By Shape
From a small backyard workshop, Maton Guitars has grown into a truly great Australian success story. Currently, Maton employs more than 70 people and remains 100 percent family owned and operated.
Firmly established now as Australia’s favourite and most successful guitar, Maton has gained acceptance on the world stage as an instrument of the highest quality. It is following Bill May’s vision of making handcrafted guitars at an affordable price. His philosophy still rings true today:
“If you make a good guitar, the right guitar, people will want it.”
– Bil May, Maton Founder.
Bill May’s philosophy meant that “precision in work is very important. Individuals are important – I must have them. I feel it is the right way of life for a man to come and work and to give his ability to a job which means something to him and something to the end user.” – Bill May.
Bill’s enthusiasm proved infectious and lives on today in current staff members who embrace the high standards of quality on which Maton was founded. Bill was particularly interested in experimenting with Australian timbers and these principles continue today with impressive results.
Maton is founded by Bill May with brother Reg in Thornbury, Victoria, Australia.
Bill May outgrows Bill's Thornbury garage and moves to Canterbury, Victoria, Australia.
Elvis plays a HG 100 in feature film Jailhouse Rock.
Maton expands into electric instruments and amplifiers with the MS500 Mastersound.
Tommy and Phil Emmanuel get their first Maton Guitars (MS500).
George Harrison photographed with a MS500 in Liverpool.
Keith Richards plays an SE777 on Gimme Shelter.
Maton develops the 808 guitar shape.
Bill May’s daughter Linda Kitchen and son-in-law Neville Kitchen become directors.
Maton moves operations to Bayswater, Victoria, Australia.
Musician, Visionary, and the founder of Maton Guitars's Bill May passes away.
The Tommy Emmanuel ‘Mouse’ is born
Maton pioneers the use of Bunya tonewood.
Maton expands to Europe. Italian Superstar Dodi Bataglia is instrumental in raising the profile of the brand.
David Steedman joins the company continuing the legacy into the third generation
Maton moves operations to Box Hill Australia
The Joshue Homme BB1200JH signature model is Released
The First Mini Maton is released in collaboration With Johny Diesel (Mark Lizotte)
The game changing AP5 PRO Pick up system is released. The pick up goes on to be considered one of the best in the industry
The SRS range of guitars is introduced. A complete overhaul the build process as Maton transition to all solid timber construction
The Maton Custom Shop Creates and donates the Lone Pine Guitar
The Music That Maton Made book is released
Maton's winter NAMM booth wins the Louix Award for best Trade Booth Display
Vera May, the Matriarch of Maton guitars passes away at the age of 102
