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January 2008
Posts: 81
Location: notts | hi im thinking of buying a 12 string ovation which model are the best to go for old or new models |
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Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 1673
Location: SoCal | Adamas U681T 12-String... and I believe Al has one left.
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Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | If you are looking for the Holy Grail of 12 strings, this has to be it.
You have already made the best decision just by making Ovation your choice of 12 strings.
If the U681T is out of the budget there are plenty more out there. About a year ago GC ws blowing out some amber burst 12s at a crazy low price.
IMO... Play it before your buy OR buy from an OFC member who knows how to accuratly describe the condition and playablity OR... make sure your out of town dealer of choice has a stellar reputation and is not just in the business if moving boxes around. |
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Joined:
January 2005
Posts: 4903
Location: Phoenix AZ | You can't do any better than a U681-12.
Dave |
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Joined:
April 2006
Posts: 1138
Location: CT | U681-12 |
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Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 5881
Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | Maybe its just me, but a non-cutaway wide-neck 12 fretter sure looks short in the neck. On the other hand, this thing is a canon. |
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Joined:
July 2003
Posts: 3111
Location: Nashville TN. | 6751LX Standard Balladeer is a real steal they are around $1200 |
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Joined:
November 2006
Posts: 3969
| U681 - absolutely the loudest, easiest playing 12 I've ever laid hands on. If the price is too high for you then an old 1615 Pacemaker also has great tone & projection, but it's best to try it out yourself to look for possible issues (like neck problems). |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15678
Location: SoCal | I've played the U681 12 next to my Adamas I 12. The sound is close enough that you have to call it on personal preference. You cannot go wrong with either one.
But as somebody pointed out, if you can't spend that much money, an LX 12 string is the next best. Great sound, less than half the price. For about the same or a little less money, you can look for a used Elite or Legend 12 on the used market, then finally down to old GC and Pacemaker 12's. And there are some here on the board who swear by them. I would never tell them they are wrong (and that's not just being nice).
There's a wide choice of guitars starting at $2500-$3000 and going all the way down to $350. Have fun shopping....... |
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Joined:
May 2006
Posts: 4233
Location: Steeler Nation, Hudson Valley Contingent | For what it's worth, my Custom Balladeer 12 is fantastic! Deep bowl, no cutaway, balanced tone, loud, and plays like butter. And after 20 years of playing, it has a nuanced, broken-in sound that is VERY hard to beat. This particular model is discontinued, but I'd recommend one from eBay or wherever if it was in good shape, and it would probably be well under $500 considering how cheap guitars are selling these days. |
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Joined:
February 2008
Posts: 1
Location: Jacksonville, FL | I run my Balladeer LX 12 through a Roland acoustic amp at gigs and the sound quality still amazes the rest of the band! Great guitar, and PEZ is right about it being a steal for the price! |
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Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 4394
Location: East Tennessee | The U681T looks like it would be a killer.
The 1758 and the old pacemaker can kick a** also.
I must add that I have a 40 years old Martin 12-20,(12 fret,slothead), that will hold its own with anything I've played.
Disclaimer; I've not played a U681T. Yet. :D |
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Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | For me, the problem with the U681T-12 was not the sound but the 12-fret full body. I LIKE to play a 12 string up high on the neck and having the body restrict me above the 12th fret is just not an option.
Like Moody said, the Adamas 1688 that he and I own hold their own soundwise and has the advantage of a full neck.
I also own a 12 fret 12 string but it is a cutaway so there is no problem when accessing the upper frets.
For me, the primary concern when choosing a 12-string is full access to the upper frets. If it doesn't have that option, it is not on my short list. |
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Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12759
Location: Boise, Idaho | Based on the Ute 6, I'd have to follow the majority in recommending the Ute 12. I would have bought the last one, but I just don't play a 12 enough to justify it.
My Balladeer 12 is at the other end of the price spectrum, but is more than adequate for me. I prefer 12 fret guitars for the sound and have no need for the higher frets on a 12 string, so if I upgraded it would be something like the Ute 12. |
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Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10583
Location: NJ | one ute 12 available
and when they are gone they are gone..... |
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Joined:
July 2003
Posts: 3111
Location: Nashville TN. | Originally posted by RipTide:
I run my Balladeer LX 12 through a Roland acoustic amp at gigs and the sound quality still amazes the rest of the band! Great guitar, and PEZ is right about it being a steal for the price! I bought mine sight unseen & it exceeded my expectations vastly........ |
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12 string
