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May 2003
Posts: 425
Location: SE Michigan | Lately I'm thinking about another Adamas. I currently own a 1777-LX Legend which is nice but it is a bit underpowered and thin unplugged. I love deep rumbling unplugged power. I played Slipkid's UTE a couple times and it really rumbles, but I am not so sure that I want a 12-fret or a slot head for that matter. When I play unplugged opposite Brad's UTE my weapon of choice is my trusty D-28 which competes well with the UTE, but the D-28 lacks electronics.
I recall some of you guys commenting at the last factory tour that the Adamas models with the "suspended-ring" top mounting were superior because the ring adds that much more volume to the interior. Makes sense to me. A few years ago I had a W597 CVT which quite honestly did not inspire me that much. I definately want a textured-top this time.
So lately I'm giving a close look to the 2080 and the 1581-5 Re-issue. I love all the black ebony on the 2080, the VIP preamp sounds appealing as well but the price is a little high for my budget. I also do not really like the shape of the contour bowl as much as a traditional deep round bowl, but I do like it's depth and the volume and bass it produces.
The 1581-5 re-issue can be had a bit cheaper than the 2080, it has the "suspended ring" top mounting design but lacks all the beautiful ebony of the 2080. (I love deep dark stark ebony). The 1581 does have that big deep round bowl that I prefer. But it doesn't have the advanced electronics with tuner that I have grown a bit accustom to. But quite honestly I play my other guitars without built in tuners so it's not that big of a deal. I also never cared much for the traditional style epaulets on the 1581. But I am more concerned with performance than looks.
I guess I am looking for thoughts on both the 2080 and the 1581-5 RI. I play plugged in occasionally but most of my playing is unplugged. I want an Adamas primarily because I want loud rumbling unplugged tone and power, I also want something that is somewhat impervious to the weather and is tough and reliable.
So I thought I would throw this out there and see what you guys think. So how would you say a 2080 and a 1581-5 compare? What about a traditional deep bowl versus the contour bowl? What about the suspension-ring mount versus the more modern method?
Thanks
Brian |
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December 2003
Posts: 1889
Location: Central Massachusetts | the 2080 is CVT, not textured, (unless you are ttenn) |
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May 2003
Posts: 425
Location: SE Michigan | the 2080 is CVT, not textured, (unless you are ttenn)
Yeah, maybe in name, but it's not the same glossy finish that the CVT and SMT Adamas had. On the web-site they call it "natural weave top". I've played them and it sure feels textured to me. |
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January 2005
Posts: 4903
Location: Phoenix AZ | The 1581 is much more of a "cannon" than the 2080. If I was you I would order up a 1581, but I would get it with the cateye soundhole and OP-Pro electronics. That would be a great package.
Dave |
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October 2006
Posts: 5575
Location: big island | order up a Q10. seems like you and i are looking for the same kinda guitar, brian. does it exist? cliff and beal think so. it's called a Q10.
apply more pressure al, much more pressure and keep it under $3K too! |
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May 2003
Posts: 425
Location: SE Michigan | What is a Q10? And just curious, how much of a premium does a custom order add to the price of an Adamas? |
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October 2006
Posts: 5575
Location: big island | brian, do a search on this forum for the Q10. cliff has pics in his gallery also. i think only 10 were made. beal has two of 'em, if i understand correctly. |
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January 2005
Posts: 4903
Location: Phoenix AZ | It's been a long time since I bought an ovation off the rack. I have found that the up-charges are quite reasonable and you get EXACTLY what you want without someone elses compromises. Talk to Al.
Dave |
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January 2006
Posts: 5881
Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | I sure like my 1581. It stands in second place in my arsenal of pure A/E gigging guitars, next to the Tak 75, and if I need access to the upper frets, then it becomes top dog. Lack of a tuner does not bother me at all. I much prefer using a tuner on the pedal board. The glossed neck is a plus. I'm not sure what is on the 2080. |
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April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Brian, with the eminent arrival of my twin Adamas baritones, I plan on thinning the herd a bit.
I have a 1581RI and a 1681 that I will probably be sending to a new home. If you are interested in either, we can talk and work out a deal.
Both are awesome playing and sounding guitars. |
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April 2006
Posts: 847
Location: Munich, Germany | I would take the 1581, without any doubt. The Reissues sound spectacular.
Stephen's offer might be interesting as well (by the way, Stephen, what colour is the 1681?).
And I would also check with Al about the Export textured tops he has. As far as I know they are only half textured, half CVT, but they have all the ebony stuff instead of the walnut and a built in tuner (Optima preamp).
According to sound is Dave the right man. I think he has one of them.
Kurt |
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October 2005
Posts: 4028
Location: Utah | Brian, if you haven't talked to Al yet, get a quote from him. I was very pleasantly surprised at his prices compared to even the lowest prices I found on the internet. That 2080 might be within your budget. |
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March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | There isn't a Q10 "model".
The guitars being referenced were the Q's in their state of "development" (kinda' like SlotHead #36, #47, #54, etc.)
Bill's got Q #8 and Q #10.
Sorry for any confusion.
I seem to remember in one of the Tour/Jam galleries, there's a photo of Brian PLAYING Q10 . . . |
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March 2002
Posts: 15654
Location: SoCal | Buy a Taylor..... |
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September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | Oh oh...
Brian's got GAS
Brian's got GAS
.
Want me to bring some TUMS to practice tonight?? |
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April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | 1581RI is black and dead mint with probably less than 10 hours playing time.
Playing my 1581 is what got the Professor jonesing for one. I wasn't ready to part with it at the time so helped him find another. |
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Adamas 2080 vs 1581-5 Re-Issue
