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Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 6202
Location: Phoenix AZ | I have a two-knobber Adamas. The electronics seem much noiser to me than more modern systems, the Preamp box is very heavy and changing the battery is a pain in the arse. I'm thinking of upgrading the electronics, but don't want to damage too much the overall look and collectability of the guitar. So what would YOU do? I thought of the following options.
1) Remove everything, glue the two wooden knobs on as decoration only, and install a nice Fishman or something similar.
2) Have the factory gut it, slice into the bowl and install something modern like Optima or OP-50.
3) Other suggestions ???
Thanks, Dave |
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Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10583
Location: NJ | wait for the new models to come out and buy another guitar to use out for performance.
or you can wire the pickup to the output jack and use an outboard preamp.
I would not alter the guitar but understand your frustration. I too like the newer preamps but LOVE the acoustic sound of the older Adamas guitars.
Glueing the knobs would NOT be an option just keep the old guts in there and leave this as is non functioning |
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February 2002
Posts: 5750
Location: Scotland | Here's a variation on Al's suggestion. Stick any old pots in the guitar to mount the controls on, this would be non-functioning to keep the original appearance. Buy a project box from Radio Shack and mount the existing pre & battery in there, or get a later pre-amp and do the same. Use this as an external pre & wire the pickup direct to the existing output jack. This way you can always convert back if necessary. I wouldn't get into an onboard preamp upgrade on a such a classic model. Ovation pre's crop up occasionaly on ebay, I have a few that cost me around $40 each. |
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Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 1196
Location: Lafayette, Louisiana | I find my two knob Adamas to be very quiet when plugged in. Has it always been kinda noisey to you? Please don't modify it! That would hurt...Paul Hebert |
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Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 6202
Location: Phoenix AZ | Guys,
Thanks for the suggestions. I like the idea of installing some old pots to mount the knobs and going direct from the pickup to the output jack and on to a pre-amp. But isn't there some issue with the distance between the pickup and preamp needing to be as short as possible?
Dave |
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March 2002
Posts: 873
Location: puerto vallarta, mexico | paul t, you are a wealth of imformation and ideas. i enjoy reading and learning from your posts. |
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Joined:
February 2002
Posts: 5750
Location: Scotland | Russ, glad to be of service.
Yes, because the output impedance is so high there's a chance that the cable, as it's unbalanced could pick up noise. If you use high-quality screened cable and keep the cable as short as is practical to reach a floor-box you should be OK. You could also consider mounting the box on your belt or guitar strap. |
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Joined:
January 2003
Posts: 1498
Location: San Bernardino, California | Another option is to use a wireless setup. Some of the newer ones have real small transmitters. Maybe you could attach it inside? |
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Adamas - What Would YOU Do ???
