cheers. |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15664
Location: SoCal | If you can get a U681T, then go for it. The Adamas 2, with no treble side sound holes, would be a close second. I wouldn't bother with the SMT or CVT. If you're only going to use the guitar plugged in, why not look for a used supershallow bowl Legend, Elite, or Custom Legend?
I think if you go with one of the Adamii listed above, you'll be astounded by the acoustic sound. |
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Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 136
Location: Parkersburg, WV | Music 123 has recently listed online the Adamas II reissue..........
http://www.music123.com/Adamas-1681-Adamas-II-30th-Anniversary-Mode...
Patsbro |
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Joined:
October 2004
Posts: 124
| Originally posted by GtrMn4Hm:
...Now I have to figure out the "financin'". I'll probably sell a couple of my guitars on E-Bay.
If anyone knows of some sweet deals out there, I'd appreciate a heads up. Cheers. financin'? easy! look at www.music123.com
$59/month with no interest for adamas u681
$70/month with no interest for adamas 2 30th anniversary
** free shipping for both ** |
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Joined:
November 2004
Posts: 67
Location: Los Angeles, CA | If you don't mind something used. . . check out this website. . . scroll down to see the Ovations.
http://www.kummersvintage.com/prod03.htm
The 1990's Adamas II is still available.
It's an interesting model: ebony fretboard, strange marker on the 12th fret, sound holes on both sides. I almost picked that up myself. They communicate well with you. |
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Joined:
November 2004
Posts: 308
| Have you seen this one? it's a beauty!
Kummer\'s \'78 Adamas 1687-7 |
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December 2001
Posts: 10582
Location: NJ | yup
that was mine at one time |
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November 2004
Posts: 308
| :) |
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Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 4619
Location: SoCal | re: http://www.kummersvintage.com/prod03.htm
I always favored #1 of the 1776 Patriot ;) |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15664
Location: SoCal | What the hell did you do to the top of that thing, Al? |
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December 2001
Posts: 10582
Location: NJ | got it that way |
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November 2003
Posts: 100
Location: Warren, OH | My other guitar is a Alvarez Yairi DY-76. I really like the 2005 Collectors for use at church. The XLR is really nice to go directly into the PA. And the bowl shape is really nice. Nothing to get used to.
If I hadn't gotten the 2005, I would have held out for the new Adamas with the same bowl... |
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Greetings and Question on Adamas models