As if Micro-Frets’ nuts, vibratos and body shapes were not innovative enough to grab the attention of electric guitarists, the company gave this Golden Melody model a glowing green sunburst finish called Moonscape.

(A later version with darker green finish was called Martian Sunburst.)

Practically every feature of a Micro-Frets was a departure from conventional guitar design. The front and back of early models were joined together by a plastic gasket (much like the molded fiberglass bodies of National’s early-1960s models). The control knobs were tastefully incorporated into the edge of the pickguard. The soundhole had a shape that repeated the lines of the company’s logo. The pickups, supplied by Gretsch, had actually been designed for Martin’s short-lived electric model line.

The Golden Melody only lasted a few years before it evolved into the Spacetone and Stage II models, which featured more conventional, symmetrical body shapes, but it made a lasting impression. It was one of the five models revived by a new Micro-Frets company, founded by Will Meadors and Paul Rose in 2003.