Maton MS520 Mastersound

2003 Mastersound MS520. The features have been documented by other reviewers when reviewing the Mastersound MS500. The only real diference betwen the two guitars is that the 520 has binding on the body. The later model Mastersounds have the jack installed on the bottom of the body, not the face (a la SG's). My Mastersound is a transparent burgundy colour which allows you to see through the finish highlighting the body timber. The only modifications I made were to exchange the black pickguard for a cream pickguard and I installed chrome volume and tone knobs as I felt the existing cream plastic controls looked cheap and nasty. No case supplied by Maton with this model, however Phil threw in a generic case similar to a flight case when I purchased the guitar.

This guitar can cover pretty well most styles and sounds. It is a deep sounding guitar yet the the pickups are so versatile, the guitar can be made sound bright or dark. The neck pickup is a single coil while the bridge pickup is a splittable humbucker. Both are incredibly quiet. They are, in my opinion, reasonably powerful. I play through a Traynor YCV80 212 and also an old Marshall 5212 solid state 212 combo as a practice amp. Effects used include a Yamaha DG stomp (great piece of gear) and also a TS9DX Tubescreamer. The Mastersound and Traynor sound brilliant together and the TS9 is just icing on the cake. I get a nice cutting lead sound which really slices well but is not harsh or wearing. Just a great lead sound. I won't try to make a comparison with any other guitar. To do so I believe would be disrespectful. I am a confirmed Strat lover and user but in my opinion, the Mastersound is every bit as versatile, probably more so. That is not to say that it sounds better. It is different. There is absolutly nothing I dislike about this guitar. As a matter of interest, before I bought the guitar, I played it through a Carvin Bel Air and a Fender Blues DeVille and it sounded great through these amps as well.

The finish on this guitar is first class. I have gone over this guitar a number of times and can't find a blemish anywhere. The neck fit in the pocket is flawless. The action is set very low, as low as any Gibson I've played, and there is not a buzz or rattle anywhere. Pickups were adjusted perfectly and are perfectly balanced.

This guitar is as solid as a rock. The strap buttons are huge - no need for straplocks. I have 100 per cent confidence in this guitar. I don't do Pete Townshend impressions and am absolutely anal about my equipment. I respect and care for my equipment and in return expect the best of service. I would have no hesitation using this guitar without a backup. Speaking of which, how many reviewers have the services of a roadie? Unless you're playing an arena, aren't the majority of gigs/rehearsals a one trip from the car load in and out? Guitar in one hand, amp in the other, bag of tricks slung over the shoulder and maybe an amp stand slung around the neck? How am I going to carry a spare guitar? Shoved up my freckle?

Haven't had to deal with Maton - don't think I ever will except maybe to send my respects for making great guitars.

Played for years as a young'n, gave it away for years due to marriage, took it up again a few years ago. Am now almost 50 (think I'd take up lawn bowls or something!) I own four guitars, a 1976 Fender Strat, a G&L George Fullerton signature (Strat type), an Epiphone Lucille, and now the Maton. Any other gear I have has already been stated. Have been through shitloads of guitars and amps over the past few years looking for The One. Each time I buy something I think it's The One, but 9 times out of 10 it gets the flick. The guitars I have now are the best I've owned. Each so different in it's own way. I believe the Mastersound to be easily the most versatile guitar I've owned and played. My greatest problem with guitars is the neck profile. My G&L has a huge V neck while the Strat has a typical 70's U shape. The Mastersound is slightly smaller than the Strat but is very comfortable. I hate nothing about this guitar and love everything about it. The price is about the same as a Mexican standard strat or most Asian manufactured guitars and absolutely kills them in fit, finish, detail and sound. Look, let's be honest, EVERYONE NEEDS a Strat. They are the greatest guitar ever designed, but if you're tired of the look and feel, try a Mastersound but be prepared for a very nice surprise. They are at least $1000 underpriced.