Well, as if in response to d'ovation's prophetic post (didn't take as much patience as I thought it was gonna take!), my Adamas has found me! A 1680 appeared on Reverb for a great price, and it is headed my way! Oh, YES!

So, thanks to my Jedi Adamii Master 2wheeldrummer for the heads up! Wasn't even looking on Reverb or e-Bay for a 1680 because they come up so rarely! Also Bburg, out in Germany was so kind and offered to sell me his 1680 even though he wasn't necessarily looking to part with it. He gave me the green light to proceed with my Reverb offer (saving me a lot in shipping and exchange rate costs) and wished me luck (what a nice guy!)! Thanks for your generosity 2wheeldrummer and Bburg!

I can't even begin to compare my Reverb experience with previous purchases on other auction sites. The seller even shared some guitar geek info with me; where the 1680 was purchased and with whom, etc... really good buying experience for me. Of course, as was the case with my 1678AV50, I won't be able to take delivery personally, but this time the 1680 is going to my son (didn't mention it before, but one of the guys who used my 1678 while I waited to pick her up lost the COA!).

So, my dream Adamas is headed in my direction! Won't take personal delivery until next summer, but as soon as it arrives at my son's place, he'll send me his review and pics. I'll share them here when I get them. Never dreamed I'd be able to join your esteemed ranks, but thanks to all the great advice! Cheers!

Thanks again for the kind comments everybody!

Well, I've not played the 1680 yet, but it was delivered to my son's address last week; and since then, he's been happily plucking away... Nothing you all haven't seem before, but my son sent me some photos with a nice digital backdrop...never thought I'd see the day - an Adamas in my fold!

Now, here's a bit of a puzzle... I bought the guitar from a gentlemen who was given the guitar from his uncle. He's a "Takamine" guy. Very Cool. I get my dream O, and he gets his dream Takamine! The serial number identifies this 1680 as a 2006 build. To my surprise (or more probably due to ignorance) this 1680 is equipped with EVO Golds. Also, the truss-rod cover has the "LX" designation which I don't see on other 1680s. The seller said he was with his uncle when the guitar was purchased (at Lightning Joe's Guitar Heaven no less), and he didn't recognize that the guitar was any different than when his uncle first bought it new. The guitar is in mint condition and is getting rave rave reviews.

Thought asking the experts here my shed some light on these two questions:
1). Did the 1680 come equipped with EVO Golds?
2). Did any 1680 builds use the LX designated truss-rod covers?

Quite happy in either case, but the info would help to fill in some blanks. Thought it wouldn't hurt to ask. Your thoughts would certainly be appreciated. Thanks!