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February 2009
Posts: 194
Location: Huntington Beach | Does the low end Adamas trump the high end Ovation? In other words - on a budget - am I better off buying the cheapest Adamas I can find or the best deal on a higher-end Ovation? Better to buy the cheapest house in the best neighborhood or the best house in the cheapest neighborhood? Any specific recommendations? thanks |
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May 2008
Posts: 4996
Location: Phoenix AZ | You can't compare because they sound totally different. It's like going to a restaurant to saying "for the same price should I get the most expense chicken entree and the cheapest steak entree". Some people like steak, others chicken, some both and others won't eat either one. |
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September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | Sometimes I think we really overthink things. |
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August 2003
Posts: 2246
Location: Yucaipa, California | ...ya think? |
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February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | You're better off buying the one you like best. Saves a lot of time and money down the road. Just ask most anyone here.
Unfortunately, it's like looking for your keys. They're always in the last place you look. |
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September 2006
Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | Is this a Trick Question?
Most expensive Chevy or the cheapest Cadillac?
Most expensive Ford or the cheapest Lincoln? |
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April 2008
Posts: 2336
Location: Brighty in Blighty | Its worth noting that an Adamas I is not "worse" or "better" than an Adamas II or any other Adamas model. They are just different!!!
As an example, FOR ME PERSONALLY I think the 2007 Collectors is "better" than an Adamas II, or at least the one I've tried!
The Ovations/Adamas range is huge and varied. So you ought to consider...
What type of music do you play?
Do you play acoustically or amp'd?
Do you like a wide nut?
Do you like a deep bowl or otherwise?
Do you like an ebony fretboard or otherwise?
What tone do you like?
What colour are your socks?
Seriously, what do YOU like in a guitar? |
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April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Also climate can be a factor. While I have other all wood guitars, because of limited properly humidified space I have gotten rid of all my woodtop "O"s in favor of the Adamas line.
If you live in an area with relatively high or low humidity and don't have the means or patience to constantly keep the guitar at the proper temp and humidity, then an Adamas might be the best route to take.
Others may disagree but what do they know ;) |
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Joined:
July 2003
Posts: 3111
Location: Nashville TN. | There are always lots of wood tops out there.
Sometime cheap right now.
Adamas Guitars are bit harder to find.
In my case
Custom Legend 1719 is very warm sounding especially with silk & steel. Great for solo perforances.
Adamas II 1681 is big thundering punchy sound.
suspenended textured top
Smooth tops are tighter bighter shimmering sound.
There is no bad choose.
Its whats right for you.
You might want to kick it around with Al. |
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Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4028
Location: Utah | Are you are talking new A vs new O, or used A vs used O? Or are you saying $ vs $?
I think that you can probably get a fancier Ovation for less than a basic Adamas. You can probably find a really nice brand new Ovation for less than a worn used Adamas. The sounds and features will differ.
But, you could also spend a lot on a new fancy Ovation. More than a really nice used Adamas from Al.
What is your budget? Al has the Adamas 2080 (new) for a price less than many top end Ovations! Some of his export market Adamas are even less.
If you are looking for value for the $, I would say that the best deals on Adamas would win. Today anyhow.
It all depends on what your end goal is, though. If you want a really nice wood top, or if you strongly prefer a round sound hole, then go for the Ovation. |
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Joined:
February 2009
Posts: 194
Location: Huntington Beach | Thanks for all the input. Some background - bought my 1617 new in '78, only played a handful of other acoustics that I like as well or better. Play with my finger and thumb with short nails - main instrument is bass guitar - and play guitar as a singer songwriter. Have owned a Taylor K-22 that I liked alot but find Taylors in general to be thin. Like some Martins especially the old era or whatever they call it and 00018, 16gte, and Clapton Sig. Like the new Rainsong line. But I still come back to the 1617 as my favorite. But the electronics have stopped working and I need something reliable for performing and recording.
I just bought a 1768 on ebay - haven't received yet - that looks pretty good. There is a W597-4G, 1778t and a 2080 on ebay that look pretty good. I don't like a guitar that is over powering or bass heavy - prefer balanced, articulate and expressive and harmonically rich.
One issue is money, need to keep it under $1000. It doesn't have to look like new. I have no Adamas dealers close by so I will have to buy without trying. Many ebayers are now offering return policies so that is not an issue.
Any recommendations? |
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Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Call Al and see what he has. Some pretty good deals last time I looked at his website. |
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April 2008
Posts: 2985
Location: Sydney, Australia | And he has some stuff that is NOT on his website. Tell him your needs and see what he can do. |
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Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | GASP!
You mean Al's website isn't current!!!!! ;)
Guess I need to call and check out the secret stash. |
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Joined:
July 2003
Posts: 3111
Location: Nashville TN. | Originally posted by stephent28:
GASP!
You mean Al's website isn't current!!!!! ;)
Guess I need to call and check out the secret stash. I go over to at what Adamas II used look like before I had it customized...
twice!! |
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looking for a new or used ovation/adamas
