Top 5 Musicians Who Played Maton Guitars

Maton Guitars is an Australian guitar manufacturer renowned for producing acoustic guitars of exceptional quality and craftsmanship. Their guitars feature a unique blend of traditional designs with modern production techniques, resulting in instruments with a distinct sound and feel.

Founded in 1946 by Bill May and his brother Reg May in Melbourne, Australia, Maton Guitars began manufacturing guitars for local musicians as a small family business. Over the years, the company has grown in size and scope and now produces a wide range of acoustic and electric guitars for players worldwide. 

The company is now run by Bill May's son, Andy, who continues to uphold the same standards of excellence that have been the company's hallmark since its inception.

Over the years, Maton Guitars have found themselves in the hands of some of the world's most influential musicians, particularly in folk and country music. Here are five musicians who played Maton Guitars and have made good music because of it.

1. John Butler

John Butler is an Australian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He is well known for using Maton Guitars, which he has used in many of his live performances.

He is best known for using his modified Maton CW-80 12 String Acoustic Guitar, which he has used for 20 years doing live and studio work.

"This is the cornerstone of what I do, and the guitar I used to busk with on the streets of Fremantle 15 years ago," Butler said in an interview with Total Guitar.

As a brand ambassador, Butler also owns a Maton SRS70J Acoustic Guitar and another SRS/70 twelve-string acoustic he received from the brand in 2014 when he recorded Flesh and Blood. 

2. Keith Urban

Keith Urban is an Australian-born country music icon who has gained international fame for his soulful, heartfelt music. Urban has been playing the guitar since childhood, which remains a significant part of his music today. He is a Maton Guitars brand ambassador and has been known to play the Maton EMD-6, also known as the Mini Maton. 

3. Tommy Emmanuel

Tommy Emmanuel is an Australian fingerstyle guitarist and singer-songwriter. He has been playing the guitar for over 50 years and has become one of the most acclaimed finger-style guitarists in the world. He is known for his intricate compositions, captivating live performances, and collaborations with other guitarists, including Chet Atkins, John Knowles, and Martin Taylor.

Tommy is also a Maton brand ambassador and has collaborated with Maton Guitars to design the EBG808TE, EBG808TEC, and the TE Personal, his signature line of acoustic guitars.

4. Alberto Lombardi

Alberto Lombardi is an Italian jazz musician, composer, and arranger. He has been performing and recording professionally since the early 1990s and has released several albums as a leader and sideman. His music has been described as a mix of jazz, Brazilian, and Mediterranean influences, and he is known for his virtuosic playing and soulful improvisations. Alberto Lombardi has been known to own and play the 70th Anniversary Edition 808C.

5. Paul Kelly 

Paul Kelly is an Australian singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer. He has released over 20 studio albums and has performed since the late 1970s. His music is a mix of rock, folk, and country, with a lyrical focus on life, love, and the human condition. Paul has been known to own and play the W.A. May, a guitar created to honor Maton Guitars' founder, Bill May.

Conclusion 

Maton Guitars is an iconic Australian guitar manufacturer with a long and storied history. From its humble beginnings in a suburban Melbourne workshop to its current status as a global leader in acoustic guitar craftsmanship, Maton has been producing quality instruments for over 70 years. With a wide selection of models and styles, Maton has something for every type of musician. Whether you're a professional or a beginner, Maton has the perfect guitar for you. 

Come to Musicstreet, a music shop in East Anglia and experience the best in acoustic guitars! We have a wide range of Maton guitars, with something to suit every budget and style. Whether you’re a professional musician or just starting out, we guarantee you’ll find the perfect guitar for you. Browse our shop today to get started.