Product: Maton EMJ625C Heritage
Price Paid: 1400.00 (AUD)
Submitted
08/10/2005
at
06:47am
by
El Yorko
Features
:
9
Maton Heritage - similar to the EM325C however gold hardware and on my one we have a W.A. Cedar Top instead of the standard spruce. AP5 pickup, nice binding work. Bought around 2000 in Brisbane
Sound
:
8
Duo and band work, re-living great acoustic sounds of the past, this guitar excels. Rich creamy tones - some of my muso mates reckon it's the nicest sounding acoustic guitar they've ever heard! My only negatives would be that it is not a very 'loud' guitar and can sometimes be a bit middy - think the West Aust Cedar may have something to do with this. Sound through a PA is great but you need to do a bit of tweaking to get it where you want. The AP5 has a lot of output and is a great pickup but it takes some time getting used to. I run through a Boss Chorus (lightly mixed) as well which I think can enrich the overall tone.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
9
No imperfections and set up from luthier at the shop so pretty damn nice from the start - probably why I bought it. Lovely satin finish on the body although the gloss on the neck can be a bit 'grippy' at times. Action and neck feel just like an acoustic should (for me anyway...). Overall finish is near perfect.
Reliability/Durability
:
8
Generally pretty good although the cedar top is quite soft and can see quite a few pick 'dents' on the high side of the sound hole. Gotta be carefull you don't bump this one as it will leave a ding on top. The rest of the guitar is rock solid.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
Never needed them - my guitar guy gives me a hard time though!
Overall Rating
:
10
Been playing for damn near 30 years. Had a crappy Fender steel string for about 20 years until I decided I needed an upgrade. I love my Maton - it's a keeper. Feels beatifully balanced and solid when you pick it up, rich full tones acoustically, versatile through a P.A. Played quite a few Matons and Takamines and kept coming back to this one. Would cry a lot if it was stolen.
