Maton A80 Australian

This is a 2002 A80 standard Dreadnought and is called the Australian because of its use of Native Australian timbers .It has AA grade solid Sitka Spruce top with solid Australian Blackwood back and sides.The neck is Australian Maple with the fingerboard and bridge being Rosewood.The head has a Blackwood overlay.It has a Herringbone Rosette around the soundhole and matching Herringbone binding on the body edges.The Tuners are Gold Grovers.

It has a wonderful tone ...a destinctive Maton sound, warm and rich with great overtones and sustain.I have upgraded from another Maton a EM325C which was a great guitar but the Australian is another level of machine ..the Maton literature says that the Australian's build quality places it amongst the very best of guitars that the world has to offer...I think thats absolutely right.I both finger pick and flat pick and the guitar does both superbly but watch out when you take to it with a pick ...the voume change is huge and it fills the room.

This guitar was perfectly setup from the factory with the action just at the right height for either flat or finger picking and and the intonation seems perfect all the way up the neck.The spruce top is supposed to be AA grade but seems to be AAAA+grade! and has been book matched to perfection being better than most Martins or Taylors I have seen.The Blackwood on the back and sides is nice and even in color and the Maple neck is partially fiddleback in pattern.

Based on my experiences with my EM325C and the overall build quality of the Australian, I see no reason why this guitar will not last for many many years.The hardware is top quality and the Gloss finish is evenly applied but not so thick as to choke the tone.I would never use only one guitar at a gig without a backup( thats just plain un- professional!) no matter if it was made by all the worlds greatest Luthiers combined... but if you mean is it a guitar that could play all styles by itself then yes it most certainly could.

I have dealt with Maton about this and my previous Maton and have found them to be very helpful and curteous...as most folks Downunder are!The Warranty is for 12 months, even though I bought this new from an auction where a music shop had the misfortune to become bankrupt...you guys ROCK Maton!

I have been playing guitar for 20 years and have to say that this is hands down one of the best guitars that I have ever played...much less owned.I am hooked on Matons they can't be beaten for quality, sound and attention to detail.If this were lost damaged or stolen I would have no hesitation in getting another even if I had to play the full retail price of NZ$2800.The build quality of this is so good and the Australian timbers give it a voice thats unique in the guitar world..no wonder Taylor have just introduced a range of guitars that are also made of Australian Blackwood!

Made Sept,'98' Australia
21 frets
Solid top AA Sitka Spruce
Uses Australian Blackwood sides, back & headstock, with Queensland Maple neck. With Gloss finish & gold tuners. This is a dreadnought with no electonics. Med. neck and Desert Acacia fingerboard W/dot inlays.
The Australian woods make this guitar look very special.
Does not come with a case (bummer) I did order a very nice factory case for A$320.

This guitar has that "maton" sound, with rich tones and complex
harmonics. It can ring like a bell.I play alittle Blues and folk, just to entertain myself. Sounds much better then the price would indicate, at least compaired to martin, taylor...
Wish I had gotten the cutaway model.

The set up of this guitar was great right from the factory, med action which suits me fine. I have not done a thing though the factory recommends bringing it back for adjustment after 6 months(included). I knocked alittle of the gloss finish off the bridge changing strings, the pegs were very tight and hard to remove. The neck has a unusual truss adjustment that uses special tools, may be
hard to have done when I take it to the U.S.

This appears to be a very durable guitar. The thin acrylic urethane
finish should last a long time and age well. The hardware looks to all be top notch.

Warranty is 12 months, no work needed on this guitar but,
I have gotten very good support from the people at Maton. I also have a "40s" era Maton archtop that needed restoring, they helped me every way they could with wood, parts and advise. Always returned calls promply.

I have just restarted playing again after losing part of a finger(left hand of corse). So this has been like relearning everything again, This guitar has made it a joy, before the accident I played a Ovation. I also have the Old Maton Archtop. I bought this used, almost unplayed for A$1200, new today would be A$1900 I would gladly pay the new price to replace it if it were lost or stolen. I looked at many other guitars Yamaha, Martin, Guild... For the sound and money also being in Australia for an extended time, Maton seemed the best choice and the A80 model had the looks and sound for me.