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Maton Guitars has long been one of the best-kept secrets in the acoustic world—at least for American players. At The Acoustic Shoppe, we’re proud to announce that we are now carrying this legendary Australian brand. If you’ve never played a Maton, you’re in for something truly special. With roots tracing back to 1946 and a reputation built on craftsmanship, innovation, and musical legacy, Maton Guitars offers an experience that few other acoustic brands can match.
A Legacy Forged in Australia
Maton Guitars was founded in 1946 by Bill May, a jazz guitarist and woodworker. Like many post-war musicians, May struggled to import quality instruments to Australia, so he built one himself. That original guitar now lives in the Maton Museum—a symbol of what would become an iconic brand in the southern hemisphere. Still run by the May family, Maton has remained true to its roots, building every instrument by hand in Australia.
In their home country, Maton Guitars enjoys the same reverence that Americans give to brands like Gibson and Fender. Their artist roster is a who’s who of international and Australian talent:
Tommy Emmanuel – Arguably the face of Maton, Tommy has played Maton guitars since he was a child and worked closely with them to develop their cutting-edge electronics. If you want the same guitar Tommy Emmanuel uses here's the Link !
Keith Urban – Another artist who has trusted Maton from a young age.
Colin Hay – The Scottish-Australian legend owns eight Matons.
Air Supply and ABBA – These bands used Maton instruments during their peak touring years.
The Growing Presence of Maton in the U.S.
For years, Maton was one of Australia’s best-kept secrets, loved by local musicians but hard to find in the United States. Many American players believed the only way to own one was to travel to Australia. That changed when Adam Hall, a respected German distribution company, partnered with Maton to bring these guitars to the U.S. in limited but highly curated quantities.
This approach preserves Maton’s boutique identity. Unlike mass-produced brands, Maton focuses on quality over quantity, producing only around 7,000 guitars a year for the entire world—fewer than 1,000 of which reach the U.S. This exclusivity adds value and ensures that every instrument feels special, not just another guitar off the shelf.
Revolutionary Pickup System: The AP5 Pro
One of the standout features of Maton Guitars is their industry-leading AP5 Pro pickup system. Unlike other brands that retrofit pickups or rely on off-the-shelf systems, Maton developed their own in-house solution with real touring musicians in mind.
The AP5 Pro was created through years of collaboration with Tommy Emmanuel, who helped shape the system to avoid the pitfalls of traditional piezo pickups—most notably the dreaded “quack.” Here's how it works:
Six Piezo Pickups: One for each string, placed under the saddle, ensuring consistent volume and tone.
Internal Condenser Microphone: Adds air, depth, and percussive nuance. Mounted on a gooseneck inside the guitar.
Dual EQ System: Separate controls for the piezo (volume, bass, treble, sweepable mids) and a fixed high-pass filter for the mic.
Stage-Ready Output: The design allows for loud stage volumes without the feedback issues that often plague mic/piezo combos.
Together, this system delivers a warm, articulate, and remarkably natural plugged-in sound that truly reflects the guitar’s acoustic tone.
Unparalleled Craftsmanship with Native Australian Woods
Every Maton Guitar is built in their Australian factory—never outsourced. They use a balance of CNC precision and hand-voicing techniques like dovetail neck joints to maintain consistency while preserving tonal integrity. Even unplugged, these guitars sound ready for the studio.
What also makes Maton unique is its use of native, sustainable Australian tonewoods:
Queensland Maple: More tonally aligned with mahogany than traditional maple. It provides controlled projection, especially appreciated by players like Tommy Emmanuel who demand high-volume clarity.
Blackwood: Similar in appearance and tone to Hawaiian koa, but with a unique Australian character. Balances richness with focus.
Indian Rosewood & Australian Cedar: Used across both standard and premium models for variety and tonal balance.
This combination of exotic yet sustainable materials gives Maton guitars their unique sonic signature—punchy, clear, and resonant.
Standard and Masterbuilt Series: Options for Every Player
Maton Guitars offers two distinct lines to meet different playing needs and preferences.
The Standard Series
All solid-wood construction
Built by a tight-knit team in Melbourne (roughly 70 luthiers)
Comes standard with the AP5 Pro pickup system
Satin nitro finishes for resonance and feel
Dovetail neck joints and traditional voicing
Features the 808 body shape—a compact yet deep design with a large sound hole for projection and comfort
Maton produces only about 7,000 guitars annually, with fewer than 1,000 reaching the U.S., making them a boutique option for American players.
The Masterbuilt Series
For those seeking a premium experience, Maton’s Masterbuilt line delivers boutique-level craftsmanship:
Gloss finishes (with some satin options)
Upgraded tonewoods like 3A Sitka spruce and figured Queensland maple
More extensive hand-finishing, often done start-to-finish by just one or two master luthiers
Models include:
Ellie May – A high-performance fingerstyle option
Classic – Traditional tone and aesthetics
Masterbuilt Tommy Emmanuel – Artist-inspired with exacting detail
Dreadnought – A robust, full-bodied option for bluegrass and strummers
Importantly, these guitars aren't customizable like some American custom shops. Instead, each model is meticulously designed and executed, giving them the character of a true “custom-spec” instrument. Fewer than three U.S. dealers will carry the Masterbuilt line—making The Acoustic Shoppe one of the few places you can try one in person.
Conclusion
Maton guitars represent a rare fusion of history, innovation, and premium quality. From their legendary AP5 Pro system to their sustainable woods and master-level craftsmanship, they are built for players who demand the very best.
Why We’re Proud to Offer Maton Guitars
At The Acoustic Shoppe, we’ve long admired Maton from afar. Their dedication to acoustic tone, hand-built quality, and forward-thinking electronics align perfectly with our passion for high-end acoustic instruments. Whether you're a touring artist, recording guitarist, or casual player looking for a unique tonal voice, Maton Guitars offers something rare: true innovation, uncompromising quality, and a rich legacy you can feel in every note.
