Adamas Review: SMT

History:

Purchase: I purchased this unit about three or so years ago from Shivelbine's Music in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. I do not remember the exact price as I also purchased a Fender Acoustisonic amplifier, and a Yamaha PSR-630 keyboard at the same time as well.

What I Like About This Adamas SMT: In their promotional flyer, Ovation asks the question "Ever play a grand piano with the lid lifted?" and goes on to say "A similar sonic "openness" is how players describe their first SMT experience." Well, they're by no means being misleading! The sound quality is very good to say the least! This guitar also comes "alive" when plugged in and studio experience is no less than thrilling due to its excellent onboard electronics. For years, (since 1981) I carried around an old Ovation (Model 1617) and was (and am still) very fond of it. I knew if I was going to replace "her" with something else, it would have to be well made and with exceptional sound. Well, looks like my SMT is it and I look forward to playing it for the next decade-or-two. I still pick-up my old 1617 from time-to-time but, the Adamas is my onsite guitar and has yet to fail me. Also, it is nice to not have to worry about top cracks as the carbon fiber top has eliminated this problem (my old 1617 almost immediately developed a crack!)

What I Do NOT Like About The Adamas SMT: I can honestly say that there really isn't anything that I do not like about this guitar. Unlike my old model 1617, the battery is very easy to remove and replace and I love being able to "do-away" with feedback with simple manipulation of the Notch knob. The built in electronics are excellent. Ok, if I have to really "grasp" for something, I'd say the onboard tuner at times has the tendency to be "stubborn" when tuning the top E string. What do I mean? Well, in tune indication light does not "lock" like it normally does when tuning the other strings. But this only happens with the top (low) E string.

Adamas SMT Quality Rating: This is certainly a very well designed and built guitar and without hesitation, I'd rate the construction and quality as excellent.

Review Summary: Some people "burn" through guitars much like one would go through shirts, socks or pants in ones wardrobe. They choose guitars which “look” right (for the particular point in time) but often with dubious sound quality. When they “tire” of a particular “look,” they discard and move on. Then there are others who “wear” well what they have and they’re more concerned with function and over all quality than simple fad. The Adamas SMT was clearly designed for those in the latter category. The SMT emphasizes tonal quality, construction and functionality over “trend ness.” It was designed to age well and to be not “obsolete” with passage of time. Surely Adamas models will progress in many ways over the years yet, it is hard to imagine this particular model becoming “obsolete” in the true sense of the word. I see my Adamas as a trusty little workhorse and again, I look forward to using it for a very long time to come.

Rating of this Adamas product: 5

This Adamas SMT Acoustic Guitars Review Submitted By: Mustapha from Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Review Date: 2002-12-31