Maton MS T - Bird

Predominantly known for their quality acoustic guitars, Maton has gained respect more recently for producing outstanding electrics as used by artists like Josh Homme, Tommy Emmanuel and John Butler to name a few. Maton's current electrics are the Mastersound, BB and Starline models, and now welcome the T-Byrd. Australian Musician acquired prototype #2 of the T-Byrd for review. First off, it has a great little sound hole up top, which not only looks cool but adds a nice bouncy, resonant quality to the overall tone. Also included are two of Jason Lollar's high quality pickups; a Special T-Series single coil in the bridge and a vintage designed Charlie Christian Neck pickup specifically for Telecasters. Both pickups do a wonderful job replicating fatter style Tele sounds, particularly when you add to the sonic mix, the metallic twang of the Wilkinson ashtray bridge and brass string saddles.

A sleek, satin maple neck plays like butter at just the right depth to fit comfortably in my hands allowing for hours of fatigue-free playing. The frets were finished perfectly and rolled in beautifully, but the best part on the neck was the superb finish on the nut (thanks to some star in the setup department … you know who you are)  which made changing tunings a breeze with the quality Grover mini machine heads.

A charming “Distressed White” finish on the semi hollow-body is crafted from Quandong, a native Australian tree that also produces some great fruit and is known for its medicinal properties. As far tone goes, it sounds fairly warm,  complementing the neck, hardware and pickups nicely. After posting a photo of this guitar on Facebook, one of my friends commented on the frequent use of the Mastersound shape at Maton and how they fail to move away from it. Personally, I like the fact that they've stuck with it for so long, so it sits in your psyche when you think about Maton electrics, especially since they've started to be used by high profile overseas artists. I like the fact that Maton are going for a unique look somewhere between a Strat and a Les Paul that has a little bit of inspiration from Brian May's (of Queen's) Red Special. Wait a second… Brian May… May...Tone… Maton… (head explodes!).  

I found the Maton MS T-Byrd to be an inspirational guitar, with one part warmth, and two parts twang It's lovely to play and lends itself beautifully to country chicken-pickers, rockabilly slingers and definitely not for fans of Winger.

www.maton.com.au