|
|
Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 26
Location: Dallas | I just got one of these and have a couple of questions. First of all I already had an 1869 Custom Legend (2003 or 2004). Part of what made me want to get the ADII was wanting a deep bowl version of the 1869, and that's pretty much what the ADII seems to be. I fell in love with my 1869 mainly because of its incredible playability with an action that can only be described as perfect and extremely comfortable. The DiMeola is a different story however. I took it to a gig the oher night and my hand was hurting after a few tunes. I've researched this forum and have read all about the shims and all that and I'm afraid to touch it since it sounds so great. Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.
Secondly, the place where the fretboard lays across the top has a pretty sizable gap on the bass side that you could almost fit a feeler gauge under. It's not loose and looks like there's glue under it but it bugs me since it's not as perfect as the 1869. Again, any comments would be much appreciated. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2004
Posts: 338
Location: SE Michigan | My friend Brad (Slipkid) has an Al DiMeola CL and it's got the lowest playable action of any acoustic guitar that I have seen. Have you taken out a shim from under the saddle?
Also if your ADII has the LX neck (has a truss rod cover on the peg-head), the finger board is supposed to be free of the top. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2004
Posts: 627
Location: Cherry Hill, NJ | Did you buy it new? I'm assumming that the gap is between the high fretboard and the body. That should not be. Ovations respond very well to neck adjustments. For years I was afraid to do them, but once I adjusted my 1619 Custom Legend, I do it routinely to correct action on all my guitars. Adjust the neck as in the guitar manual. You may even correct the gap on the body. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | When I recieved my AD-II the factory set up was perfect. I took out one shim and now it's better than perfect. I just love this guitar. I have no gaps between the fretboard and the top. Nothing of note there.
Don't be afraid to take a shim out. Just be sure to be tender with the pick-up when you lift it to get at the shims.
Lastly...Welcome to the OFC. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 26
Location: Dallas | Hi guys,
Thanks for your swift replies! I tried adjusting the trussrod and got no results as far as the gap is concerned.
I ordered it new from the store I teach at and they had it shipped in just the other day. I'm tempted to send it back and get one that has the perfect setup that my 1869 has, and with no gap. The thing is---they only had 3 ADIIs when I ordered it a couple of weeks ago. Anyone know if this model has been discontinued? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 1116
Location: Keller, TX | jbucklin,
1. Welcome to the OFC from another Texan.
2. Send it to Ovation. Let them work miracles on it. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | Mr. Bucklin,
Yes, if you have any concerns do not hesitate to send it back. They will set it up to your satisfaction and it will be right for a long, long time. The service at the factory is fantastic.
Just tell them you want it set up like Brad's. :D ;) |
|
| |
|
Joined:
July 2003
Posts: 1922
Location: Canton (Detroit), MI | The model has NOT been discontinued....but I doubt they make very many of them, and that is the reason for the low stock.
Careful what you wish for....the great sound may be connected to the high action. I've found that when the action is lowered, a super-sounding guitar can become merely mortal.
That said, if you are dissatisfied, I'd at least take it back to the dealer. It might be a bit much to hope for action and sound like your 1869, as some guitars are "happier" than others (normal production variation in a hand-built item).
Roger |
|
| |
|
Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 4619
Location: SoCal | For a short time, I had the 2004 ADII. As a favor, sold it to Jim who was performing with Serge.
I could find no fault in quality or setup...as good as my 2004 CL Anniv.
You should have a perfect guitar. As you bought it new, suggest calling Kim or John at the factory with your observations/concerns. I am confident that they can resolve any of your concerns. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 26
Location: Dallas | I called the best guitar tech in Dallas and he said not to worry about the gap between the fretboard extension and the soundboard. He says he's seen that in a lot of Ovations throughout the years. And even though he's so knowledgable about Ovations, it still bugs me. It just seems like it shouldn't be there at all. That's what I get for being an uptight perfectionist I guess.
I've adjusted the trussrod to where the neck has almost no relief in it whatsoever and it seems a lot easier to play now.
I know that some guitars are simply just happier than others, but Ovation should send me their happiest ADII so they'll have a happy customer.
But then again, maybe I'm just making a big deal out of nothing.
BTW, you guys sure are a friendly and helpful group. I like it here! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 26
Location: Dallas | I emailed Ovation and they responded quickly but only to tell me to have the tech at the store where I purchased it have a look and adjust the action. They mentioned nothing of the gap. I cannot find a phone # anywhere on their website. Any tips? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 4619
Location: SoCal | re: "I've adjusted the trussrod to where the neck has almost no relief in it whatsoever and it seems a lot easier to play now."
shouldn't have to unless you want it to play "like a Fender."
talk to Kim, he can help you decide if it needs a trip to the factory... 800-552-4681, ext 125 |
|
| |
|
Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 26
Location: Dallas | Thanks, Tony ,for giving me Kim's #. I talked to him and he was very cool. He confirmed that the gap should not be there and that the neck needs to be reset. However, when I asked about just having a new one sent he said that would be fine too. I hate having a new guitar and having to send it to the factory immediately. So I talked to the manager of the store where I bought it and he's arranging to have a new one sent. I'll play this one until it comes.
I'd like to thank everyone for their help. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | I have yet to hear of a bad outcome when dealing with the Mothership. I can't say that about any other manufacturer I've ever dealt with. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | Nice...Glad it worked out so well.
Here is mine.
In just 16 months the top has darkened.
 |
|
| |
|
Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 26
Location: Dallas | Wow, those are beautiful geetars. I saw Di Meola perform last week here in Dallas (it was awesome, to say the least) and he was playing a natural ADII like yours, as opposed to the black one that he's usually pictured playing. I was like, "Al! I ordered a BLACK one!" I guess I'll have to get a natural one too. :^)
BTW, this is (or will be) the first signature guitar, besides a Les Paul, I've ever owned.
Is the other guitar a 30th Anniversary model? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | It's obviously been out in the sun too long, Brad. Send it to me or Woody and it'll be pale again by June. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | Since we are all friends here I will admit that when I purchased my AD-II, I did not even know who Al DiMeola was. Sad...but true. It just had fantasic action and sound. Heck...It could have been a "CLIFF" signature model and I still would have taken it home.
Waskel / Woody...you can play my geets anytime you want. Just let me know when I need to make up the guest room. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | Will you give us a ride on your new boat? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | Of course...you just have to bring your own paddle. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15654
Location: SoCal | Brad, when I played your ADII, I thought it was one of the best wood topped Ovations I had ever played. Of course, I tend to think that my 87 Collectors is pretty well the Elite version of your guitar.
And your Balladeer ain't no sluggo either..... you're a lucky man. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
October 2004
Posts: 256
Location: chicago | Hey Brad,was the natural finish on yours almost white when you bought it, mine is now and am hoping it stays that way ,its such a cool looking natural finish you dont see to often.Oh and by the way dont be afraid to pick up a couple of DiMeolas acoustic cds the tone he gets is absolutly something remarkable. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2003
Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | Mine was almost white when it was new. It has darkened since. I keep it on a stand in the living room. It never gets direct sunlight.
In the same vein...I bought a light finished dinner table a couple years ago. When I pulled an extention leaf out of the closet for a holiday dinner, there was a big difference in color.
If you keep your AD-II closed up in a case maybe it will hold it's color longer. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
October 2004
Posts: 256
Location: chicago | no chance of that ,its on the wall waiting to be played at an intance notice,and admired by all when its not. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12750
Location: Boise, Idaho | Mr. Bucklin,
When you send yours back, maybe you could start the trip like someplace in Seattle. It could probably make a few stops in Washington and Oregon and Idaho then wind its way to Connecticut. The factory would get it eventually. |
|
| |
Al Di Meola Custom Legend
