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Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 5
Location: N. Calif. | Hi Ovation Fans,
Just climbed out from under a rock and discovered a wonderful guitar, which I cannot identify yet, and also your bulletin board, which I maybe can figure out... Here are the specs, in case you can help me find out more. Tried looking it up on Ovation’s website and also Lost Art Vintage site linked from here, which all was fun but the numbers don’t quite fit.
It’s an Ovation model 1142-4; serial # 089887. The part that doesn’t fit is the “42” in model number? My husband thinks this may be a Deluxe Balladeer.
It’s had considerable work done beneath the bridge (on the inside,) with lots of long cracks in finish, covered with clear plastic decal type protector. The neck is, well, unusual (to me, anyhow, it’s the first Ovation I’ve played.) It is a metal fretboard with black paint (flaked away at main finger points, yet the metal is totally unharmed! : ) The white markers on it appear to be inlaid mother-of-pearl. The backing underneath the metal appears to be a fairly good visual replica of brownish wood, but really seems to be plastic/composite. Width of neck at top is 1 11/16 inches. There’s a plastic motif around the center hole (partly broken off, mostly glued on, some just sort of hanging but not buzzing or troubling.) Could be the fig leaf pattern I read about, not sure, no special marking at 4 o’clock. It’s either black or navy on white/cream.
The round, nubby bowl is black with a few white (probably paint) spots.
Old and chewed up as it is, it has great action and sound. Any insights on this instrument will be appreciated. Can’t get over what a good find this is, and what a pleasure to play. Wow!
Many thanks,
Laurie |
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Joined:
February 2002
Posts: 5750
Location: Scotland | It's either a Medallion or a Matrix. Same guitar, Medallion was the original name, later changed to Matrix. Model number indicates shallow bowl, no electronics, natural finish. Neck is urethane foam, fingerboard is aluminium. An interesting if somewhat flawed attempt at an affordable US-built Ovation. As good, if not better sounding than a current Celebrity. The integral "frets" seemed to wear really quickly on these guitars and they can not be re-fretted, which I guess was a major reason why they didn't last long in the line.
Paul
[ June 27, 2002: Message edited by: Paul Templeman ] |
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Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 5
Location: N. Calif. | Thanks, Paul. (How'd ya find that serial # info if I may ask?)
The frets look good on this one (maybe the only part the dog didn't eat?) Now I gotta find a Celebrity and try it out.
off topic here, but: been following a bit of the string discussion. I never change them, so rarely need to tune 'em. HowEVER, finding brand new Martin Acoustic SP Phosphor Bronze Lights (thrown in free by the cool guys at music store where my sweet little Ovation was discovered) very enjoyable on my Medallion or Matrix. tuning's not that bad, I guess.
In the jingle jangle morning of light bronze,
Laurie |
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Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10583
Location: NJ | Laurie
I have used the martin strings and like them a lot
enjoy your guitar |
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new member, new guitar -- ID by model #?
