The Music That Maton Made

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.

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.

‘Great story, informed telling, beautifully illustrated. Like the guitars, a collector’s item.’ PICK OF THE WEEK
-Steven Carroll , Sydney Morning Herald

‘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

Author Biography

The Music That Maton Made was produced by Story Matters Most, with contributions from Andrew McUtchen, Jeff Jenkins, and Barry Divola. The project manager for The Music That Maton Made was Chantel de Fraga.