“I want a sound with more depth and resonance.” If you’ve ever picked up an acoustic guitar, you’re probably not alone in having felt this way at least once.
It’s rare to find a guitar that exceeds your ideal. But what exactly is that “ideal” sound, anyway? That feeling of being stuck in a rut—I think many players can relate to this struggle.
That’s why we’d like to introduce the 1979 Ovation Super Adamas. Created by challenging the traditions of acoustic guitars and pouring all of Ovation’s technical expertise into answering the question, “How can we make it sound richer?” this is an instrument at the very pinnacle of craftsmanship.
Its most distinctive feature is the ultra-thin sandwich top made of carbon graphite and birch. At just 1.27 mm—about one-third the thickness of a standard top—it’s highly resistant to changes in temperature and humidity, and the entire top vibrates as if it were a thin sheet of glass. It produces a light, free-flowing vibration that transcends its physical thickness, responding faithfully to the player’s every nuance. By eliminating the central soundhole in the body and instead placing multiple soundholes across the upper body, the design ensures that the flow of vibrations is unimpeded, allowing the energy of the entire top to be fully unleashed.
The wooden epaulets, shaped like acanthus leaves found in Greek architecture, embody traditional beauty and artistry despite the instrument’s innovative design. A variety of premium woods—such as Burmese teak, Indian rosewood, and amaranth—add a touch of color. The instrument’s signature brown hue evokes a sense of melancholy reminiscent of autumn foliage, finished in a way that perfectly embodies the elegance of Adamas.
The wooden knobs are a hallmark of the early Super Adamas models. While some may view them as charming simply because they are part of the original specification, I feel there is another appealing aspect to them.
By deliberately retaining the warmth of wood within a futuristic carbon-graphite body, this choice speaks to the philosophy behind the Super Adamas. This philosophy is also evident in the guitar’s headstock and bridge. While it represents an innovation in acoustic guitar design, it never compromises the “beauty” inherent to an acoustic guitar. It is this coexistence that, I believe, elevates this guitar to a truly one-of-a-kind instrument.
The neck incorporates a specially designed aluminum reinforcement called “Camember,” while the fingerboard is made of resin-impregnated walnut. It is highly resistant to humidity and sweat, boasting a durability that ensures virtually no wear even after years of playing. The fingerboard, mounted so that it appears to “float” above the top, does not impede vibration and delivers astonishingly quick response.
When I play this guitar, I feel as though my touch has changed. After playing for a while, I realize that my touch hasn’t actually changed—rather, every nuance of my touch is faithfully translated into sound. Isn’t it this honesty that smoothly elevates the performer’s expression?
The sound projects clearly in the high frequencies, while the low end doesn’t swell unnecessarily—it’s released into the space while maintaining its core. The harmonics are rich yet clear, with a precision that seems to capture even the angle of the pick and the moisture on your fingertips.
Furthermore, there’s the stereo configuration—a hallmark of the early Adamas models. The 1st, 3rd, and 5th strings are separated from the 2nd, 4th, and 6th strings to the left and right, creating a three-dimensional soundscape where, even when played by a single guitarist, it sounds as if two guitarists are responding to one another. Hailed as the “sound of the future” at live venues back then, it was a true innovation in the very means of musical expression.
A 1979 Brown Adamas. Even now, more than forty years later, the color of the epaulettes has not faded, the top retains its crystal-clear luster, and it exudes a dignity that seems to hold the light of autumn. If you’re looking for a guitar that will take your playing to the next level, this is the one. The Super Adamas has carved its name into the history of acoustic guitars. This instrument—a tangible embodiment of Ovation’s passion, craftsmanship, and artistry—will guide your playing toward new horizons.
[Specs/Included Case] BODY: Deep Bowl TOP: Carbon Graphite BACK/SIDES: Lyrachord FINGERBOARD/BRIDGE: Walnut NECK: Walnut NUT WIDTH: 42.5mm SCALE: 642mm Electronics: FET Preamp CASE: Original Hardshell Case
[Condition] - There are slight scratches on the back of the body, but the overall exterior condition is clean. - There are no playing issues such as buzzing or muffled sound. - String action at the 12th fret: 2.6 mm on the 6th string side, 1.6 mm on the 1st string side. - Saddle height: approx. 2 mm to 4 mm. - The electronics are in good working order and can be used without issue. - After we received the guitar, we adjusted the neck angle and refretted it to ensure perfect playability. - The neck was refinished following these adjustments.
[Mail-Order Assurance Service] Since we cannot offer customers the opportunity to try out the instrument before purchase when selling via mail order, we provide a 6-day trial period after the product arrives. Please take your time to thoroughly test the product at home; if you are not satisfied, we will refund the purchase price. *You are responsible for round-trip shipping costs.
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Electric Guitars/Electric Basses/Effectors/Amplifiers (Tuning Warranty: Up to 5 years) If your instrument malfunctions or stops producing sound after purchase, we will repair it free of charge. The warranty period varies by product.
Acoustic Guitars (Peace of Mind Warranty: Up to 6 months) For 1 month or 6 months after purchase, we will repair any defects resulting from normal use free of charge.
Wind Instruments (Up to 1 Year) Upon arrival, we clean the interior of the instrument, replace consumables as needed, and perform any necessary repairs and maintenance. If the instrument malfunctions or stops producing sound during normal use, we will repair it free of charge.