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March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | I'm thinking more "galvanized aluminum" than "tin", Al . . . |
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January 2006
Posts: 5881
Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | A few of us had the opportunity to play and hear some very nice top-shelf models this past weekend. Included were two original slotheads (#42 and #43), a 47RI, an original ADI, a UTE, a 2080, an FD-14, at least one custom-made boutique 12 string, and I'm not sure how many others. From a player's perspective, I loved the 47RI and Fugot's #42. From a listener's perspective, they all sounded really great, especially in Elginacre's hands, but what really stood out was the remarkable projection of the 2080/12. Everyone present generally agreed. For pics, see the PEDPAFH thread. |
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October 2006
Posts: 5575
Location: big island | muzza posted a youtube clip on the youtube thread last night showing an oriental guy playing a #47. the guitar sounds very nice and articulate in this clip. the guy does a nice job of playing a JT song. sheesh! check it out just to see his other adamii. |
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July 2005
Posts: 1609
Location: Colorado | It's tough to A/B guitars...thanks for the nice words professor...there was a day I was much much better...maybe I'll start playing again...my point is..I've heard the same guitar in two very competent players hands - and guess what - it sounds different...has to do with pressure, precision, and mostly subjective preference...I listen for jangle, sustain, one that can stay-stay-stay in tune, balance, individual note definition, for A/Es - I need very quiet electronics, and gigable ruggedness...#43 has never - and I mean never failed me... I have heard other guitars, and currently own a couple which probably sound better - I'm sure if I put 20 years of playing on my Collings SJ, I'll love it too...but it can't have the yahoo stagehand kick the crap out of it an it not show a scratch and still be in tune. Dave is also right - and I've never met him or his collection - there are certain Martins which really sound great...so does #43 - I think we all at the Boulder get together were just priviledged to have all those guitars in one place..4 slotheads...one Ghia...5 new friends...great day. |
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May 2003
Posts: 4389
Location: Capital District, NY, USA Minor Outlying Islands | The Adamas sound does change overtime. I know mine has. Maybe wait 5 years for another comparison. Might be a fairer contest. |
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January 2005
Posts: 4903
Location: Phoenix AZ | Huh? I thought a big selling point of the adamas concept was that you didn't have to wait around for years and "hope" your guitar would open up. Out of the box, they were supposed to sound exceptional, and STAY that way. Confused.
Oh well, lost in the shuffle is that both guitars that were compared were outstanding. Ones a 9.5 and the other is a 9.6. Not enough difference to fuss over.
Dave |
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December 2005
Posts: 1234
Location: Tidal Mudflats of Virginia | Tup,
Glad to know that after two months, you're still off your medication and stirring the pot :)
Now, back on topic, #9 is still in tune since day one, after 7,000 miles, 8 countries, in and out of air conditioning to hot balmy humid tropical island weather. A little sand in the bowl, one island chief that couldn't stop grinning and played the crap out of it for 3 straight hours.
I have absolutely NO doubts, regrets or beliefs that I bought less than an A#1 quality built instrument that has many more years of joy inside!
As a side note, the Tornadoe also did very well and was well received as a "cool sounding electric guitar" especially out of a little Roland MicroCube. Thanks again ;)
Tim |
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Joined:
July 2005
Posts: 1609
Location: Colorado | That was my point Dave...I don't think #43 has changed any since the mid 80s....and Darren's waveform monitor at the mothership showed its signature had not changed...It has been very dependably great sounding....I ha ve not experienced any noticeable change or "opening up"
mark |
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Joined:
January 2007
Posts: 146
Location: Japan | Originally posted by Mark in Boise:
Can anyone really listen objectively? If they could, I wouldn't be trying to convince a jury of something this week. Many can, and it will generally show in a personality that exhibits a natural sense of fairness.
If the facts are presented without spin or prejudice and the jury keeps their own preferences out of the decision making, no convincing necessary. |
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Joined:
February 2004
Posts: 2487
| Have yet to have the privilege of playing one of the slotheads, so I can't speak of them. But I am now the proud owner of four Adamas 1's. Two 1587's one with "Duel Side" sound holes and one with the "Single Side" set. Also a 1687 (Tony's) and a 1688 cannon.
Of the three 6 string guitars the 1587's are the best sounding to me acoustically. the duel side hole version winning that match-up. The 1687 has a slightly deeper sound to it and to me just not as rich acoustically. I found this odd actually?? but it is much better for some of the lower tunings I use. closer to the Baritone Adamas I wanted like the one Cliff has. So it is all a wash anyway. Each has it's perfect use for me.
The 12 string is a complete monster! I can overpower a whole room of acoustics with it!
Plugged in the 6 strings are all the same and each one is a traditional guitar killer. No doubt!
The fact that I have the cutaway option in the 1587's I had no need to own a $4k Adamas. I'll take these 4 Adamas 1's on stage for a long long time and be very happy with my decision not to go for the slothead.
With that said! It kills me every time I see one though, they have got to be the coolest dam looking guitars made. And the collectors value makes them a very, very good investment. Not very partial to the glitter, I think it was overkill, but they are certainly head turners, and I still hope I get to play one someday just the same. It would be hard to turn down an even trade for my new 1687-7 and one of my 1587's for one. !! These old textured top guitars are the greatest guitars made. But I sure won't be putting any more money into them, My hands have been filled.
Randy
Randy |
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January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | The best blindfold test we ever did was at a NAMM show and it was the 65 D-28 that lives at Ovation and an Academy with steel strings. They werer judged to be equal. The listeners really didn't know what was being played. Funny what your ears can do, galvanized or not.
I've kinda stopped doing the comparisons to find the best. I can't figure it out anymore. There is a level that is good or not but then I think it depends on many other things. An example is the Tak EF360SBG, the Merrill C-28, the 39 D-18, and another mahogony dread i've been playing. They are all A level guitars yet over the last month each one has been the best at some time when I picked it up and compared to the others.
It is interesting too that I never really loved the CW-28 Collings that Dave now owns. I tried really hard but never got there so sold it to him. I really like the Merrill but I think to his ears the Collings has an edge and the Merrill is a cut below. It's what keeps it all interesting. |
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December 2004
Posts: 4394
Location: East Tennessee | Originally posted by Tupperware:
Oh well, lost in the shuffle is that both guitars that were compared were outstanding. Ones a 9.5 and the other is a 9.6. Not enough difference to fuss over.
Dave Very true. A lot depends on the strings, who is playing the instrument and the listeners ears.
Kind of like Olympic Diving or Skating competitions. 9.5785 or 9.6125.
Golf is so much easier. Its Birdie, Par or Bogey. |
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Joined:
March 2006
Posts: 1634
Location: Chehalis, Washington | I haven't done a side-by-side A/B comp yet, but I owned a 1581 for a while that was spectacular, though it was only marginally better than my 1881 shallow body. The main difference to me was volume and bass end, which the 1581 deep body obviously had a lot more of. Absolutely awesome guitars, and both with Optimas were spectacular plugged.
That being said, the most incredible sounding guitar I've ever played on its own (without comparison right there) was an Adamas 1680 12-fret slothead. I don't know what the exact combination was that made the difference, but boy was that an incredible sounding guitar. Just to compare, I played every $3000 Martin, Taylor & Gibson in the room, and the Adamas just blew them away. Without comparing side by side, I'd say the 1680 was by far the best of the Adamas I've played, including the 1581, 1881, a couple SMT models, an older ADI, and a 2080.
If I were to custom order an Adamas at this point, it would probably be a 12-fret slothead cutaway...get the best of it all. |
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Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 171
Location: Bangkok, Thailand | i owned 1587-5 and 1581-5
For my ears, 1581-5 (Adamas II reissue) sound better to me. |
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Joined:
January 2005
Posts: 4903
Location: Phoenix AZ | Originally posted by cwk2:
It is interesting too that I never really loved the CW-28 Collings that Dave now owns. I tried really hard but never got there so sold it to him. I really like the Merrill but I think to his ears the Collings has an edge and the Merrill is a cut below. Yeah, that's funny. You played the CW for me and then the Merrill and I thought you were out of your mind. 'course I wasn't gonna say anything until after we made the deal!
I'm thinking that I should just "rate" the guitars like they do the spruce. AAA, AA, A and the definition of those is pretty loosy-goosy. Goal would to to own all AAA's and one B to bring to the beach.
Dave |
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January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | The rating system is good but it will change from day to day. Some days a AA, some AAA, and some A. But that's what keeps it fun. |
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Slothead NOT the best sounding adamas ?
