By Shape
Maton sources timber from a network of preferred suppliers specialising in the supply of low-volume high grade timber for the music industry.
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.
At Maton Guitars, our commitment to craftsmanship extends beyond wood and strings; it’s embodied in the artistry of our highly skilled painters. Each guitar is finished by hand, showcasing the passion and precision of our talented team. These artisans bring years of experience and a keen eye for detail, ensuring that every instrument not only sounds exceptional but also looks stunning. Our finishes showcase the harmony of tradition and innovation that defines Maton.
Maton manufactures its own pickups, which we consider essential to maintaining the sound of both the instrument and its internal amplification system. After much research and development, the first Maton AP5 Pickup system was created. The innovation continued when Maton in conjunction with Guitar legend Tommy Emmanuel developed the APMic system.
The APMic utilises both the piezo-based system and a microphone which is located in the body of the guitar to pick up on the natural acoustic qualities of the instrument. The AP5-Pro has recently superseded the APMIc and is considered by many to be one of the finest acoustic pick ups on the market today.
At Maton, we offer a variety of guitar shapes, each designed to cater to different playing styles and tonal preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or just beginning your journey, there’s a Maton guitar shape that’s perfect for you.
All shapes and sizes.
Maton’s 808 body size is designed as a performing guitar – its smaller size is more comfortable while standing, and its stiffer build gives more sustain and punch.
The most recognisable of these body sizes is the Dreadnought. It has a full, rich tone suited for acoustic strumming and singers who need a loud and punchy accompaniment.
A cutaway acoustic guitar; it incorporates a smoothly-contoured, scooped area on the upper bout of the guitar, allowing easier access to the higher frets.
Born out of the desire to discover new tonal possibilities and create ultimate versatility. To this day the Traditional is still the most requested body size by customers.
The Maton Jumbo guitar shape offers a powerful and expansive sound, perfect for players seeking deep bass and clear trebles. Its larger body provides enhanced volume and resonance, making it ideal for bold strumming and intricate fingerpicking alike.
A travel-sized, smaller guitar body that is a versatile companion. Ideal for players who are constantly on the move and for gigging musicians who like to loop and have a controlled live sound.
Acoustic guitar bracing can be something of a mystery to many players, even though it's one of the defining aspects of an acoustic guitar's sound. At its simplest, bracing is a system of struts and supports that are glued to the underside of the top of a guitar in a specific pattern to provide strength to the top. More importantly though, bracing is a way of shaping the sound, voice and personality of a guitar.
The vast majority of guitars available today have X-bracing, first developed by CF Martin around 1840. Prior to this, most guitars used gut and nylon strings that didn't produce much in the way of tension (or volume). With the advent of steel-stringed guitars, the need for a more stable form of bracing arose. In addition, players often wanted an instrument with more volume that could compete acoustically with violins and banjos.
The famous dovetail join, usually reserved in guitar building for the most expensive of instruments is used in the construction of all Maton Guitars, and of course, every instrument is handmade in Melbourne, Australia.
Side bending is a crucial step in the construction of Maton guitars, where precision and craftsmanship converge to shape the guitar's body. This process involves carefully heating and bending the wooden sides to fit the chosen body shape. Maton employs advanced techniques and skilled artisans to create perfectly curved sides that contribute to the overall resonance and playability of each guitar.
This stage is where the guitar's character truly begins to take shape. Maton utilises a combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology to ensure each component is perfectly aligned and securely joined. The body-building process is integral to the guitar's final sound quality, providing the foundation for its acoustic properties.
