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Maton Guitars: The Complete Guide to Body Shapes, Tonewoods, and the Iconic Sound of Tommy Emmanuel

Proudly handcrafted in Australia, Maton guitars are known for their distinctive sound, premium native tonewoods, and stage-ready performance. These instruments are the choice of many professional musicians worldwide, most famously the legendary Tommy Emmanuel. Whether you’re a solo acoustic player, a touring professional, or an enthusiast, Maton offers an impressive variety of options tailored to different playing styles and sonic preferences.

This comprehensive guide explores the unique features of Maton guitars, including their diverse body shapes like the popular 808 series, native tonewoods, the cutting-edge AP5 Pro pickup system, and why Tommy Emmanuel guitars are so revered.

The Legacy of Maton Guitar

Founded in 1946 by Bill May in Melbourne, Australia, Maton has grown from a small workshop into one of the most respected guitar manufacturers in the world. Maton guitar has always focused on combining traditional luthiery with modern innovation, and it remains a family-owned business to this day. The company gained global recognition not only for its dedication to craftsmanship but also because of artists like Tommy Emmanuel, who has made the brand synonymous with performance excellence.

Maton guitars are now a go-to for players looking for durability, tonal richness, and electronics that perform flawlessly on stage.

Maton Guitars Body Shapes: Finding the Right Fit

Maton offers a wide variety of acoustic guitar body shapes, each with a specific tonal focus and ergonomic appeal. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular Maton body styles, including the iconic 808:

Dreadnought

The classic dreadnought shape offers big, bold sound with a deep low-end and strong volume projection. It’s ideal for strummers and singer-songwriters who want a full-bodied sound that can fill a room or cut through a mix.

Mini Maton

The Mini Maton is a travel-sized powerhouse. Despite its smaller footprint, it delivers impressive projection and clarity, making it perfect for casual practice, travel, or on-the-go performances. It’s also a favorite for younger players or those with smaller frames.

Jumbo

Maton’s Jumbo models are designed for those who want maximum volume and bass response. These guitars are ideal for strumming and ensemble playing where you need a guitar that stands out in a mix.

000 and OM Shapes

The 000 and OM (Orchestra Model) body styles offer a tighter waist and smaller overall dimensions, which translates to a more balanced tonal spectrum and comfortable playing experience. These are great for fingerstyle players and those who prioritize midrange clarity.

808 Shape

Perhaps the most uniquely Maton guitar shape, the 808 is a proprietary body size that sits between a dreadnought and an OM. It’s compact but deep, offering a focused midrange with balanced bass and treble. The 808 is particularly known for its incredible response and warmth, especially when fingerpicked. This is the body style favored by Tommy Emmanuel in his signature models, as it provides the nuance and dynamics required for complex fingerstyle arrangements.

 

Native Australian Tonewoods

One of the standout features of a Maton guitar is the use of native Australian tonewoods. These woods are not only sustainably sourced but also deliver a unique tonal character that sets Maton apart from other brands.

Queensland Maple

Commonly used for backs, sides, and necks, Queensland Maple offers a tonal profile similar to mahogany but with more shimmer and complexity. It provides warmth and clarity, making it a well-rounded choice for various playing styles.

Blackwood

Tasmanian Blackwood is one of Maton’s most celebrated tonewoods. Used for backs and sides, Blackwood has a rich, dark aesthetic and produces a sound that blends the warmth of mahogany with the brightness of maple. It’s perfect for balanced, articulate playing.

Bunya Pine

Used as a top wood on select models, Bunya Pine is a uniquely Australian alternative to spruce. It offers a punchy, dynamic tone and responds well to both fingerstyle and strumming.

Sitka Spruce

Sitka Spruce is a more traditional tonewood that Maton also uses, particularly for its resonance and broad dynamic range. It’s often paired with Blackwood or Queensland Maple for a classic tonal profile.

Victorian Blackwood and Australian Cedar

Additional premium woods like Victorian Blackwood and Australian Cedar can be found in high-end Maton models, contributing further to the depth and warmth of tone.

 

The AP5 Pro Pickup System

One of the key reasons Maton guitars are among the best acoustic guitar options for live performers is the AP5 Pro pickup system. Installed in most Maton models, this proprietary system delivers studio-quality sound in any live setting.

Features of the AP5 Pro

Dual Source Pickup: The AP5 Pro combines an under-saddle piezo pickup with a microphone inside the body. This blend allows players to achieve a more natural, full-bodied amplified tone.

Independent EQ Controls**: Each source (mic and pickup) has its own volume and EQ, allowing for precise tonal shaping.

Low Feedback: Designed to be used at high volumes with minimal feedback, the AP5 Pro is ideal for touring musicians who play in varied acoustic environments.

Onboard Tuner: Some models also include a built-in tuner for added convenience.

This pickup system is one of the most praised in the industry and is a cornerstone of the Maton guitar’s reputation for live performance excellence.

Tommy Emmanuel and His Maton Guitar

If you’ve ever heard Tommy Emmanuel perform, you’ve experienced the magic of a Maton guitar in expert hands. Widely regarded as one of the greatest living acoustic guitarists, Tommy Emmanuel has long played Maton guitars, specifically the EBG808TE model — his personal signature series.

Tommy Emmanuel’s Signature Model: EBG808TE

Body Shape: The 808 shape, selected for its warm, balanced response
Top Wood: Solid Sitka Spruce or Bunya, depending on the model
Back and Sides: Queensland Maple
Electronics: AP5 Pro system for flawless live performance
Playability: Slim neck profile and medium action for effortless technique

Tommy Emmanuel guitars reflect his dynamic playing style, offering crisp articulation, great sustain, and the kind of tonal complexity required for intricate fingerstyle pieces. The 808 body delivers the perfect balance of resonance and focus, and the AP5 Pro ensures his sound translates beautifully in live and studio settings.

Choosing the Best Maton Guitar

With so many models available, how do you choose the best acoustic guitar from the Maton lineup? Here are a few tips:

For fingerstyle players: The 808 series (especially the EBG808 Artist or EBG808TE) is ideal.

For all-around versatility: The Performer and SRS series offer great tonal balance and stage-ready electronics.

For travel or compact size: Go with the Mini Maton.

For high-end performance: The Messiah series features premium tonewoods and unmatched aesthetics.

Each Maton guitar comes with its own personality and tonal strengths, but all of them deliver exceptional quality and playability.

Maton guitar has carved out a special place in the acoustic world by blending traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation. From the unique 808 body shape to the use of sustainable Australian tonewoods and the acclaimed AP5 Pro pickup system, Maton continues to set the standard for what the best acoustic guitar should offer. Whether you’re chasing the articulate tones of Tommy Emmanuel guitars or simply want a reliable, sonically rich instrument for your own journey, Maton guitars are more than up to the task.