Ovation Matrix, Natural, Acoustic Guitar, Hardshell Case - Used
Ovation has always done things differently, and the Matrix is one of the more interesting expressions of that philosophy. Built in Ovation's Connecticut factory in the late 1970s, the Matrix was the company's attempt to bring Ovation's signature Lyrachord bowl-back construction to a more accessible price point — and they did it by engineering their way around the cost rather than compromising on the concept. The result is a guitar with some genuinely unusual specifications: the neck is a special synthetic polymer composite, and the fingerboard is cast aluminum with integral frets. Ovation marketed this as warp-proof and impervious to humidity and temperature changes, which is largely true — the neck on a Matrix is one of the most stable you will ever encounter. The spruce top sits over that Lyrachord composite bowl back that gives all Ovations their characteristic projection and sustain, and the combination produces that chimey, balanced tone the bowl-back format is known for.
This one is set up and playing well. Classic Ovation bowl-back tone — chimey and balanced, with the clarity and projection that the Lyrachord construction naturally produces. A genuinely interesting instrument with a real story behind its design.
Condition is Good. There are finish cracks on the top which are cosmetic only — no structural damage, nothing moving, and nothing that affects playability or tone. This is a known characteristic of these guitars after decades of temperature and humidity cycling. Check the photos carefully for the full picture on cosmetic condition. Comes with the hardshell case.
A piece of American guitar industry history, playable and ready to go.
- Make: Ovation
- Model: Matrix 1132
- Era: Late 1970s
- Country of origin: USA (New Hartford, Connecticut)
- Body: Lyrachord fiberglass composite bowl back, spruce top, natural finish
- Neck: Synthetic polymer composite, no truss rod
- Fingerboard: Cast aluminum with integral frets
- Scale length: 25.5"
- Nut width: 1.68"
- Neck depth at 1st fret: 0.81"
- Neck depth at 12th fret: 0.93"
- Fingerboard radius: 10"
- Frets: 20
- Bridge: Ovation
- Electronics: None
- Weight: 5 lbs 5 oz
- Finish cracks: Cosmetic only, no structural damage — see photos
- Modifications: None
- Includes: Hardshell case
Ships carefully packed and insured for full value.
International buyers are welcome — please contact us for a shipping quote before purchasing.
About Mill River Music
Mill River Music is an independent, human-powered music shop located in downtown Northampton, MA, run by a team of players, enthusiasts, and certified repair technicians. Every piece of used gear we sell is personally inspected, tested, and set up before it ships — we don't list it until we'd be happy to play it ourselves.
As Martin and Taylor certified techs, we hold our guitar work to a high standard, and we're committed to full transparency about the condition of everything we sell. No surprises.
When you buy from Mill River, you're supporting an independent local business that genuinely cares — about gear, about players, and about doing things right. We're here every step of the way. Reach out anytime.
