MATON: AUSTRALIA’S GUITAR
MATON:AUSTRALIA’SGUITARLARGE PRINT GUIDE
ContentsIntroduction3Jazz11The Wadih Hanna collection3Country and western12Bill May, founder of Maton4Ukuleles14Tommy Emmanuel’s first guitar4Folk and classical15Harry Vanda’s Maton Sapphire5Bass guitars16The beginning6Rock ’n’ roll18Uniquely Maton7Amplifiers21Archtop10 Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences, 2020All guitar, amp and headstock photographs by Wadih HannaMaton: Australia’s GuitarLarge print guidePowerhouse MuseumMuseum of Applied Arts and Sciences500 Harris StreetUltimo NSW 2007Australia 61 2 9217 0111maas.museum2
Maton: Australia’s GuitarSince 1946, Australian company Maton has produced stringinstruments of exceptional quality, using handmade methodsand discovering new tone woods from locally sourced timber.This attention to detail has allowed the business to thrive in aguitar market dominated by big American companies. Matonguitars have been the instruments of choice for internationaland Australian musicians alike, including Tommy Emmanuel,Missy Higgins, Gordi, Archie Roach, Keith Urban, Josh Homme(Queens of the Stone Age), George Harrison (The Beatles)and Keith Richards (The Rolling Stones).The Wadih Hanna personal collection features Maton’sextensive range of guitars and amplifiers from over 70 yearsof craftsmanship and innovation.The Wadih Hanna collectionInstrument and art collector Wadih Hanna has been an avid guitar playersince he was 12. His passion for Maton instruments began when his wifeLucy gifted him a Maton EM325C acoustic guitar for their weddingengagement.Meticulously researched, the Wadih Hanna personal collection is acomprehensive documentation of Maton instruments over 70 yearsby a consummate guitar curator.3
Bill May, founder of MatonBill May was born in Victoria,Australia, in 1915. His experienceliving through the economic crisis ofthe Great Depression during the1930s taught him about scarcity andinnovating. In the early 1940s, Mayleft his job as a woodwork teacherand set about making stringinstruments. He took out a bank loanto buy timber and converted thefront-end bearings of his car into abandsaw. By 1946, Maton MusicalInstruments Company was born.The first Maton guitar made byBill May, 1946Tools used by Bill May for makinginstruments, 1930s–70sLent by Maton GuitarsSectioned acoustic guitar, 1978Lent by Wadih Hanna4Tommy Emmanuel’sfirst guitarAustralian guitar legend TommyEmmanuel practised playing on hisfather’s Maton Mastersound MS500at the age of six. Over the decades,Emmanuel developed a percussivefinger-style of playing the acousticguitar, influenced by jazz, country,blues, bluegrass and folk. He isregarded as one of the world’sgreatest guitar performers.Maton Mastersound MS500 electricguitar, Tommy Emmanuel’s firstguitar, 1960Lent by Maton Guitars
Harry Vanda’s MatonSapphireMusicians Harry Vanda and GeorgeYoung formed the Australian rockband The Easybeats in 1964. The twoshared their Maton guitars, includingan acoustic FG150 and a SlenderlineDC545. In fact, it was Vanda’s MatonSapphire 302/6 on which many oftheir songs, such as their big hit‘Friday on My Mind’ (1966), werewritten.Maton Sapphire guitar, 1964–66Gift of Harry Vanda, 1999The Easybeats bass player DickDiamonde’s ARIA Hall of FameAward, 2005Gift of Dick Diamonde, 2006Sheet music for ‘Friday on My Mind’by The Easybeats, 1967The Easybeats songbook, 1965Purchased 19935
The beginningIn the early 1940s, Bill May quit his job as a teacher and starteda guitar manufacturing and repair company in Melbourne. Dueto its growing success, May invited his brother Reg, a woodmachinist, to join the business. They made their firstcommercially available instruments in 1946, under the nameMaton Musical Instruments Company. Maton comes from thesurname ‘May’, and the word ‘tone’. Now referred to as MatonGuitars or Maton, the company has remained a family-ownedbusiness.1. Archtop GA1Prototype for theGoldtone line 1946The first Maton guitar.2. Electric E11946The first Maton electricguitar, made forAmerican jazz musicianJack Wilson.3. Acoustic Premier1954The first Premier model.4. Acoustic G210Goldline 19465. Acoustic M300Mayfair Royal 1940s6 THE BEGINNING6. X Flat Top1946
Uniquely MatonUnlike many other manufacturers, Maton has never beenconcerned about making copies of established Americanguitars. Instead, the company focuses on creating originalinstruments using high-quality Australian wood. These includethe strikingly unique Fyrbyrd Shark Bite, Ibis and Flamingo, andMaton’s signature Mastersound series known for its innovativedesign and versatility.7. Electric MS503Mastersound 199810. Electric FB620Fyrbyrd 19648. Electric F555Flamingo 196311. AcousticResonator 1995The only one evermade.13. Electric FB620Fyrbyrd Shark Bite 1962A six-string model withthree pickup selections.14. Electric 373Ibis 19639. Electric MS2000DLX200012. Electric F555Flamingo 1963A rare original factorycolour.15. Electric MS50050th Mastersound 2008A reissue of the 1958MS500 celebrating the50th anniversary ofthe Mastersound.UNIQUELY MATON 7
16. Electric FB650Fyrbyrd 196517. Electric 373Ibis 1964A rare examplefeaturing a Fyrbyrdstyle headstock at theneck of the guitar.18. Electric MS500Mastersound 1999The 1000th MS500,custom made by aMaton employee.20. Electric S1Wedgtail 1968The first Wedgtail everproduced.21. Electric WSG/6Wildcat 197422. Electric FB1220Fyrbyrd 1965A custom model.23. Electric WXWedgtail 197219. Electric WSG/6Wildcat 197524. Electric FB620Fyrbyrd Shark Bite 19628 UNIQUELY MATON25. Electric FB1220Fyrbyrd 196526. ElectricFlaming Arrow 2005One of only two of itskind, played and signedby Australian guitaristTommy Emmanuel.27. Electric WSG/6Wildcat 197628. Electric FB620Fyrbyrd 1963
29. Electric Big Benguitar195930. Electric MS502Mastersound 2002The very first MS502made.31. Electric MS500TETommy EmmanuelSignature Mastersound2000UNIQUELY MATON 9
ArchtopThis type of guitar features an arch at the top of the instrument.Much like cellos and violas, the archtop receives its acousticenergy or sound from the way the strings are mounted at thetail end of the instrument. When played, the archtop guitarproduces a tone that is woody in depth, round and even.32. Electric EG240Supreme 196235. Electric EG90 151Starline 196033. Electric DC545Double Cut 196436. Electric DC1500Double Cut, dateunknownOwned by Australiancountry music artistAlan Hawking.39. Electric DC545Double Cut 1964This jungle green colouris a signature finish onMaton electric guitars.37. Electric EG240Supreme 196140. Electric DC545196734. Electric SE90Starline 1954The first electricproduction from Maton.10 ARCHTOP38. Electric EG2CMaxim 1967A one-off model.
JazzJazz guitarists favour archtop, hollow-body guitars with afloating bridge that allows for a wider range of different soundsand tones. The combination of the broad sound-box, electricpickups and amplification provides the ideal backdrop for jazzchord voicings and improvised solos. Australian jazz greatGeorge Golla is a dedicated Maton player, and his signatureMaton model is featured here.41. Electric 505Apollo 197244. Electric EG45APremier 196042. Electric 505Apollo 196945. Electric J45/1Jazzman 197043. Acoustic/ElectricM51981Designed with jazzmusician and teacherBarry Morton, this wasthe first one produced.46. Electric GG22George Golla Starline1967Named after GeorgeGolla, designed for theprofessional jazz player.JAZZ 11
Country and westernThis music genre is characterised by ballads or dance tunesfeaturing the use of string instruments, such as electric,acoustic and lap steel guitars. Many Australian country andwestern music artists play Matons, including distinguishedguitarist Lindsay Butler — whose signature models areon display — John Williamson, Keith Urban, Paul Kelly,Dave Graney, Archie Roach, Missy Higgins and John Butler.47. Acoustic HG25Professional 1950Made for Alan Hawkingof Australian countrymusic band TheHawking Brothers.48. Acoustic OL60Overlander 197450. Acoustic CW100196153. Lap steel ES50/6196851. Acoustic HG12Electric 1950Owned by RussellHawking of The HawkingBrothers.54. Lap steel ES100/16197055. Lap steel ES50/6196049. Acoustic MS111CThe Messiah, FlorentineCutaway 198212 COUNTRY AND WESTERN52. Acoustic HG100About 1950
56. Lap steel ES50/6195957. Electric FB86Lindsay ButlerTamworth Guitar 198858. Electric, CountryGold StarLindsay Butler SignatureModel 198159. Acoustic MS1The Messiah 1977COUNTRY AND WESTERN 13
UkulelesThe national instrument of Hawaii, the ukulele resembles asmall guitar that varies in size and construction. Maton firstmade ukuleles in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and has againrecently picked up production. Maton ukuleles are producedfrom Australian tone woods, including Victorian blackwood andQueensland maple neck, which create rich and full sounds.60. Style No. 1P196963. Style No. 2196961. Style No. 1196964. Style No. 1P197162. Style No. 3197165. Style No. 4197114 UKULELES
Folk and classicalFolk and classical guitars are the closest modern relatives tothe origins of the guitar from early 1500s Spain. Maton’s folkand classical guitars were two of the company’s longest runninglines. The Folk Guitar line sold more than 8000 over ten years,while the classical guitar models C50, on display, and C25 werein production for 30 years.66. Acoustic F10Folk Guitar 197369. Acoustic C50Classical 198267. Acoustic F10Folk Guitar 197070. Acoustic F10Folk Guitar 1960s68. Acoustic withpickup FG100/6Folk Guitar 197271. Acoustic C45Classical 1971FOLK AND CLASSICAL 15
Bass guitarsElectric bass guitars became popular in the 1950s because theywere small, light and easy to play. Maton bass guitars are amongthe most diverse and original in the world and have a followingof devoted users, including bass master Clive Harrison, Australianblues band The Chain’s Barry O’Sullivan, Garry Beers from INXSand Brian Richie from Violent Femmes.72. Electric BB66Big Ben 1959The Big Ben is the firstbass guitar to becommerciallymanufactured inAustralia.75. Electric BB66Big Ben Twin 196376. Electric FB71Fyrbyrd Bass 197179. ElectricBaroque Bass 196980. Electric 473Ibis 1963–6573. ElectricBaroque Bass 196877. ElectricBarry Sullivan BS Bass197581. ElectricEl Toro Bass 197278. Electric L101Lute Bass 196882. Electric BG222Beatsound 196674. Electric FB71Fyrbyrd Bass 197416 BASS GUITARS
83. Electric 473Ibis 196488. Electric MS1100Mastersound 1965The first of the Matonhollow-body basses.84. Electric 402/4DSapphire Deluxe 197092. Electric WSB/4Wildcat 197593. Electric MB33Magnetone Bass 196789. Electric V400Vampyr 1964Rare bass guitar withsix strings.85. Electric MGB4 FL198594. Electric JB4 FLJumbuck Bass 198190. Electric B250Goldline Bass 197386. Acoustic/ElectricB60Bindarra 197791. Electric MS1100Mastersound 1966A rare left-handedmodel set up to beplayed right-handed.95. Electric MGB51988A very rare five-stringMaton bass, one of onlyeight in the world.87. Electric JB4Jumbuck Bass 1978BASS GUITARS 17
Rock ’n’ rollInfluenced by jazz, blues, country and soul, rock ’n’ roll musicfocuses on the guitar and the range of dynamic sounds itcreates. Over the years Maton has innovated and customdesigned electric guitars, attracting some of the world’s mostinteresting rock guitarists, such as Ray Davies from The Kinks,Josh Homme from Queens of the Stone Age and Brody Dallefrom The Distillers.96. Electric 725Leaderman 196699. Electric EG75Supersolid 1960102. Electric MS500SMastersound 195797. Electric G2501973100. Electric PM1Phil ManningCustom Stereo 1974103. Electric TB36Magnetone 196798. Electric SC500Scorpion 198518 ROCK ’N’ ROLL101. Electric L202Lute 1968104. Electric 725Leaderman 1964-66
105. Electric 750Goldline 1961110. ElectricEl Toro 1978114. Electric MS500Mastersound 1961The last of the originalMastersound range.106. Electric MS500MMastersound 1959–60111. Electric EG75Supersolid 1959A rare single pickupversion of this range.115. ElectricEl Toro 1968112. Electric GE500Goldline Electric 1971116. Electric AX51974113. Electric BS66Beatsound 1969Inspired by JohnLennon and GeorgeHarrison’s use of theRickenbacker 325during Beatlemaniain the 1960s.117. Acoustic/electricEMD122007Designed for Australianrock musician Diesel.107. Electric 302/6Sapphire Deluxe 1971108. Electric 750Goldline 1963With a very rare goldfinish.109. Electric L202Lute 1967ROCK ’N’ ROLL 19
118. Electric G2501974123. Electric FB861988127. Electric MX15Pro 2 1987119. Electric JBX61978124. Acoustic/electricALC50Albert Lee Signature1990Named after Englishguitarist Albert Lee.128. Electric T2Tasman 1981Manufactured in Japanto Maton’s design.120. Electric MS500MMastersound 1960125. Electric MX15Pro 2 1988121. Electric JB61983126. Electric MX15Pro 2 1988122. Electric PM2Phil Manning Standard197620 ROCK ’N’ ROLL129. ELECTRIC FB701968This model is the rarestof all the Fyrbyrds.
AmplifiersMaton began manufacturing amplifiers in the early 1950s so thateach of their guitars were sold with one. The company continuedmaking them until the 1970s, including a professional range.Primarily tube amplifiers, which use vacuum tubes to boost thepower of a signal, Maton amps are beautiful remnants of greatAustralian design.Challenge1950sAM3Mastersound 1959Stradivarius Special1955OPAL T30Solid State 1960sAM1Mastersound 1958AM3Mastersound 1959Guitar/bass amplifierSTB75Super Twin 1972Starline T506Professional 1966Diamond Series PashaEarly 1960sAMPLIFIERS 21
Super Twin Head T1001971V202Vibrasound, late 1960sHM10Hi Mark Tremolux 1961AM1, sold with StarlineSE90 guitar1954V606Professional 1960s22 AMPLIFIERSV606Professional 1960s
89. Electric V400 Vampyr 1964 Rare bass guitar with six strings. 90. Electric B250 Goldline Bass 1973 91. Electric MS1100 Mastersound 1966 A rare left-handed model set up to be played right-handed. 92. Electric WSB/4 Wildcat 1975 93. Electric MB33 Magnetone Bass 1967 94. Electric JB4 FL Jumbuck Bass 1981 95.
68 fingerstyle guitar 79 funk guitar 125 gig guides 99 guitar bible series 106 guitar chord songbooks 101 guitar ensemble series 109 guitar one presents 96 guitar play-along 91 guitar school 110 guitar series index 14 guitar starter kits 95 guitar songbooks series 102 guitar tab white pages 28 guitar technique &a
THE GUITAR IN AUSTRALIA DURING THE NINETEENTH 14 CENTURY The Guitar in Australia: 1830s 21 The Guitar in Australia: 1850-1890 23 Guitar Activity in Sydney during the 1890s 26 CHAPTER TWO THE CLASSICAL GUITAR IN AUSTRALIA DURING THE 33 TWENTIETH CENTURY: 1900-1950 Len Williams: A Pioneer of the Classical Guitar in Australia 36 CHAPTER THREE
219 CLASSICAL GUITAR HAL LEONARD 2009-2010 CLASSICAL MUSIC CATALOG 220 Guitar Instruction 222 Solo Guitar Literature by Composer 238 Solo Guitar Collections 240 Guitar Duos 242 Guitar Ensembles 243 Guitar with Various Instruments 247 Voice and Guitar 247 Mandolin 248 Dulcimer 248 Lute 76164 6 Classical_Guitar: 6/18/09 4:02 PM Page 219
level of the GR-20 sounds and your guitar sound from the GK-3 and the guitar itself, whether you’re using only GR-20 sounds, the guitar sound alone, or both together. To adjust: the GR-20 sound level at the guitar—turn the large dial on the GK-3. the clean guitar level at the guitar—use the guitar’s own volume controls.
The main types of modern acoustic guitar are the classical guitar (nylon-string guitar), the steel-string acoustic guitar, and the archtop guitar. Vibration is the root of the tone of the guitar strings, which is amplified by the body of the guitar that serves a
Learn Guitar Scales In 8 Easy Steps Learn guitar scales in 8 easy steps with this free National Guitar Academy guide. (If you enjoy this article you should check out our Master Guide: How To Play Lead Guitar.) In this free guitar lesson we [ll cover 8 steps Guitar scales decoded: A simple explanation, at last! Step 1: Understand the basics
Basics of Bass Guitar Playing 5 Amazing Bass Guitar Lessons: Teach Myself Bass Guitar Learn how to play with step-by-step bass guitar lessons supported by video and audio files. Teach Myself Bass Guitar takes you on a journey from beginner to advanced levels in your bass guitar playing.
The guitar is a type of chordophone, traditionally constructed from wood and strung with gut, nylon or steel strings and distinguished from other chordophones by its construction and tuning. There are three main types of modern acoustic guitar: the classical guitar (nylon-string guitar), the steel-string acoustic guitar, and the archtop guitar.
