1983 Ovation Adamas 12-String - Model 1188-7 w/Original Case
***A flawless one of very few Original Adamas 1188 Models. Hand signed by C. W. Kaman II***

This is from my personal collection of vintage guitars. Before I describe my guitar let me tell you it is not from an Estate Sale, nor is it being offered to you by an antique dealer as a thrift store find. Too many instruments seem to be up for auction these days from people who have no clue how it really sounds or plays thrown up for bids wearing 20 year old strings, with the insistence it’s beautiful to look at and "must be high quality".

Hopefully I will answer all your questions whether you’re a beginner or a pro. If you’re a beginner print this auction and take it to someone you trust for verification.

Now about the instrument….

You are looking at what is one of the most ornate and advanced 12-string guitars that was ever on the market. When introduced this Adamas series of the Ovation line became the height of modern guitar design.

This is not a reissue, but rather is an original model 1188-7. The Adamas was based mostly on the advancement in materials but brought 3 new notable features to the instrument world.

-The 22 Sound holes located on the upper bout are not only decorative, but exceed the total area of a conventional round sound hole. Being located in the upper bout and away from the bridge they allow for a larger continuous soundboard (top).

-A carbon fiber synthetic top allows for thinner construction and perfectly controlled internal grain so that every top is consistently of high tonal quality. The strength of this material allows for a thinner top with increased reverberation and resistance to climactic changes.

-The Ovation patented Lyrachord bowlback is modified on the Adamas and the depth increased to a full 6 1/16". The Kaman Bar neck adjustment system is also used on this model. After the release of the Adamas line the 12-String version quickly rose to prominence on stage combining the virtues of an exceptionally strong top and neck construction with a large projection of sound.

To this day the Ovation 12-String models are the most common choice of professional musicians looking for rugged design and big sound. The 1188 is one of the original models first introduced in 1977 and is from the highest series of Adamas guitars ever produced in terms of quality and ornamentation. This guitar is described as part of the history timeline at the Ovation website. In honor of this guitars historical relevance to Ovation, 100 re-issue blue burst Adamas models were released in both 1993 and then again in 2005.

Here are some of the features that are unique to the 1188 model and some of the original sister models.

A carved headstock and neck of Walnut. The neck is a 2 piece configuration running the length neck incorporating a single continuous carved headstock neck, and heel. It is stunning!

A carved solid Walnut Bridge of string pass through design is used. The 1188 and 1187 models are the only Adamas models that feature a traditional bone saddle for maximum acoustic tone. It is my personal opinion that this arrangement which replaces the Ovation plastic crystal pieces used on other models dramatically increases the tone, sensitivity, and projection.

24k Gold plated Fully-Enclosed Tuning Machines

The Walnut fretboard has two-color Adamas design inlays at the 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 12th, 15th and 17th frets. Other decorative features are "egg in nest" machine carved binding between the top and sides. The top is a cream to blue burst with a very light bronze metallic element that continues over the back of the guitar.

Here are the raw facts on the construction:.

Year: 1983
Carbon Fiber Top
Wooden Epaulettes Around Soundholes
The Color is a White to Blue Burst
Carved Walnut Bridge
Carved Walnut Neck
Walnut Fingerboard with Maple Adamas Inlays
Single Bound Lyrachord Body 6 1/16" Deep
15 ¾" Lower Bout
1/ 7/8" fretboard width at nut
25 ¼" scale length
Action is 2.8mm at the 12th fret
Original Case Included
NEW Martin Extra Light Bronze Strings just installed.

Condition:

I am usually very conservative on my description of condition but in this case I could not expect that you would find one nicer than this. The total defect is one small mark on the headstock from a once misguided string. That area is pictured and it is really only visible when the strings are off.

The frets have virtually no wear, the walnut fretboard is not turning dark from dirt as many Ovations do. The Gold tuners function perfectly and have all of the gold plating. The action is set very low at 2.8mm measured at the 12th fret. For reference that means 5 standard business cards stacked on the 12th fret would be trapped by the strings.

I have been playing guitar for about 17 years and in my estimation this is a fantastic instrument in truly like new condition. The neck is comfortable and this is the only 12 string I have been able to play, as I am used to classical guitars with easy nylon strings. I am a pretty poor player at a 12-string, but rather than take my word for it. I think it’s better you take your own. Below is a web address for one video clip of it being played by me where you can hear the instrument.