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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Well Boys and Girls. It's here.
OH-MY-GAWD.
(If you've been on Mars, I refer to U681T.--#38) |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | So it does have an individual sn?
Well done Jeff....can't wait to hear a review! |
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Location: closely held secret | Congratulations!! Can't wait to hear the details! |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | OOOH -MYYYY-GAAAAAWWWD. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Sounds like it might be competition for the FD14 :eek: |
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Location: Snellville, GA | I'm not listening...I'm not listening... |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Originally posted by stephent28:
Sounds like it might be competition for the FD14 :eek: BLASPHOMY !!!
Let's start a serial number list.
Jeff - 38 |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Of course those could be cries of anguish!
Yes...yes...I definatley detect a hint of disappointment in his.....
OOOH -MYYYY-GAAAAAWWWD. |
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| I guess it's going to get quiet round here for a while, Jeff will be out dancing naked in the woods and howling at the moon for a day or two.
I gotta go look for a greetings card with a stork and an Ovation - I may be gone sometime.
Miles - can you set up a separate "New Fathers Only" post where thay can meet privately and go coochy-coo over their new offspring........
One person getting a new O is a joy to read about. But 8 of 'em? |
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Location: Tampa, Florida | I'm ready. Give me some comparitor. (HD28 like?) That much ka-boom? should i order my trc with the howlitzer on it? i am ready!!!!!!!!! |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | I have been to the mountain top....Just F@#king WOW.
After three tunes (Angie, Wish You Were Here, Redemption Songs)....
Clarity and Separation are phenomenal.
Not as bassy as 1537, but a beautiful round bottom (eh-em) yet, bright with wonderful ringing over tones.
Its a thunderstick very loud and it stays right with me strumming hard and aggressively.
holds it's tone and volume really well up the neck (which by the way ends a little sooner than a 14fret, whoops)
The neck is terrific. Fast, shallow half round profile...not the soft V as on 1537. Kinda almond color satin finish
There is a slight rattle or vibration in the pre-amp/tuner housing that will bug the hell out of me till remedied, but probably only those with good ears would pick up on.
Sound board just rumbles. when you tap it it just springs to life. It has light gold flecks.
Hands down one the best sounding guitar I have ever heard... I wish someone else was here to play it in front of me. |
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Location: Dayton, Ohio | quote: Miles - can you set up a separate "New Fathers Only" post where thay can meet privately and go coochy-coo over their new offspring........
i think you were meaning to say 'new parents only.' ;)
and congrats jeff :) |
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| I don't think I was.
Women just don't act that way. (This is a compliment not a criticism). |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Zchord,
That much KA-Boom. It really sings. Really.
...Schroeder, Good thing I have no neighbors, not waiting for the moon to rise. (Oh, and be glad I'm not posting in the new language I've undertaken)
Stephen,
It's competition. Sorry, Dave.
Thanks Persephone, and thanks for the stellar spring day. |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Hey, Al
I nearly had an aneurysm laughin, from the Pizza box use as packing.
But I can buy that stouffers stuff down here...I wasnt the real deal.
Many thanks for the really fine axe.
Oh, and the check should clear this time. |
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Location: NJ | People that have purchased stuff from me KNOW that I recycle and I use EVERYTHING in packing the guitar. I once had a ups claim turned down because the box was not double thickness. Even though Ovation boxes are approved ups cartons I try to put something in there between the case and box.
laugh if you must but the guitar got there on time and safely and that is the most important thing to me. |
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| Jeff W.
"Hands down one the best sounding guitar I have ever heard... I wish someone else was here to play it in front of me."
Hey dude I'll give you my address! Send it off to me and I will call you when it gets here so you can here it! OK?
Nice Buy Man.
Randy |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Nice quick review...sounds great.
I can't wait for a full on review and from everybody else as they start to filter in.
Maybe....just maybe....I will be happy that Al shipped mine out with a weekend stay at the pit of hell, if it arrives safely (fingers crossed).
Having to wait another full week with all the howling at the moon that might be going on could become unbearable.
"say a little prayer for me, Rosemarie"..... |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Al,
I thought the pizza box was a joke relating to a previous thread in which I was lamenting the total lack of decent pizza in these parts.
Thanks for being careful with her. |
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Location: NJ | It's all just a clever ruse on Al's part so that he only has to take the garbage out once a month . . . ;) |
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Location: Snellville, GA | Okay Jeff, you got to update your Opics. |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Stephen,
You'll be glad. Remember, these things are plastic. Hell, I'm taking it into the hot tub a little later.
Northcountry,
Send along your address. |
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Location: boulder | Jeff, my serial # is 21127. Is yours really just 38 or does it end in 38?
As for sound. :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) kids it's gonna be a good year.
the sound is clear and light, if that makes sense, the guitar is light in weight, th eneck is fat but not to hard to get around. The fingerboard is glued down.
I think this guitar is worth every penny. New Hartford has hit it out of the park. thanks guys. mike |
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Location: Orlando, FL | Congrats guys. We all want to see pics ASAP. |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Fugot,
Let's just wallow in our new found, if short-lived, status as the only two in the club.
The full seria# is, in fact, 21138. |
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Location: Anchorage, Alaska | Mine will be in tomrrow. Looks like I will be taking the day off. Don't want to miss the delivery... This is going to be one tough 24 hours of waiting! |
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Location: boulder | I am wallowing away.
did I say the New Hartford employees should all get raises?
hasta luego |
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Location: Tampa, Florida | Friday for me...come on give us some pics!!!!!!! |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | The List:
Fugot -#21127
JeffW- #22138
Zchord-???
StephenT-???
Alaskan Fly Guy-???
StandingO-??? |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | There's got to be more. Tony? |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Yer right, I do believe Tony should be on it
The List:
Fugot -#21127
JeffW- #22138
Zchord-???
StephenT-???
Alaskan Fly Guy-???
StandingO-???
Tony C -??? |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | The body of this guitar virbrates like crazy. And I'm going to have to ammend my prior statement about the bass on this guitar. The bass sounds very similar to the 1537, though the overall tone of the 12fret is brighter.
Pluck a harmonic and it sustains till yer lunch gets cold.
Man this thing is a sound pump. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | and the first shall be the last........
sigh....oh well...guess I will go play some blues on the '55 throwback. |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | You can look at my Pics, Stephen (how long I've been plotting my revenge)
I have the occassional bad habit of posting my right hand while playing. I can actually hear the difference in the sound of this guitar when I do it. The wieght of my hand actually makes an audible difference. Just what I need to help me break the habit. |
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Location: NJ | ". . The body of this guitar virbrates like crazy. . ."
". . Pluck a harmonic and it sustains till yer lunch gets cold. . ."
". . Man this thing is a sound pump. . ."
This must evidently be your first foray into the Land of Adamas . . .
NOW y'know what I've been raving about with the SlotHead (especially that "sound pump" comment).
Welcome to the Club.
ENJOY!! (although, that ALREADY sounds like an understatement . . . too late.) |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Cliff,
I actually owned a SMT a while back. This is a whole nother animal. |
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Location: NJ | SMT's are very nice guitars.
But in my book, the only thing "Adamas" about 'em is the headstock logo (no offense to SMTowners).
When Ovation made the original two protos of your guitar a couple of years ago, it was to re-capture the characteristics of the original OLD Adamases . . . like you said . . whole nother animal . . . |
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Location: Nova Scotia, Canada | Who has the original two protos?
Wayne |
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Location: NJ | I may (and probably do) have this wrong, but I believe Woz and Playadamas have 'em . . . |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | I know for sure that Woz has one. Not sure on the other. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | The ones that Woz and Mike own have different tops than the current U681. Dave |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | This Guitar also has the lite weight lyracord back. |
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Location: Tampa, Florida | Who bought that one NAMM protype that was on ebay recently? The older protos had the crossweave (CVT) right? Anyone remember the review that appeared in one of the guitar mags on the 12 fret slothead about 2 years ago? Anyone have that? They raved about this guitar and were floored. |
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Posts: 1673
Location: SoCal | The List:
Fugot -#21127
JeffW- #22138
Zchord-???
StephenT-???
Alaskan Fly Guy-???
StandingO-???
Tony C -???
Noah -??? |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | I'd love to see the review Zchord refers to.
And now that my fingers are sore from playing I leave some last comments and then give you guys a rest.
This is a very easy guitar to play. It has what i can only think to describe as a soft action, it's not real low but, soft. I have to admit that it looks a bit like the ugly duckling standing next to the 1537 but it is a truely amazing instrument. It's so lively that I expect it would start vibrating on it's own if left alone long.
There's going to be a handful of really happy muscians in the coming days. Really Happy. |
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Location: Tampa, Florida | Here's the Guitar Player 2003 Review--
http://www.guitarplayer.com/story.asp?sectioncode=6&storycode=4412
Ovation Adamas Slot Head
Ovation has always produced a special breed of acoustic guitars,
and the U.S.-made Adamas Slot Head ($2,200 retail, case included) is a 12-fret maverick that features a woven carbon-fiber top adorned with gold speckles—a cosmetic touch that makes this already earthy-looking guitar appear a bit like it’s covered with sand. Mother-of-pearl inlays grace the mahogany neck’s ebony fretboard, and the gold Schaller tuners fitted to the open headstock have nicely contrasting ebony buttons.
While Ovation is synonymous with acoustic-electric guitars, the Slot Head is strictly acoustic. In fact, it’s the only non-electric model in the line. That hardly matters, though, as tone explodes out of the Slot Head’s 22 soundholes. The Slot’s low end is also dramatically extended—strumming an open E chord yields such a deep-bodied tone, it’s as if a bass-boost button were activated. The Slot Head represents the pinnacle of Ovation’s acoustic guitar-making technology, and its deep-bowl body, “quintad”-style spruce bracing, and uncommon soundholes project tones with impressive volume and girth. —Jimmy Leslie
This is when the slothead was going to come out with no pickup. Glad they added it! |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Thank you |
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Location: WV | Hey Jeff CONGRATULATIONS! I just got back in town and saw the thread. By now you are probably tucked in bed with your new baby right beside you. The reviews I've read so far indicate that you are very pleased. Great feeling ain't it? Enjoy! |
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Location: SoCal | As of tonight, Music123 is saying 4-6 weeks. Believe Al has one in stock for immediate delivery. |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | I submitted a review to Music123 last night and Harmony Central. Mostly just cut and paste what I've said on this thread. |
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| Congrats! Sounds great. |
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Location: Anchorage, Alaska | I took the day off work and am sittin at the door!!! Where the hell is that guy... |
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Location: NJ | probably fly-fishing.
y'better hope he's not a guitar player . . . |
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Location: Anchorage, Alaska | It's here! Very nice & very different from my Ovations. This is my first Adamas and was way surprized at how light it is. OK here are the results from the initial visual inspection. The TRC has had the D string run across it (I guess)and it now has a little groove on the edge from that, and the fret board has a very small divot next to one of the frets. The rest of this guitar is magnificant. Neck is a bit more substantial than my Al DiMeola CL but very comfortable. The slot heat is way nice. Just beautiful. The gold sparkels on the body give it a nice little shimmer that I'm sure will be very nice with stage lights on it. (Not that I will ever be on any stage) Now remember this inspection is done with magnifiers. The imperfections are VERY tiny and by no means anything I'm going to even think about returning this guitar over. So for overall initial inspection I give it a 9.9 out of 10. The guitar has quite the WOW factor going for it that's for sure. I'll be back a little later (once my fingers get sore) with an update on my thoughts of the sound. Oh by the way it's #45. |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | AFG,
GO NUTS... |
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Posts: 2150
Location: Orlando, FL | No, No! It's too soon. I just got my 1537 2 weeks ago! GOTTA STOP READING OFC.
Too late. Thanks people. It's official.
My GAS is back.
Damn... |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | it's only a call away, and if I'm not mistaken your wife did say. "get both" ;) |
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Location: Orlando, FL | Yes, she did! Unfortunately my bank account says wait... |
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| It's no wonder you have to keep moving around.... |
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Location: Anchorage, Alaska | OK I have been playing this thing for a couple hours now. Oh WOW. So cool. My wife came home and listened to it's voice and proclained that my Al DiMeola and Guenivier (my 2005 Collector) must have had unprotected sex!!! The deep voice of the AD-II CL and the "Crystal" sounding voice of the 2005 Collectors is what the U681T sounds like. After I thought about it, I think she is right on the money. Great highs and very nice lows, right across the board. Now for a couple shots of cactus juice out of my "guitar slide" (I'm sure several will know about this) and I'll shoot out another stellar update on this guitar. |
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Location: Fort Worth, Texas | Oh WOW. Congrats!! |
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Location: SoCal | I have to wait until Monday... :( |
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Location: WV | AFG
You and Jeff are making me very jelous. Going to go break the piggybank now. |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | And the list just got longer |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Originally posted by Tony Calman:
I have to wait until Monday... :( Well, I take that back ... there actually IS one good thing about living in New Jerzey. You get your guitars quicker.
BTW, I was BORN and RAISED in NJ, so don't start with the hate mails, ok? It was a JOKE! |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | I was born in Phoenix.... Extradicted to Joizey. |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | then deported to Virginia. |
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Location: NJ | Where in Virginia are you?
(the only area I'm familiar with is Chincoteague) |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Otherside in the mountains. I have too many missing teeth to be allowed near Chincoteague. I'm about 70 miles dead west of D.C. Front Royal. |
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Location: RI. That small State out East | I've been on the road...
If we are making a list... I have the one that was "reviewed" for Guitar Player December 2003.
I "think" it is the 1st. of the reissue... This one has been turning heads from day 1.
Like going on a trip and seeing some great stuff, you wish others could see / taste what you are lucky enough...
I feel like others on the board are now getting a taste. Enjoy.
All smiles reading this one.
Woz
W681TA # 20319
Dave you say the top might be different? |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Well then, we know how the one Woz has sounds.
Do you agree with their review, want to add to it or compare to a guitar we are familiar with? |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Originally posted by Woz:
Dave you say the top might be different? I was told at NAMM that the tops on the 2 protos (W681) are different than the ones being shipped now (U681). Mike knows the details. I don't. To me they looked identical. |
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Location: So. Cal. | According to the "original" designer of the 12-fret Adamas, marketing felt the bottom (bass) was too powerful, so they switch to this new top to "balance" it. I have not played the new one in a quiet environment to ascertain that. As long as you guys like it, don't worry about it. I do use extra light on the lower 6/5/4 and light on 3/2/1 and get the idea sound (to me) balance. |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | A previous thread on th 12fretter when still a proto...
whadda these guys know anyway |
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Location: Tampa, Florida | UPS came right as I was pulling up. Waited until we got back from dinner to open the case. Wow, what a great guitar. #68. nice... play it awhile and then check back in. |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | we're waiting..... |
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Location: Tampa, Florida | Well, bad news. It just doesn't do it for me. I have also got some pressure from the wife, etc., so I have put it up on ebay and will hopefully make a few bucks off it. These things are pretty rare, I am sure someone would jump at the chance. Here is the listing-
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=13926&item=6... |
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Location: Upper Left USA | Made me look!
I prefer the Tootsie Roll Pop Wrappers. The Indian/Bow and Arrow are the Keepers! |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | I'm afraid to click, cause, I know I'm being hornswaggled.
(what's the difference between hornswaggle and boondoggle?) |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | or should i say suckered. |
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Location: Tampa, Florida | ;) ;) ;) |
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Location: Las Cruces, NM | Mr. Government Guy here to stop a crime
Just a warning to you disgusting perps that we in the Gov't environmental protection Department have been investigating a New Jersey known Family Member who has contracted with various subversive big business interests to ship their garbage to various innocent states under the guise of using it as packing material for guitars sent to unsuspecting accomplices. His, this AL, latest scam is shipping new Ovations with the enclosed garbage which MUST be returned as evidence to investigator Bailey in New Mexico IMMEDIATELY if prosecution is to be avoided. Miles has his mailing address. :rolleyes: :cool: :D :p |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Do I need a HAZMAT Permit?? |
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Location: Tampa, Florida | my packing material was pretty clean, just newspaper. BTW, the U61T is a sweet guitar. Awesome, beautiful, powerful, organic. Just an incredible guitar. |
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Location: Anchorage, Alaska | U681T List Update
The List:
Fugot -#21127
JeffW- #22138
Zchord-???
StephenT-???
Alaskan Fly Guy-#21145
StandingO-???
Tony C -???
Noah -???
It just gets better each time I pick this guitar up! |
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Posts: 6197
Location: Phoenix AZ | Sad, sad, sad how some of us just sit and wait. |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Adamas U681T-5 Limited Edition of 100
Original Owners Updated List:
Woz-Prototype W681TA #20319
Fugot -#21127
JeffW- #21138
Alaskan Fly Guy-#21145
Zchord-#21168
StephenT-???
StandingO-???
Tony C -???
Noah -??? |
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Posts: 398
Location: So. Cal. | Adamas U681T-5 Limited Edition of 100
Original Owners Updated List:
PlayAdamas Prototype W681TA #20318
Woz Prototype W681TA #20319
Fugot #21127
JeffW #21138
Alaskan Fly Guy #21145
Zchord #21168
StephenT ???
StandingO ???
Tony C ???
Noah ??? |
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Location: Tampa, Florida | Good to know they had lots of practice making ya'll's before they made mine. :D :D :D |
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| Personally I like Ovations. |
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Location: Tampa, Florida | Umm, don't we all? |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Sad, sad, sad........
As predicted....major storm has hit, temps in the 20's, 1-2 feet of snow.....and somewhere in a stupid UPS truck sits my 12 fretter....freezing. |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | The cases are nice and plush inside. Al has thrown who knows what varity of additional insulative packing in the box and I'm sending warm wishes she will arrive without frostbite. |
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Location: Upper Left USA | Stephen,
This is the perfect opportunity to sit down and write a song about it!
Here's a potential chorus:
"And nobody understands,
what some ol box in truck can mean to a man.
With the wind and the snow, keeping it from its home.
I'll be waiting, I will be waiting, I will be waiting for you" |
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| brought a tear to my eye. does it have music? |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Woody, that's awesome....
I have always been able to write excellent music but my lyrics have always sucked toad. Maybe a collaboration is near at hand.
Just announced on the news, that today is the single largest day of snow in years in the metro.....over 14" with no apparent end in sight.
Neither rain nor sleet nor snow would have stopped the mail from delivering....guess we get to see how big brown performs. |
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Location: boulder | stephen, it's almost all carbon fiber, in a good case. it will be ok. but this snow is pretty wild. just wait till it melts and everything turns to mud.uugghh |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Not sure how Boulder is doing but a yardstick on the porch just showed about 2 feet of snow here in the foothills.
Based on snow against mailbox, fences, rooftops, etc, I would say that is probably pretty accurate.
Finally bought a snow thrower this year. I think tomorrow morning it just paid for itself! |
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| t28 - you have my sympathy (particularly when a bongo player gets his first). At least this won't happen to me when my special order comes in June. Wait...England...June AAAAARGHHH |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | With jokes like that I can see why you are "Crippled Killer"! |
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| And why I don't work for The English Tourist Board.
Have they given you a new time yet? |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | NO, told the wife to listen for the doorbell and I am keeping my fingers crossed. When I checked UPS website this AM, it still showed guitar in Illinois. Site hadn't been updated.....I hope! |
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Location: Anchorage, Alaska | IT'S WORTH THE WAIT!!! |
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Location: SoCal | 21129 but can't play until I get back from dental... |
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Location: SoCal | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U681T List Update
The List:
Fugot #21127
Tony #21129
JeffW #22138
Zchord ???
StephenT ???
Alaskan Fly Guy #21145
StandingO ???
Noah ??? |
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Location: SoCal | For those with the guitar...was a little surprised that my neck looks like a 1537 with a floating fretboard that someone glued down...not flush, looks like it was filled with glue. Last 1/2 inch of the fretboard is suspended.
Pretty good gap...wonder what it would sound like with a "floating fretboard"? |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Tony, how about a quick review/comparison to the existing faves. My should show up today.....of course, today I am busy until after 7pm so won't even get home till after 8....
Hopefully will get to unpack and relax with new toy. |
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Location: SoCal | Stephen, as a "performer", everything that has been written before is true.
Only had a short time to play it (daughter's taxes and everything else) so can't compare with the others yet.
Course, as you know, Noah had a little UPS damage and there are some other concerns. |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | After being gone a few days, I was excited to see some more posts on this subject as folks received their guitars. Not much happening tho. Glad Tony got his and I'm guessing Mr.T will have his in hand today.
I spent a lot of time with this guitar over the last week and really like it. As I was most excited about the way it sounded (and that's why I bought it) looks didn't really matter to me...I don't think it's all that good looking a guitar...tho nearly, everyone else who's seen it, thinks it is.
It does have some minor, yet noticable, fit and finish issues. Of all the O/A's I have owned this the only that has noticable flaws in the workmanship and finish.
Still sounds and plays f*%king great. |
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Location: Tampa, Florida | I love the look, but agree about finish issues. took off the manhole cover and checked out the inside. Some stray glue. It's a real nice guitar. I love it. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Mine finally came it. Unpacked it, looked at it in the case, strummed it while in the case (not in tune) and decided I was too damn tired to tune it up and mess with it tonight. Waited this long, another day doesn't matter. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | U681T List Update
The List:
Fugot #21127
Tony #21129
JeffW #22138
Zchord ???
Alaskan Fly Guy #21145
StephenT #21147
StandingO ???
Noah ??? |
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Location: SoCal | Noah has 21139 |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Adamas U681T-5 Limited Edition of 100
Original Owners Updated List:
PlayAdamas- Prototype W681TA #20318
Woz- Prototype W681TA #20319
Fugot- #21127
Tony C- # 21129
Noah- #21139
JeffW- #21138
Alaskan Fly Guy -#21145
Zchord- #21168
StephenT -#22147
StandingO -??? |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Sadly, The wait for the "white" sheep of the family will be a long one. But I'm not complaining. I'm putting $5 a week in the cookie jar.
But Al, I think the other owners would agree with me that if you still have that one un-sold one, you should send that to me as a loaner until mine is ready. I'm only half joking!
Dave |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Now there's a service perk. Al, I'd put an ankle monitor on it. |
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Location: Parkersburg, WV | Add me to the short list at #21169. I had been searching for a 12 fret,1st generation Folklore for some time, but this U618T is better than I expected. It's futile to try to describe tone on the internet, but think of the '97 Collectors Edition with more bottom. Sounds incredible.
Patsbro |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Adamas U681T-5 Limited Edition of 100
Original Owners Updated List:
PlayAdamas- Prototype W681TA #20318
Woz- Prototype W681TA #20319
Fugot- #21127
Tony C- # 21129
JeffW- #21138
Noah- #21139
Alaskan Fly Guy -#21145
StephenT -#21147
Zchord- #21168
Patsbro- #21169
StandingO -??? |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Finally got to spend some time with the newbie tonight. Overall impressions are very nice sound and sloppy workmanship for a limited edition run.
I have a hairline crack on the freboard binding on the 5th fret, easily felt by sliding your finger along the edge. Few other minor niggles that I have seen but I spent tonight playing it and not really inspecting it. I will do that more closely this weekend.
You would think that with this being one of the limited edition flagship offerings, that they would go the extra mile to make it really special. By comparison, the workmanship on the FD14 and the 1719-30CM are flawless.
The flag is currently at 3/4 mast due to workmanship. I am going to play it some more over the next few days along side the current favs...FD14, 1719CM, 1537, and 1681 and then do my new rankings (like anybody really cares what I think anyway!) based on sound and ease of play.
This kind of quality stuff never happened when W2 was captain of the ship (at least not so blantantly)!
Makes me wonder what surprises lay in store if I drop $4-5K on the OFC guitar or #47! |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Stephen,
You raise a good point about the future reissues. Somewhere in this thread I mentioned that the workmanship and finish is of a lower quality than I would expect from Ovation and if it is this poor on a high end limited issue...no way will I spend 4-5 grand on one of the coming reissues. I'm on the list for one of the reissues now, but I'll need to be assured that Ovation has worked out the bugs and that they will be of flawless finish and workmanship.
Have to say though...It does sound great.
And you got a bound fretboard??? |
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Location: SoCal | Rick Hall and Frank Untermyer need to read this thread. Ovation q.c. is usually very very good. If there are problems, they need to be aware of them.
Anybody else finding any issues with their Admans 12 slothead? |
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Location: Anchorage, Alaska | I have to agree with the lower quality workmanship on this limited guitar than we are used to. I was also somewhat surprised with the flaws I have found on mine. I was thinking seriously about the #47 OFC guitar to add to the collection as well but now I'm in a holding pattern on my decision. This guitar does sound and play wonderfully though (and that is why I bought it). |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Paul,
I am giving serious thought to writing a letter to the Mothership. It is sorta of easy for me to overlook the workmanship flaws because this guitar sounds and plays so well but, if I could feel a fracture in the neck binding, as Mr.T describes, I would be less inclined to let things slide. And as I hear about flaws from others, I am having an even harder time overlooking these things.
My guitar has very small dings in the headstock, the 3rd and 4th strings rub against the TRC and have marred the egde, visible mill marks along the length of the neck, sloppy epaulet application (looks like they wiped costic adhesive excess from around the epaulet, leaving a smoothed border in the textured top), And the Preamp housing rattled, until I went through and tightened the housing screws, and the 1/8inch pickup plug shield. |
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Location: SoCal | First, contact Al and let him know. I'm certain that he would work on it on your behalf. The people at Ovation read this board regularly. This is not the kind of stuff that they want to hear, but they do know that this type of product shouldn't be leaving the factory.
Call Al. Of course, I'm assuming that you got the guitar thru him? |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Al,
Should I write a letter to Rick??? |
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Location: Parkersburg, WV | I just re-read all of the posts concerning the problems with the U681T and decided to inspect mine carefully. Everything is okay. One thing I did notice. Attached to the headstock was a Quality Assurance card listing Fit-Finish, Electronics-Intonation-Play test and Final Inspection. All three categories were initialed as passed. This is the first time that I have seen a Quality Assurance check list on a new Ovation. If anyone decides to follow through with the factory you may wish to mention the card and who signed off on it.
Patsbro |
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Location: south east Michigan | One of those cards came with my AD-II. |
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Location: Tampa, Florida | The fit and finish on mine are a bit sloppt as well, for a guitar of this price and prestige. The epaulet glue is a little sloppy with patches of it around the wood on the top. I don't expect that top to be finished perfectly, based on the texturing. I looked through the manhole and noticed glue on the purfling and braces. It's kind of a rough guitar in the first place, not "pretty", but very sharp looking. I love it, it plays and sounds great and there are no major flaws, but the finish is sub par for an Ovation. I am happy with it. |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Patsbro,
I've got that same card. I will include a copy in any future correspondence. |
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Location: NJ | Originally posted by Jeff W.:
Al,
Should I write a letter to Rick??? I think you already have. |
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Location: SoCal | The Mothership knows of our concerns.
#21139 seems to exhibit all of the above and more.
The first thing that visitors see when they come to this site is aLeX’s quote, "Ovation Guitars really don't get the respect they deserve!”
I am embarrassed for our friends at the Mothership, as they know that they have inadvertently let us down.
In a perfect world, if up to the artisans making our guitars, you would never find a flaw.
But in today’s world of “bean counting”, the time allowed for perfection becomes just another variable in the equation of profitability and investor return.
Hopefully this will be a wake up call to the RIGHT people and not the obvious chewing out of the little people.
When the perceived Quality on a product dips like this, I look further, way further, up the line.
QA always boils down to “meet requirements”. What are my requirements? I did not use a microscope. At first I did not even have my reading glasses on. If I can see it, or feel it, and it does not belong there… it does not meet my requirements.
I knew the U681T would play and sound heavenly. My expectation was a larger than life version of my ’97 Collector’s… 12 fret, larger bowl, but unsure of what the Adamas top would add to the mix. Someone I think even brought up the ’97 in their review?
We waited for these guitars to ship. I was anxious to tune her up and spend some quality time with her… I just could not get past the fit and finish.
Please practice making 99 U681Ts and I will wait for the last one. thank you, bruce |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | so the mothership knows are concerns.....what are they going to do about it?
Bruce, sorry I have been unavailable to grab your calls. Been very busy on a project that I have to have finished by tomorrow (Sunday) evening. I will try to give you a call Sunday PM. |
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Location: SoCal | Originally posted by stephent28:
so the mothership knows our concerns... what are they going to do about it? T28, What would you want them to do about issues on your U681T?
I voiced my opinion and said what I wanted. |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Acknowledgement on Ovation's part would be a start. We all bought these guitars, sight unseen, because we are, not only fans, but LOYAL CUSTOMERS. There are few more valuable assets to a Corporation, than loyal customers. We are loyal because we apppreciate the quality of Ovation instruments and trust that Ovation will maintain the standards that made us loyal customers in the first place. Not many people would lay down $1700.00 for a product, sight unseen, on faith, without a deep measure of trust in the manufacturer.
Ovation should treat this like a Recall in addition to standing by their warranty for materials and workmanship. Acknowledge the problems, accept accountability and offer remedies/repair/replacement at no charge to customers with legitimate issues. Ovation should trust us not to take unfair advantage of such and offer. |
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Location: south east Michigan | Acknowledgement on Ovation's part would be a start. I wouldn't look for a responce or even an acknowledgement from Ovation here on the OFC. Those concerned should just go through the proper channels. I have to think that their concerns will be addressed. |
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Location: boulder | Well,
I must be lucky. My fit and finish is not perfect, but pretty close.
I have a slightly larger then pin size hole between neck, binding and bowl. Side of ebony fretboard on high E side has small indentation near nut and very small adhesive drip on soundboard end of fretboard. The headstock has three small dimples in the black paint. Lastly, my D string totally touches the truss rod cover.
With all that said, I would buy this guitar again. I wish the fit and finish were perfect. But the sound is really why I bought.
This was my concern that the big O factory would be rushed in making so many guitars/models at once. BUT they did just build this for us loyal fans, as I understand it. If it is a choice of having this guitar the way it is, or not having it at all, I would still take it the way it is.
Maybe, I am luckier with the one I received. Just my 1.5 cents worth. peace mike |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Brad,
I would not expect Ovation to make any sort of acknowledgement in this forum. My thought would be notification by mail much as an automobile manufacturer would. And/or working through the dealers.
I think it important to say, I am not angry or mad at Ovation. Just disappointed in the workmanship of this particular product. Had this guitar been on a self at GC, I would have spent time with it played it and looked it over carefully before I purchased. In this circumstance I didn't have that opportunity, and relied on the trust I have in Ovation and their QC to deliver a first rate product to those of us who pre-ordered and put money up front to assure Ovation there was interest for this product AND insure that we would get one of a very limited run. |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Quote by Fugot:
"If it is a choice of having this guitar the way it is, or not having it at all, I would still take it the way it is."
Mike,
I have to agree with you, I love the way this guitar sounds and plays, and I would certainly rather have it than not. However, I don't think that the choice had (or has) to be great sounding guitar with finish issues, or no guitar at all. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Slipkid
With 3 separate people signing off of the "quality" of the instrument, the mothership must feel that the guitars met their QC goals.
I don't see them doing or acknowledging anything, otherwise these would have never left the building.
Remember, this isn't like 1 or 2 out of the 100 who are experiencing a problem. This is 9 of the 10 who have one and also are on the OFC. If we have 90% of the guitars shipped with a problem, I don't see that the other 90 guitars to be shipped out will be any better. A 10% sampling is a pretty darn large sample for marketing.
I personally will probably not be buying any more high end Ovations sight unseen without some heavy assurances that I will receive a quality guitar.
The serial number fiasco for a ltd ed guitar is just icing on the cake. You think with all the comments voiced about the 1719-30CM that a lesson might have been learned.
But then what do I know.....I'm just an idiot that plays guitar and buys them sight unseen! |
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Location: south east Michigan | I'm not saying that the factory is not without fault. I'm just suggesting that given the opportunity, the system will work. Make your claim up the chain of command.
I can't see them sending out a letter of recall for every guitar made without having a specific problem on all hundred of them.
Anyway...I'm not trying too defend them or minimize the problems. I just play their guitars and wear their hats & shirts.
As Treebeard might say... "Hoom Hum...Now now my fine hobbits...Lets not be hasty!" |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Slipkid said: I'm saying that the factory is without fault I think you meant to say that the factory is "not" without fault. |
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Location: south east Michigan | I stand corrected. I edited my post.
I should have known better than to use an awkward double negative in a sentence.
Being able to edit my posts is reely grate. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | and now makes my post look silly!
You are a slippery one :D |
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Location: SoCal | Originally posted by Slipkid:
Being able to edit my posts is reely grate . Having a spell checker would be priceless.
Never the less, we get our point across even with homonyms.
Obvious fit and finish problems in 90% of an initial 10% sample indicates an issue to be addressed. Work through your dealer (more work for aLeX, sorry).
Most of us would say that the Mothership usually exceeds our expectations.
Let’s prove to them again that we are their best Focus Group.
A sloppy job is either a result of apathy or the lack of time, materials, and equipment. We all know that Production is maxed-out. Soon it will lead to burn-out, which results in apathy. I hope that Management realizes what is starting to happen. This is a hand-made product. Even machines exhibit higher failure rates at increased output. |
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Location: Waxahachie, Tx | A sloppy job is either a result of apathy or the lack of time, materials, and equipment. We all know that Production is maxed-out. Soon it will lead to burn-out, which results in apathy. I hope that Management realizes what is starting to happen. This is a hand-made product. Even machines exhibit higher failure rates at increased output
Noah,
The words you wrote speak volumes.
It is very sad when a Product whatever it is. is executed poorly,and that's being kind.
I have worked in the aviation industry for the past 25yrs and have watched bottom line, take precedent over quality, period. And I work for the BEST corporate aircraft manufacture in the world.
When I pickup an article,item,tool,guitar whatever it is I tend to examine like I'm inspecting it at work and I don't deviate or try comply with the intent it is or it isn't.
So, when you guy's purchased a special production guitar from a Manufacture as good as Ovation and recieve a product executed poorly the production process of that guitar has issues. Weather it be Personal pride in work or
any of the reasons you mentioned in your comment.
And in a professional way Ovation should be informed.
When I first purchased a s771-4 it had very poor finish on the binding around the body and the fretts stuck out of the neck way to much for just a dry condition scenerio. I sent it back thinking I'll get a more expensive one like the 1771LX-4 well it too had issues.
Regardless of my current problems I feel that from what I have read on this board and my own conversation with John Budney and Kim that if I feel that my guitar needs to be addressed I can send it back at any time. That is one of the best reasons to own an Ovation.
Sorry for the Rant I'm Out. |
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Location: SoCal | "...we get our point across even with homonyms"
What do gay nyms have to do with anything? |
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Location: boulder | Well,
first to jeff, after rereading I agree with you it should not have to be a guitar with finish problems or no guitar at all. I meant, as for mine, i would take it (and am )the way it is.
But after spending a sunny afternoon playing it and inspecting it even more, I have a couple more comments.
I actually think the fretboard is bound with ebony. I did not notice it at first because both are in fact ebony colored. My neck binding (?) has lots of little nicks in it. It really has the most visual finish defects. One major indent near 1st fret and nicks and such.
also my preamp has the output connection empty.
(no big deal).
finally my saddle/pu/ assembly seems a little loose, small vibration, but nothing big or worrisome. I think I can just tighten it myself from underneath, (well I hope, actually have no
idea).
For comparison, The fit and finish on my 2005 -es collectors is much much better then this U681t.
I am totally in the camp for a separate serial number for a limited edition run. I am not sure why, I just do/am.
Overall, I still love this guitar, but of course I am biased. But I would hope that the factory slows down and really puts there best product out the door.
still just my humble opinion and random thoughts...mike |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Jeff had me second guessing my comments about the fretboard binding being cracked on mine at the fifth fret.
Glad to see you feel that there is a binding on yours also.
Jeff....check yours closer and let me know. |
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Location: Orlando, FL | You get what you pay for?
I've been following this thread closely. All of your early descriptions of this guitar were giving me a BAD case of GAS. Sounds like some of you are satisfied in spite of the issues with your instrument.
If you had been told before your purchase that you were getting a brand new guitar (not FRG) that played and sounded great, but had minor cosmetic issues (sounds like a lot of eBay descriptions), would you have been as eager to spend your hard earned cash? Would you have expected a discount?
I'm really not sure what I would do in your situation. Really, how a guitar plays and sounds is the most important thing, BUT I would be very disappointed, easpecially given the limited number of guitars.
Good luck to everybody. I'll be watching this one.
And tell me, knowing what you know, would you still buy?
I still kind of want one. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Of course you want one. It is a wonderful playing and sounding guitar............
but, a ltd edition should not have cosmetic issues. It should be cream of the crop and that is what we expected.
Most of these guitars...if sold on ebay, would have to be listed as excellent but not mint with minor flaws to the finish.
Kinda like driving that new car off the lot. I feel that you are losing way to much value based on it's cosmetic condition before it ever leaves the case. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Well, as the one on the list who has not gotten theirs yet, I'll withold judgement until it arrives. But I can tell you right now, if it's anything less than perfect I will be extremely disappointed. I hope to hell the "Fit And Finish" QA person is reading this! |
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Location: SoCal | re: "If you had been told before your purchase that you were getting a brand new guitar (not FRG) that played and sounded great, but had minor cosmetic issues (sounds like a lot of eBay descriptions), would you have been as eager to spend your hard earned cash?"
No... :( |
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Location: Canton (Detroit), MI | It's been my gut feeling ever since I heard what Ovation's plans were for the new models that they are trying to do too much new stuff at once, especially with LX production at full capacity. That's generally a prescription for quality problems. Their model complexity right now has got to be a KILLER.
This is not meant to be negative to them, just an appreciation of the problems they must be facing.
Roger |
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Location: SoCal | I think that this is the longest thread ever on this board. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Originally posted by moody, p.i.:
I think that this is the longest thread ever on this board. For good reason! Started out as a thread about one of the best sounding acoustics that Ovation has ever made. Ends up with almost all those who have received them being disappointed about the quality. I'd say that's pretty serious shit.
As I posted already, I'll reserve judgement until I receive mine. DEAR OVATION, I AM IN NO HURRY. TAKE YOUR TIME AND DO A FIRST RATE JOB. PLEASE. I must say the last two new Ovations I bought (FD14 nad 05C) were spot-on flawless in quality. And one was even an FRG!
Dave |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Dave, that is what puzzles me so much.
The '05, produced in much higher quantities, appear to be having no issues (or very few).
So why is a limited edition adamas, shipping out with all sorts of minor to semi-major flaws. Some of the defects in some guitars (like Noah) are so blantantly obvious that a seeing-eye dog could have spotted them......so how did they slip past "3" QC people who all signed off on the guitar!
Something is seriously out of wack at the mothership! |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Maybe to compete in the $2000 to $3500. guitar market takes a slightly different focus and different set of QC criteria. Is it realistic to expect the same people that ensure the flame and flag paint jobs are the right colors, to really know what it takes to compete with multi thousand dollar wood box pieces of art? I'm not going to call out anyone until I see my own guitar. I've never yet been disappointed first hand with Ovations quality. But at some point maybe you just can't be all things to all people. Dave |
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Location: Tennessee | The '05, produced in much higher quantities, appear to be having no issues (or very few.
So why is a limited edition adamas, shipping out with all sorts of minor to semi-major flaws. Just a thought ... maybe it's because the Adamas is made in a separate area in the factory. Both times I was there nobody was manning the station. Are there people dedicated to the Adamas or is it catch-as-catch-can? The '05 was no doubt part of the normal production process, which anyone who was at either of the tours can attest, is an amazing process with skilled craftsman all down the line. |
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Location: Upper Left USA | Lines shift to what is needed is what I have heard in the past. |
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Location: Converse, Texas | My '05 Collectors is first-rate. I have absolutely no problems with it. I can't imagine the QC being that much different for the Adamii. |
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Location: SoCal | Consistently, we have had excellent to outstanding effort by the factory staff whether Adamas or Ovation. Whatever the price range.
This is unusual and, IMHO, doesn't reflect on a future trend. I haven't been to the tour but I am convinced that everyone there has their heart in what they do.
It sounds like Al and the factory will take care of Bruce.
I said it previously but of the five 30th Anniv Custom Legends that I have owned (still have three), I could find no flaw.
As to the 12-fret, couple of very minor, negligible areas - but only after a very close inspection. Guess 9.8 of 10 :)
Yes, staff should check out why Bruce's was shipped as I am sure they already have... |
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| could you guys document the problems (owner & issues) in a separate thread and show some pictures of the blemishes?
if i were you, i would send it back & get the problems fixed under warranty. |
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Location: SoCal | Originally posted by Mr. Adamas:
if i were you, i would send it back & get the problems fixed under warranty. My concern is that #21139 then ends up as an FRG w/Lifetime Warranty.
I find that unacceptable.
I am very patient, more understanding than most, and would rather be part of the solution than part of the problem.
PLEASE PRACTICE MAKING 99 U681Ts & SEND ME THE LAST ONE OFF THE LINE.
Originally posted by Mr. Adamas:
could you guys document the problems (owner & issues) in a separate thread and show some pictures of the blemishes? IMHO: We should be part of the solution.
The Fit & Finish issues are embarrassing enough for our friends at the Mothership.
Please do not add to their hurt by publicly posting pictures.
Send them to your Dealer and let them forward them on.
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Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | "My concern is that #21139 then ends up as an FRG w/Lifetime Warranty.I find that unacceptable."
Sending a guitar back to be fixed under Warranty does not make it an FRG. It makes it new and a properly repaired or fixed guitar. FRG is a very specific term that does not relate to warantee repair. They don't change the serial number and attach an FRG stamp to a repair, they just repair it. In fact NOT sending a guitar back to me, is in fact not helping the solution. In a few years, if any of these unrepaired guitars hit the street again because they are sold, it will reflect on the original workmanship which may have been a fluke.
I think it is in the best interest of everyone that if anyone has an issue, as has been stated before, they follow normal procedure and contact the dealer. When you get your guitar back and it's then flawless, you are going to feel pretty silly 5 years when this is all forgottwn having pictures of your "pre-fix" guitar showing up in peoples posts. Remember, unless something goes wrong, what's posted here is a permanent record. Or worst yet, you go to sell your still "flawless" guitar and someone posts your pictures of your pre-fixed guitar. Just something to think about. |
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Location: NJ | frg guitars have 5 year warranties not lifetime.
if you are going to post please get the facts correct. |
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Location: SoCal | Miles,
#21139 went back. The rework that it requires in my opinion turns it into the 'equivalent' of an FRG. Refinish whatever flaws you catch at the factory before it leaves. Don’t send me a brand new guitar that needs refinish work. What I would get back is refinished with a Life Time Warranty. It just does not sit right with me.
bruce |
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Location: SoCal | This sounds like Elvis not wanting to date women with kids...... or not wanting to buy a car that had been in an accident...
If Ovation repairs the guitar, you'll never know there was ever anything wrong with it. |
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Location: south east Michigan | The situation also reminded me of the new car that might need warrenty work. But the analogy doesn't hold up. There is just to much emotion, or maybe "mojo" when it comes to a guitar like this. |
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Location: SoCal | There's a lot of emotion, but you've got to give Ovation a chance.
When I do work for a client, it doesn't go right 100% of the time. I always let the client know that if somethings wrong, I'll fix it and make it right. |
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| guys, calm down, give the factory a chance.
send it back, you will receive not just a brand new guitar, but it's flawless, i quarantee =)
some of the problems mentioned are minor, e.g. screws on preamp/battery holder not 100% tighten, some strings touching the trc, tiny ding on headstock, hairline crack on binding, etc.
the blemishes on each u681 are unique.
could the ding on headstock caused by the owner accidentally after a few days of playing?
could the hairline crack on fingerboard binding caused by the temp/humidity change in the owner's home or "excessive" tuning? |
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| I'm getting a terrible sinking feeling here. :eek: |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Well, in the case of my hairline crack in the binding at the 5th fret, it was there when I opened the case (so we can rule excessive tuning out).
So far as temp/humdity change, well it was shipped from the mothership to a state engulfed in a snow storm.....but I would swear I was assured by a dozen members of the OFC that an Adamas would not be affected by the weather and temp changes.
Regardless, the crack was there when I opened the case, so it happened somewhere along the way.
If the crack was on the 12 fret, probably wouldn't give it a second thought....but since I do a lot of playing on the first 7-10 frets, it is a little annoying.
I have no problem sending it back in for a repair, but why should I have to pay another $40 to fix what should have never happened in the first place! |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Originally posted by Mr. Adamas:
guys, calm down, give the factory a chance.
send it back, you will receive not just a brand new guitar, but it's flawless, i quarantee =) With all due respect Mr.A, that's a lot of bullshit. Home builders pull that crap all the time - do a 95% job and 9 times out of 10 the buyer will be so thrilled with his new house he won't notice. But I would never expect that from any musical instrument builder who intended to be in this business for very long. Is that what we think O's business plan is? Ship shoddy work and hope most people don't notice? Those that do complain we'll gladly fix it up and make it flawless? For christ frecking sake why wasn't it flawless the first time around!
As Ovation fans and lovers I'm sure most will give them the benefit of the doubt, suck it up and shell out the money to send it back to get the TLC it should have gotten the first time around. But many new prospective Ovation buyers won't. It took Ovation a long time to come up with some guitars that could maybe be considered side by side with the woodies. Guitars like the FD14, the CL30, 05C, and the U681. And as appealing as the sound comparison might be, die hard woody lovers will take one look at shoddy workmanship and walk away - forever. You'll never get them back.
And please don't anyone bother unloading about how all guitar builders have a small number of cosmetic issues. That's just plain not true. I spent the better part of Saturday browzing NY's shops for middle of the pack ($2000 to $3500) woodies and the dozens and dozens of them I examined and played were spot-on perfect pieces of art (although some did in fact sound like absolute crapola).
In almost 35 years of playing and loving Ovation guitars the issue of quality workmanship has never even entered my head. You bought Ovation and by definition you were getting quality workmanship. I never in a million years would have expected a thread like this one over a guitar with as good of a pre-reputation as the U681. Something is seriously wrong if Ovations most loyal followers (we're a FAN club!) are coming unstuck over this.
I'll post my observations of my U681 when it arrives, but probably that's still some time off. The bright side of the picture is that so far everyone who has got one seems to love the sound. Kind of like one of my old girlfriends - don't look to closely and you'll like her just fine.
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Location: Midland, MI | ...Kind of like one of my old girlfriends - don't look to closely and you'll like her just fine. I'm so glad that didn't go in the direction I thought it was headed.
Sorry to hear about the issues. Shocked, really. |
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Location: Anchorage, Alaska | Well I've been out of town for the past 4 days and couldn't beleive how long this thread has become. With 9 out of 10 of these guitars having problems thought I had better take another look at mine. Sure enough I found a few more flaws that I must of overlooked in the excitment when I first got it. I said earlier that there was nothing bad enough that I would send it back but now I'm not sure about that. I don't know how I missed it before, but the slots in the slothead don't match. The one on the high strings is not rounded properly like the low string slot is. It also looks like there are a few cracks between the tuners and the slots in the black piece covering the headstock! These along with the little divot in the fretboard, the TRC being touched by the strings, and a little glue sloped around... I have several Ovations and have never seen this QC/QA problem. Here I thought I was going to the top of the mountain with an Adamas? |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Not just an Adamas AFG....but a Limited Edition Adamas. That's what cranks me up! |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Can you guys with problem U681's please post pictures of the defects? I'd love to see what this stuff really looks like. Dave |
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Location: Anchorage, Alaska | I'll shoot a few digital images in the next few days and post them. I might send a few to customer service to get their take on these flaws. Again, I am a bit torn as to send it back. This guitar feels, and sounds wonderful! |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | I played one of these today and it seemed fine. Neck wasn't big enough for me so I put it back. Other than that, a nice guitar. |
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Location: Lafayette, Louisiana | Has anyone given Kim or John a call at the factory and talked about these problems? I would like to hear what they have to say about them. |
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Location: SoCal | Take a look at the early posts - then, it was just a quality control problem and everyone was kind...now, it may be developing into a public relations problem. Posts are becoming more specific.
I know that Ovation is aware of it - I sent Bruce's photos to Kim.
I was disappointed, but not too upset with the small stuff (small amount of excess glue on the top, couple of marks on the top of the binding that looked like nicks but were smooth, small cut in the binding where the neck meets the bowl on the tenor side, small pits in the top of the headstock, etc.) Guess I had played it with a long sleeve shirt...tonight wearing a short sleeve shirt - a small cut in the binding where the arm rests - rough.
All of this I can ignore or clean up myself - buff the binding, wood putty in the small cut, black magic marker, solvent to remove the excess glue, etc. Too bad I have to.
As I see it, the factory wouldn't be able to repair the problems on my guitar without a major effort.
I expected the same quality that I have seen in five of the 30th Anniv CL, the two 1777LX, and the 2005 Collector's. All of these were made during the LX effort (2004-2005.)
Is it worth the money I spent? Yes and more. However, every Ovation or Adamas is.
As I said, the silence from the factory could turn this into a problem. Really doubt if these guitars could have been sold in Japan. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | We have been led to believe that they are following this thread. |
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Location: SoCal | so, they cringe a little...
and??
the silence to the buyers that showed faith is what any public relations pro would tell you can become a nightmare.
for most of us, we can't go to NAMM to check out the new models. we can't go to a guitar store to check out the guitar before buying. that is a lot of faith on our part.
not our fault that we are forced to buy before try...limited placement is a function of the company.
what happens when we lose that faith? |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Well, for me personally, the new Taylor T5 is starting to look a lot more interesting than the OFC guitar or the #47 re-issue. |
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Location: SoCal | don't know if I would go that far :eek: |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | :D :cool: :D |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | wash your mouth out with soap! |
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Location: SoCal | Originally posted by Tony Calman:
Take a look at the early posts - then, it was just a quality control problem and everyone was kind... ...the silence from the factory could turn this into a problem. In my opinion, the silence from the factory is turning this issue into a mob action.
The OFC has always been the Factory’s advocate.
Please guys, posting pictures publicly is not a productive thing to do.
Sure, the silence from the Factory is pissing me off.
The U681T was going to be our first Adamas. This has not been an enjoyable experience.
aLeX is my Ovation Dealer and he said he would take care of it.
The Mothership should have immediately stepped up to the plate, retrieved the escapee from the QC Dungeon and told me what to expect.
Instead, aLeX is in the middle of a situation he did not create and has to rely on others to correct.
The “others” have to work within the constraints of their System.
Their System appears not to care about the future of the relationship that aLeX and I have. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | If I was Kaman/Ovation I would feel no obligation to post or respond to this topic on this board. Nothing good would come of it. Kaman does not sell to you (us), they sell to the dealers. As bad as I feel for Al in all this mess (or any other dealer), the communication has to go through the dealer.
The fault of Ovation (IMHO) is failing to realize that these types of guitars are going in very high percentages to their most avid, and demanding, fans here at the OFC. And naturally we're going to go over them like a lice comb on a refugee.
The best thing you can probably do is let the dealer network handle the problem and I'm sure it will get resolved to everyones satisfaction. If this experience has left a bad taste in your mouth, unfortunately that's the fall out of business decisions made way up the chain. In the end, the customer always has the final word. |
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Location: SoCal | If this board didn't exist and there were problems with a specific series of guitars, the people who bought those guitars would take them back to the dealer, the dealer would go thru Ovation, and the guitars would be repaired. That's what should happen here. Al is the point man. He'll work with Ovation to get the problem resolved. I, personally, have faith in both Al and Ovation on this matter.
Nobody at Ovation, per company policy, can post on this board reagarding this matter. They just can't, so don't expect it.
You guys are all my friends, but it sounds like everybody here has become a bit spoiled in regard to the relationship we have had over the last 3 years with Ovation. Everybody needs to stop and take a deep breath and calm down. This will all get resolved. It hasn't been an ongoing problem for months or years. It's been about 1 1/2 weeks. Is Al refusing to take people's phone calls? Is Ovation refusing to do anything about the guitars? No. The process is moving forward.
Just understand that the people at Ovation can't post on the board regarding this issue.
The sky isn't falling and the world isn't coming to an end (at least not so far today, but hey, the day is still young). So let's stay calm. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Friend or no friend, there's NO WAY Moody just wrote that previous post. Logical, cohesive, well thought out, proper punctuation, just the right number of big words. No way that was the Moody that I know .... |
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Location: SoCal | I can't even respond to this. It's true. I got my 13 year old daughter to write it for me --- we stayed up all night working on it. |
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Location: Upper Left USA | Dave,
I have been spending a lot of time conversing with Paul lately. Maybe some of my eloquence has worn off.
Thank you Paul for what you have said. I have stayed out of this topic because I didn't toss any money in on a reissue or Collector's (yet). But the topic has grown claws where it needs a handshake instead. Come June, at the Factory Tour this should be a past event and not a "Jerry Springer" show.
This is your extended Family. |
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Location: SoCal | I think maybe Woodrow is right. I do talk gooder now then I used to. |
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Location: Texas | If I bought a brand new Gibson or Martin or Ovation on the mail for top dollar, and if the guitar had any flaws, I would return it and demand a no flaws replacement immediatelly or my money back.
Wait till they fix it?, why? how long will that take? Are they going to return my money until they fix it and I can have it again?
What about if I saved for years and it was my only guitar? or if I am going to use it to record now? Or if I want to take it on a trip now?
You dont buy a brand new guitar to return it to the factory to get it fixed because it has flaws! It is new! and new means better than mint. Otherwise you buy used, and know what to expect.
If it was only a couple of bucks, well you can't complain too much, but a top dollar brand new one means new condition, and this is unacceptable.
The fact that this is a limited edition should make it an even more perfect that the stock line.
Check out all the collectable limited edition items out there from Franklin Mint and companys like that, or the Martin vintage series guitars.
Now, YOU are responsable to inspect your brand new instrument as soon as you get it and decide to either live with it as is or to immediatelly contact the dealer about returning it for a replacement OR GETTING YOUR MONEY BACK.
But to think that you just bought it and will someday return it to the factory so they can clean up the flaws, on a brand new guitar is ridiculous.
This is very surprising from Ovation. Who is in charge?
Just one last thing, the only brand new guitars I would buy are custom orders, otherwise.....buy used.
Blind Lemon Parker
www.sergiolara.com |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Paul,, Michael, etc,
Everybody needs to stop and take a deep breath and calm down.
But the topic has grown claws where it needs a handshake instead.
Maybe I have missed something here. I have not seen any "excitable" posts or "claws" extended.
Considering we spent close to 2 grand, I would say everyone has been extremely civilized and the comments have been on topic and to the point.
If our publically vented frustrations makes Ovation lose face or sales because of our concerns and comments, that is an issue that they must address.
I feel that things will be made right. Al has contacted me as I am sure he has contacted others, but just because things are moving along behind the scenes, it doesn't mean this issue should disappear.
How many other U681t have been sold to non OFC members who look at their expensive guitar and wonder if this is typical Ovation quality....or just send it back to dealer and buy something else. |
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Location: Texas | And my wife just told me to add:
That whoever is in charge of Quality Control for these particular limited edition Adamas model needs to be fired, immediately!
Blind Lemon Parker
www.sergiolara.com |
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Location: closely held secret | Ok, that was maybe just a little excitable. With claws somewhat extended... :eek: |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | and coming from a professional who knows what a good/great guitar should both look and sound like! |
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Location: Madison, Wisconsin | I'm kind of waiting for Al's stock of "seconds" to show up at greatly reduced prices. Instead of FRG's they will probably be known as FFU's |
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Location: closely held secret | ouchie |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Serge was very careful to stipulate that the opinions expressed were those of his wife. I believe the statement was "my wife told me to ..." Glad to know I'm not the only one living with Sybil Fawlty re-incarnate. Dave
Btw, for any Towers fans: Did you know that the twit that played Manuel later stared as Albert Einstein in a documentry film? How's THAT for extreme opposite roles - Manual the dim-witted waiter from Barcelona to Albert Friggin Einstein! |
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Location: closely held secret | qué? |
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Location: boulder | not to be flippant or disrespectful or excitable, but country artist himself raises good points, as does stephen,
If I buy anything brand new, I have higher expectations, and when i spend $1750 I expect someone cares about what they are selling me. And I think Ovations employees do care.This seems like the first quality problem i can remember reading ever about Ovations/Adamii.....Overall I love, love ,love this guitar, honestly the finish work could be a pinch better...(.but try and pry this pup out of my hands, it ain't happening...
I already preordered the ad-II 30th anniversary reissue if that tells you anything...keep on,keeping on mike |
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Location: Canton (Detroit), MI | All of this just firms my resolve to not buy an instrument without seeing and playing it first.
That said, I firmly believe that Ovation will make good on the issues. Should they have happened in the first place? NO, but please remember that these guitars are made by PEOPLE, with the attendant inadequacies and frailties. Perfection is a goal rarely acheived.
Roger |
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| Allowing it to happen when they must have known full well who the likely buyers were was idiotic enough, but not contacting the buyers direct or via al and putting a stop to this thread just beggars belief. There is a link to this board from their site (which I guess is how most of us found it) - is this really what they want people reading?
When you're in a hole - stop digging. Their silence is a shovel. |
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Location: SoCal | Originally posted by Country Artist:
And my wife just told me to add:
That whoever is in charge of Quality Control for these particular limited edition Adamas model needs to be fired, immediately! Serge, If our wives got together for lunch, they would have the Company restructured by the end of the day. Lady Noah was very outspoken (to say the least) when she came home and I was taking pictures of it and not playing it. Presenting #21139 to us created a hell of a “public relations” issue for me here at home. When I acquire a new guitar, it is paid for with our money.
I would not want the person(s) in charge of Quality Control to get fired. This is just a wake-up call. Mistakes in direction and judgment happen. I do not know the reporting structure, but I have seen disastrous conflicts created when Quality Control, Production, and Sales all report up to the same Executive VP.
Silence… I would not expect anyone from the Mothership to post any comments on the Board regarding the U681T issue. There are other ways that the Mothership could have spoken. I would have rather read nine posts from members saying, “talked to aLeX, they want to see it, it is on its way back…”. So far, #21139 is the only one on its way back. aLeX got that going immediately.
The OFC has a relationship with the Mothership. Once there were mumblings about fit and finish problems, I feel that the Mothership could have defused the situation and instilled confidence by directing the Dealer to get the guitars back. An active response goes a long way in perceived acknowledgement and accountability. |
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Location: Converse, Texas | Geesh this is a long thread! Probably more posts here than all of moody's! |
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Location: Anchorage, Alaska | I don't like the idea (because I love the sound and feel of this guitar) but I think mine will be on it's way back in the next couple days to have the few issues taken care of. I have been told that if the strings are rubbing the truss rod cover, that in itself is enough to warrent the return. I have both the D and G strings already starting to "carve" a little spot on the TRC. Thank god I have a few other Ovations that are absolutly SPOT ON PERFECT in my collection to play while they take care of the 12 fret. I have a pretty nice collection of Ovations that have been perfect from day one, so I'm not going to loose my confidence in the Mothership for this one. I'm sure they will make good on it and it will be back in the rotation in a few weeks or so. In fact if I didn't already have these other "perfect" ones to compare the 12 fret to, I'm not sure I would have found some of these items of issue! |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | You've heard about the extrovert engineer? He'd look at your shoes when he was talking to you. |
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Location: SoCal | I wouldn't let this one release sour feelings for Ovations. I've got Ovations from the 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's. And the quality on all is excellent. They'll get this worked out.
Bill, you've got a spot on your shoe. |
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Location: Tampa, FL | Nah...that's just some ice cream... |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | More likely goose poop from the fairways of Florida's finest! |
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| He started this and now he's disappeared ... do you figure the mothership took out a contract? (Remember - cliff "knows" people..) |
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Location: Atlanta GA | This thread just goes to show me my grandfather was right when he used to tell me, "there's a thousand bad things you can say about a good horse, but just one thing you can say about bad horse. It's just bad" |
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Location: SoCal | I think it is appropriate to give accolades to the engineering dept. Haven't heard anyone say anything negative about the design - superb is more likely to be said.
Al, my dealer, has been very supportive to resolve my minor but frustrating problems. I will be sending mine back...with full confidence that this will be resolved positively. |
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Location: Anchorage, Alaska | Tony-I agree 100%. I'm not worried about it in the least, as I know there are some good people out there taking care of it. And you are right. There has not been one word said in a negative manner about the design, feel, or that sound. Wow! What a voice these have... |
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| agree with standingO's comment that it's ridiculous for the owner to send a new guitar back for repair.
it is more wise to return & get a full refund or get a new one instead of sending it back & waiting for a repaired guitar. though it will be flawless after repair, it's still a reconditioned or repaired "lemon" guitar.
you should work with your dealers & ask them to pay for return shipping $. internet dealers make easy $ nowaday. they just send email or fax to the factory. no overhead cost, no inventory cost. paying for your return shipping $ is the least they should do.
if it happpened to ebay deal, you would ask the seller to give $500 partial refund for the blemishes or return for full refund. you wouldn't send it back & let the seller repairs it ... |
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Location: SoCal | I don't agree...this is a very limited run. Only reason we have these to play now is that Al went 120% to pre-pre-order them - taking our word that we would buy them. He was at risk. Then, in our excitement, he did a cursory inspection and got them out to us the same day...not bad. Lot better than the eBay/internet sellers who don't even open the box.
When Hizzoner had his 2005 Collector's damaged by UPS, Al took the one he had just received and sent it to Craig. This is out of his pocket, delay in having a guitar to sell after repair was his burden, not the customer. It is an appropriate example because at the time, internet sellers didn't even have stock - again, Al looked after us and pre-pre-ordered.
In this case, we have a problem with guitars that only in the last few days are in stock with internet sellers. And, I haven't heard any of the lucky few with this guitar want their money back. What is the dealer supposed to do? Best he can do is notify the company of the problem, listen to our concerns, and facilitate the return of the guitar. It is the company's decision to effect repair or replacement.
In my case, it would be rediculous to replace my guitar. It needs a little TLC. If repaired, it isn't tainted. All I will be asking for is the touchup it should have had before shipment. It is a new guitar that I bought. Little delay but what is that? We've been waiting for this since we heard about the prototype.
I will continue to support Al by voting with my wallet. As in the past, he has his heart in providing the support for us.
I have posted on this thread but primarily about the fact that the guitars are not to the standard that we have seen by Adamas/Ovation. That has been well discussed. I am confident that whatever happened is in the past. Now, a short wait.
Heck, Witko is the lucky one...after this, they will probably plate his with gold leaf.
Down the road, the few that are owners of this amazing instrument will be envied. One time opportunity. Soon, the production line on this one will be closed.
So, I don't see the problem... |
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| a couple of internet sellers had it for sale ~$1700 few weeks ago. some of you mentioned you got the guitars from these stores.
wait a minute, you said al opened the box & inspected the guitar before shipping. he's the 4th QC & still didn't see the blemishes on 9 out of 10?? |
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Location: SoCal | With unrelenting pressure from the ? six that purchased the guitars, Al got them in about 1pm and shipped them that afternoon.
In defense of Al, it was only after Noah's problems that I did such a minute, detailed inspection. Prior to that, I was a "happy camper" - especially after playing it.
Doubt if Al would have seen my problems. It wasn't until yesterday that I found another item. I showed it to a good guitar player - had to point out my concerns. I would say my guitar is about 9.2 of 10. Yes, we should expect 10 of 10.
I don't fault Al on this. Most dealers don't even open the box or look at the guitar before throwing on a shipping label.
I know that when he got in my 30th Anniv CL last January (probably the 1st or 2nd other than the NAMM guitar), I was joking on the OFC that I would have to replace the strings because Al was playing it so much. Now he had six anxious guys clamoring for immediate delivery.
At this point, he is the only authorized dealer that I know of that has the concern of us as primary. Sure, anyone can buy anyplace else. However, I have gotten better prices, service, and support from him.
Obviously, the company had a problem...now, time to relax while the dealer (Al) and the company works with their customers (and, to avoid this problem in the future.) As I understand it, although Noah's is in transit, the factory hasn't rec'd any back yet.
Problems happen...the strengh of an individual or company is how they correct the problem. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | I can see all sides of this. We want our guitars to be perfect and not sent back in to do what should have been done in the first place.
However....go and buy a car..after a week or so there are always minor niggles. Do we expect the dealer or factory to replace the car? Hell no....we take it in to the maintenance group and they fix it just like it should have been in the beginning.
Why do we expect different things from different sources for similiar circumstances.
Once I send mine back in, I will expect it to be repaired, fine tuned and returned to me in a 10/10 condition. If it comes back in any other condition, I will inform Al that it is being returned....and this time for a full refund. |
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Location: Warren,Pa. | I'm not in the market for one of these guitars (sorry to say), but I've been reading these posts with a little bit of discomfort. One of the axioms I live by is "PEOPLE are more important than THINGS." We on this board have a RELATIONSHIP with the folks at Ovation...you wont find THAT with any other guitar company. That relationship is valuable. We also have a relationship with Al and some of our local dealers. I always treat these kind of relationships carefully when there is a problem with a THING between us. As s sort of "outside" observer I've seen some on this thread who are being carefull with people, and some who are "thing concious". Be careful here. Your guitars will all work out. Relationships are harder to repair. John <>{ |
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Location: SoCal | John,
Thank you very much.
bruce |
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Location: Fayetteville, NC | What John Says is very True. I was not in the market for oneofthese guitars either. But if I had been, I would have been a little concerned about problrms with a new Guitar that I just forked over a big chunk of change on.Howver, It is still just "Thing" and relationships are more important.Al always goes the extra mile for his customers and the folks at Ovation have always gone to bat for their customers. I have no doubt that all problems willbe resolved to everyones satisfaction. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | I am still somewhat perplexed by the fact that some members seem to think that we are bashing Al or Ovation. I have posted my comments several times as has Tony, Bruce, Jeff, and many others.
I don't really see where the concern is coming from. We have all stated that we were disappointed in the craftsmanship on a Limited Edition guitar....a run of 100....which should have received special handling due to it's limited run and special nature.
Nowhere have I seen anyone blame or bash Al. Just the opposite...I think the general consensus has been that Al has been working behind the scenes with the powers that be to make sure that each and every one of us is taken care of and satisfied.
That however, does not take away the fact that we are unhappy and should express our feelings. I think the fact that this thread is probably one of the longest in OFC history should send notice to the factory that letting product slip through the door that falls below everyone's expectations is not acceptable.
I don't see where anyone has risked "a friendship". If a friend described a guitar to you as new, you bought it on his word, and it arrived in an unsatifactory condition, would you just look the other way and accept it because he was "your friend" and you did not want to hurt "your relationship" I seriously doubt it. You would call him up,tell him your issues and work towards a compromise.
If you left him many messages and he never called you back, would you start to get a little upset? Would this start to strain your friendship? Would it maybe cause you to trust his word a little less in future dealings?
I think this thread has been very civilized and no specific blame has been thrown or fingers pointed. I think the overall feeling has been one of disappointment.
If anyone is feeling attacked and that relationships are being threatened.....then maybe they are feeling a little guilty.
There is a lot of discussions going on behind the scenes between those of us who have problems and with Al. I think we are all 100% comfortable that Al is working on our behalf to make things right.
Regardless, OFC members and the mothership need to know that the ball was dropped "BIGTIME" on this limited edition. Maybe the continuance of this thread will help prevent future problems with the other limited edition reissues due out later this year. |
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Location: Orlando, FL | Well, considering that about 10 days ago I really wanted one of these and I am still (possibly) interested in purchasing one. I am very interested in the current owners experiences. I also appreciate them using this forum, not to bash and vent, but to discuss their experiences. This and any resolution helps me make an informed buying decision. |
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Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | "Maybe the continuance of this thread will help prevent future problems with the other limited edition reissues due out later this year."
Or maybe, as has happened on my Motorcycle forum... In 2000-2001 a small percent of the 2000 or so first bikes made had transmissions that were prone to failure. In 2002, they started using a new engine and tranny and none of the original run was ever used again. Most of the ones that were bad were fixed under warrantee. However, there was quite a hoopla on our BBS about the problem by the handful (maybe 10) people that experienced the problem. Here it is 2005, and we still hear "Victory, oh that's the bikes with the bad transmissions".
I'm not telling anyone to now post. This is a good thread. But keep in mind, due to the size of this thread, for years and years to come, long after these guitars are fixed if necessary, and eveyrone is happy, anytime anyone searches on UPS, Adamas, 12-fret, finish, limited etc etc etc... they are going to see this thread. And I don't mean just serached here at the OFC, but searched on those topics in google will point people here too.
Again... I'm just say'n... This is a good thread. I'm sure, no matter the cause, on some level, Ovation must appreciate the passion we have for their product. But keep in mind before you click "Add Reply" that this is a permanent record. |
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Location: SoCal | based on the playability of the guitar and the fact that we have aired problems for the factory to be aware of...I seriously recomment buying the guitar - as a limited run, not putting in your order may result in losing that opportunity.
those that haven't ordered may not be aware how much Al has done to help his customers. and, although few, there have been a couple of comments about the dealer's responsibility.
just good for the few that have bought it to reinforce our dealer's support. Al has a difficult line to walk as an avid guitarist who loves the Ovation/Adamas models, co-sponsor and co-administrator of the OFC, and a dealer - he does an admirable job. |
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Location: SoCal | "But keep in mind before you click "Add Reply" that this is a permanent record."
Then I won't talk about certain "job related" things that I've had to do ...... |
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Location: Fayetteville, NC | Moody,
That would probably be wise... |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | So far as a permanent record goes, I would hope that everyone who is sending back the U681t to the mothership will ultimately report the final resolution to their issues.
Then, hopefully, when all is well and someone does a search in 2-3 years, they will have the patience to actually read all 300+ messages that this thread appears headed toward.....and will read the happy ending that the mothership provided to everyone who sought their help! |
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Location: Parkersburg, WV | I hope that we haven't given the impression that everyone of the U681T's are flawed. Mine arrived in pristine condition. No dings, scratches, or glue marks. The strings were spooled properly(inside--->out) so no marks on the rod cover. The fit and finish is flawless.
Those of us that have purchased new Ovations in the past have expected and received instruments that were free of the problems mentioned above. I can understand the frustration. The part that would bother me the most is the fact that the instrument was inspected and someone chose to sign off on it indicating -No Problems-.
Patsbro |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Pat,
Since you have the hightest sn of the bunch leads me to believe that "O" rushed the first ones out the door and then settled down and got it right.
I am not sure if I have the highest sn of those who have issues, but yours is 20+ guitars after mine and maybe they had time to get it right. |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Jeepers!
This thread grew while I was away. There is alot of very interesting thought through out.
The strength in any relationship comes from both parties trusting the intention of the other and in being able to openly and honestly share perspectives. I believe the intent of this thread is not to bash Ovation, but to share our experience as customers with other stakeholders. Sometimes this is difficult when one party is easily identifiable, i.e. Me or Al and another being more convaluted, Ovation the Company.
I own my own business and operate it on a very personal level. I actively seek feedback from my clients, BAD and GOOD. I do this to ehance our relationship. I also understand that my clients will be talking to others about their experiences. If their expectations with me were not met, I rely on my relationship with them to understand why, so that I can actively address their concerns and improve my service. Toward this end, our relationship is as important as my service. There have been very few ocassions when feedback was hard to hear, but hard to hear and hurtful intent are different things.
Nothing I have read on this thread leads me to believe anyone has a hurtful intent, though some of it, to some ears, may be hard to hear.
I do believe these guitars should be 10/10. To me this means that every appointment executed should be executed without detectable flaws. For those of us that have sold our used guitars- how many of us go to great length to insure that our "customer" knows EXACTLY what to expect?
All parties involved should be constructively engaged toward achieving superlative product quality, customer satisfaction, and Ovation's health as a company.
Many ways to do that. Let's make sure that our (All Stake Holders) behavoirs reflect our intentions. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Great post Jeff. Actually this entire thread is some of the most educational and honest reading I have seen on this board.
The thing we need to keep in mind is that this is (what we see) only a one sided story. Ovation as an official voice does not, and should not respond on this board. They are just not allowed to. So we only hear one side. Keep that in mind. I'm sure individual employees, managers and maybe the top dog himself are just chomping at the bit wanting to add their words here. But they can't. Don't interpret that as lack of commitment, caring, or un-willingness to fix what ever is wrong. I have huge trust in Kaman, Ovation, and the dealer network (especially Al).
Somebody fucked up. Simple as that. The right checks, procedures, or whatever were not in place. So be it. It'll get fixed. In the end the factory will learn form this and liklihood of a repeat in the future will be low. Buyers also need to be a little bit sware that some risk comes with buying a guitar sight unseen. That risk is mitigated by confidence in your dealer, and the company - both of which I have a lot of.
Dave |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | I think they did the right thing, at the wrong time. |
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Location: SoCal | cwk2,
What was the right thing? |
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Location: Tampa, Florida | I love my U681T. It came in great shape and is an awesome guitar. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Interesting,
Both Zchord and Patsbro say that their guitars have no issues. They are also the 2 highest serial numbers of anyone on the list.
This leads me to believe that early models were rushed out the door without complete QC being performed and later models had the care and attention that they all should have attained. |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Originally posted by cwk2:
I think they did the right thing, at the wrong time. Ovation did the right thing at the right time. Just not like they have done it before. |
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| Originally posted by zchord:
The fit and finish on mine are a bit sloppt as well, for a guitar of this price and prestige. The epaulet glue is a little sloppy with patches of it around the wood on the top. I don't expect that top to be finished perfectly, based on the texturing. I looked through the manhole and noticed glue on the purfling and braces. It's kind of a rough guitar in the first place, not "pretty", ... zchord, you said today the guitar arrived in great shape without problem, but you said something totally different few days ago???
i've been telling everyone to buy u681 & feel very bad about the problem you guys are having. guess i'd skip u681 & get u682 instead. |
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Location: Tampa, Florida | Originally posted by zchord:
The fit and finish on mine are a bit sloppy as well, for a guitar of this price and prestige. The epaulet glue is a little sloppy with patches of it around the wood on the top. I don't expect that top to be finished perfectly, based on the texturing. I looked through the manhole and noticed glue on the purfling and braces. It's kind of a rough guitar in the first place, not "pretty", but very sharp looking. I love it, it plays and sounds great and there are no major flaws, but the finish is sub par for an Ovation. I am happy with it. Mr. Adamas (Sir)
Please read the whole post. I would not expect a textured top to be pristine and there are a couple of glue tags on the purfling. The most "perfect" one of these is still going to look rough, not pretty, by nature of the top, and earth tone colors. There are some little smudges on the top. There is nothing wrong with my guitar. Certainly nothing to complain about. As I said before, I love it and have no intention of letting it out of my grasp. |
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| what are you talking about? texture top adamas is supposed to have the problem you described?? ... "epaulet glue is sloppy with patches of glue around the epaulet" is normal?
i've been playing & collecting texture top adamaii for over 20 years. i just checked my adamii in the house. none of them has this kind of problem. FLAWLESS!! |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Which is exactly why we assumed the U681's would also be flawless....based on past experience and ownership. |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | I tuned down to DADGAD for the first time on the U681T. I only know two tunes in this tuning.
...But good as the guitar sounds in standard tuning, it is even better in DADGAD and I'm not talking about the more melodic sound of the tuning but the way the guitar produces the sound. |
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Location: Orange County, California | Can I Join this thread?
I don't know how to explain this...Lets just say "what happens at an OFC get together, STAYS at and OFC get together...." |
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Location: Keller, TX | Fred, that is just not fair. That was a great guitar with a booming sound. I wish you would have let some of the rest of us just touch the thing. We couldn't get it out of your hands...
As for the OFC Texas, maybe we need to make it a monthly gig. |
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Location: Orange County, California | Now thaty's just cruel... Y'all know I can't come out here and get a new Guitar every month!!!
:D |
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Location: Orange County, California | Originally posted by Jeff W.:
I tuned down to DADGAD for the first time on the U681T. I'm not talking about the more melodic sound of the tuning but the way the guitar produces the sound. Never been one for alternates, but I tried this...
All I can say is "WOW!!" we live on 3+ acres, and I'm sure I was shaking my neighbors' windows. Wait till I plug it into my amp.. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Just couldn't let this thread die without hitting message #250.
Plus I have to agree that the DADGAD tuning turns the 12 fret Adamas and the FD14 into MAJOR TONE MONSTERS! |
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Location: Tampa, Florida | Originally posted by Mr. Adamas:
what are you talking about? texture top adamas is supposed to have the problem you described?? ... "epaulet glue is sloppy with patches of glue around the epaulet" is normal?
i've been playing & collecting texture top adamaii for over 20 years. i just checked my adamii in the house. none of them has this kind of problem. FLAWLESS!! Maybe I overstated the issue, its not like there are streaks of glue all over the top. There are some smudges on the top, that can only be seen in the right light angle. On a gloss finish, you could wet a rag and wipe them off, but they won't come off the textured top. It's not a big deal at all. And the edges of the epaulets have some areas where a glue smudge protrudes out about 1mm. What should I do, send it back to the factory to have the smudges fixed? I am satisfied and think it is a great guitar. |
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Location: SoCal | The only imperfections in my Adamas I 12 string ("Big Blue") are the ones I put in it thru plenty of usage. It came perfect from the factory. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | which ultimately makes this thread all the more frustrating! |
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Location: Converse, Texas | I learned quite a bit at the Texas jam with DADF#AD tuning. |
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| Originally posted by Standingovation:
Originally posted by Mr. Adamas:
guys, calm down, give the factory a chance.
send it back, you will receive not just a brand new guitar, but it's flawless, i quarantee =) With all due respect Mr.A, that's a lot of bullshit. Home builders pull that crap all the time - do a 95% job and 9 times out of 10 the buyer will be so thrilled with his new house he won't notice. But I would never expect that from any musical instrument builder who intended to be in this business for very long. Is that what we think O's business plan is? Ship shoddy work and hope most people don't notice? Those that do complain we'll gladly fix it up and make it flawless? For christ frecking sake why wasn't it flawless the first time around!
As Ovation fans and lovers I'm sure most will give them the benefit of the doubt, suck it up and shell out the money to send it back to get the TLC it should have gotten the first time around. But many new prospective Ovation buyers won't. It took Ovation a long time to come up with some guitars that could maybe be considered side by side with the woodies. Guitars like the FD14, the CL30, 05C, and the U681. And as appealing as the sound comparison might be, die hard woody lovers will take one look at shoddy workmanship and walk away - forever. You'll never get them back.
And please don't anyone bother unloading about how all guitar builders have a small number of cosmetic issues. That's just plain not true. I spent the better part of Saturday browzing NY's shops for middle of the pack ($2000 to $3500) woodies and the dozens and dozens of them I examined and played were spot-on perfect pieces of art (although some did in fact sound like absolute crapola).
In almost 35 years of playing and loving Ovation guitars the issue of quality workmanship has never even entered my head. You bought Ovation and by definition you were getting quality workmanship. I never in a million years would have expected a thread like this one over a guitar with as good of a pre-reputation as the U681. Something is seriously wrong if Ovations most loyal followers (we're a FAN club!) are coming unstuck over this.
I'll post my observations of my U681 when it arrives, but probably that's still some time off. The bright side of the picture is that so far everyone who has got one seems to love the sound. Kind of like one of my old girlfriends - don't look to closely and you'll like her just fine.
Dave
i wanted to buy one after they resolve the qc problem. |
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Location: Midland, MI | This thread needs it's own message board. |
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Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | "I'll post my observations of my U681 when it arrives, but probably that's still some time off."
HUH ??? I don't usually jump in the mix, but am I correct in assuming one of the most vocal of this thread DOESN'T EVEN HAVE THE GUITAR??? If I misread, I appologize, profoundly even. If in fact you do not have one of these guitars, sit back and enjoy, I will have a lot to say. |
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Location: SoCal | U681T on eBay: **NEW** OVATION Adamas Limited Edition! - "drastically reduced... because of a small factory imperfection"
I was hoping dealers would return the problem ones instead of dumping them.
IMHO This hurts the value of the Limited Edition. |
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Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | If that's a dealer, they should be spanked. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | That definately looks to be a sharpie mark to conceal the space between the heel and neck joint. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Originally posted by Mr. Adamas:
dave, have you received your guitar? it's been 2 more weeks. no news means same problem on yours?
Originally posted by Mr. Ovation:
HUH ??? I don't usually jump in the mix, but am I correct in assuming one of the most vocal of this thread DOESN'T EVEN HAVE THE GUITAR??? Guys, why are we piling on the poor kid from Phoenix? Please re-read the posts. Here are the facts wrt what I wrote:
1. Not once did I comment or criticize the flaws in these guitars directly, because I have not experienced them or seen them myself. I commented on photos I saw of another members instrument which certainly looked like shoddy work.
2. I corrected Mr. Adamas for saying he gaurenteed that the replacement guitar would be flawless. How can he gaurentee that unless he is the QC guy himself, which maybe he is.
3. I commented on the way people were dumping on ovation for doing shoddy work without necessarily giving them the chance to make it right.
4. I tried to pre-empt what had come up in other posts "all guitars have defects, just go look at a new taylor or martin". In my experience the martins I have purchased and those I am currently shopping for are flawless. That is not a negative comment toward ovation. All ovations I have purchased to date have also been flawless.
5. As far as my personal observations, I thought I was crystal clear that I would post my personal observations of my own U681 as soon as it arrives and I told you up front that it would be some time still until I get it.
6. Several weeks have passed without my posting my own observations because I have not gotten the guitar yet. The fact is that I ordered my U681 with some custom modifications and I expect it will be a few months before I get it.
So what exactly have I done that's got you guys so ruffled ???
Dave |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Wrt the ebay auction, interesting that the bidders so far are all OFC members. Dave |
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| Originally posted by Standingovation:
quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by Mr. Adamas:
guys, calm down, give the factory a chance.
send it back, you will receive not just a brand new guitar, but it's flawless, i quarantee =)
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With all due respect Mr.A, that's a lot of bullshit. Home builders pull that crap all the time - do a 95% job and 9 times out of 10 the buyer will be so thrilled with his new house he won't notice. But I would never expect that from any musical instrument builder who intended to be in this business for very long. Is that what we think O's business plan is? Ship shoddy work and hope most people don't notice? Those that do complain we'll gladly fix it up and make it flawless? For christ frecking sake why wasn't it flawless the first time around!
...
DAVE
---------------------------------------------
with all due respect standingovation, that's a lot of bullshit. you didn't disagree with my quarantee; you dislike the idea of shipping shoddy work to customers & having customers to return parts.
take it easy. nothing personal =) i just wonder whether you have received your guitar or not. didn't mean to pick on you. i got a good deal from my dealer but not sure whether they have fixed the problems. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | No, nothing personal, this is all just fun banter back and forth. I just wonder how you say that the effected members will recieve back a brand new guitar that you gauantee will be flawless? Unless you are personally the one building and inspecting it, how do you gauantee that? We're probably just mixing words here. Anyway, I'll surely give you a report on the condition of my guitar once I get it. Bye. |
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| Bump.
It was slipping down the board, and as of this evening it's my 9th oldest friend. |
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Location: SoCal | Besides, it's fun to watch Dave get dumped on... |
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Location: Fayetteville, NC | Let see if Michael and Dave will battle anymore..it's all in fun but Heck they could sell tickets...it's that funny! |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Originally posted by schroeder:
Bump.
It was slipping down the board, and as of this evening it's my 9th oldest friend. 9th?!... I'll need verification. |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Guys, why do you call this a battle? Come on, like I said it's just all good fun. Everyone has opinions and we get good entertainment throwing them back and forth. For the record, I'm usually right, but that's not the point.
I think everything that could possible be said about this U681 issue has been said. Let's see how it all pans out. I expect the owners who have had to get rework will in the end be very happy, as will everyone else. I've never had an exchange with anyone on this board that left me feeling bad. Heck, I even argue with my wife but in the end we still love each other. And the couch is VERY comfortable. Always being right doesn't necessarily mean you win the battle.
Dave |
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Location: Fayetteville, NC | Not really a battle...bad choice of words..but just fun to watch the playful exchanges. |
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| from bongo boy,
"9th?!... I'll need verification."
alright - my oldest friend.
are you happy now? |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Well Noah (Bruce) was the first to send his back in. Hopefully, the factory will be sending it back soon and we can hear a first hand updated report. |
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| dave, you've been posting in the wee hours. guess you must be arguing with your wife & have been sleeping in the couch =) |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Originally posted by Mr. Adamas:
dave, you've been posting in the wee hours. guess you must be arguing with your wife & have been sleeping in the couch =) Ah, good guess but wrong. I was in Europe until just this afternoon. The sun never sets on the OFC empire. |
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Location: Capital District, NY, USA Minor Outlying Islands | http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33029&item=7...
I've seen the so called defect on other adamas. Usually, they don't call it a defect. It must appear worse in person than in the picture. |
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Location: SoCal | Originally posted by stephent28:
Well Noah (Bruce) was the first to send his back in. Hopefully, the factory will be sending it back soon and we can hear a first hand updated report. I am expecting to be one of the last to receive.
I asked that they practice making 99 U681T's and send me the last one.
Not an outrageous request considering what I originally received, I have already paid full price for it, and I am willing to wait.
I thought about just getting one to play in the interim. I was going to grab the U681T being dumped on eBay with the "small factory imperfection" for the Buy-It-Now. When I wrote the Dealer asking its serial#, they wrote back, "Why do you want the serial number?". I am not interested in finding out what they are trying to hide. |
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Location: Waxahachie, Tx | Is it me or what? but if I'm selling something that is that collectable I think I would use a better Camera, or at least take the time to snap one that is in focus. jeeesh. I now believe that most folks that post lousy photos just plain want the picture out of focus because they want to hide something. and as far as the serial # well that should at least be displayed as part of the selling feature. They make no mention of warranty
Is the price being asked that much different from a new one from a dealer? I wonder if it has already been registerd with ovation it does say NEW though. |
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Location: Anchorage, Alaska | You know... Ovation should maybe buy it back just to keep that kind of "bad press quality" off the streets. |
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Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | That one on eBay is an odd duck, especially from a store. I mean, why bother selling something on eBay that they could just send back to the factory? Or, is it really a 2nd that got out the side door somehow? |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Miles raises a good point. I'm not a dealer, but I would guess that if a dealer receives any item which is flawed he would just send it back for credit, right? Why go to the hastle of an ebay auction and take your chances. This is just a guess, but maybe the guitar was bought by a customer and returned, warranty cards never filled out so he's re-selling it as "new". Although I guess he could still return it for credit, right?
I was beat up a little bit earlier in this thread for being outspoken even though I didn't have my guitar yet (no harm , no foul), so I'll just make a general comment - It's a shame this had to happen on such a high profile guitar. I'm sure some good lessons have been learned that will benefit us all as we buy guitars in the future.
Dave |
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Location: Fayetteville, NC | The plot thickens!! |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Has anyone received their U681T back from Ovation?
How does it look and compare to the "version" you sent back for "O" for "corrective surgery"? |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | AFG,
When you get your U681T back, how about posting the results to this thread.
I think it is important that when someone does a search in future years and reads this thread with all the issues, that the thread eventually ends with comments from all the happy campers who were taken care of by the mothership! |
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Location: Anchorage, Alaska | I will post it here when it gets back. I'm sure I will be a "Happy Camper" because I was even with the couple minor issues it had before. Be looking for the update next Thursday... |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | This thread might hit the 300 mark. |
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Location: Midland, MI | This thread might hit the 300 mark. I'm not a 681T owner, but I'm willing to do my part to make OFC history. Only 14 more to go! |
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Location: Fayetteville, NC | I don't own one either but i'll help out. i hope the issues discussed are taken care of. |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | atta boy...cruster. |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | ...and Mr. Chapman ;) |
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| This is getting silly. |
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| Ridiculous even. |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | We really should stop this. |
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| I will if you will. |
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Location: Anchorage, Alaska | What is really ridiculous is there were ONLY 100 of these guitars made - ONLY 4 of those 100 guitars were sent back to Ovation with problems - but there are 300 POSTS ABOUT THEM! Go figure... |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Mine will go back soon. So that will make 5. |
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Location: Fayetteville, NC | Thanks for reminding me, i couldn't remember how many were originally sent back. as soon as you get yours back, the rest will follow your fine example. |
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| You could have read back through this thread and counted......... |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | that would have required a lot of reading |
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Location: Fayetteville, NC | More reading than i wanted to take the time to do. ;) |
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Location: Peoria, Illinois | Should be in stock at Music 123 June 15th....... |
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Location: Anchorage, Alaska | Still reading... |
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Location: Midland, MI | WWAD? |
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Location: closely held secret | Good question. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | I'm curious as to how many of the 100 are still available. |
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Location: Fayetteville, NC | I agree!That would be nice to know. |
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| Courtesy of this thread about 95 I should think......... |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Cute Schroeder.....but the truth MUST BE TOLD!
Just like I am sure a happy ending will be had by all. |
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Location: Anchorage, Alaska | It's back!!! And it's wonderful. My Adamas U681T came back home from the Mothership yesterday and it is everythng I thought it should be. The cosmetic blems it had were taken care of along with a few "other" bits of TLC. It was defenatly worth the wait by sending it back to get it "touched up". Everything that has been said about Ovation Customer Service being "TOP SHELF" has been solidified once again. Fantastic job on my guitar, fantastic comuncation with Customer Service, fast turn around, a great experience all the way around. I'm ctually kind of glad I had to send it back! It gave me a chance to deal with the Ovation folks and meet some great people along the way. This guitar is EVERYTHING I thought it would be when we first heard about them last year. Now, not only is the sound of this thing flat WONDERFUL, but it is perfect in every other way as well. Thanks again Ovation for a great job on a great guitar. |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Great News AFG.
Hmmm....
Play guitar...
or fish....
Play guitar...
or fish.... |
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Location: NJ | you're welcome |
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Location: SoCal | You know, the person who got caught in the middle in all this is Al. I knew, and he knew, that Ovation would make good on these guitars, but he was the person caught in the middle having to put in his time and energy, trying to keep you guys all happy while trying to work with the factory on getting everything made right.
I doubt if he made any profit on this project or got anything besides an ulcer for his time and trouble. He is a dealer, trying to make a living.
I, for one, will order my OFC'er thru Al and know that it will either be right or that Al and Ovation will work with me to make it right. And I will always have a smile on my face knowing that I'm working with people and a company that stand behind the product and their service. |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | you're going to make aLeX feel important saying stuff like that. |
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Location: NJ | they build you up, just to knock you back down again. |
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Location: Midland, MI | Originally posted by alpep:
they build you up, just to knock you back down again. Dayum if that don't sound like a blooze tune in the making.
I shall name thee....'Alpeps Blooze'
;) |
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Location: SoCal | The tune title that I like best is the Cherry Bombs tune "It's Hard To Kiss The Lips At Night, That Chew Your Ass Out All Day Long". Real song. Great song. |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | The Al PeptoBluez
That Cherry Bombs tune is great, I like the version where they are goofin as real old guys. Vince and Rodney are great players. |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Stephen,
You had commented a while ago about what looked like "Water stains" on the top of your Uterus. Could these "spots" have been caused from the irregular distribution of the gold fleck on the top? Or was it something else entirely? |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | I have no idea.
It looked like a discoloration throughout the black top....from shiny black with gold flakes to flat black with nothing. Biggest areas were under the strings and the center of the top bowl. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | All the other Adamas's I have, the coloration is consistent throughout the top. That is why I cannot believe that it was supposed to look that way. Instead of beautiful it was butt ugly! |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Not the gold fleck distribution then.
I just (after all this time) noticed two spots directly behind the saddle on both upper and lower sides that look irrregular. An also a "hole" in the gold fleck that looks like a "splotch", but that is different than the spots behind the bridge.
I'm sending it back this week. |
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Location: Anchorage, Alaska | Well I've have mine back now for almost a week. It just keeps getting better and better! This just could be the "ONE"! I have A,B,C, & D'ed it side by side to my , AD II, Elite, and 2005 Collectors, and there is no argument that the U681T is "#1". Sound, feel, MOJO, everything. This guitar is beyond what I had even hoped for (and I hoped for a lot). |
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Location: south east Michigan | AFG....I have to say that you have assembled a well rounded, efficient, & representitive collection of Ovation guitars.
Well done sir....well done! |
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Location: Upper Left USA | "This just could be the "ONE"!"
Let us not forget what is soon to be released as well as what lies in the next 2-4 years!
These guys (O)have tremendous potential and talent for launching some surprises on us!
I am thinking I can sneak in one guitar per year starting with the Adamas III twelve string coming after Christmas (optimism??). Would love to have a #47 reissue but I don't think it financially feasable. Still want to hold a Custom Elite LX twelve string.
My strategy is to keep a constant rotation of ebay guitars coming in and going out (the hardest part) so as to dazzle the SONAR.
Oh the Gasseous voices calling... |
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Location: closely held secret | Sounds like a good strategy, Mike. Let us know how it works out for you. |
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Location: south east Michigan | Wait a minute.....isn't every collection of Ovations... well-rounded??? |
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Location: Chapin SC | only on the backs |
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Location: Snellville, GA | Until I get the house paid for, the car paid for, the pool paid for, the 26 year old out... I'll be content to play my cedar O... Oh the agony! |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | TWA...
i know "people" |
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Location: Snellville, GA | Originally posted by Jeff W.:
TWA...
i know "people" Jeff, I'll let you know by the end of October. |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Wad?
Let me not, not misrepresent myself
...I KNOWs people |
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Location: Snellville, GA | Don't missunderstand me, I shoulda did this... ;) |
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| al - kill this thing. |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Al Pepiakastiglia,
Schroeder needs a dirt nap. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | I posted this message in a separate thread but I wanted to also leave it here.....so if future OFC'ers decide to do a search to read about the U681T they will see this happy ending to the tale.
.
.
.
.
My U681T was returned home to daddy today.
Al had emailed last week and mentioned that while at the OFC tour he had seen my baby and in his words..."It looked steller". Well we all described items differently, so while I was hoping that it came back to me the way Al had described it, I wasn't holding my breath.
Well, Al was wrong. He understated it. It wasn't steller, it was magnificent! This is what I had expected from the mothership when I first placed the order many moons ago. Let me repeat that.
THE GUITAR IS NOW MAGNIFICENT.
When I opened the case, there was a strong smell of resin or some agent, but it was a good smell. The top which had been mottled in appearance was now a brilliant black with gold flakes evenly spaced all over the top. The neck issues were corrected, the binding was perfect.....and the sound (which was never a problem) was to die for.
I don't know who did what, but the guys at the factory absolutely NAILED IT this time.
I know that I bitched and moaned, but that was because I expected the U681T to be what it now is. The boys at the mothership are to be commended for taking the bull by the horns and running with it. They did an outstanding job and I thank them all.
Because of the way this was handled...and the final results....the OFC guitar or #47 are now back on my plate for purchase.
I would like to especially thank Al for sticking up for us, listening to us bitch and whine, and then doing everything within his power to make us happy. I would have never gotten this kind of attention or action from one of the online stores and certainly not from GC or some other chain.
Again, FANTASTIC JOB by the guys at the factory and a BIG THANK YOU to both them and Al for handling this is a professional and incredible way.
Now....I gotta go play! :D |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Stephen,
Mine went back to the factory the day your's arrived.
Al is instrumental. |
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Location: SoCal | I also had posted in another thread. The guitar came back absolutely perfect. Also with the strong "resin" smell when I opened the case...like napalm in the morning - wonder if it comes in a can?
My highest compliments to all involved. |
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Location: 6 String Ranch | It smells like VICTORY! |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Tony,
Quit huffing your Uterus. |
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Location: SoCal | You know, I hate to say it, but I told you so. All during this thread, I kept saying "let Ovation make things right", and son of a gun, it was the one time when the moon lined up with the sun and the weather was perfect and my kids weren't bugging me, and for that rare moment, I was right.
I'm just surprised that everybody was so worried. Ovation doesn't screw up much, but they have a great track record of making things right.
Trust me on this guys...... |
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Location: NJ | ". . . You know, I hate to say it . . ."
. . . anywhere near as much as we hate to hear it?? ;) |
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Location: SoCal | Nah.... |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | And knowing things will eventually turn out ok doesn't dispell the initial disappointment of things gone wrong.
but thanks for saying again "I told you so!" :cool: |
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Location: SoCal | Stephen, I'm very happy that you're pleased with your U681. It's a great guitar and one of the best that Ovation has ever built.
But maybe it's just that I'm old (50), but if I spend big bucks on something and it's not right when it arrives, I'm not that bummed. My first response on something like this would be to see what couls be done to make it right. Maybe it's because I buy guitars that I want to keep (and there is that "old" perspective thing as well), but I tend to look a little further beyond just short term gratification. It's more of a "let's get this right in the short run and I'll enjoy it for years" kinda thing.
Maybe when you get to my age....... |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | And your point is ??? |
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| "Maybe when you get to my age......."
Given your line of work I'm surprised you have got to your age. |
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Location: SoCal | "And your point is ???"
Get over it.
The older I get, the meaner I get. Survival gets easier. |
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| I'm older, therefore meaner. And with my back I can't get over anything anymore. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Paul, I will never get to your age because I am already past it (52)!
I guess as I have gotten older, my tolerance for sloppy work has grown shorter. I never doubted for a moment that Ovation would not make things right, I just felt it should have been done properly before it left the building.
Regardless, great guitar that will make me happy for many years to come.....I have actually learned my fifth chord now that I have a shorter neck to play with ;) |
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Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | There are 5!!!???? |
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April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Actually, I have been told there are really only 3 (with 3 variations) but I haven't figured out that elusive sixth one yet! |
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January 2003
Posts: 1498
Location: San Bernardino, California | 3 x 3 = 9 |
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April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Thanks Bruce....now I am REALLY SCREWED!!!!!! |
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August 2002
Posts: 8307
Location: Tennessee | It was Lou Reed who said if it's more than three chords, it's jazz. I think I'll stick to rock. |
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December 2001
Posts: 10582
Location: NJ | you gotta love Lou Reed.
One of my all time favs |
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November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | LOUUUUUU...
Among the many great albums he's made....New Sensations had a hook that still has me playing it regularly. |
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November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | She has been returned...
I returned very, very, very early this morning from a rigorous business trip. The sort of which, inspires deep vegitation upon arrival home. There were only two things I wanted to do today...
One:
Play with Breeze, the pooch (an intensely intelligent Border Collie)
and
Two:
Play Guitar (1537 and the Fudd).....
...as I have been away from both for almost two weeks.
While I was managing getting both those things in today, my Uterus arrived home from the factory.
I was not expecting it back so soon, which was the first surprise. The timing was perfect. The second surprise came as I removed it from the shipping carton, layed the case flat, unflipped the clips and opened the case....
....NOT the flat-black carbon fibre-finish top I sent in,
BUT, a subtle gloss (not satin)-black carbon fibre-finish top.
BEAUTIFUL!!!
Every cosmetic issue has been perfectly remedied... from the epaulettes and excess glue smudges through the mill marks along the neck,to the smaller TRC.
While this guitar was away, I spent good time with my others. While I love my 1537 and have ENORMOUS respect for my recently aquired FD-!4....
The Uterus would be my Desert Island Guitar...(and not just for it's haul construction ;) )
It's perfect.
I want to thank Al and Every Member of the Ovation Service Department.
This is a remarkable Instrument in every way. |
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April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Now....aren't you glad you sent it back!
Kinda adds new meaning to "PERFECT" doesn't it.
I agree, the changes they made and the guitar that was returned is just absolutely mind-boggling. The top is now absolutely "stunning" and I really appreciate what the guys did to make this the guitar I had originally dreamed it would be.
oh.....welcome back ya slug! :rolleyes: |
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July 2004
Posts: 474
Location: Anchorage, Alaska | The bad part of getting these UT's back in such fantastic condition, as perfect as any guitar I have ever played, is that I'm starting to question my need for the other 10 guitars I have! I try to play each of them for at least and hour a week, but everytime I pull the UT back out I wonder why I put it away to play one of the others in the first place. It is just THAT GOOD!!!!!!! |
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November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Stephen,
Please, no salt.
All I gotts to say is, "yer right".
It was good to have the Fudd on hand while the uterus was away, but the Uterus is a something all-together-different. |
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March 2005
Posts: 12754
Location: Boise, Idaho | Alaskan Fly Guy,
Send me your other ones. I'll try to give them some play time, since I don't have a U681T. You could keep your 12 string in case you wanted to play something different, or I could send you my Applause. |
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July 2004
Posts: 474
Location: Anchorage, Alaska | Yea that will happen! NOT!!!!!!!!! But thanks for the offer... |
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January 2005
Posts: 26
Location: Northern Virginia | U681T owners. Would you check to see if the 3rd and 4th strings are in contact with the headstock (on the inside straightaway of each slot) Mine arrived yesterday and this doesn't seem right. Over time tuning should cause the strings to gradually "saw" a groove into the headstock. I would think they should be clear of all obstructions as the other four strings are.
Thanks guys.
Lenny |
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November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | Lenny,
the strings don't make contact on my Uterus, but they did touch the TRC, until the factory placed a smaller one on...
Are your strings wound to the outside of the post?? That could make a difference.
Please give us your review!!! |
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March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | Try rewinding the strings onto the other side . . . |
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July 2004
Posts: 474
Location: Anchorage, Alaska | Mine slightly touched the TRC until I restrung with a couple extra winds toward the outside. Congradulations on a fantastic guitar. You're going to love it! |
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January 2005
Posts: 26
Location: Northern Virginia | Yeah, all strings are wound to the outside. I called John Budny and he said they are all like that. I'm tempted to go to GC and look at other makes of slotheads to see if it is unique to Kaman. If so, I would consider it an engineering flaw. Wear of the guitar shouldn't be built-in at the factory. One other minor issue: There are two small gouges between the 5th and 6th strings on the fretboard right at the nut. One is about 1/8 inch and the other 3/16 inch long. They kind of look like splinters that were removed and should have been filled with resin and sanded. John said I could send it back or take it to a local dealer to have it repaired. I hope it won't matter to the dealer that I didn't buy it there.
The guitar is beautiful. As soon as I took it out of the case I tuned it up and played until I got a nice big blister at my rub point (base of index finger). I haven't played since I sent stellarjim my 1681. I've got to build calluses back up! The sound is wonderful. A joy to play! |
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March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | If they're all wound to the outside, try winding the two strings in question to the inside and see if that slight change in the string geometry alleviates the prob . . . . |
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January 2005
Posts: 26
Location: Northern Virginia | Hey thanks, Cliff. When I take it to a local dealer to get the fingerboard repaired, maybe I'll ask their repair guy about it. Why did I want a slothead? |
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March 2005
Posts: 12754
Location: Boise, Idaho | You could probably correct the problem by leaving the string a little longer and then wind them to the outside. This will move the angle over quite a bit. I had the problem on my Classic when I bought it, but just moved the windings to the outside. There was no visible wear from the prior owner's use, so I suspect there is little or no vibration in those strings where they touch the headstock. The only problem now is that the guitar doesn't seem to stay in tune. I don't know if that is related or not. |
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February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | Originally posted by Mark in Boise:
The only problem now is that the guitar doesn't seem to stay in tune. I don't know if that is related or not. Probably because of the extra windings. |
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April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Yep, the more windings the harder it is to stay in tune. I try to keep my windings at 1 1/2 turns or less. |
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January 2005
Posts: 26
Location: Northern Virginia | Wow. Never knew that. Learn something new every day, right? |
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February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | You always have to figure there's some slack on the winding post, due to friction. The more windings, the more slack, the longer it takes for all that slack to work it's way out. You think your guitar won't stay in tune, but it's really all that original slack slipping off the post.
I agree with t28, 1 to 1 1/2 turns.
I know it's sideways on a slothead, but this method should still work:
After bringing each string up to tune, I stretch it out jeeeest a little bit, pulling out from the fretboard, then retune. Most times it stays in near perfect tune till it's time to change strings again. |
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December 2004
Posts: 2150
Location: Orlando, FL | Finally, I've been doing something the right way! :) |
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April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | and it is always nice when the silly wabbit agrees with me :cool: |
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February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | When you're right, you're right...
...when you're not, I'll let you know... :D |
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November 2003
Posts: 11039
Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub | I have to reiterate, just how good this guitar is. It's just dying to be played. It wants your hands on it. It is so responsive and yes the sound...
This is as near a perfect guitar as I have ever held. |
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UPS JUST DELIVERED...