.
Maton used a letter prefix to denote the year. This is confusing because G = 1964, but also F = 1963.
This happens. During the Australian music boom of the 70s, Maton occasionally shipped factory seconds or prototypes without stamps. These guitars are still authentic but harder to date. Use pickup codes or wood type (e.g., Queensland Maple neck) to estimate.
While Maton isn’t as commonly faked as Gibson or Fender, counterfeit Chinese-made Maton copies have appeared on eBay and Recess. Here’s how a serial number search reveals a fake:
If you are attempting to search for your own Maton serial number, consider these steps:
Maton Serial Number Search: A Guide to Identifying Your Instrument
Maton is a renowned Australian guitar manufacturer known for producing high-quality instruments. If you're a Maton owner or enthusiast, understanding the serial number system can help you identify your guitar's production details, model, and history. In this write-up, we'll explore the Maton serial number search process and provide guidance on how to decode your instrument's serial number.
Understanding Maton Serial Numbers
Maton's serial number system typically consists of a combination of letters and numbers. The format may vary depending on the production period and model, but most serial numbers follow a standard pattern. Here's a breakdown of the typical Maton serial number format:
Decoding Your Maton Serial Number
To perform a Maton serial number search, you'll need to locate the serial number on your instrument. Check the following areas:
Once you've found the serial number, you can use the following steps to decode it:
Maton Serial Number Search Resources
If you're interested in learning more about your Maton's production details or want to verify the authenticity of your instrument, you can:
Conclusion
Performing a Maton serial number search can be a fascinating and rewarding experience for guitar enthusiasts. By understanding the serial number system and decoding your instrument's unique identifier, you can gain insight into your Maton's production history, model, and authenticity. If you're unsure about your serial number or need help with the search process, don't hesitate to reach out to Maton or online communities for assistance. maton serial number search
Searching for a Maton serial number is the best way to date your guitar
, but the process varies depending on whether your instrument is vintage or modern. Maton has used several different systems over the decades, transitioning from simple sequential numbering to complex date-coded strings. Where to Find the Serial Number Acoustic Guitars
: Look inside the soundhole toward the neck. The model and serial number are typically etched onto the neck block
. On some later models, this information is found on a paper sticker inside the body. Electric Guitars : Check the back of the headstock
. For older electrics, the number might be difficult to see if it was stamped lightly or if the finish has aged. In some cases, a date stamp may also be found under the neck pickup. Decoding Serial Number Formats Modern Era (2014–Present): Alpha-Numeric
Since roughly 2014, Maton has used an alpha-numeric system where letters represent numbers (Z=0, A=1, B=2, etc.). (4th letter) = (Year: 2024). (2nd letter) = (Month: February). Late 1990s to 2013: Date-Coded Numeric
Many guitars from this period use a long numeric string that specifies the exact production day. First 2 digits : Production Year (e.g., 3rd & 4th digits : Production Week of the year. : Production Day (1 = Monday, 2 = Tuesday, etc.). Last 3 digits : Weekly production rank (how many were built that week).
Note: Maton's production year traditionally begins on August 1st. Vintage Era (Pre-1990s): Sequential & Simple Date Codes How to decode Maton guitar serial numbers?
Decoding a Maton guitar's serial number is the most reliable way to identify its manufacture date, though the system has evolved significantly over the decades. Modern Maton serial numbers can usually be found stamped or etched on the neck block inside the soundhole. How to Decode Maton Serial Numbers by Era
Depending on when your guitar was built, you will likely encounter one of the following formats: 1. Post-2014: Alphanumeric System
Around 2014, Maton shifted to a modern alphanumeric code that represents the year and month. Format: Year Digit + Year Letter + Month Letter The Key: Example: A code like 2DB translates to: 2 (2) and D (4) = 2024 B = 2nd month (February). 2. Mid-1990s to Early 2010s: Month/Year Prefix
Many models from this period use a straightforward four-digit prefix that denotes the date. Format: YYMM
Example: A prefix of 0902 indicates the guitar was made in February 2009.
Variation: Some models may use an eight-digit code where the first two digits are the year, the next two are the week, and the fifth is the day of the week (1=Monday, etc.). 3. 1960s to 1980s: Sequential and Legacy Numbers Maton used a letter prefix to denote the year
Older Matons often used simpler sequential numbers, making them harder to date without a reference chart.
1960s/70s: Serial numbers were often just a sequential count of that specific model's production run (e.g., #005 in a series).
1980s: Some models featured a month/year stamp like (387), which means March 1987. Where to Find the Serial Number
If you cannot see a number on the back of the headstock, look for these locations:
Neck Block: Shine a light into the soundhole toward the neck; the number is often etched directly into the wood block.
Internal Label: Some older models have a paper label inside the body listing the model and serial number. Official Resources
For precise identification of vintage or rare models, you can use the Maton Museum search tool or contact the factory directly with high-quality photos of the serial number and internal labels. How to decode Maton guitar serial numbers? - Facebook
Searching for a Maton serial number is the primary method for dating and authenticating these iconic Australian instruments. Because Maton’s numbering systems have evolved since Bill May founded the company in 1946, the location and format of the number depend heavily on the era of the guitar. Finding Your Serial Number
On most Maton acoustic guitars, you can find the model and serial number in the following places:
The Neck Block: Look inside the soundhole toward the neck. The numbers are often etched directly into the flat wooden block where the neck meets the body.
The Internal Label: Later models typically feature a sticker or label inside the soundhole that displays the serial number, model, and sometimes a date stamp.
The Headstock: On electric models, the serial number is frequently located on the rear of the headstock. Decoding the Systems
Maton has used several different systems over the decades to track production:
How to decipher the year numbers on a Maton guitar? - Facebook Maton Serial Number Search: A Guide to Identifying
The Ultimate Guide to Maton Serial Number Search and Decoding
If you are looking to date your Australian-made masterpiece, a Maton serial number search is the most reliable way to unlock its history. Whether you own a vintage Starline or a modern EBG808, the serial number reveals the production year, month, and sometimes even the specific day it left the factory. Where to Find Your Maton Serial Number
Before you can decode the information, you need to locate the number on your instrument. The placement has changed slightly over the decades: Acoustic Guitars:
Soundhole Label: On most models built until 2015, the serial number and model name are printed on a label visible through the soundhole.
Neck Block: On newer or high-end models, the number may be etched directly into the wooden neck block inside the body. Shine a light into the soundhole toward the neck to see it. Electric Guitars:
Headstock: Typically found on the back of the headstock. On older vintage electrics, it might be lightly stamped or inked and can sometimes fade over time. Decoding Your Serial Number
Maton has used several different numbering systems since they began production in 1946. Here is how to read the most common formats: Modern Alphanumeric System (2014 – Present)
In 2014, Maton moved to an alphanumeric code that uses letters to represent numbers ( Example Code: 2DB Decoded: 242 →right arrow
The first two digits (24) are the year (2024) and the last digit (2) is the month (February). Standard 21st Century System
For many guitars produced between 2000 and 2014, the format often follows a year/month/rank or year/week/day structure.
Year and Month: A prefix like 0902 typically translates to February 2009. Production Detail: Some codes break down as: First 2 digits: Production Year. 3rd & 4th digits: Production Week. 5th digit: Production Day (1 = Monday, 2 = Tuesday, etc.). Last 3 digits: The guitar's rank in that week's production. Vintage and Late 20th Century Systems
1990s Electrics: Often used a four-digit prefix representing the date (Month/Year), followed by the series number.
1960s – 1980s: Many acoustic models had a simple Month/Year format (e.g., 03/87 for March 1987) printed on the internal label. Official Verification Tools
If your serial number doesn't fit these common patterns, or you want a verified history of your instrument, you can use these official resources: How to decode Maton guitar serial numbers? - Facebook