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Joined:
May 2021
Posts: 18
| I'm still trying to decide on my first Adamas after playing a Custom Balladeer since 1974. Also own a Collectors 1994 and a CC257 Celebrity Delux. I really want that first Adamas.
I've looked at a 1681-7 Adamas II, the 2007 Adamas NAMM special Art has for sale, a 1687 GT, and even the 40th and 50th Anniversary models. All have different things to offer. I play mostly unplugged except for the times each week I play at church but the 1994 collectors really does good job there with both the 1/4 plug and XLR outputs.
If you could only buy one (At the moment) which would it be? The 1981 Adamas II 1681-7, 2007 Adamas built for the NAMM show, a different 1687 etc etc. Suspended top - Carbon Fiber - 80's model vs 2000's models?
Any input would be appreciated. Hopefully it's not one and done but if so looking for my best options.
Thanks to everyone for any input you want to provide.
Butch |
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Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | My first Adamas was the first one I saw that I could afford.
Side note: I have a bunch of guitars... But I have owned my Adamas 1681 the longest.
And I still had hair then... 2009.
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Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 6197
Location: Phoenix AZ | Buy one from the 80's. 1681 or 1687 doesn't matter. The newer ones don't sound quite the same to me. |
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March 2002
Posts: 15664
Location: SoCal | I'd listen to (and it amazes me that I'm saying this) Standingovation. He's owned a ton of Adamii over the years and knows what he's talking about...... |
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Joined:
August 2002
Posts: 596
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, CANADA | Hello, bbcoach,
Mike S. here. Get an early Adamas, if at all possible, and the earlier, the better. I actually played the very 2nd Adamas model ( Serial #9, as I was told), that was shipped to CANADA, in 1977! The first one shipped here went to the Canadian Ovation rep, who lived in my home town. He played it for me in my music studio, but would he NOT let me touch it, of course! The one that I played was pre-ordered for a local Ottawa Valley TV star, who later broke the bridge on it?! Yikes! The sound on this early blue coloured one was tremendous!
Mike S.
Ottawa, ON.,
CANADA
Edited by Mike S. 2021-05-29 6:33 PM
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Joined:
May 2021
Posts: 18
| Thanks to everyone for the insights. Definitely helps narrow the search some. I found a one owner 1681-7 1981 for $2000. Seems reasonable as the prices seem pretty high right now and probably won’t be falling as there are only so many to go around. Just trying to find the time to go look and possibly purchase it. It is about a 6 hour drive from me. Thanks again. |
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August 2011
Posts: 887
Location: Always beautiful canyon country of Utah | Would not let you touch it?? What kind of Ovation bro was he?? What were you gonna do to it anyway?? |
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Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4043
Location: Utah | I endorse the 1687GT. It has a fantastic acoustic sound. It also sounds great through a PA system with the OpPro Studio preamp. Add a bit of the compression and exciter from the Studio preamp for a really stellar sound. The deep bowl guitars add a bit of solid low end when amplified that the mid depth bowls just don't have.
The workmanship is first rate. I am blessed with some superior examples of Ovation and Adamas, and it is my go-to for most situations.
There are many other fine Adamas models, but I don't believe you will find a better all around instrument than the 1687GT. The 2080 gets close, plus offers the cutaway and the contour bowl if those are important to you. |
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April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Get an original slot head. There are a few available (including mine, a rare wide neck formally purchased by Linda McCartney for Wings). Al also has one available. Not cheap but all you will ever need, period! |
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August 2002
Posts: 596
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, CANADA | Hi, Nerdy Dave,
The Ovation rep was from my home town, (pop. 150 people, when everybody was at home), and I knew him, and his wife very well. They were/ are good people. He was basically just showing it off to me, because at the time, c.1977, it was the only one in CANADA! As I recall, he said didn't even tell his wife that he bought it?! Oops! He told about the second Adamas, which was on order, and as I mentioned in a previous post, I did play that one. All I had back then was a Custom Balladeer, and after the Ovation rep passed away in 2009, his wife offered me a deal on his NOS Ovation 1983 Collectors Series guitar. I actually did play the 1983 Collectors, and really wanted to buy this guitar. My late dear Mom even offered to buy the 1983 Collectors for me, for my 60th birthday in 2015, but wasn't able to make a deal with his widow on it at that time. I still don't know if it's available or not. I can always try again, but that particular guitar has somehow remained elusive to me. I always wanted a Beige Slot Head Adamas 1687-9, too, since 1976, but that guitar would cost me an arm, a leg, and a kidney nowadays. "You Can't Always Get What You Want!"- The Rolling Stones. Stay safe.
Mike S.
Ottawa, ON.,
CANADA
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Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3611
Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire | "But, if you try sometimes, you get what you need".
Jus' sayin'........ |
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Joined:
August 2002
Posts: 596
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, CANADA | Hi, seesquare,
Thanks for the encouragement. One can always hope and dream, however, since I'm in a wheelchair now, I may have considerable consternation trying to find space for a third guitar. My practice/playing space has gotten way smaller. I'm living in a ground-floor apartment, that is handicapped accessible, so I don't have a man cave. What a luxury that would be for my situation. "If wishes were dishes, I could open a china shop." I'll keep trying.
Mike S.
Ottawa, ON.,
CANADA
Edited by Mike S. 2021-06-22 12:12 PM
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Joined:
May 2021
Posts: 18
| Sorry about taking so long for the update but I did find the first Adamas and the sibling. Ended up getting both a 1581-8 and a 1681-8. The 1581 needs a little work and Dan has already helped me with some needed information to get me going in the right direction. The 1681-8 is damn near perfect. Original owner and very little use. (Just need to put in the playing hours today getting it sounding great. Thanks for all the input and advice. (Old man Arthur just like your 1681 except for the color) Both 1981 editions.
Edited by bbcoach 2021-07-23 10:36 PM
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February 2016
Posts: 1802
Location: When?? | Congratulations on the acquisition and the finality of your pursuit. Looking great on both counts. Lucky you! |
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Joined:
May 2008
Posts: 1555
Location: Indiana | Glad you got a 1681. Great guitars. It was not a financial decision for me... between the AI or AII. I preferred the classic 5 piece neck. Ordered it in 83 through artist relations.
Best one they ever built. 
Hopefully, you have the second-best, LOL.
Congrats and enjoy. |
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Still trying to decide on 1st Adamas
