Maton 1973 GE 500 Rare Semi-Hollow with Original Hardshell Case – Used Maton

This Maton (Pronounced “May-TONE”) GE500 is an electric hollowbody guitar made in Australia. This particular guitar is one of 69 in the world ever made.

The Maton GE500 is constructed from 3-ply Maple for the top, maple laminate back and sides, maple neck, and a bound ebony fingerboard. It is equipped with two Maton humbuckers with independent volume and tone (labeled “Treble”), an out-of-phase switch for the neck pickup, master volume, 3-way pickup selection, 3-way lead/rhythm circuit, and an active bridge piezo pickup – labeled “A.H.F. Control”. The 3-way lead/rhythm circuit works whereby each position hits the master volume; the “up” position adds a high-end rolloff (rhythm), the “down” position has no filter (lead), and the middle position sees the master volume as either full off or full on, with no 1-9 in between.

In 1973, this Maton GE500 was purchased by its original owner, a regular performing musician from New Jersey, from Sid Kleiner’s House of Guitars as a special order. After many years and many gigs, it has come to us.

There are a few mild finish chips on the back and sides, a sign of a well loved instrument over the past 40+ years. It includes the original hangtags and brochures.

The brochure states, “A Maton guitar is not from a production line but a guaranteed hand crafted instrument involving much care and skill in its development.” The original owner did that rightly so, and we are proud to continue its heritage.

History:
This guitar was special ordered through Sid Kleiner’s House of Music in 1973. Service decals on the peghead indicate that it was maintained at the shop, at least in the beginning.  

Included Accessories:
Case candy (Original brochure, information booklet/manual, mail-away for personalized case name plate), 3″ Black leather strap,

Notes:

• Missing original pickguard.
• .403″ finish chip on the back of the body, treble side.
• .196″ finish chip on the back bout, treble side.
• .117″ finish chip on the neck at the 7th fret.
• Small finish chips approximately 1″ from the heel of the neck.
• Mild finish pimpling from general play and usage.