The Ovation Fan Club
The Ovation Fan Club
Forum Search | Statistics | User Listing Forums | Calendars | Albums | Language
Your are viewing as a Guest. ( logon | register )

Random quote: "It's much too late to do anything about rock & roll now ..." - Jerry Garcia / Grateful Dead



Jump to page : 12
Now viewing page 1 [25 messages per page]
The difference between Adamas and Ovation

View previous thread :: View next thread
   Forums Archive -> The Vault: 2006Message format
 
nonis
Posted 2005-12-30 2:21 PM (#270972)
Subject: The difference between Adamas and Ovation


Joined:
December 2005
Posts: 117

I am pretty new to the world of Ovation guitars, and I was wondering what the difference is between Adamas and Ovation models.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Steve
Posted 2005-12-30 2:28 PM (#270973 - in reply to #270972)
Subject: Re: The difference between Adamas and Ovation


Joined:
July 2002
Posts: 1900

Short answer,..Adamas is the premium instrument in the Ovation line of acoustic/electric guitars. Defintely more answers to come...
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Jeff W.
Posted 2005-12-30 2:37 PM (#270974 - in reply to #270972)
Subject: Re: The difference between Adamas and Ovation


Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039

Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub
The most distinguishing factor between Adamas and Ovation is that all Adamii have a carbon fibre soundboard... Ovations are wood.

Adamas tops are not all the same configuration, they can differ by model. O's and A' can share some common specs but best to look at specific models to get the precise details.

You can count on A's to be more expensive than O's

Check out Ovation Guitars there is a link to Adamas as well...
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Omaha
Posted 2005-12-30 3:11 PM (#270975 - in reply to #270972)
Subject: Re: The difference between Adamas and Ovation


Joined:
November 2005
Posts: 1126

Location: Omaha, NE
Adamas guitars are Ovations with a carbon fiber top. The familiar "multi sound hole" design that Ovations are known for started with the early Adamas models in the 1970's.

Some people describe Adamas as the "top" of the Ovation line, but I think its probably more accurate to describe them as peers to the high-end wood top models (eg, Custom Legend, etc) that Ovation makes.

FWIW, I have an Adamas, but the case that it came in says "Ovation".

Jeff
Top of the page Bottom of the page
nonis
Posted 2005-12-30 10:41 PM (#270976 - in reply to #270972)
Subject: Re: The difference between Adamas and Ovation


Joined:
December 2005
Posts: 117

Thanks. I looked on the Ovation Guitars site and didn't see the Adamas part before. How does the carbon fiber top compare to wood tops? How much does the average Adamas guitar cost?
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Styll
Posted 2005-12-30 10:45 PM (#270977 - in reply to #270972)
Subject: Re: The difference between Adamas and Ovation


Joined:
November 2004
Posts: 382

Location: USA
The Adamas is the Ferrari...
The Ovation is the Cadillac

Either one you choose...you cant go wrong. Its just a matter of choosing your drive.

In my honest opinion if you are looking for a reliable guitar to play from time to time...ovation has a vast range of prices and models to choose...now if you are looking to head out on the road, and you take what you do a tad more serious...then Id invest in an Adamas.

Ovation guitars(some) are more affordable. Adamas is like making a commitment, but once made youll be glad you did.

It apples and peaches. Find a dealer that carries both, sit down and play them. Thats the only way to find out.

http://adamasguitars.com

http://www.myspace.com/styllheartandsoul
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Standingovation
Posted 2005-12-30 10:54 PM (#270978 - in reply to #270972)
Subject: Re: The difference between Adamas and Ovation



Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 6191

Location: Phoenix AZ
I disagree. Ovation is way more reliable and holds it value better than any cadillac ...
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Styll
Posted 2005-12-30 11:00 PM (#270979 - in reply to #270972)
Subject: Re: The difference between Adamas and Ovation


Joined:
November 2004
Posts: 382

Location: USA
lol true...
maybe i should have used ferrari to Lambo...

thus the Ovation the Ferrari and the Adamas the Lambo...


www.styllstanding.com

http://www.myspace.com/styllheartandsoul
Top of the page Bottom of the page
JeffreyD
Posted 2005-12-31 8:52 AM (#270980 - in reply to #270972)
Subject: Re: The difference between Adamas and Ovation


Joined:
September 2004
Posts: 777

Location: East Wenatchee, WA
I had much the same question for years. I find after now owning both that there are both striking similarities and striking differences.

You asked about price: Very subjective question. New and retail, the upper end Ovations are in the $1000 range where the Adamas will be $1800 and up. Used, I had done a depreciation comparison, and the Ovations actually hold there value better since you can pick up a like new Adamas for around $1100-1200 while the like new O's will slip to the $700-800 for the upper end guitars. Basically as a percentage of original retail, the O's hold their value a bit better.

Sound is definately different. You really should listen to both. Having the 1537 "O" and W597 "A" I like the sound of both. But like one better than the other, yet have had "non-guitar" people who are forced to listen to me on Sundays have the opposite view. So....make your own decision there.

As mentioned the major difference is the Carbon Fiber top on the A. It feels kind of flimsy, but is tough as nails, and makes for a light guitar. It also makes a great finger drum proving to me their theory that the thin top is more reflective and alive.

I like both. Today I like one more than the other, but again....totally a subjective opinion.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
alpep
Posted 2005-12-31 9:09 AM (#270981 - in reply to #270972)
Subject: Re: The difference between Adamas and Ovation


Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10581

Location: NJ
Ovation is like air
and

Adamas is like wind.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Waskel
Posted 2005-12-31 9:33 AM (#270982 - in reply to #270972)
Subject: Re: The difference between Adamas and Ovation



Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840

Location: closely held secret
Very nice, Al. But I'm surprised you didn't do it in Haiku.

Ovations are air
Emotion, rich and woody
Adamas is the wind.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Standingovation
Posted 2005-12-31 11:50 AM (#270983 - in reply to #270972)
Subject: Re: The difference between Adamas and Ovation



Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 6191

Location: Phoenix AZ
The price list actually lays it out nicely. They are all made by Ovation, just different product lines. Most expensive non-Adamas model is list price $1999. Least expensive Adamas model is $2199.

PRICE LIST
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Styll
Posted 2005-12-31 1:51 PM (#270984 - in reply to #270972)
Subject: Re: The difference between Adamas and Ovation


Joined:
November 2004
Posts: 382

Location: USA
In all honesty...love my ovation...but since I purchased my Adamas...I will not touch anything else. :)


http://www.myspace.com/styllheartandsoul
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Tommy M.
Posted 2005-12-31 2:35 PM (#270985 - in reply to #270972)
Subject: Re: The difference between Adamas and Ovation


Joined:
January 2004
Posts: 627

Location: Cherry Hill, NJ
Like anything else its a matter of personal preference. I see Adamas as a niche guitar. Some folks love them, and some find them not their cup of tea. As far as the comment on serious and road musician. Ovations are actually very durable guitars, and appear on much more recordings than Adamas guitars. It was very common to see top musical road acts with Ovations, while very few used Adamas. Like I said its a matter of preference.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Mark in Boise
Posted 2005-12-31 2:40 PM (#270986 - in reply to #270972)
Subject: Re: The difference between Adamas and Ovation


Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12750

Location: Boise, Idaho
Too reliable to compare to Italian cars. How about Carrera GT to 911 Turbo?
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Tim in Tidewater
Posted 2005-12-31 2:42 PM (#270987 - in reply to #270972)
Subject: Re: The difference between Adamas and Ovation



Joined:
December 2005
Posts: 1234

Location: Tidal Mudflats of Virginia
I second this statement whole-heartedly...

In all honesty...love my ovation...but since I purchased my Adamas...I will not touch anything else
To me, there is a night and day difference beween the sound produced by my Ovation Elite and my Adamas's. The Elite sounds good, but the "A's" are in a whole other class.
The wife compares it to difference in listening to a song on AM radio versus the same song on FM Stereo. Ok, maybe that's stretching it a little, how about the difference between FM and FM Stereo :D

My Adamas makes me want to be a better guitar player :p
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Styll
Posted 2005-12-31 2:45 PM (#270988 - in reply to #270972)
Subject: Re: The difference between Adamas and Ovation


Joined:
November 2004
Posts: 382

Location: USA
Right on Brother...Right on !


http://www.myspace.com/styllheartandsoul
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Jeff W.
Posted 2005-12-31 5:21 PM (#270989 - in reply to #270972)
Subject: Re: The difference between Adamas and Ovation


Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039

Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub
you guys need to try the Ovation Folklore Deluxe...It won't sound like a Adamas, but you'd surely touch it....
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Standingovation
Posted 2005-12-31 6:26 PM (#270990 - in reply to #270972)
Subject: Re: The difference between Adamas and Ovation



Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 6191

Location: Phoenix AZ
Personal opinion, there are quite a few Adamas models that I would definately place BELOW some non-Adamas models in my personal Ovation pecking order. It's very subjective and everyone has their own preferences and tastes. My wife likes Cookie Dough icecream, I can't stand the shit. Chocolate Chip, now you're talking ... Dave

PS - Some even like frozen yogert or sorbet. Explain that to me , please.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Tim in Tidewater
Posted 2005-12-31 7:02 PM (#270991 - in reply to #270972)
Subject: Re: The difference between Adamas and Ovation



Joined:
December 2005
Posts: 1234

Location: Tidal Mudflats of Virginia
Well, I didn't mean to imply that the Ovation side was crap. I don't have the exposure to every model made, just to standard wall models (mostly imports) carried by the shops. I've only played about a dozen different O's models and just didn't think as highly of the sound as most of the Adamas I & II's models made during the late '70-'95 period that I've played.

It is most definately a matter of personal preference and taste. I've met plenty of folks that say 'oh crap, you play one of those plastic bowls', put their guitars away and leave... :confused:
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Jeff W.
Posted 2005-12-31 7:11 PM (#270992 - in reply to #270972)
Subject: Re: The difference between Adamas and Ovation


Joined:
November 2003
Posts: 11039

Location: Earth·SolarSystem·LocalInterstellarCloud·Local Bub
Tim,
I don't think we were suggesting you thought Ovations were crap...

Nor were we bashing Adamas. My first ovation was an Adamas SMT that I sold to get an Ovation 1537...there was simply no comparison, the O blew that A out of the water soundwise.

Now the Ute (U681t Adamas) is a different story entirely...and I would put the Folklore Deluxe (Ovation) in the same class. The 1573 could hangs out there too.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Standingovation
Posted 2005-12-31 8:35 PM (#270993 - in reply to #270972)
Subject: Re: The difference between Adamas and Ovation



Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 6191

Location: Phoenix AZ
My point is/was that everyone has their own criteria of best, good, bad, value, etc. For example, the guitar that I consider my own personal favorite and the "best" by my definition would be an absolute piece of crap for live performance. To each his own, that's all we're saying.

Adamas lives this really odd existence. Is it an Ovation or not. Even the experts on this board disagree on that point. KMC tries to position it as the premium brand (ala Lexus and Toyota) with it's own website, etc. Yet everything about it screams Ovation. It comes in an Ovation case - HOW fucking hard would it be to stick an ADAMAS badge on a few cases? KMC did nothing to advertise the Adamas until recently with the re-issues. No stores really stock the Adamas models and if they did the sales person would have a hard time explaining why it cost 4x as much as the celebrity. It's just a really strange marketing plan, which is a shame because there are SOME really nice Adamas models. Tim is lucky enough to own 2 of them! Dave
Top of the page Bottom of the page
MWoody
Posted 2005-12-31 8:39 PM (#270994 - in reply to #270972)
Subject: Re: The difference between Adamas and Ovation



Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13983

Location: Upper Left USA
You pay for the amount of "hands on".

Which is probably what Dave needs more of...

Decaf, Dave.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Standingovation
Posted 2005-12-31 8:50 PM (#270995 - in reply to #270972)
Subject: Re: The difference between Adamas and Ovation



Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 6191

Location: Phoenix AZ
Hey, I was just trying to launch one last marketing morter for 2005. My new years resolution is to be a kinder, gentler know-it-all. Dave
Top of the page Bottom of the page
MWoody
Posted 2005-12-31 9:40 PM (#270996 - in reply to #270972)
Subject: Re: The difference between Adamas and Ovation



Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13983

Location: Upper Left USA
Like me? :rolleyes:
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Jump to page : 1 2
Now viewing page 1 [25 messages per page]
Jump to forum :
Search this forum
Printer friendly version
E-mail a link to this thread

This message board and website is not sponsored or affiliated with Ovation® Guitars in any way.
Registered to: The Ovation Fanclub™ Copyright (c) 2001
free counters
(Delete all cookies set by this site)