Maton

I was after a second guitar to bring with me everywhere, my primary instrument being a Martin HD-28. I first took interest in a parlor model (Takamine New Yorker), then a Faith Venus electric acoustic. I soon sold both of them back, as the parlor did not suit me and the Faith, while a good guitar, had the limitations of an entry-level instrument (though the solid wood and preamp which had been changed when I bought it…). I then turned to the Taylor GS mini or Martin 5-15, now decided to go after a big brand and the quality that comes with it. Looking for a K.Yairi (especially the GF-1 model), I came across the Maton Mini-diesel EMD-6. I had never heard of that brand or model before, but to cut all suspense short it turned out to be exactly all I had ever expected in a guitar (and I know I’m not the only one). A quality guitar in a mini format, but nothing that looks ridiculous. The woods are solid, and the mounted preamp is a high-quality model. The guitar is pleasant to play, the highs are easy to access via the neck/top junction which leaves room to lay the left hand. The pure acoustic sound is very good – of course it doesn’t equal my Martin HD-28’s, both models don’t play in the same league (one is a dreadnought and the other a mini), but the resulting sound is more than fine (better sounding than Faith Venus or Takamine New Yorker for instance). Once plugged in, the result is mindblowing, you would never expect such a “small” guitar to deliver such a big sound. As a rule, playing it hard when it’s unplugged provides a really pleasant result. It’s also very nice and pleasant for fingerpicking. The neck is the same as a normal guitar, so it implies no learning curve. The smaller size of the guitar makes it nice to play anywhere. It perfectly answers to my expectations, a “big” small guitar, well-built and with a nice sound, a perfect complement for my main guitar. Plus, it’s really beautiful, the top’s color is great looking. I bought it with its original case which is also high-quality (mind you – it features pink plush!). Here are the instrument’s specs: "AA" solid sitka spruce top Solid Blackwood back and side Blackwood neck Rosewood fingerboard with pearl dot inlays Rosewood bridge Blackwood headstock Ivory outer binding Herringbone inner binding Vintage Amber Burst satin finish Gold Grover Rotomatic machine heads AP5 pickup Tortoiseshell pickguard with a golden "M" It now gets sold new for 1666 euros, but I was lucky enough to find it used (which is very rare). Don’t hesitate to turn to these guitars and this brand which is not so famous, but when you are considering buying a Little Martin, Taylor Baby or GS mini, it can be good to know that for a few more bucks you can get a used yet far superior and really lovely instrument… well, provided you manage to get one of them used, of course! I was very lucky to find this one, all the more considering that I wasn’t originally after that model. But hey, what can you do against love at first sight...

First of all, I bought this guitar when MATON announced they wouldn’t make this model any longer (possibly after they decided to stop using Queensland walnut for their guitars). I possibly bought the last available new model in the whole Europe, so I had to salute this now former model by posting a review on it. I’ll also mention that I only play some sort of bluegrass/rock with several kinds of open tunings. Easy to use from the beginning. The neck is wide (as with any given 12-string model), but not really thin (not as much as a Gibson). Also, in spite of its important scale, the strings’ gauge doesn’t seem too big. Soundwise, its main asset is the articulation between notes, making it easy to ear the harmonic nuances which is essential for a 12-string to make its sound bearable. An impressive projection (aka no more talk with your pals while playing). The lows, mids and trebles are really balanced. I expected the lows to be predominant, but so far it features Elixir strings so the sound tends towards the trebly side. I may see later. Once plugged in, it gives one of the best sounds I’ve ever heard, as true to the original sound as can be (ala LR Braggs on a Gibson), allowing to re-balance the lows. It also perfectly suits the use of a Screamer or overdrive to raise the volume. Tuning: the 65 cm (25.5”) long scale allows for the most extreme open tunings with no problem, while ensuring the strings a long life. Beware when you choose a capo, it takes a real heavy pressure to work on each and every string. Finish is perfect and flawless. Nothing better demonstrates what this guitar can do than this video:

(Originally written by Salurem/translated from Audiofanzine FR) Tommy Emmanuel's guitar except for a few details (e.g. nuts). I replaced the original graphite nuts and the plastic pins with bone parts. It doesn't change the sound dramatically but it's more worthy of such a high-quality guitar. Made in Australia. Excellent wood quality. Good finish. Except for the CGP inlay of the fingerboard, it's not a flashy guitar. No golden parts, no abalone overdose. It's equipped with an excellent Maton APmic preamp and 2 pickups (bridge + body). UTILIZATION Very comfortable and light guitar. 44" scale and compact body. No cutaway but that doesn't bother me. SOUNDS It's ideal for finger picking. Tommy fans won't be disappointed. The wood and OM shape combination produces wonderful mid and high frequencies. It sounds crystal-clear with D'Addario EJ16 strings. Long sustain. Superb overtones. The low-end is a bit weaker. The guitar provides a larger sound range when plugged thanks to the multiple settings and the pickup combinations. This guitar deserves a good amp (I play a Schertler David). OVERALL OPINION Excellent value for money (my luthier liked the wood and the sound very much). The guitar needs a few enhancements (nuts and pins) and a good adjustment (the original action was very high). Like most guitars, two models won't necessarily have the same sound. I was lucky to be able to test two of them at the store. Test it first, if you can, and also the Artist model which is made of a different wood. As a summary, if you like Tommy Emmanuel's sound this guitar is for you (even if you can't play like Tommy). Although the unplugged sound is not very loud, the sound is remarkable in the mid and high frequency ranges. The guitar is amazing when plugged to an amp.