This instrument was different than the production models. We saw a lot of new instruments over the two days we spent in Chicago, but one thing that stood out was the prototype of the new Ovation guitar.

As a result of this, he was able to get two passes to the 1966 NAMM convention. When I was only 14 years old, my best friend was an excellent drummer, and was a demonstrator for the Ludwig Drum Company. I will say that Al Di Meola was schooled at Julliard, and studied classical guitar there, which is another instrument that has no bridge pins. He could mute the strings with his palm, and stated he could not do this in the same manner with a pin-style bridge. But for concert work, he preferred the feel of the Ovation neck, and really liked the string-through bridge for his style of playing. Di Meola said that he owned a lot of guitars, including some very collectible Martins. solid wood AAA Sitka spruce top, 5-piece laminated neck, unique specially designed sound holes, and the best piezo pickup system of the day.ДЄbout 10 years ago I got to see Al Di Meola present a demonstration of his personal Ovation model. They blatantly disregarded the rest of the guitar i.e. Most of those that commented apparently preferred a wooden back. The design was loosely based on that of ancient stringed instruments such as the lute, oud, and the Neapolitan mandolin. I could not believe the responses, which went from вЂњGet a real guitarвЂќ to вЂњWhy would you want to play that #$%^&!вЂќ There were other comments.ДЄll of the hate comments concerned the guitars round back the one that Ovation calls a parabolic bowl, that was built to better to project sound. I recently visited a web based discussion page, where on innocent guy asked the question, вЂњDoes anyone manufacture a guitar strap that will allow my Ovation guitar to stay flat against me when IвЂ™m standing up?вЂќ Though he was not a musician, he often sent me information about guitars, and corresponded with my wife. He was a great husband, father, and one of the brightest men I have ever met.

I have known Michael since the mid-1970's when we went to the same church. Cristiani, who passed away unexpectedly on May 31st, during the time I was writing this article. I am dedicating this to my friend Michael W.

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