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Location: Yokohama, Japan | Hello OFC Adamas Enthusiasts,
Been feelin' kinda strange lately with all the changes happening at our favorite brand under DW. The discontinuation of USA production, and the re-launching thereafter; the Adamas line discontinuation, then re-launching thereafter; all the Os disappearing from local music stores in my area and all... seems like GAS is leaking every where and I'm running dry... anyway, the "final frontier" for me is of course to own an Adamas.
Thinking the GAS is going to completely dry up when I finally welcome an Adamas into my fold. Been saving up accordingly and getting close, but I can't make-up my mind between the 2080 Adamas, 1680 Adamas Premiere and the 1687/1587 Adamas I. The Ute is very attractive too, but nobody wants to part with their Ute. Was hoping I might be able to get some thoughts and/or advice from the experienced Adamas owners here...
So my question is, "1687, 1587, 1680 or 2080 - Which would you choose and why?" Sure would love to get your input. Thanks in advance! |
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Location: Canada | I am sure some good advice will be coming from people who have owned or played all of these. I also had the dream of Adamas but they are very hard to find in Canada, so when I had a chance for a used 1687 I grabbed it and it is now my favourite guitar (even though it is so heavy). This is the classic Adamas and it is not surprising that this is now the only one (and the 2087 GT with contour bowl) that are still made in the new Adamas boutique shop. So these can still ne found new or used in many places. It seems you don't have a 12 fret slothead in your collection, so I can understand why you have the 1680 on your list and I think it would suit your playing style very well. I would love to try one and compare to the 1687, but I don't think they were made for a long time and therefore used one will be difficult to find. You will have to patient for one to find you. |
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Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | Although you didn't list it.. For me... the Adamas 2098-AV40 "40th Anniversary" is the pinnical of Adamas. The best bits (in my opinion) of every Adamas that came before it, with something new too.
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Location: Phoenix AZ | Adamas I (1687) are the golden standard by which all other Adamas are measured. |
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Location: Utah | I own a 2080 and a 1687GT. The 2080 is the first iteration of the model. There was a later version with the suspension ring. The 1687GT is a brand new guitar from the DW custom shop. My daughter owns a UTE, so I am familiar with that too. I also have an 1198AV-40 which is a mid-bowl (the Bear Claw anniversary model).
Looking at your list of Ovations, you have some nice ones!
The 2080 is bold and deep. Currently it is strung with medium gauge and tuned a full step low. It just fills a room acoustically. Strung with light gauge and tuned to concert pitch it is still bold and deep. I like the contour bowl, and the VIP preamp is excellent. I prefer the VIP in an Adamas over the OpPro Studio. The Studio is better in a wood topped Ovation than the VIP is. So, the VIP in the 2080 is imho the correct match. Plugged in, the 2080 is a beast in the best possible sense. For solo performance or as the featured performer the 2080 cannot be beat. As far as fingerstyle, I have little skill but find the 2080 has good dynamic response. A lot of sensitivity to right hand technique, which is common across all Adamas I've played. The back of the neck has a slightly dappled surface and gloss finish.
The 1687GT is simply amazing. The workmanship is even better than any other Adamas I've owned. The custom shop really stepped up the quality, and I didn't know there was room to do that! It is not as bold in tone as the 2080 but it is still full and deep. It is hard to describe the difference. A little more nuance to the 1687GT. Subjectively, it seems people react more to the 1687GT when I am playing singer/songwriter solo in a living room. But when playing acoustic rock or when plugged in the 2080 gets a lot of great comments. The 1687GT comes with an OpPro Studio preamp. It is a fine preamp though I would have preferred a VIP. The neck has a smooth finish but not a gloss or satin layer. I think it may just be oiled.
The neck profiles are the same on the 2080 and the 1687GT.
The Ute is 12 frets to the body, whereas the others are 14. It has a wider nut iirc, and it seems to be a better fingerstyle platform than the 2080 or 1687. It is a bit mellower in tone due to the 12 fret neck.
I don't know what the differences are between the 1687GT and the regular 1687.
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Location: Yokohama, Japan | Thanks for commenting d'ovation, Mr. Ovation, and Standingovation! Very thankful and honored to get advice from three users with usernames that include our most hallowed brand! Very cool!
d'ovation - 2019-07-23 12:08 AM
It seems you don't have a 12 fret slothead in your collection, so I can understand why you have the 1680 on your list and I think it would suit your playing style very well. I would love to try one and compare to the 1687, but I don't think they were made for a long time and therefore used one will be difficult to find. You will have to patient for one to find you.
Actually, I've been fortunate enough to welcome a 97C and a 1678AV50-5 into my fold. Both 12-Fretter slotheads. They are really magnificent guitars that suit me really really well. If these Os are any indication of what a 12-Fretter Adamas might be... whoa, that would be something to behold. Perhaps, a bit redundant, but my guitars don't sit in cases, they get played; so, the 1680 is what I would imagine to be the creme de la creme of Adamii. Been leaning toward the 1680 for the last 2 years, but my heart waivers as the purchase date draws nearer!
Mr. Ovation - 2019-07-23 3:47 AM
Although you didn't list it.. For me... the Adamas 2098-AV40 "40th Anniversary" is the pinnical of Adamas. The best bits (in my opinion) of every Adamas that came before it, with something new too.
I remember your review of the 2098AV40, and reread it here:
http://ovationfanclub.com/megabbs/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=47264&posts=3&highlight=2098&highlightmode=1#M528188 That it surpasses even the highly specialized OFCII is high praise indeed. Think the 2098AV40 will have to replace the 2080 on my list. Standingovation - 2019-07-23 10:48 AM
Adamas I (1687) are the golden standard by which all other Adamas are measured. Yup...it's the one a mentor-friend let me strum just for a moment when I was back in high school, and the resonance was so astounding it felt like it was penetrating into my soul... never been able to forget that experience. I wish I could demo another one somewhere - unfortunately there are none to be found nearby! I think d'ovation says it best, "You will have to patient for one to find you." Your input is so very helpful! Please keep them coming! |
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Location: Yokohama, Japan | FlySig - 2019-07-23 12:14 PM
I own a 2080 and a 1687GT. The 2080 is the first iteration of the model. There was a later version with the suspension ring. The 1687GT is a brand new guitar from the DW custom shop. My daughter owns a UTE, so I am familiar with that too. I also have an 1198AV-40 which is a mid-bowl (the Bear Claw anniversary model).
Thanks for the comment FlySig! Really appreciate the detail, and your collection is to die for! Your comment must have been entered just as I was working on my reply to the 3 "O"-migos! Was gonna take the 2080 off my list, but after reading your comment it's gonna stay on. Noted the VIP pre-amp and the 1st iteration. Tribute catalogs seem to indicate a 2006 introduction of the 2080s. Is that the year yours was built? Thanks again! |
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Location: moline,illinois | Arumako it looks like your already getting some good responses,
Which Adamas is best is like asking which jewel is prettiest everyone has there favorite,
First I would ask what you seek in a guitar and how you would use it,
If you like to play plugged in then the better preamp is desirable so OP Pro studio or VIP like are on the 1680 and 2080
If you like you play up the neck then a cutaway is desirable like the 1587 or 2080
If you like a strong mid presence I feel the cross weave carbon fiber has a stronger mid which is whats used on the 1680NWT or 2080
If you like a balanced sound across the range I think the unidirectional top has a more even tone so the 1687 or 1587
If your primarily a rhythm player go for the dreadnought I feel it has a fuller/bigger voice so 1687 or 1680
Or you could end up like a lot of us and eventually buy more than one,over time buying the different models that you get a chance at and ending up with a full palette of Adamas expressiveness,be careful its gets expensive 
I currently own 9 Adamas and had a couple other lower(if possible) Adamii models I sold to buy better ones,to me the best is the unidirectional carbon fiber top found on the 1687/1587 and 1688(my favorite but I'm a 12 string kinda guy) with a dreadnought body,I find the elimination of some of the soundholes on my 1587 gives it a weaker voice,I'm all about acoustic tone so for me the preamp is not a factor instead I look at the type of bowl,top,neck,bracing pattern.
If you can find a very early 1687(78-81) it will have hand laid bowl which I feel is more resonant but the early ones are harder to come across.
The one you didn't list and would be my top pick is the 1187-247 slothead reissue or a OFC slothead its the closest you can get to an OSH without having to sell your house to buy it,they are hard to find but so is the 1680 12 fretter which only rarely come up for sale.
As a challenge to all those out there you could ask for sound clips of there favorite Adamas to see if there is something particular about a certain model that catches your attention,good luck in your quest and next time you make it to the states try to find one of us to volunteer a little play time on there guitars so you can get more first hand experience with the Adamas sound.
As an aside with all thats gone on with ovation and DW there are still a lot of Adamas models on the used market so don't let your gas get you in a rush your guitar is waiting for and doesn't even know it
Edited by 2wheeldrummer 2019-07-23 11:36 PM
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Location: Utah | 2wheeldrummer - 2019-07-23 10:22 PM
If you can find a very early 1687(78-81) it will have hand laid bowl which I feel is more resonant but the early ones are harder to come across.
The 1687GT has the handlaid bowl. At least the recent ones from the custom shop do. I agree that they are more resonant than the mass molded bowls. |
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Location: Utah | arumako - 2019-07-23 9:40 PM
Tribute catalogs seem to indicate a 2006 introduction of the 2080s. Is that the year yours was built? Thanks again!
Mine was built in 2008. |
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Location: Yokohama, Japan | Thanks for the advice 2wheeldrummer (please receive my comments with the appropriate humor!) and for the responses FlySig!
2wheeldrummer - 2019-07-23 1:22 PM
I currently own 9 Adamas...
WHAT???!!! What planet do people like you come from? I bet you're a Jedi too aren't you?
2wheeldrummer - 2019-07-23 1:22 PM
As a challenge to all those out there you could ask for sound clips of there favorite Adamas...
Yes! If it's not too much trouble, please post sound clips! However, YT has some great clips of some of the nicest Adamii. So far, I've been able to find demos for a bunch of 1687/1587s, some 2080s, even a 1680 (somebody in Europe...maybe Italy - I think), just 3 short 2098AV40 clips from Emma music in Europe, and even found a bunch of 12-string Adamii videos out there too... problem is, they all sound so good, and they're often played by professionals - probably all members of the OFC too!
2wheeldrummer - 2019-07-23 1:22 PM
As an aside with all thats gone on with ovation and DW there are still a lot of Adamas models on the used market so don't let your gas get you in a rush your guitar is waiting for and doesn't even know it.
So, when my Adamas finds me, I'll make sure to ask for a sound clip before taking the plunge! when it comes to playing, I play both straight acoustic and plugged-in - both are kinda important although I'm not a "player" by any stretch of the imagination. Using mics, piezos or a combination has never been an issue for me; so, like you, I prioritize 'acoustic tone'. Need to take your advice and not let my Adamas GAS get the better of me! LOL!
FlySig - 2019-07-23 9:35 PM
Mine was built in 2008.
Again, Thanks FlySig. Hope you don't mind a question to clarify. When you say "1st iteration" your talking about the 2080SR-NWT with the next iteration being the 2080ES?
Really appreciate all of your input OFC! Arigatou! |
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Location: moline,illinois | Quoting"Arumako" so far, I've been able to find demos for a bunch of 1687/1587s, some 2080s, even a 1680 (somebody in Europe...maybe Italy - I think), just 3 short 2098AV40 clips from Emma music in Europe, and even found a bunch of 12-string Adamii videos out there too... problem is, they all sound so good, and they're often played by professionals - probably all members of the OFC too!
Now you know why I own 9 and am looking for #10...just kidding on 10...maybe
I'm by no means a professional or master just an enthusiast who has progressively gone deeper down the rabbit hole in my quest for the ideal guitar,
here's a recent pic of some of my 12 strings,every Adamas has a unique voice so even two of the same model will have there own character.
Keep doing your research your on the first stage of your journey young padawan
Out of curiosity are you planning on buying online of looking for a private seller????
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Location: Utah | arumako - 2019-07-24 7:07 PMWhen you say "1st iteration" your talking about the 2080SR-NWT with the next iteration being the 2080ES?
Mine is just a plain 2080. No suspension ring to attach the top to the bowl. It has a quarter-round kerfing to attach the top. It has the VIP preamp with XLR output and can utilize phantom power.
The 2080SR was the next iteration which has the suspension ring and the OpPro Studio preamp. I don't know if it has the XLR with phantom power. I am also not certain the Studio itself is capable of safely accepting phantom power.
The 2080ES is something else entirely. It looks sort of like a 1587 but with the contour bowl instead of the regular deep bowl. It has traditional multihole epaulets on both the bass and treble bouts.
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Location: Yokohama, Japan | 2wheeldrummer - 2019-07-24 11:58 AM
Keep doing your research your on the first stage of your journey young padawan
Out of curiosity are you planning on buying online of looking for a private seller????
Thank you, Master 2wheeldrummer! LOL!
I'm open to both on-line and private purchases. If I wait long enough, maybe somebody at the OFC might want to part with one of their Adamas. ProfessorBB's LAV KOA was really tempting, but I kind of have my heart set on the quintessential Adamas CFR top. Most folks ship only CONUS which is fine as I have an operating US address; so at this point, it's all about waiting!
Oh yeah, and thanks for sharing those cool pics. Those 12-string Adamii must "sing" like crazy. I suspect the cutaway takes a bit of the low-end away?
FlySig - 2019-07-24 10:36 PM
Mine is just a plain 2080. No suspension ring to attach the top to the bowl. It has a quarter-round kerfing to attach the top. It has the VIP preamp with XLR output and can utilize phantom power.
The 2080SR was the next iteration which has the suspension ring and the OpPro Studio preamp. I don't know if it has the XLR with phantom power. I am also not certain the Studio itself is capable of safely accepting phantom power.
The 2080ES is something else entirely. It looks sort of like a 1587 but with the contour bowl instead of the regular deep bowl. It has traditional multihole epaulets on both the bass and treble bouts.
Thanks for the clarification FlySig! That really helps to keep my search focused! Arigatou! |
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Location: Germany, where delicious wine is growing (Rheinh) | Hi Ken,
as I promised you, my offer is still valid. If you want it let me know, you will get it.
2. offer: Buy a ticket and come to Germany, you can try out all my guitars......
Bernie |
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Location: Colorado | Here are a few to make you think:
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Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | I think that this is from the same Gathering.
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Location: Yokohama, Japan | @OMA Thank you for kindly enlarging elginacres photo! You all sure do know how to feed a man's GAS!
bburg - 2019-07-26 5:19 AM
Hi Ken,
as I promised you, my offer is still valid. If you want it let me know, you will get it.
2. offer: Buy a ticket and come to Germany, you can try out all my guitars......
Bernie
Hi Bernie! Thanks for offer #2! You know, I always used to say a country bumpkin Nissei kid like me will never make it to Europe; but last April, I found myself in Rome for a short business trip! So, if I'm ever out in your neck of the woods, I'd definitely like to stop by and sample your astounding collection (fingers crossed)! AND, I think your post just lassoed me back to offer #1! I'll send a PM in a couple of weeks once my funds are verified!
Gosh, OFC folks are just the nicest people in the world! Thanks for all the great advice everybody! |
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Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | arumako - 2019-07-27 7:03 AM
@OMA Thank you for kindly enlarging elginacres photo! You all sure do know how to feed a man's GAS!
I didn't enlarge elginacres photo.
That was mine for the 2015 PNW Northwest Gathering.
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Location: Yokohama, Japan | Old Man Arthur - 2019-07-27 8:34 AM
I didn't enlarge elginacres photo.
That was mine for the 2015 PNW Northwest Gathering.
Oops, my bad! Still... a very GAS inducing photo from a slightly different angle! And that is a very very cool cap!
BTW, with your O&A history, you certainly must have played/owned your share of Adamii - which Adamas would you recommend?
Thanks for sharing OMA!
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Location: San Antonio, TX | Have 2080NWT. Great instrument. Fast neck, good projection. easy to play. VIP preamp is good. Contour bowl is comfortable.
Have 1680. beautiful tone, projects well even unplugged. wider neck so easy finger picking. deep bowl, you can feel the notes. best sounding in my opinion.
Have 2081GT. my usual go to for everyday use. neck is close to 2080, but coated. Op Pro Studio is very nice. great axe.
If the 2081Gt had the 2080 neck finish(love the 5 piece, but coating not), it would be my only guitar.
Cheers.
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Location: Yokohama, Japan | anchbartdude - 2019-07-29 6:27 AM
Have 1680. beautiful tone, projects well even unplugged. wider neck so easy finger picking. deep bowl, you can feel the notes. best sounding in my opinion.
Thank you so much for the valuable input archbartdude! When I came home with my 1678AV50-5 last year, the only thing I was interested in were 12-Fretters, but as the "day of decision approached", the legendary 1587/1687 and stylish 2080 began to weaken my resolve. "The best sounding in my opinion" seems to be the consensus for the 1680 where ever I look; so my wandering heart wanders no more!
Thanks for the valuable insights archbartdude and OFC! How you folks end up with so many Adamaii in your collections is beyond my capacity of understanding, but I sure do appreciate your collective knowledge and advice! Arigatou! |
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Location: Muenster/Germany | [
How you folks end up with so many Adamaii in your collections...!
Search and look and buy and sell for decades.
Recently I bought an Adamas 1687 (I already had 4 before!) with I swear the best sound of them all but with a neck that turned out to have such a bad V shape that I got serious pains in my thumb when I tried to play it a longer time. Sigh. I traded it with a Taylor custom 12string.
But I also found a 1187-247 Adamas which turned out to be the best playable guitar I ever had.
This one I will keep for sure.
I have a 2008 collector, just as easy to play, but acoustically miles behind the 1187. But I love it because of the glorious electric sound, the feel of the contour body and the overall quality. I have a 1688 12 string which is heavy like a machine gun but this is the most versatile 12string guitar of all, strumming, fingerpicking, opentunings,acoustic, electric, playability, everything is perfect.
But it took 100s of guitars and 6 other Adamii to change to finally stay with these 3.
That´s it. |
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Location: NJ | any adamas is a good choice
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Location: Munich, Germany | That's an old picture of some of Karl's and my guitars - some of them are gone, replaced by better ones (I still can't believe that I let the 47 go that cheap)...
But: I played or had all the guitars you named except for a 2080, and of all the ones you ask for I'd get me a 1587 or 1687. Why? They are much easier to get than a 1680, which might sound best with it's 12-fret design and slothead, but, yes, affordability might be bad. I sold mine very fast cause it didn't do anything better than my UTE, and then I liked the looks of my Ute better. Besides I had the 12-string counterpart-UTE.
So, 1587, hands down. I really like these Adamas IIs. Especially the multi-headtsock overlay.
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Advice Please, 2080, 1680 or 1587/1687?
