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Joined:
May 2003
Posts: 425
Location: SE Michigan | I have a 1581 Adamas which I like very much. It has an Optima preamp.
I have occasionally had a problem where there is no output from either the 1/4 jack or the XLR. The tuner still functions so I know the piezo pickup is still working. This problems seems to happen after a long set or prolonged plugged in use. If you unplug it and wait awhile it starts to work again. I have tried fresh batteries and such, no help. I dont think that it is a loose connection or wiring problem because I have no static or popping noises, and when the preamp is working it seems to work very well.
Any thoughts? At this point I guess I am looking for a replacment Optima preamp. Does anybody have an Optima for sale? Also has anyone successfully converted one of these to a more modern preamp?
Thanks |
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Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12759
Location: Boise, Idaho | Brian,
I had one Optima that had electronics issues, almost the opposite of yours. Mine would turn the tuner on by itself (sometimes I'd see it come on while it was hanging on the wall and I was playing another guitar). I concluded it was something internal in the preamp. I could take the battery out, which worked for me.
Is your tuner coming on by itself, cutting out the output? I can't remember if the Optima tuners cut out the output like the new ones do. |
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Joined:
February 2004
Posts: 1634
Location: Warren,Pa. | I had this same trouble with 2 different guitars...both of them fairly new at the time. I called Kim and he seemed to be familiar with the problem. Back then, since the guitars were almost new, he sent me new Optimas each time. So...this problem was at least frequent enough that it was no mystery to the factory. I don't know if they have any more Optimas left.
Just last week there was someone here who changed out the Optima with an OpPro. They did it on an Adamas and the finished product was PERFECT. I forget who it was, but they posted pictures of the whole process from start to finish.
John <>{ |
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Joined:
May 2003
Posts: 425
Location: SE Michigan | What it does is lose the audio output, from both the 1/4 and the XLR, but as I said the tuner still works. Fix is to unplug it for 10 minutes or so, then it works again for awhile.
Think I'll send Kim and email and see if they have any Optima's around.
Thanks |
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Joined:
January 2009
Posts: 4535
Location: Flahdaw | I'm starting to think that an external preamp, ie LR Baggs or such, is really the way to go. More flexibility, fewer problems, and a cleaner git without a big box mounted in it. Although I do like the dual systems with an undersaddle PU and the built in mic....I think you have to have on board for the blend |
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Joined:
September 2005
Posts: 3619
Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | Hi Brian, I'm the guilty party of last week's preamp swap-out post, but it was with an Op24, which used a smaller hole. I STILL had to fill about a third of the opening where the 24 was, and like I mentioned ... it was not an easy task by any means. I would suggest that you email Kim Keller or John Budny and ask about availability of the Optima before you look at a different shaped tuner replacement. They may also have another suggestion. I'll PM you with an email address for them. |
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Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | Brian, last time I talked to JB about it, they had a supply. I can't imagine where they would go except to repairs, so they should have some in stock. |
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Optima problem
