At The Acoustic Shoppe, we’re always excited to spotlight acoustic guitar builders that balance tradition, innovation, and a commitment to tone. One brand that exemplifies this spirit is Maton Guitars, our featured builder in today’s in-depth review. Maton Guitars, a proud Australian company, has carved a global reputation through meticulous craftsmanship, legendary artist collaborations, and one of the finest acoustic pickup systems available.
In this blog, we explore the story behind Maton Guitars, their distinctive approach to building, the groundbreaking features that set their instruments apart, and why they’ve become a cornerstone in both the Australian and international acoustic guitar scenes.
The Origin of Maton Guitars: A Family Legacy
Founded in 1946 by Bill May, Maton Guitars began as a labor of love in a humble garage in Melbourne. That first handmade jazz guitar still lives at the Maton Museum, a tribute to the brand’s storied beginnings.
What makes Maton particularly special is its family-run nature. Today, the company is led by Bill’s daughter, Linda May, and her husband. Linda, now in her 70s, is so deeply honored in the brand’s legacy that Maton created a tribute instrument in her name — the Ellie May Money Guitar. Through more than 75 years of operation, Maton Guitars has never left Australian soil, continuing to build every instrument domestically.
Australian Icon, Global Influence
In Australia, Maton is not just a guitar brand — it’s a cultural icon. As many say, "every band from Australia grew up playing a Maton." Their guitars are synonymous with Australian music and instantly recognized by anyone familiar with the country’s music scene.
Yet their presence is growing far beyond Australia. Maton’s expansion into the U.S. market has become more visible, thanks to the help of key artists and strategic partnerships. One major hurdle had long been distribution — many believed they’d have to fly to Australia just to purchase one. That all changed with the introduction of Adam Hall, a German distribution company known for its work with brands like Hofner. Adam Hall now helps guide Maton’s U.S. footprint, using the same playbook that helped Hofner gain American visibility.
Why Maton Guitars Stand Out
Maton doesn’t follow the mass-market model. In fact, their production is intentionally limited to maintain quality and preserve their boutique appeal. As noted, some guitar companies produce more guitars in a day than Maton does in a year. This small-batch ethos is a defining trait of the brand — a commitment to excellence and quality over volume.
Main Specs and Features:
Proprietary bracing and tonewood construction
Custom-designed pickup system
Master Grade series with limited availability
Available in Queensland Maple, Blackwood, and Rosewood tonewoods
The Maton Pickup System: A Class of Its Own
Maton’s pickup system is world-renowned, and for good reason. Developed in collaboration with artists like Tommy Emmanuel, it uses a dual-source setup — a piezo pickup for mid-range articulation and an internal mic for top-end clarity and resonance.
What truly sets it apart is its ability to preserve individual tonewood character. Unlike older piezo systems where every guitar sounded similar when plugged in, Maton’s electronics allow the natural voice of Blackwood, Rosewood, or Maple to shine through.
This system is so intricately tied to the internal bracing and construction of each Maton guitar that it doesn’t translate well into other brands — reinforcing Maton's uniqueness.
Artists Who Trust Maton Guitars
Maton’s popularity is deeply rooted in its connection to elite guitarists.
Tommy Emmanuel — A living legend of fingerstyle guitar, Tommy has used Maton since he was four years old. His input shaped the Maton pickup system, and he now has two signature models, including the Master Built TE Personal, built to replicate his own guitar.
Keith Urban — Also began his guitar journey at age four on a Maton. His long-standing use of Maton guitars helped introduce them to wider audiences.
Joe Robinson — A fingerstyle prodigy from Australia who now resides in Nashville, Joe also boasts a signature Maton model, representing the next generation of virtuosos.
Elvis Presley & George Harrison — Historic owners of Maton guitars, adding legacy appeal.
Peter Frampton & Eric Johnson — Recent high-profile adopters of Maton, proving the brand’s cross-genre appeal.
Many YouTube fingerstyle artists are now choosing Maton for both studio and live performances, showcasing how their guitars excel in both plugged-in and acoustic environments.
Maton’s Master Built Series
For those looking for the pinnacle of craftsmanship, the Maton Master Built Series offers stunning builds with highly figured tonewoods, impeccable finishes, and tonal improvements.Maton Master Built Series
Master Built Series Highlights:
Only four models currently available
Premium tonewoods: Master-grade Blackwood, AAA Sitka Spruce, and more
Enhanced acoustic projection and tonal balance
Crafted by Maton’s most experienced luthiers
Extremely limited U.S. dealer availability
This series runs parallel to Maton’s standard line, maintaining the same character while elevating build quality and sound, coming as a rare commodity with a limited model available.
A Philosophy Rooted in Tone and Tradition
Maton continues to evolve without compromising its identity. Their focus on acoustic tone is paramount, often emphasized as being as critical as their pickup performance. This dedication — balancing technological advancement with woodcraft tradition — ensures every Maton guitar offers a rich playing experience, whether on stage or in the studio.
Unlike mass producers, Maton’s commitment to slow growth, family ownership, and limited production ensures every guitar carries not just quality, but soul.
Final Thoughts: Why Maton Guitars Matter
At The Acoustic Shoppe, we believe great guitars tell stories — not only through their sound, but through the people and purpose behind them. Maton Guitars is a perfect embodiment of that principle. From their small-batch approach and advanced pickup system to their family-run heritage and artist-first mindset, Maton continues to set itself apart in the acoustic guitar world.
Their rise in the U.S. is not just a success story for a brand, but a gift to guitarists seeking something authentic, boutique, and powerfully musical.
Whether you're a seasoned performer, a tonewood purist, or just discovering your sound, a Maton Guitar is an instrument worth your attention.
More on Maton Guitars from the most reliable acoustic guitar shop in the world - The Acoustic Shoppe
