Old (70s) Maton Guitars

[Text_Edifice]

I remember someone on the forum used to work for Maton - I'm after opinions on the early 70s southern stars.

I've got an option to get one, but can't play it first. I am cautious, but these things don't turn up very often.

What are the old Maton's like sound wise?

How do they record?

I've got a high end 80s Yamaha (d35 copy), a j45 and a parlour / blues box. Is the Maton going to have something different / worthwhile?

Thanks

[Djembe]

I've never worked for Maton, but I do remember that those '70s Southern Stars were very good. Very solidly built - some might argue too solidly built. It was their top of the line model which morphed into the Messiah model.The ones I played were as good as Martins.

[Chris H]

Gosh I should check in more often I suppose. Hi Dave, yes I used to work at Maton. The southern star was a fantastic guitar in my opinion, miles above the ( often ordinary sounding ) standard CW 80. Most had Blackwood back and sides. When I was there for a few years from 76 on , the Messiah was the top of the line acoustic then the southern star. So …… im wondering if you got the guit?

[Text_Edifice]

I didn't get it - I couldn't play it and I'm once bitten twice shy about putting proper money on an acoustic I can't play.

Sounds like it's one that got away.

[Chris H]

Oh well there’s always another one……..somewhere, sometime. With The Messiah and Southern Star, if there was something not up to the high standard expected with these models then the guitar wouldn’t leave the factory until it was rectified l, even if it needed a new soundboard or frett board replaced.