Maton MS503

Same as the 502 except with pickup covers and some other finishes. Two custom maton humbuckers with a 3 way switch, 22 frets, Grover and TonePro hardware, two dedicated volume controls, a tone and a coil tap. To the best of my knowledge this is either an 06 or an 07 model but they havent changed it any since then so its largely irrelevant.

Ok. When I got this guitar I all but had my mind set on ordering in a Fender MIJ Jazzmaster reissue. I had perused a lot of guitars and decided that for my style it would be perfect. I play a lot of blues and a lot of cleaner things. Also a lot of metal and a bit of rock. The thing is that I have never been one for a metal axe, they just seem slightly unsophisticated. The sound on the Maton was not its selling point for me but it met me where I needed it to. It sounds like a cross between a Tele and a Les Paul. The coil tap is there so you can choose which "guitar" you feel like playing but at the same time only pulls out one coil so the bottom end doesnt fall out. Both high thin translucent tones and lower more gutteral tones are achievable. To be honest it does hi-fi better than low and smooth. To this effect my amp settings on my 3 band (I use an old Fender FM212R) are usually bass at 9, mids at 6 and trebs at 3 and its still extremely trebley. That aside this guitar does clean like nothing else in the world. If you like high crystal cleans this guitar is monumental. The pickups are really low output though, you will notice this immediately. I like this because its easy to be nonabrasive. It just means that you might have to turn up sometimes and you actually have to physically put effort into it if you want any feedback at all. The two volumes are a joy to blend and its completely idiot proof; the tone you want with no fuss. I play a fair bit of heavy music on this guitar, mainly thrash; its not what its made for but you certainly couldnt accuse it of not being able to handle it. I love the versatility.

Remember I said that the sound wasnt the selling point?
Well the selling point is the neck. Its unbelievable. The action was perfect, it plays great still and I have not had to have it re-set up yet. I picked it up and was instantly a better guitarist. I know it sounds lame but I was stepping up from an old Epi SG310 and the second I picked up the Maton it was easier to play guitar. I could immediately feel myself becoming comfortable with this guitar's style. The neck feels thin in a good way. The high E doesnt roll off at all. Its plays low and fast and I cant get enough of it. Otherwise its fairly light. It doesnt feel like you're lugging around a tree trunk. The balance is nearly perfect. The shape is somewhere Les Paulish I guess and is really comfortable. Its just a pleasure to play every time.

Ive had it for a year. Its never failed me once. The input came loose but I fixed that in 5 mins. I feel I could use it anytime and it would be reliable. Ive only broken strings a couple of times. Everything else feels as though its built to last.

Ok. I have never had issues with this guitar but did inquire to Maton's customer service a couple of times on minor things. I wanted to fit a bigsby which i never got around to so i emailed them to see who they would recommend to work on their guitar. They got back to me via email within 2 days with their recommendation and I feel as though if I had any real issues they would be helpful though the guitar is now out of warranty.

This is my favourite electric and have not played one I like more. Its perfect for me and suits me down to a tee. I would get a new one if it was stolen or lost without a second thought. I would probably go a different finish though because the ultra blue is kinda banal. Its a solid instrument for the average person like myself. Its not flashy but it is sturdy and reliable. I will never give up this guitar. I am an Aussie so I like to support my local Melbourne company, especially when they produce a guitar which is just this good. I would ideally like to fit a Bigsby one day but last time i bought one the goons at Australia post stole it so that might have to wait for a bit.