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Location: Jet City | I mean, wouldn't we all? Coming up with 5 figures might be an issue for me though, so I'd like to start the discussion out with something equally unique (if not more), and a bit older.... The Jim Messina Deacon 
If you're a member of the elite group that owns an original Adamas, odds are you know this guitar or have heard of it already, but I'll give a brief background of what I know. Others, feel free to add to it if you know more. No, it's not a "Woody", though he says it's what inspired his love of wooden pickguards. This guitar was built in 1975 for Jim Messina, though Messina never took possesion of it. Everything you see (except strings) is how it came from the factory. Aside from it's stunning adornments of abalone, exotic wood veneers, custom truss rod cover, tuners and a flamed maple fingerboard that makes your mouth water just looking at, this one has something no other Deacon has... It's chambered. If you look closely you'll see the body is actually 2 pieces. They hollowed out the middle and sandwiched two pieces of mahogany together. The guitar is super light and has a sound like no other Deacon on the planet. It's in showroom condition. Aside from a very tiny ding on the backside of neck, it is absolutely flawless. THIS GUITAR IS NOT FOR SALE (unless of course you threw some rediculous numbers at me), I am looking to work out some sort of trade situation for: (in order of desire) Original Slothead skinny nut Original Slothead wide nut OFC 1 maybe an 08c Thanks for looking. Here's some eye candy... 
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Location: Jet City | I forgot... a 47RI is an option as well.
Thanks |
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Location: SoCal | Man, I want that blanket so bad...... |
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Location: Phoenix AZ | If you want the OSH for historical or collect ability reasons that's one thing. But you can't justify that it's sound is worth 3x an OFC I or a 47RI model. The difference in sound (if there IS any) is in the ear of the beholder. And keep in mind that from a fit/finish and quality standpoint the OSH cannot hold a candle to the reissues. I own all three and play/compare them side by side constantly. The OFC I or 47RI are a steal. And the 08C is the sleeper in the whole bunch. Some say they never warmed up to the 08C (more likely they listen with their eyes) but for me it's definitely in the same discussion as the others.
Good luck in your search whichever way you go. |
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Location: Jet City | I haven't had the chance to side-by-side. My first experience was with the OFC1, and it being the very first Adamas I ever held, well, I was pretty blown away.
Then Bobbo came up for a visit with his OSH, and again, blown away.
Last year I was out at Stephen's and had the chance to wrap my arms around the Wings guitar, and that finally did me in. I've pretty much had it in my head since.
I haven't had a chance to experience the RI or 08. The 08 really suites my style the best, but the stories of the gold trim tarnishing have me a tad concerned. Everything else though... it's the perfect Adamas.
I'm keeping options open. I hate to lose the JM, but the bug has me.
I do appreciate that input though. I can't think of too many folks who would have better insight.
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Location: Tidal Mudflats of Virginia | I'm convinced that red blanket is the same one Hugh got Marilyn to pose on... |
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Location: Boise, Idaho | I'll bring my 47RI the next time I come up to Seattle. |
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Location: Upper Left USA | Well played my friend! |
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Location: Milano, ITALY | I have some good roundbacks, including the A3, the BlueBoy, a gold 1687 made for Bill Kaman and the 08. The 08 is a totally different guitar. I don't say "better", I say "different". It takes a while to be understood, but after a while it can deliver incredible sound nuances and an enormous playing pleasure.
Edited by alberto 2015-03-14 8:11 AM
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Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | Damon, your photography skills continue to amaze me. You have a wonderful eye for guitar porn. |
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Well, I gotta disagree with Dave. My slothead is clearly a better sounding guitar than the 47RI, 08C or the OFC1 and build quality is equal. 3X better? No, not even 2X better but it is clearly (to my ears) a better sounding guitar. I am one of those who never warmed up to the 08C. It sounded great but I just never cared for the "feel" of that particular model. The 47RI that I had was also a great playing and sounding guitar but was a notch below the OSH so I passed it on to Mark in Boise. All of the OFC1 guitars I have played also were spectacular guitars but also fell slightly short. Maybe the 30 year age difference is the main reason that the OSH has the edge...maybe the difference in value makes me believe there is a difference. Just a slightly different perspective than Dave. |
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Location: Upper Left USA | Come on guys... It's the Freakin mojo... mojo matters!
Hold out for the OSH. |
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Location: Canada | Oh boy OFC 1 or #47 are also my dream guitars but way out of my budget. Actually, I'd be very happy with "just" a 1687 RI ... So how come no one talks about the Messina and its merits?
Edited by d'ovation 2015-03-14 10:56 AM
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Location: Colorado | The Messina looks great...Jim let more unique guitars leave his hands than most pros. I know I get narrow minded...but to me two things that make a great sounding acoustic (after the person playing it) are the jangle and the sustain....OSHs have each...40 years of strumming them I believe really open them up...there were early on discussions as to whether or not a carbon/birch topped guitar would open up...my ears say they do. |
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Location: SoCal | As with any discussion of guitars, this is my subjective input.
I have #50 OSH, #003 47RI, and 7/12 of OFC. #50 and OFC are a/e, 47RI is acoustic.
The cost to me of the guitars:
$12,500 #50 in yr 2009 from 1976;
$4,320 for the OFC in yr 2007 (after deducting the graphite case but adding $120 cost of a 9158-0). Should be noted that the graphite case is the case I use for which ever slothead if I take it out.
$3,269 for the 47RI in yr 2006 (after replacing the 8158-0 - advertised with a 9158-0 but Brother Bobby at Oklahoma Vintage ships with the lower level case for all of his cases per the factory.)
Evaluation of appearance is subjective depending on whether you like a -7, -2, or -8. Appears from history of #50 was that it spent almost all of its time in a case as it is in NOS condition.
As to playability, probably too close to 'call'. 47RI, as it is acoustic, has some limitations v. the other two have pre-amps. Even though I have several of the newer pre-amps made for the reissues, no need to upgrade #50.
Based on my subjective (as well as several better guitar players), as to projection, tone, resonance, etc., #50 is 100%, 47RI is at 90%, and OFC is at 85%. This is also what appears to be what the reaction is by those that played them (wow, fantastic, unbelievable, etc.) Not completely fair as I have noticed that a guitar without a pre-amp and battery box has a slightly better acoustic sound than a similar model with the pre-amp.
When I got my first Adamas I 1687 (non slothead), I recognized how superior it was to any other Adamas (CVT, SMT). Personally, it also is superior to the couple of my Martins (HD28-VS slothead, D25-K2, and D12-45), Takamines (to include the EF75 and 45th), and my Custom Legend Ovations although this may be my bias towards the textured top Adamas.
Being realistic, tough to look at any of the three if you have children (let alone the costs of college), etc. You can have a wonderful experience with the 47RI or OFC for well under half of the cost of the OSH. A non slothead Adamas I for about 21% of an OSH. An 'A' braced, AAA top, etc., on an Ovation would make you a believer for about 16% of an OSH.
As to the differences between the OSH, 47RI, and OFC...kind of like which Ferrari, if you could afford it (which I can't), would you buy and would you use it as a daily driver or just drive it for special occasions. All three are guitars are excellent, are rarely offered, appreciate, and are prized by those who have them. Problem with the 47RI and OFC is that you can find out that you can't be satisfied unless you have the 'holy grail".
If you had a chance to play all three and you won the lottery and someone offered you the OSH, which one would you buy? Problem is that an OSH rarely ever comes to market.
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Location: Tidal Mudflats of Virginia | Nicely put Tony :-)
I drove the 47RI, loved the color, the engine purred sooo nice, but the steering wheel was just a little too narrow for my big hands
I got to fondle both a standard and widebody OSH, couldn't find anything wrong except the sticker shock...the 5 digit price tag was just too much and way outside my skillset.
Got home to the OFC 1 Widebody and knew I had found my right fit: got the looks, got the sound, got the grip...didn't bust the bank and in 40 years I figure they'll either be junk or worth 5 digit themselves :-)
Edited by Tim in Tidewater 2015-03-14 2:35 PM
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Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | I actually got to touch a Slothead at Damon's house at the 2011 PNW Gathering.
It was a memorable experience. I keep a photo in my wallet. 
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Location: Tidal Mudflats of Virginia | Priceless OMA !!! |
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Location: Canada | Tony Calman - 2015-03-14 1:17 PM $4,320 for the OFC in yr 2007 (after deducting the graphite case but adding $120 cost of a 9158-0). Should be noted that the graphite case is the case I use for which ever slothead if I take it out. $3,269 for the 47RI in yr 2006 (after replacing the 8158-0 - advertised with a 9158-0 but Brother Bobby at Oklahoma Vintage ships with the lower level case for all of his cases per the factory.) So other than the added electronics, what accounts for the markup of OFC 1 vs. 47RI. Smaller number produced or other value-added factors? |
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Location: Tidal Mudflats of Virginia | They were a very limited run of 12 made for the OFC thru AlPep's efforts, not like the 87+ of the 47RI that rolled out for the general public. They were also individually signed by Al and Bill Kaman with supporting documentation and sound tests. Plus lots of goodies and the graphite case and cover bag.
I'll borrow a link here to Karl's baby at Ovation Tribute
http://www.ovationtribute.com/Adamas_Slotheads/OFC_Adamas_Slothead_...
Edited by Tim in Tidewater 2015-03-14 4:04 PM
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Location: Tidal Mudflats of Virginia | ...and actually, looking back at my receipt for the 47RI, it was $4000 with tax and shipping, so there wasn't that much difference. |
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Location: Colorado | Serious Case Candy...when I bought my OSH, it didn't even come with a case..."ol George charged me fiddy for a used one in the back. |
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Location: SoCal | Why the difference? The factory charged for a limited run (OFC) and charged less than they should for the 47RI.
Remember the textured top UTE? What a steal. Next year, they came out with a CVT at almost twice the cost. Major difference between the textured top and a CVT. |
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Location: SoCal | I believe that if another OSH comes to market in the next five years, it will sell for over $16,000.
Edited by Tony Calman 2015-03-14 9:06 PM
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Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | No chance of someone not knowing what they've got, huh? 
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I'd like to have an original Adamas slothead...
