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March 2004
Posts: 120
Location: UK - Canterbury Kent | I'm looking to buy a 12 string. I have a 1778LX six string and want to add to my little collection.
Second Hand USA made 12 strings are few and far between here in the UK. What about Applause/Celebrity models ?
How about older USA built Ovations, what are the ones to look for. What buying from AL ?
Piers |
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March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | The old Pacemakers have a GREAT sound!
12-fret, Slotted Head, Deep Non-Cutaway Bowl.
. . . and can often be gotten for a good price (but probably not in the UK).
By all means, check with Al!! |
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December 2003
Posts: 13984
Location: Upper Left USA | Piers,
I like the way you think!
The Pacemakers are the "bargain" of the bunch. An Adamas smooth top or texture top is a major upgrade.
I have a Custom Custom EliteLX 12 on order right now which will compliment my 1778LX!
The Celebrity and Balladeer 12's will give very good sound and dependable necks!
Go as fast as your wallet will let you! |
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December 2004
Posts: 2150
Location: Orlando, FL | Pacemakers are a great bargin for a good guitar but don't forget the other classic 12-fret, slotted head, deep bowl - the old Glen Cambell 12 strings! Big fat sound. :) |
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April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | While we may own many 6-string guitars, most of us will only own 1 or 2 twelve strings. Buy as much as you can possibly afford (like an Adamas 1688)because you will probably never need or want another one.
If money is an issue, then the Pacemakers and GC 12's are great for the money but not in the same league as the Adamas. |
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December 2004
Posts: 2150
Location: Orlando, FL | Stephent28,
So there really is a big difference wheen you move up to an Adamas 12? Is it sound, playability? Contrast and compare please! I like my GC alot but have always wondered about the Adamas 12s.
Thanks. |
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March 2002
Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | ". . So there really is a big difference wheen you move up to an Adamas 12? . ."
Hell Yeah!
(To me), a textured top AdamasI is the ultimate 12-string. Loud, Full, Bright. If I could afford one, I'd get rid of the three 12's I have and get one of those . . . in heartbeat.
I suggested the Pacemaker as Piers was enquiring about a Applause/Celeb, which sounded to me like he was looking for a secondary guitar on the cheap . . . |
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Joined:
November 2004
Posts: 4413
| Piers - if you've never bought from the States it goes like this:- you pay al the price of the guitar plus shipping and insurance ( which is $100). When it gets here you pay 3.9% duty on the total of cost plus shipping and insurance. You then pay 17 1/2% VAT on the running total. On a new Ovation it's still about one third cheaper than buying it here.
(You can save money by asking al to understate the value on the customs form. He loves to stick it to the man. It would be a good idea to use a false name and address when you try this... |
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November 2004
Posts: 4413
| Well that "cut and paste the link" wasn't much use was it? |
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April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Designzilla,
I think Cliff answered your question as well as I could :cool: |
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November 2005
Posts: 111
Location: Southern California | Piers -
Stephent28 and Cliff have it right. If your budget allows, consider an Adamas.
I recently debated between a CS245 and my 1598ME, both "slightly used, in great shape". The OFC's opinions helped me make up my mind to go with the Adamas... what an awesome guitar! Sound, quality, finish... wow! It's as much a work of art as it is a guitar, and the sound is angelic. :D
As you can probably tell, I am very pleased with my choice. I guess that's my point. Once you know your budget, try out some samples locally that are in your price range... then get the guitar that speaks to you! :) |
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Joined:
July 2003
Posts: 1922
Location: Canton (Detroit), MI | I have both a 1981-vintage 1118 Glen Campbell 12-string and a 2001-vintage Adamas 1598MERB Melissa Etheridge 12-string, and the ME 12-string wins hands down on sound. Not that the GC 12-string is bad, it's that the ME 12-string is THAT GOOD.
Roger |
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Joined:
November 2004
Posts: 286
Location: Idaho | I put a Guild F512 Jumbo in the closet after acquiring a W598 Adamas. The mid bowl Adamas 12 really puts out a 'versitile' sound in both the basses and trebles. The playability is second to none up the neck. I never thought a mid bowl could out perform a jumbo. |
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Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12750
Location: Boise, Idaho | My Applause 12 is my least used guitar. Partly because I don't play many songs calling for a 12 string, but also because it is not easy to play. Sound quality is good. If I ever get back into a 12 string I will try to set it up to make it more playable. |
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December 2005
Posts: 1234
Location: Tidal Mudflats of Virginia | I also agree with these folks on spending the money on the Adamas 12-string. Be it a deep bowl or shallow, IMHO, it blows every other 12-string guitar I've ever heard totally away.
My 1885 sings, that's the best way I know how to describe it. |
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December 2004
Posts: 4394
Location: East Tennessee | Here's a nice Pacemaker.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Ovation-Pacemaker-1615-12-String-Guitar...
Next to the Adamas They have a really great sound. |
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Joined:
August 2002
Posts: 8307
Location: Tennessee | My flavor of ice cream is my custom legend 12 (6759). Fabulous guitar. Never felt the urge to get an Adamas 12 since I got this one. Nice to look at, too. |
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March 2002
Posts: 15654
Location: SoCal | Bobbo, if you feel that way, then don't play my Adamas I 12 when you come down next week.... it'll only ruin your feelings........ |
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April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | You tell 'em Paul!
It was because of Paul's constant ravings about "Big Blue" that I felt compelled to track down a 1688. Once I heard and played one, I knew that everything Paul said was true.....and being lucky enough to have aquired one, I have to say without doubt, it is the best sounding and playing acoustic 12 I have ever played. |
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August 2002
Posts: 8307
Location: Tennessee | Well ... my Deacon is really my favorite 12 string. Talk about a tone monster ...
I will play Big Blue if you insist, Paul. But these tone-deaf ears may not truly appreciate it. ;) |
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April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Bobbo, you are absolutely correct about the Deacon 12. You noticed I said the 1688 was the best "acoustic" 12 string. Well, I will gladly say the same about the Deacon 12 being the best "electric" 12 string I have ever had the pleasure to play. |
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December 2003
Posts: 13984
Location: Upper Left USA | The voice, the shape and the action!
Yeah baby!
Must be time for my meds...
G'Night |
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August 2003
Posts: 4619
Location: SoCal | Of the 12's I have, can't say one is best...each is great, but different. So, justification to have at least one of each.
As to the Adamas I, may need an Adamas II little sister (or a U681T 12-str).
1688-8 OP-50 w/XLR
6759 CL, Optima w/XLR
1659 CL, stacked tone/vol
1658 CL Slothead, stacked tone/vol
1118 GC Slothead, acoustic
'68 Shiny bowl slothead, small soundhole, acoustic
Hamer Newport
Preacher Deluxe
Wurlitzer |
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Joined:
March 2004
Posts: 120
Location: UK - Canterbury Kent | Thank you all for the advice. Unfortunatly second hand Adamas 12 string are unusual here in the UK.
What with the house needing re Thatching in March, I have to be careful with the costs and much as I would like an Adamas, I suspect that a budget 12 string will have to do for the one song I use it for during our band gigs.
Many Thanks to all
Piers
1778-LX-BCB
Martin D-28
Fender Telcaster - USA |
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Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 15654
Location: SoCal | Take a look at this...
http://cgi.ebay.com/Ovation-12-string-guitar_W0QQitemZ7381659093QQc... |
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12 String Recomendation
