
( Brand: Ovation ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 1681-2 ), ( Series: Adamas ), ( Handedness: Right-handed ), ( Type: Acoustic-electric Guitar ), ( Model Year: 1996 ), ( String Configuration: 6 String ), ( Number Of Frets: 22 )
The Ovation Adamas 1681-2 is a stunningly beautiful and versatile acoustic-electric guitar crafted by Ovation in 1996. This model is part of Ovation's renowned Adamas series, known for their exceptional craftsmanship and innovative design.
The body of the Ovation Adamas 1681-2 is made of solid Sitka spruce top, providing a rich, resonant sound that's prized by acoustic guitar players. This top is supported by Ovation's unique roundback design, which incorporates a thin, lightweight fiberglass shell. This combination offers several benefits: it increases the guitar's sustain, enhances its volume, and introduces a unique, warm tone that's difficult to find in traditional wood-body acoustic guitars.
The back and sides of this Ovation guitar are crafted from luto bello, an exotic hardwood from South America. Luto bello adds a touch of visual elegance and a distinct tonal character to the instrument. Its vibrant, dark brown hue not only looks captivating but also contributes to the overall sound quality, providing a strong, robust foundation for the high-pitched notes produced by the Sitka spruce top.
The neck of the Ovation Adamas 1681-2 is made from mahogany, a premium tonewood known for its durability and exceptional tonal characteristics. It features a 25.5-inch scale length and a standard 1 3/4-inch nut width. The neck is set into the body via Ovation's unique dovetail neck joint, ensuring a robust connection that allows for optimal transfer of string energy and greater structural integrity over time.
One of the most distinctive features of the Ovation Adamas 1681-2 is its elegant, wave-style bridge. This bridge is made of rosewood and features a compensated strings system, allowing for improved intonation and improved string vibration transfer. This results in a more accurate and richly resonant sound.
The Adamas 1681-2 is an acoustic-electric guitar, meaning it comes equipped with a pickup system that allows for convenient amplification. The guitar features a pre-installed Ovation Slimline pickup system, which is designed to provide a clear, transparent amplified sound that retains the guitar's natural tonal character. This pickup system can be adjusted using the onboard preamplifier, which includes controls for volume, tone, and bass.
Additional features of the Ovation Adamas 1681-2 include a bone nut and compensated saddle, premium Gotoh tuning machines, and a high-gloss, nitrocellulose lacquer finish in a beautiful natural color. This guitar comes with a deluxe case for added protection.
In conclusion, the Ovation Adamas 1681-2 is a stunning and versatile acoustic-electric guitar, exuding beauty and offering a rich, warm tone that's perfect for both live performances and recording sessions. Its unique design features and high-quality construction make it a standout instrument in the world of acoustic guitars.
Pros of buying a Ovation 1681-2 1996 Adamas Acoustic-Electric Guitar:1. Body Shape: The Ovation 1681-2 features a unique roundback shape made of laminated spruce, which offers a two-way truss rod for stabilizing the neck against the stem and rib especially important for larger bodies.
2. Deep, Resonant Sound: The Adamas Series features Ovation's advanced scalloped X-bracing, which provides increased bass response and clearer, more defined highs. The large soundhole and advanced LR Baggs Element bridge-pickup system enhance the overall tonal quality.
3. Playability: The guitar comes with a tapered-set neck, which allows players to set the neck relief closer to zero than on traditional acoustic guitars. It makes playability more comfortable, especially for players with smaller hands or for those who prefer a low-action setup.
4. Versatile: Being an acoustic-electric guitar, the Ovation 1681-2 can be plugged in for live performances, recording, or practicing silently at home via an amplifier or headphones.
5. Durable: The body's unique shape and synthetic materials, including the one-piece Sabre Lite top made of ABS material, offer solid protection against damaging impacts, making the guitar more durable than traditional wooden acoustic guitars.
Cons of buying a Ovation 1681-2 1996 Adamas Acoustic-Electric Guitar:1. Tone: Some players prefer the warm, organic tone of traditional wooden acoustic guitars, and the Ovation may not provide that specific sound.
2. Synthetic Materials: The guitar's synthetic materials can produce a somewhat different tone and feel compared to wooden instruments. While the Ovation's unique body shape and bracing system offer some unique tonal advantages, some players may still prefer the authentically "acoustic" sound of a wooden guitar.
3. Fret Work: Depending on the condition of the 1996 Ovation 1681-2, the fret work might not be perfect. Worn frets or uneven fretwork may require additional attention and maintenance or even fret replacement to ensure proper setup and maximum playability.
4. Size and Weight: Despite its durability, the roundback shape and synthetic materials contribute to the Ovation's larger size and increased weight compared to typical wooden acoustic guitars. This may not be ideal for players who require portability or prefer a more traditional acoustic guitar form factor.
5. Cost: Acoustic-electric guitars typically cost more than traditional acoustic guitars due to their added electronics and design features. The Ovation 1681-2 is an older model in the Adamas series, and the price may be higher than some other new acoustic-electric guitars.
Conclusion:The Ovation 1681-2 1996 Adamas Acoustic-Electric Guitar offers a distinctive roundback shape, advanced electronics, and a durable synthetic body material that appeals to players seeking a comfortable, versatile, and reliable instrument. Its unique sonic characteristics appeal to those who value a modern and more uniform tone, as it differs somewhat from the warm, organic qualities of wooden acoustic guitars. If you prioritize playability, durability, and versatility, the Ovation 1681-2 may be an excellent choice for you. However, it's important to consider the potential trade-offs when it comes to the unique sound and aesthetics of traditional wooden acoustic guitars, as well as potential maintenance requirements such as frets and electronics. In summary, the decision to invest in this guitar will depend on your personal preferences, priorities, and playing style.
Recommendation:If you are a player who values the convenience of an acoustic-electric guitar, appreciates a more modern tonal quality, and is attracted to the Ovation's durability and unique design, the Ovation 1681-2 1996 Adamas Acoustic-Electric Guitar could be an ideal choice for your musical journey. It might be wise to carefully inspect the guitar's condition, specifically the frets and fretwork, to ensure that it is in good shape and ready for your playing style. Additionally, considering that it's an older model, researching the market to find the best available price would be beneficial. If you prefer the authentic acoustic sound and feel and consider the Ovation's cons as deal-breakers, perhaps exploring traditional wooden acoustic guitars from relevant brands would be a more suitable choice for you.
The case has some wear, please see photos for exact condition. Up for sale is a 1996 Ovation Adamas II 1681-2 Acoustic Electric Guitar with Original Case. The guitar has been cleaned, a new battery installed in the electronics and strings have. A few light scratches on the body and some minor dings back of neck.
The electronics are working as they should.