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Joined:
August 2005
Posts: 3
| Hi, all! My husband is trying to find a home (locally) for his 12-string Matrix Model #1138, but we're having a hard time finding information about this guitar. Even the reference page here isn't helping - 38 is not listed as a possibility for the last two digits in a four-digit model. The serial number is 004814, which, from your list, puts it as being made in 1972. Would anyone else have more information on this? Your help is greatly appreciated! |
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February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | The retail price list on The Ovation Website shows model 1138 was only sold in '80 and '81. The retail price was $335.
What did you want to know about it? |
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March 2004
Posts: 1388
Location: Paris/France | Hi,
For more information on your 1138, please look at this brochure:
80\'s MATRIX CATALOG
J :) |
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August 2005
Posts: 3
| Well, first - how did you locate it on their website? It's not even on the list of discontinued guitars! Could you post a link to the page you're referring to?
I guess we really just want some good details - woods used, that sort of thing, - and to see what it might be worth so we know we're getting a reasonable price for it. We're contacting several local places, and one guy said that it will only fetch about $130 used, even with the hardcase, and he'll give us half of that. I mean, is it worth it to try to sell it on eBay instead (if I can get more than $100 for it?)
Thanks for your quick reply, Waskel! |
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February 2002
Posts: 5750
Location: Scotland | One of the factors that keeps Matrix prices low is that the majority of them had aluminum fingerboards with integral frets and they were not re-fretable. The other problem is that the black paint on the 'board wears and looks dreadful. I've seen countless Matrix guitars which are unplayable because of excessive fret wear. However at the end of production, before they were revamped to become the Special Balladeer and the (USA-made)Ultra, the Matrix got a conventional wooden fingerboard which is re-fretable. As the 12-string Matrix was at the end of the production run it's probable that at least some had conventional frets on a rosewood board. If this is the case then it makes it a much better prospect and your guitar will be worth a decent sum of money. I'd guess a couple of hundred dollars at least, without the case. Even if it has an aluminium board it's gonna bring more than 65 bucks on ebay. If it has the rosewood board and you put it on Ebay you need to stress the fact that it is not an aluminium board model, as most buyers will assume that if it's a Matrix it has an aluminium fingerboard and bid accordingly |
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January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | that late in the game it might be a rosewood f/b. |
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December 2003
Posts: 13986
Location: Upper Left USA | Rather than letting it go for an unappreciative low price just hang it on the wall until a freind that can play stopsby to visit.
Then make it a gift to them. It will be worth its full value again. |
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Joined:
July 2005
Posts: 69
Location: Massachusetts | First of all, thank you, Paul. That Matrix brochure pinpointed my guitar perfectly. I have the 1637-1 model.
In response to Carmiehead. My Matrix is the 6 string model with the rosewood fretboard and I got it with the brown Ovation hardshell case for $75. I understand that I did really well especially as it was in good condition with cosmetic damage due to being in an attic for lotsa years and I also note that a 12 string in decent shape might fetch more than I paid.
Do you have a pics of yours?
Alan |
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Joined:
July 2005
Posts: 69
Location: Massachusetts | From the brochure it appears to be a non-electric 12 string acoustic made in the early 80's with a rosewood fretboard. |
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Joined:
August 2005
Posts: 3
| Wow, you guys are good (and fast!) Thanks so much for all of your input. (BTW, Paul, I thought I kept everything - Geez!)
It does have a wood fretboard, so that's good. It has one crack in the lacquer on the front, but the rest is fine. I have a photo, but nowhere to post it. If you'd like to see it, I can email it to you.
I had one person this afternoon who might be willing to do $150. That's better than $65! :-)
Thanks again, everyone, and I'll keep you posted!
Carmen |
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Info about Matrix 1138?
