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Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 7222
Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | Hi,
For the two people left that havent heard this story, I bought this guitar in 1975 from Dick Rivers at River's Music in Middletown, CT. It was a factory 2nd, but not marked as such. I paid $150.00 for it, and have gotten more use out of it, and it's taken more abuse then any guitar should. It has been around the world from the Philippines to Alaska, to Hawaii and of course all over the USA. A deep bowl (Balladeer I think), acoustic only with an aluminum neck. Made in the USA, and it sounds just great. The only "repairs" have been the typical replacement of the saddle and about 10 years ago the rosette came loose so I re-glued it in place.
I realized a few months ago, that this is the only one of these I can ever remember seeing since 1975. I have never spotted one on eBay, but I must admit I have only been looking more intently in the past few months, and I haven't seen anyone else mention them. The name used on the headstock was changed to Matrix in '76 due to a conflict with something Gibson I think, so this piece is a little historic in that sence. I have seen the Matrix models on eBay, but never a Medallion.
Check it out.
'75 Ovation Medallion |
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Joined:
November 2002
Posts: 3611
Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire | Perhaps the most amazing issue is that there are any first-position frets left! Not much paint, for sure. |
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Joined:
January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | Miles, we made them for about two-three years before the name changed to Matrix. There must be a couple thousand made if not more. It is funny that you never see any, I agree. |
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Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 7222
Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | Thanks Bill. I wasn't sure when the change occured and if any made it to the street, so thanks for confirming that.... now I really have to go hmmmm??? So somewhere someone has a "crap load" (I think was the term you used) of Amplifiers and Acoustic Medallion guitars. Of course I at least we see the amps pop up from time to time.
If anyone spots a Medallion, let me know. I have sitting on a stand in the control room of my studio now and been playing it a lot, and it sounds a lot better than I used to give it credit. I sure would like to have another. As you can see, this one deserves a break. And yes, the frets are quite worn. The first position just looks worse because the paint is worn off the fingerboard, the real wear is between the 7th and 13th frets on the lower strings. I guess the electric strings I had on her for so many years tool their toll. Funny thing is it still has nice action, good intonation and no string buzz. Go figure. |
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Joined:
February 2002
Posts: 5750
Location: Scotland | I remember when the Matrix first appeared in the stores over here around '75/76. They were a lot less than £200 which at that time was more than I could afford but still unbelievably cheap for a USA-built guitar |
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So how rare is the Medallion
