From a small backyard workshop on the outskirts of Melbourne, Maton Guitars has grown into a truly inspiring Australian success story.
In 1946, Bill May crafted a guitar in his Melbourne garage that he wanted the world to hear and to play. In a matter of years, it was in the hands of Elvis Presley on film. Later, a Maton played the riff that defined a generation on the Rolling Stones' 'Gimme Shelter'. Today, Maton are an essential part of music culture in Australia and around the world.
This is not only a book for guitar lovers — it's an intimate family history and an essential part of Australian music history. Compiling over ten years of research, and over two years in production, this book is as well-crafted and family-owned as Maton guitars themselves.
Go behind-the-scenes to meet the artisan guitar makers. Read the stories behind the songs created with Maton guitars. And go backstage to meet the bands and musicians that have, with a Maton in hand, shaped our musical world.
Packed full of interviews with the greats — from jazz legend George Golla to guitar virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel; from Archie Roach, and The Wiggles, to Daniel Johns, Paul Kelly, and Josh Homme, and many more ...
Published to coincide with Maton's 70th anniversary, The Music That Maton Made is a comprehensive, full-colour tribute to a home-grown guitar range that has been embraced by famous musicians and guitar enthusiasts around the world.
‘Through personal accounts from family and musicians it transports us to the timber-sculpting factories, to the intimate rehearsal rooms and colossal stadiums of genre-defining musicians. The cathartic and gratifying essence of a Maton guitar is very much instilled in each and every page. At the heart of this compelling tribute is the beauty of a well-crafted guitar, and the family brand that made it distinctly Australian … [D]elves deeply into the iconic songs and musical moments produced by a Maton guitar.’
Chris Scott, Beat
‘[T]he book is as well-crafted and family-owned as Maton guitars themselves. Go behind-the-scenes to meet the artisan guitar makers. Read the stories behind the songs created with Maton guitars. And go backstage to meet the bands and musicians that have, with a Maton in hand, shaped our musical world.’
Australian Musician
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‘This is a beautiful book, a work of love that features stunning photography printed on thick high quality paper. Presented chronologically, The Music That Maton Made includes a series of short articles and extensive photographic essays … [A] story of innovation, risk-taking, import tariffs, export opportunities, determination and hard work … [C]elebrates the remarkable journey from Melbourne back shed to world class guitar maker. It will be treasured by anyone that loves their Maton.’
David Mayocchi, Loudmouth
‘A unique and richly rewarding story, the history of Maton guitars is captured in The Music That Maton Made. A book for not just guitar enthusiasts, it recounts the story of a family’s legacy and the impact they’ve had on the history of contemporary music … It is a fitting tribute to a family enterprise that enriched the world.’
Alex Pink, Mixdown Monthly
‘I was stunned. It’s a BIG book, in a beautiful leather-finish embossed cover with gold accents. The pages are uncoated and feel fantastic to the touch. And it’s full of historical photos that make vintage Maton fanatics like myself teary eyed … It’s a personal history of the company that could only be told by Maton themselves … The more I kept reading, the more I wanted to stop and play my Matons. This is a book that Australian musicians have wanted for years and the love and creativity that has been put into it has made the wait worthwhile.’
Tony Giacca, Guitarnerd
‘As lovingly constructed as the guitars themselves … From the rich details of the stories behind the songs to the gorgeous photos spanning the history of rock’n’roll, this book is for gear-heads and music lovers alike.’
William Yeoman, The Weekend West
