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Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 5567
Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | Part of the fun of Guitar collecting is getting the details on each particular guitar if possible.
The Craigs List Adamas posted by scooterboy on the for sale section seemed to be a real mystery: the wording of the ad made it seem so and the lone picture was difficult to make out. I emailed the owner several times and eventually made the deal...the guitar will be shipped as soon as the current Blizzard is over in New England.
The ad read: "One of the orignial, 100 signed by Charlie Kamon, mint condition in blue velvet lined case. . Has to be seen". Here is the deciphered ad:
It is serial # 190-91, a 1687-8 (hence the blue) in the original velvet lined case (as she saw it) and it is signed by Charlie: Charles H. Kaman, May 1978
The guitar was given to the original owner as a gift in June or July 1978 by Charlie as a gesture to a fellow inventor. The owner was William "Bill" Rusch who along with two other fellows invented "Magnavox Odyssey" which we all remember as the original "Pong"... He also invented a device to add bass and drums (obviously one of the original effects boxes) to the guitar and although Charlie appreciated it, it did not go into production by Ovation Co. However, Charlie gave this guitar to Bill as a token to a fellow guitar player and inventor.
Sadly, shortly after Bill returned to NH he became ill and passed away. The guitar has sat in the case along with the rest of his collection ever since. Several years ago, his wife decided to sell the collection after giving several instruments to her children. She knew the Adamas was Bill's pride and joy even though he was not able to play it. So that is the story as I know it to this point. There is all of the original paper work in the case along with pamphlets that came with the guitar. I think based on my speaking with her they are the Owners Manuel and Adamas Story...there are several other things/papers as well and I'll have to wait to see what after it arrives here. The original picture was not of good quality but after going through that with 1688-8 #542, (which was also on Craig's List with terrible photo's), I have faith that it will be better than expected...(she has a very old digital camera).
Co-incidentally, I owned #189 that is now owned by a member in France. This one is stereo as was 189. A sister guitar!
I will post pictures later (Stephen, I loved the comment about Spring...lol).
I feel honored to be the guitars new owner. Thanks scooterboy for the heads up and Mrs. MusicMike for her understanding and help.
To quote Jerome from the Tribute site: "Thank you so much Mister Kaman for putting so much passion in your work that will resonate forever in our guitars." |
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Joined:
December 2009
Posts: 686
Location: Route 66, just east of the Cadillac Ranch | What a great guitar and what a fascinating story behind it. Congratulations! |
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March 2002
Posts: 15680
Location: SoCal | That is a good story.... |
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June 2007
Posts: 3084
Location: Brisbane Australia | Congrats Mike!!
AJ |
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March 2005
Posts: 2793
Location: Atlanta, GA. | Great story and congrats.
Very odd you would mention Mr. Rusch and the Magnavox "Odyssey" game.
I had just taken pics of mine today to post on ebay to see if there was any interest in it.
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March 2005
Posts: 2793
Location: Atlanta, GA. | Oops!!! sorry. |
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August 2002
Posts: 8307
Location: Tennessee | Nice that it got picked up by a fanatic collector! Congrats on a great deal. It's a good thing there was no amazingly detached unixcycler from malabar to advise this widow on the value of her guitar. |
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Joined:
September 2002
Posts: 806
Location: Seymour, Tennessee | OK Mike, again, I am offering to help you out with space issues since you have so many guitars.
I will graciously provide living space free of charge for, oh I don't know, say three or four or five of your guitars to alleviate any gripes your Honey might have about you getting another Adamas.
Just trying to be a pal and all.
Loree said to me after I got my Cobalt,
"So how many guitars do you have now?"
I replied, "Not anywhere even remotely close to how many pairs of shoes you have, now go make me a sammich."
She gave me "The Look" and went about her business.
I'm just trying to help keep things friendly at you house Buddy, mine might be a little more trained than yours (HAH!!!). :) |
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January 2011
Posts: 6
Location: Connecticut | Good luck with it! |
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August 2007
Posts: 1008
Location: Tuscany, Italy | Great story, great guitar. Congrats Mike. |
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March 2005
Posts: 5567
Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | Good luck with it! Dave??? Is that you??? |
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February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | Dave's not here. |
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Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 5567
Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | ;) |
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Craig's List Early Adamas I Details