The Music That Maton Made

by Andrew McUtchen, Jeff Jenkins, Barry Divola

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.

Genres: Nonfiction, Music

392 pages, Hardcover

Published May 16, 2016

Reviews

[David Kerrigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

When my good mate Andrew McUtchen told me he’d been commissioned by Maton to do their book, I knew he’d be the very man to find the centre of their story and write it outwards from that point. What he has put together is far less a technical breakdown of the craftsmanship behind Maton guitars, than a decade-by-decade page-turning chronology of story-rich nuggets told from the point of view of the musicians that love them. Homegrown artists such as Tommy Emmanuel, Paul Kelly and Colin Hay speak of their personal love affairs with their Maton guitars no less passionately than international household names like Keith Richards and Josh Homme. The physical book is a guitar in itself, a beautifully crafted hardcover with design that pays sincere tribute to the Maton look and feel. I felt a particular sense of pride reading this as an Australian, but whether you’re a guitarist or not this is a fabulously captured story of the pain and passion behind Bill May’s creative endeavour, which started in a garage in Thornbury (Melbourne) in the 1940’s and is continued today by his devoted family.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating history.
The best parts for me were really a survey of Australian music over the decades with Maton as the common thread.

The book is also interspersed with family history connected to the business and these bits worked less well for me, apart from the story of the businesses inception and initial development.
Overall, a great chronicle of an Aussie icon.

[Geoff Sheehan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really excellent book. Very interesting format, broken into decades, showing Maton highlights.

[Scribe Publications]

Great story, informed telling, beautifully illustrated. Like the guitars, a collector’s item.
Steven Carroll, Sydney Morning Herald, Pick of the Week

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

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

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 … 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

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