THE TOURING MACHINE

Melissa Etheridge makes an appearance in only her second product ad ever (the first being for Adamas Strings back in 1990). This time, it's Melissa and her trusty Ovation Adamas 12 string in a full-page spread that is already gracing the pages of music mags worldwide. The latest in the If You're Gonna Play Out You Gotta Plug In series, validates the phrase with a back drop of but a few international cities that Melissa has rocked with her Adamas this year.
A lot has happened since Kaman Music's Artist Relations Department first came upon Melissa back in 1989 via a promo package containing an advance copy of her self-titled debut album. Some seven years, six albums, five world tours, two bands, a Grammy and no telling how Many Ovation giveaways later, we still watch with pride and amazement as Melissa's career continues to unfold.
We watched her rock Berlin the night the wall came down and as she shared the stage with the Eagles from their first stadium date in 14 years. MTV showed her blowing the mud off the latest Woodstock generation and later presented her at her acoustic best during her critically acclaimed Unplugged performance.
Her Adamas 12 string has become as much her trademark as McCartney's Hofner bass and Springsteen's black Takamine. Aside from being an integral part of her sound, it has become a part of her persona. The touring machine's touring machine.

ELTON'S FRETS

Davey Johnstone, John Jorgenson and Bob Birch were in high spirits. They had not seen each other since the end of Elton's last recording session in England several months prior and were getting caught up. Not so much by telling the latest, but musically caught up. No sooner were the Ovation's in their hand for the photo shoot then the fingers and the music began flying. They were smiling, laughing and having a big time without a word being said. Davey with his MM68-CCB mandolin, John with MC868-4 Mandocello and Bob with his B5768-4 bass. As the music ebbed and flowed from sweet and melodic to fast and furious, the camera clicked away. They didn't care to pose, they didn't want it contrived. They wanted it real just like the music.

OTHER ROUNDBACK SIGHTINGS

Gipsy Kings' Tonino Baliardo has forsaken his Gibson Chet Atkins for the Ovation nylon string Viper. Tonino, who wasn't particularly looking to switch brands, simply fell in love with the versatile thin-line guitar that has now become his mainstay. Keep an eye out for the upcoming Gipsy Kings world tour.

Our old friends Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora recently took delivery of two 1996 Collector's guitars. Both Jon and Richie are currently working on solo projects.

In case you haven't heard, Ovation has solved the age-old problem of amplifying the mandolin. Just ask Bob Mann (James Taylor), Mark Goldenberg (Jackson Browne), Peter Holsapple (Hootie and the Blowfish) and Jim Hargrave (John Michael Montgomery) the latest in the ever increasing roster of top notch players to embrace the "Roundback".

Clint Black's long-time guitarist and collaborator, Hayden Nicholas, has been spotted on TV and in print with his cutomized Adrian Legg style Adamas. Nicholas, who utilizes many different tunings, says that his Adamas is the only acoustic electric up to the task.

Shania Twain has ordered her third black Viper so that she won't be caught anywhere without one.

So you think you know how to play guitar. Check out the Guitar Super Trio (Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin and Paco DeLucia) coming to a town near you. As usual, Al will be driving his 1769-5 Custom Legend.

Check out Toni Braxton's new video Unbreak My Heart featuring an Elite 1868-5 and try to keep your eyes on the guitar.

Rush is back along with Alex Lifeson and his EA68-5, 1863-4 and 1858-6, and just like the Roundbacks, they're better than ever.

Previous rumors from 1996