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Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6268
Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | While getting ready for our family's annual vacation next week, including a visit with Capo Mike and Kathy, I did a quick IBT and string change on the 1680.
I have no idea what strings were on it when I received it from fugot. But they sounded good enough that I waited a while to replace 'em. I later put some Elixir nanos lights on the git and was pleased. In fact, it attended several 'gatherings' and garnered some high praise with that set.
Well, this evening the nanos came off and a set of D'Add EXP16s went on. WHOA, does it get any better? Sweet, just sweet.
If I remember correctly, dweez zeroed in on the 10s. I came real close to trying a set of Elixir 13s, but remembered dweez's post. Since I had a limited selection, I used the D'Add 12s and they are terrific!
Bottom line, ya gotta experiment with strings to find THE set that matches your guitar and captures your favorite 'ear flavor' (Iffy TM).
I'm hoping to do the Nashville configuration on the '97C in the near future.
Day-um, this is fun... Whaaa dear, oh yeah, I'll be there shortly...  |
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Joined:
May 2009
Posts: 1433
Location: Right now? | Geez, as a fairly new guitar player the strings thing drives me nuts. I tried asking the clerk at the local music store which ones I should use and he looked at me like I was crazy. I bought D'Addario lights for the '09C, but haven't put them on yet. I almost got the extra lights but someone on here wrote that the only people who played THOSE were "hispanic players in San Antonio." VERY FUNNY! Well, my last name IS Dios (which means "God" you guys, so watch yourselves...), but I've never been to San Antonio! ;) |
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Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 2336
Location: Brighty in Blighty | I've been to San Antonio and had the largest most deadly margharita known to man. I got brain freeze!
Yup tried 13s, 12s, 11s on on my 1680 and settled (for now at least) on 10s. It's a personal thing but for my ear/technique etc they make the guitar open up.
As I get better I've found that my touch is lighter/more sensitve/more control and the 10s seem to help that. The 06C and 07C on the other hand *LOVE* 11s.
Don't worry about what others say about string gauges, use the ones that suit you.
As ever I have to refer to Adrian Legg at this point. Voted acoustic gutiar player of the decade for the 80s yet he played an Adamas with 9s! SO DO YOUR OWN THING!
Iffy, the 1680 is one sweet guitar eh? |
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Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6268
Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Originally posted by dweezil:
Iffy, the 1680 is one sweet guitar eh? Morning ya'll! OK, the surgically implanted 'ankle barometer' has aroused me from sleep. So YES, as I've said before, I can't see obtaining another Adamas unless it's an Adamas I.
I'm a true believer/lover in/of the ol' Ovations and I'm fortunate enough to have owned and/or played many of 'em. But the 1680 is the apex in my Kamen collection!
I'm normally a modest individual, but I think I can say that the 1680 had a back seat until I played Keith's walnut beaut, began my quest for one and touted it attributes. Although it's simplistic, it's eloquent appearance and voice is beyond the exotic wood epis and other finishes Ovation has produced. Am I prejudiced? Hell yes!
So, "sweet" is a most appropriate description. Did I say it's the apex of the Kaman production? And thankfully, I'm fortunate to have the 1680 as my 'go to' guitar! |
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Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 2336
Location: Brighty in Blighty | Amen. |
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Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6268
Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Willa,
If ya ever get to SA, take the 'canal ride'. Hopefully you're old enough to skip the three point two beer (USAF basic training restriction in '65!)! :D
BTW, the Alamo is a lot smaller than our imaginations... |
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Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 2336
Location: Brighty in Blighty | And remember to take your hat off when in the Alamo, I almost got shot at by the guards! |
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Joined:
December 2006
Posts: 6268
Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Originally posted by dweezil:
And remember to take your hat off when in the Alamo, I almost got shot at by the guards!  Gawd I love the Texan attitude. I'm hoping that Florida is right behind Texas in a succession!  |
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Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | So I finally changed the strings on the 1681...
I believe that it came with Martin something-or-others on there.
I put some EXP11 80/20's on there. Those are still .012 - .053 gauge. (don't know where I got 'em)
But they sound pretty light, but they are still loud.
BTW-- Sweetwater has buy-one-get-one-free on EXP16\'s with free shipping. :eek:
[limited time til 7/15]
But the real question is ---
How do you know when it is time to change EXP's? :p |
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Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 2336
Location: Brighty in Blighty | I had a similar problem with the Elixirs, they last a LONG time.
On my 07C which sees more than it's fair share of action I finally changed them after I had worn through the nanoweb coating and was then starting to wear out the metal coating on the wound strings. Even then they sounded great! |
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1680 String Change
