The Maton Australian Series The Maton Australian (EA80c) is the culmination of over 50 years of building guitars from Australian timber. The EA80c showcases our indigenous timber at its best. Beautiful Blackwood back and sides combine with a premium quality Queensland Maple neck to produce a rich, well-balanced tone. Welcome to the Maton Museum. Here you can search the online archives to find about every Maton guitar model ever built. Creating this archive is a big task and it’s an ongoing one. We want to thank all of the people who have helped out in improving the accuracy and completeness of what we call the Maton.
The Maton FAQ
This ones serial number is 74 which means it might have been a custom order because it's left handed. Top of the line Maton Messiah cutaway acoustic guitar. Vintage Left Handed Maton B250 Bass Guitar $2,500 Great Condition All components are original and comes with era correct hardcase that has been used but still structurally sound.
How can I get an endorsement with Maton Guitars?
You can send links to your work and information about yourself to [email protected]. Unfortunately, due to the large volume of inquiries, we may only be able to respond to successful applicants. Even if you don’t hear from us, THANK YOU! For considering Maton Guitars, without the support of players from around the world we wouldn’t be the company we are today.
What string gauge does my Maton guitar come with?
All Maton Acoustic guitars are strung with Elixir Ultra-thin NANOWEB™ coated strings (.012 to .053).
All Mini Maton guitars are strung with Elixir Ultra-thin NANOWEB™ coated strings (.013 to .056).
The Maton BB1200JH come with Elixir OPTIWEB (.010-0.046) gauge strings as standard.
Can I purchase a Maton instrument directly from the factory?
No, Maton instruments are only available from authorised Maton dealers, we do not sell directly to the general public
I have a problem with my new Maton guitar. How can I contact support?
Please send an email with proof of purchase and detailed description of your issue to [email protected].
How can I get my Maton serviced or repaired?
Please vist the repairs page for details of Maton Authorised Repair Centres in your area.
My Instrument looks different from images of the same model online.
All Maton guitars are made by hand from naturally occurring materials. Any perceived differences or 'imperfections' are characteristic features of the timber.
Can I adjust the action of my Maton guitar with the screw on the bridge?
The screws on the bridge are only holding the piezo pickup from the inside of your guitar. They cannot be used to adjust the action. You might damage your guitar if you tighten them too much. In case you really want to adjust the action of your guitar, please contact a professional guitar luthier in your area.
When was my Maton guitar built?
It used to be printed on the label in the soundhole (e.g. 09/11 for Sep 2011) until 2015. We are currently working on an online application to track the serial numbers and background of guitars.
Where can I find information about my Maton guitar?
Try the Maton Museum or join our Facebook group to discuss all things Maton with other players that share our passion.
How much is my Maton guitar worth?
Unfortunately, we can’t assist in the valuation of old guitars, but there are groups on Facebook and other online resources that may be able to offer some assistance.
Where can I get a Maton Guitars strap or other merchandise?
Please visit our web shop at https://shop.maton.com.au/.
Your phone number would also be helpful. Dark age of camelot radar. This should not be a very hard project for someone who know programming. I recommend you come in contact with me and discuss it more if you like.
Can Maton Guitars share my photo or my video?
Please send us a message on Facebook or Instagram and we might be able to feature you on our page. We love seeing where the instruments we create end up so don't be afraid to share!
The Maton name is a derivative of the words “May” and “Tone”.
Until the mid 1930s an Australian guitar manufacturing industry was virtually nonexistent. Good quality guitars were hard to find and at this time the best guitars came from the U.S.A. Bill May, a Melbourne-born jazz musician, woodwork teacher and luthier decided to change all that.
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Sonatina symphonic orchestra vst plugin. During the early 1940s Bill established a custom guitar manufacturing and repair business known as “Maton Stringed Instruments and Repairs”. This enterprise was so successful that Bill was able to convince his older brother, Reg, to join him as a full time guitar maker and in March 1946 the “Maton Musical Instruments Company” was born.
Maton is still a 100% family owned Australian company, now operated by Linda & Neville Kitchen (Bill May's daughter and son in law). Showing great faith in the potential of the company, Bill opened up Australia's first major guitar making facility in Canterbury, Melbourne, in 1949. More than 300 different models were created at the Canterbury factory, a staggering testimony to the creativity of the Maton team from that era.
Maton called the Canterbury factory home for 40 years until it was time to upgrade to a more modern and spacious facility in Bayswater, Melbourne, in 1990.
After 12 years at the Bayswater factory it was time to relocate to an even larger facility in the inner Melbourne suburb of Box Hill, in an attempt to satisfy the overwhelming demand for the handcrafted instruments. The new purpose built facility is four times the size of the old factory in Bayswater. From this new factory the company will be able to meet its current demand and further develop international markets. The success of this Australian icon is largely due to the inspiration and creativity Bill May possessed and was able to reproduce in his instruments. Having established Maton as Australia’s longest running and most successful guitar manufacturer, and pioneering the use of many Australian wood species in guitar construction, Bill May is regarded by many Australian luthiers as the founding father of their industry.
Bill May’s importance to the history of Australian music was recently recognised at the Australian Music Association Awards where he was posthumously awarded their highest honour and inducted into the hall of fame.
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Before 1900 there were hundreds of companiesin the United States producing bicycles. Between about 1900 and the mid-1920sthe field narrowed considerably as companies like Schwinn and Westfield boughtout other makers but carried their brands forward. While some of the companieslisted here certainly predated balloon tire bicycles the following are the mostprolific builders of balloon tire bicycles.
Following the story of eachmanufacturer is a list of some of thebadges known on the bikes. These listings are only examples as some companiesare known to have used hundreds of different badges. Distributors or retailerssuch as tire stores, department stores, hardware stores, or any number ofretail establishments that sold bicycles many times had their own badges made.It is important to understand that the badge was merely a brand and notnecessarily the manufacturer. For example the brand “Elgin” was used onbicycles Sears sold before World War II. Sears never made any of its own bicycles.Neither did Firestone, Goodyear, or B.F. Goodrich. In the case of the Elginbicycles many were made by Westfield but some made by Monark and Murray aswell. Colson, Monark, Cleveland Welding, and Schwinn made the bikes for thetire companies.
Schwinn
Generally accepted as introducing the balloon tire bicycle to America Schwinn is probably the most recognized bicycle manufacturer in the world. The company was formed in 1895 by Ignaz Schwinn, a German immigrant, and along with the financial backing of Adolf Arnold formed Arnold, Schwinn & Co. in 1895. At one time Schwinn was also one of the largest motorcycle manufacturers in the United States having acquired both Excelsior (1912) and Henderson (1917). Schwinn designed and built some of the most iconic balloon tire bikes to include the Aerocycle, Autocycle, and Phantom. Although the Schwinn name survives the bicycles are now made in China.
Badges: Schwinn,The World, LaSalle, Lincoln, American Beauty, Cadillac, Ace, Henderson, Excelsior,Mission, American Flyer, Chicago, Admiral, Liberty, and hundreds of storebadges such as Beards (Evansville, IN), Lawlor’s (Lincoln, NE), and Tiger (G.W.Tiger & Sons–Colorado Springs, CO)
Cleveland Welding Company
The Cleveland Welding Company is generally referred to as “CWC” by collectors started producing bicycles in September of 1935 and are probably best known for their Roadmaster line of bicycles. The “Y” frame Roadmaster Supremes of 1937 (aka Bug Eye) and 1938 (aka Four Gill) are some of the rarest and most sought after balloon tire bikes. The Roadmaster Luxury Liner is probably the most well-known model from this company and the “Shockmaster” is arguably one of the smoothest riding spring forks ever made. CWC was sold to AMF in 1951 but the Roadmaster brand lives on although these bicycles are now made in China.
Badges: Roadmaster, Supreme, Packard, Hiawatha, Ridewell, Ben Hur, All American, Trojan, Pilot, Hawthorne, Trail Blazer, Speed King, Vim, Movie Ace, Fleetwing, Champion
Monark
The Monark Silver King Inc. started as a battery manufacturer and began producing bicycles in 1935. What sets Monark apart from other manufacturers was their use of aluminum in construction of their bicycles as well as using a 24” wheel size on these bikes. It should be noted that aluminum had been used in bicycle construction starting in the 1890s. Monark introduced its steel framed bikes in 1938 which included such models as the “Superframe” Five Bar. It is their aluminum bikes though such as the Flocycle, Wingbar, and 26X that most collectors covet. Postwar Monarks include the popular aluminum “Hextube” and the Super Deluxe models.
Badges: MonarksSilver King, Montgomery Ward, Hawthorne, DeVega, Reggie McNamara, Ace,Mahowald, Airman, Firestone
Shelby
The Shelby Cycle Co. of Shelby, OH was formed in 1925 from the remnants of the Shelby Cycle Frame Builders. The Shelby Airflos (Speedlines) are considered some of the most outlandish designs of the late 1930s and are some of the most sought after balloon tire bikes among collectors. In 1949 Shelby built the Donald Duck bike featuring Donald Ducks head whose eyes were the lights. The company was sold briefly to Gambles in 1953 but within months sold to AMF. Badges: Shelby, Flying Cloud, Gambles, Hiawatha, Ideal, Safe-T-Bike, Speedway Special, Supreme, Fox, Western Flyer, Bird, Trojan, Eagle, Pirate
H.P. Snyder
The relationship between the H.P. Snyder Co. and the D.P.Harris Company is one of the more unusual arrangements in bicycle history. Sometimein the early 1900s a partnership was formed between Snyder and Harris wherebySnyder would build the bicycle and Harris distribute them. Harris was also amanufacturer of bicycle parts and ball bearings and its own product line was calledRollfast. Harris distributed the Snyder bikes under the Rollfast name as wellas many others. Snyder built bikes were also sold through Montgomery Warddepartment stores. While Rollfast bikes were high quality machines their designwas decidedly more conservative than a lot of their contemporaries. Anexception would be the Hopalong Cassidy bikes complete with conchos, fringe,and a simulated horse hair saddle. The Rollfast name would continue until 1975when the Snyder Co. finally closed and the relationship between Snyder andHarris was dissolved.
Badges: Rollfast, Roamer, Black Beauty, Ben Hur, Lexington, Peerless, Cadet, Athlete, Standard, Princeton, Yale, Harvard, Savage, Rex, Blue Ribbon, Keystone, Gold Medal, Hawthorne, Montgomery Ward, Overland, Winchester, Hopalong Cassidy
Westfield
The Westfield Manufacturing Co. of Westfield, MA has originsdating back to 1877 with the founding of the Pope Manufacturing Co. Many brandswere manufactured under Westfield but their in-house brand was Columbia. Westfieldbought many bicycle companies such as Miami who made the Flying Merkel, andRacycle among others. Some of the most desirable balloon tire bikes ever madewere produced by Westfield for Sears under the Elgin brand to include theBluebird, Skylark, and Robin. Westfield was also the primary contractor formaking bicycles for Hendee/Indian Motocycle Co. until World War II. The companyenjoyed postwar success but like other American companies succumbed to importsand production cost and ceased operations in 1987.
Badges: Columbia, Westfield, Elgin, Corsair, Seminole,Indian, Viking, Tribune, Derby, Fleetwing, Imperial, Crescent, Flying Merkel,Racycle, Sterling, Stormer, Rambler, Waverly
Iver Johnson
Maton Serial Numbers Explained
Initially formed as Johnson and Bye & Co. in 1871 in Worchester,MA the company was renamed Iver Johnson’s Arms and Cycles Works when it wasmoved to Fitchburg, MA in 1891. Iver Johnson bicycles were typically high grademachines and manufactured most of the parts for their bicycles rather thanrelying on other manufacturers. The Super Mobike featured stainless fenders, anoctagonal battery tank, a unique crank assembly, and a hornlight. Iver Johnsonceased bicycle production in 1941.
Badge: IverJohnson
Huffman Manufacturing/Huffy
The Huffman Manufacturing Company began producing bicyclesin 1934 in Dayton, OH. While its initial offerings were rather plain by 1936the company introduced some exceedingly stylish bikes such as the SafetyStreamline followed by the Super Streamline bicycles. In 1938 Huffman introducedthe “Twin Flex” which was a full suspension bike (front and rear springs). The1940/1 Champion and Mainliner lines are also very popular with collectors.Huffman was one of two manufacturers to produce bikes for the war effort(Westfield was the other) and these military models are highly sought after.The company changed its name to Huffy in 1977 but the bicycles had been brandedas Huffy since 1953. Although the Huffy brand still exists all production is inChina.
Badges: Huffman, Huffy,Dayton, National, LaFrance, Dixie Flyer, Airflyte, National, Snell, Davisflyer, Chieftan, Indian, Belknap, Firestone, Everbest
Colson Corporation
The Colson Corporation was located in Elyria, OH andmanufactured bicycles form 1917 to 1953. In 1954 the Evans Products Companybought the bicycle division from Colson and Evans-Colson bicycles were solduntil 1962. Some of the more interesting bicycles produced were the Hi-Lo whichcontained a rudimentary two speed transmission in the crank hanger and wasshifted by a shifter mounted to the frame. Colson produced some of the mostoutrageous paint schemes in the 1930s on its top-of-the-line Commanders andImperials. Colson used a suspension consisting of rubber cushion(s) on some ofits top models. Colson produced models for both Goodyear and Firestoneincluding exclusive designs such as the Double Eagle (aka Clipper) for Goodyearand the Super Cruiser (aka Bull Nose) for Firestone.
Badges: Colson,Scout, Vogue (girls models), Double Eagle and Double Eagle Deluxe (Goodyear),Firestone Cruiser and Super Cruiser, Wings, Rover, Packard, Pilot, Flying Ace,Olympic, Champion, Lincoln
Maton Serial Numbers List
Murray Ohio Co.
The Murray Ohio Manufacturing Company was formed in 1919 inCleveland, OH. Initially the company made automobile parts but by the mid-1930swas producing bicycles, primarily, for Sears. In 1939 Murray introduced thePacemaker at the World’s Fair held in New York. The bicycle was designed byfamed industrial artist and designer Viktor Schreckengost. Murray continued toproduce bicycles after the war for Sears and others with such notable musclebikes as the Eliminator and Wildcat. In the late 1980s Murray was sold to aBritish investment company and by 1999 bicycle production ceased.
Badges: Murray,Mercury, Elgin, Western Flyer, PENCO, J.C. Higgins, Sears
Manton-Smith
Manton and Smith was a Chicago, IL ornamental iron companythat started building bike frames for other companies in the early 20’s. Fromabout 1936 to 1953 the company manufactured its own line of bicycles. Among themore interesting features found on some Manton Smiths is the fork lock brazedto the head tube. Manton Smith also employed a unique spring fork. The prewar “GoldenZephyr” was perhaps their finest model. Like other bikes of the time they were soldthrough distributors and retailers and a variety of head badges can be found onthese bikes although they are fairly obscure.
Badges: Manton-Smith,Gold Eagle Pacer, Gold Eagle Bike-Lok, Gold Eagle Special, Silver Shield(Western Tire and Auto), Seneca, Ranger