MS500/HC
MATON
The Queensland maple body and blackwood tone
cap are probably not a tonewood combination most
American guitarists are used to. But because Maton is
based in Australia, they have access to a wide range
of woods that aren’t available elsewhere. This particular combination is probably most analogous to the
maple-and-mahogany-cap construction used for Les
Pauls. These timbers help Maton make unique, quality
guitars while keeping materials costs a little lower.
The MS500/HC’s semi-hollow body makes it quite light,
and playing a few chords unplugged revealed a singing
resonance that can be heard and felt. The unique design
of the cutaway and the heel joint make playing in the
17th position and above a little tricky, especially if you have
smaller hands, but the neck has a slim, comfortable shape
and a smooth satin finish for a faster, slicker feel. Action right
out of the case was a little higher than I prefer, but I was able to
lower it to a more satisfactory level with a few adjustments.
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