Any other Maton owners here?

[PussyStrat]

Love my aussie made Maton ECW80C (CW80 with cutaway and pickup)

Anyone else have a Maton acoustic.

www.maton.com.au

[TexMexMike]

I read the same exact question on "one of those other" forums. It was the first I have heard of the Aussie brand guitar. From what people are saying; "due to the exchange rate, import fee's etc. It hasn't gone over to well in the US market." "The price versus other manufactures guitars is somewhat high." But that "it appears to be of good quality." Someone compaired the "sound and playibilty" to some the "Takamine" line of guitatrs.

Hopefully some Aussie's will jump in, or somebody a wee bit more traveled than I am. :bannana_g

[PussyStrat]

yeah I don't understand the criticism as the exchange rate favour US buyers.

One US dollar is buying $1.31 Australian.

It is the aussie who get hit up when buying from the US.

When the new free trade agreement goes through there will be no government duties.

Not sure why the reference to a Takamine... they are a different guitar altogether with a wide range.

Check out the website www.maton.com.au

[TexMexMike]

I think it is more in consideration that the dollars buying power....in general... has shrunk drastically in the last year or so. I am by no means a financial guru....just relaying what was said........Hopefully someone with first hand knowlege will chime in and you guys can discuss eveything "Maton."

I will check out the link!

[TexMexMike]

I must say...some very nice looking guitars. Have seen several people posting in other forums that they are looking for a walnut guitar. Martin doesn't offer a standard model in walnut (to my limited knowledge...though they may have in the past) Maton seems to specialize in less "trendy" woods such as maple, walnut and others. Though, they do offer some very nice looking rosewood models. I didn't notice any mahagony models at all. I will assume that they use mostly locally available woods...Queens Maple etc.

If I ever see one locally, I will pick it up and give it a strum! Thanks for the link and I look forward to learning more about the Maton brand!

[GuitarSlinger]

I'm a soon to be owner! :coolgleam I'm in the process of ordering the Maton EBG808 it's an awesome sounding guitar. The soundboard is made from Bunya which is an Austrailian wood similiar to Spruce Blackwood Sides and Back. These tonewoods are indigenous to Australia and give this model it's unique sound and tone. :coolgleam

[PussyStrat]

Hey Gunslinger

nice to think a NY native will have their hands on a bit of Australian wood :)

Seriously welcome to the Maton club...drop me a line when you finally get it.

The Maton factory is about 6 mile from my house.

They are an institution in the rock/folk/country and inde pop scene here. The weapon of choice.

[Sharky]

I brought a Maton Messiah with sugar maple back and sides in 1980.

I have compared it to a lot of new and vintage Big Name acoustics and it held its own very well, kicked butt even.
Takamines are not even close.
Of course some cheaper Matons are mass produced and sound like a cardboard box.
Hey pussy, the CW80 is a remarkable model. The old mahogany models have a real earthy tone, as do the new ones.
I have a feeling that the US already has enough good brands of guitar to bother with Matons too much.
Australian luthiers have come of age recently, and We are producing guitars good enough to rival the best in the world.
Check out "De Gruchy" guitars, from south Australia. Brian is a friend of mine and Ive played many of his creations. They are by far and easily the best sounding guitars on the planet. And Ive played pre war Martins, Taylors, old Gibsons, Kalamazoos and Lowdens at length. As well as others I've forgotten.
Check out his website.
Sharky.:thumbsup: :thumbsup: