Ovation 1687 Adamas

My Adamas has a handmade inkwriting: Charles H (?) Kaman, june 1978 and is numbered 262-90. I bought it 12 years ago for 1600 $. I fell in love immidiatly. Just holding it is special - it??s so smooth with such an easy action it's amazing. And it's a pure joy to play it. Only a few (very expensive) guitars come close to that awesome feeling

I love the sound of this guitar. It's very distinct and rich - almost sounding like a 12-string guitar. The sound is bright and crisp and I sense most other guitars as if they have a filter or something holding the sound back compared to the Adamas. Outstanding sound!

I just put it in 2 words: EASY ACTION. My fingers sort of dance on the strings, wheather I strum or pick. Great!
Everything in perfect condition.

This guitar is very durable, which I'm thankful for, since I keep bumping into things all the time. After 12 years still not a scratch!
If I forget the line I can use it unplugged - the sound goes a looong way.

I never needed any support yet

I've played the guitar for 35 years now, Ovation for 26 and Adamas for 12 years. Actually I don't see any need for more guitars, but I often try others when I get a chance. So far some Martin guitars have been the second best. To lose it would be hard and I doubt I'd get anything other than another Adamas 1687. Maybe another color:)
I can't think of anything I don't like about this instrument - it is just fabulous.

2002 custom order old style Adamas in blueburst, Optima preamp and (and unusual for this model) an ebony fretboard.

This is a wonderful sounding guitar.
Acoustically,it's very loud and is very responsive to the players touch.
Sounds more Martin than Taylor with a very warm mid range response
Fingerpicked, it sounds sweet with a shimmery top end, warm mids and strong bottom end.
Strumming is equally rewarding, delivering a very balanced tone which holds together even with heavy right hand abuse.
Plugged in, the electronics do an excellent job of amplifying the instruments natural tone.
The four band Eq works very well and the built in tuner is a goodsend at gigs.

I must say that the factory setup was perfect(I am fussy) and ready to go straight out of the case.
Also the quality of the fretting was excellent and I really can't fault the construction at all.

I've owned Ovations for about 20 years and I've never had one go bad on me.

There is alot of debate on what these guitars sound like but I don't think many would dispute their durability.

They answered all the emails I sent them and were helpful.

I beleive it has a lifetime warranty to the original purchaser but I doubt that I'll ever need it.

I've been playing about 25 years and there's no way I'm ever letting this one go.
I also own two Taylors (910, 714) and an older Custom Legend.
I bought it to gig with (my 714 was getting trashed) but was astounded by had good it sounds acoustically.
I wouldn't say it sounds better or worse than my Taylors (although my 910 would take some beating) just different.
If it were parted from me I'd definately get another.
I realise that some of the lesser model O's don't sound great but don't dismiss the Adamas.
This guitar I believe is being reissued soon.
If so give it a whirl.

My Adamas is a black acoustic electric made in 1981. It is a non-cutaway model with the graphite top. The guitar has a 24 fret impregnated walnut fingerboard, and walnut neck. The inlays are maple and ebony, and the headstock as well as the bribge are carved in an attractive pattern. It has a walnut knob for the volume control, and one for the tone. Gold plated Schaller tuners adorn the headstock. The rear of the deep bowl has a removable circular access door to allow changing of the battery, and access to the truss rod adjustment. The neck also feature the Kamam bar for accurate adjustments of the neck angle.

This is where the guitar really shines. It still amazes me with it's full rich sound. The guitar has such a well rounded sound. Nothing is lost, Bass is so full and rich, while the midrange and treble strings all ring in such an even sound. I have played many Ovation, and many traditional acoustics, and in my opinion nothing comes close. The guitar is just loud and full, i think that sums it up. Plugged in it is equally as impressive. I play every weekend at a church, and for 20 years it has been played through a sound system and fills the building with its huge sound. Just a wonderful sound from a wonderful guitar

Again this is another area where the Adamas shines. I am such a fanatic for good action and the Adamas never lets me down. I have even tried various gauge strings and all that was needed was a slight tweek of the truss rod, and it set up nicely. Under the pickup on the bridge are removable shims. I took them all out, and the action was real nice. I play very softly, so the guitar might buzz with someone else. But for me and my thin pick, no problem. The guitar is very well made, and i have had no problems related to construction.

THIS GUITAR IS A TANK! The graphite top is incredibly tough. It has been hit a few times by kids in our choir, and it shows no harm. I have played the guitar outside in very cold and humid weather, and not worried about it at all. I even entertain the kids by playing drums on the top with my hands, no problems. In fact, i don't know if i could use a wood top guitar. I would be to worried about it. The hardware has held up very well. It's twenty years old now, but the gold plated Scallers tuners still look great. I have straplocks on it and they are fine also. This is about as strong of an acoustic guitar as you are likely to find. I have and will continue to use it without a backup. I just can't amagine playing anything else.

I only contacted Ovation once years ago when one of the tuning keys broke. They got me another one quickly, so i have no problem with them.

I was lucky enough to get this guitar when i was 18. It has been a loyal and trusted companion for 20 years. If it were stolen are damaged i don't know what i would do. Don't even want to imagine that. I can honestly say i love this guitar. When i put a fresh set of strings on it, it still has that magic. The tone is just wonderful, the craftmanship is great, and it is by far the finest guitar i have ever played.