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Joined:
November 2004
Posts: 67
Location: Los Angeles, CA | Has anyone actually done a comparison between these two guitars? I mean a serious qualitative/quantitative comparison? I'm talking about volume, feel, highs, lows, etc.
They have enough comparable features, I think, so that it wouldn't be an apples vs. oranges thing (12 fret, non-cutaway, deep bowl, Nutwidth: 1 3/4" , ebony bridge, etc). Perhaps more like Macintosh vs. Fuji. |
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March 2002
Posts: 15664
Location: SoCal | StandingO will be able to do that in the next couple of months. |
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June 2002
Posts: 6197
Location: Phoenix AZ | Fugot and StephenT each have this set now. The FD14 is my FAVORITE ovation. Exactly the reason I ordered the U681 is because as far as I can see it's the Adamas version of the FD14. Dave
PS - And the 00028 Norman Blake is the Martin version of the FD14. Wouldn't THAT be an interesting 3-way comparison - FD14, U681 and Norman ??? |
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Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | TAAAAA DAAAAAAA..........
Here I am to answer all questions!
1st, Dave I played a 00028 Norman Blake today. Did not have the custom features you requested but it was nice....however, I think the FD14 and the U681T, both beat it, hands down. Now granted, I was in a store, playing standing up and it was a bit noisy, so I might feel differently if I had it in the house for a true side by side.
As usual, Dave is astute and correct in his assessments. I think saying that the U681T is the Adamas version of the FD14 is dead on correct!
The Adamas is a bigger, bolder, and more powerful version of the FD14 but lacks the delicate intimacy and nuances of the FD14, and the lush wooden sound.
TRUE STORY....I just took my FD14 in to my local luthier to have him reattach a loose wire that rattled around inside and bugged the hell out of me. Now this guy is the former currator for the Hard Rock Cafe's collection of rare guitars nationally, so he knows his stuff. He is also a respected gutiar maker who sells in the $5-15K range as fast as he can build them.
He casually looked at the FD14 in the open case while I was describing the problem and then reached over and strummed the guitar as he turned away to get a work order. He almost fell over spinning back around. He pulled the guitar out of the case and strummed it a few times and said.."This is the best sounding Ovation I have ever heard". He then called over the other couple of luthiers and told them "Listen to this Ovation, It sounds great!". He played a few more riffs and told me that it reminded him of the early 60's Ovation but sounded better than he ever remembered. He also raved about the craftsmanship and the top of the guitar, the binding, and the rosette. He was just totally blown away....and this from a fellow who thinks his guitars are some of the best and consistently sells them for a lot of money!
Ebee....hoped that answered your question. |
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April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Fugot.....
Do you have both? Is so, chime in with your opinion! |
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June 2002
Posts: 6197
Location: Phoenix AZ | Stephen, Your comment about the U681 and the FD14 sounding better than the Norman is interesting since the Norman costs about the same as the U681 the FD14, COMBINED. We'll see when we get them all in the same environment. The upgrades I ordered on the Norman won't effect the sound. Unfortunately lead time is 8 months on a custom. Dave |
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April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Dave, remember I prefaced my comments by the fact that it was in a store (not ideal conditions).
The Blake had a really good feel to it...played effortlessly, but just IMHO did not have the big sound of the U681 or the sweetness of the FD14.
I have a feeling tho, that once you get it and the U681, the majority of your playing time on guitar is gonna be spent with those 3 beauties. |
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November 2004
Posts: 67
Location: Los Angeles, CA | I almost wish I never asked the question. Those are two guitars I probably will never be able to call my own. :( |
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Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Ebee,
Even tho I prefer buying from Al, if you are strapped for cash, buy the U681T from Music123 under their payment plan. Great way to get the guitar and still be able to afford to eat! |
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Joined:
November 2004
Posts: 67
Location: Los Angeles, CA | The next NEW guitar I purchase will be from Al, I promise. :D He's just too nice a guy and I like to avoid paying in installments.
I asked you guys a little while ago what guitar I should get and read a lot of good comments about the U681T. Two things kept me from it, the 12 fret thingy (bad reason, in hindsight) and the '06 Adamas (which I was, and still am, more interested in).
Somehow, I ended up getting an Adamas II from some great OFC guy who's local to me. It sounds and plays wonderfully, so I probably won't be making another guitar purchase for a little while. I'm never going to stop looking, though. ;) |
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June 2004
Posts: 365
Location: NC | I bought my first "O" from Music123 and was pleased. That was before I found this site and fact Al sells them.
Probably will go with Al for next new purchase or anything I want he may have. |
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FD-14 vs. U681T
