Maton MS500, natural finish, 2006. The Mastersound is an original 60s shape that carved out a nice little niche for itself over a few decades. This model hails to the renaissance the model enjoyed in the mid 2000s; they were flavour of the month for a couple of years there. It's a quintessentially Australian look, especially with the glorious grain of the Queensland maple body on full display under the satin natural finish. We sold this one to a Hobart local a couple of years back, and now it's back in the shop again but with a glorious set of Martin A Smith pickups. The tone still has the recognisable dark tone associated with these models, but with some extra sweetness and eloquence on the top end, adding some much appreciated breath and balance to the sound. These are becoming increasingly tricky to find on the used market, and have been discontinued for over a decade now, so this is a cute little score. Stone the flamin' crows!

Model: Maton MS500 Mastersound
Made: Melbourne Australia, 2006 (serial 06990349)
Finish: satin natural
Body: Queensland maple
Neck: rock maple, rosewood fretboard, 12" radius, 24.6" scale
Weight: 3.295kg
Mods: new pickups installed, pickguard replaced, pickup selector replaced with 3-way, jack replaced
Pickups: Martin A Smith P90 Set (more info here)
Case: basic gig bag, original pickups included

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has some dimples on the end, both edges and some light scuffs on the back. Neck is pretty clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and some glossing from play on the back only. The back has some glossing and scuffs on the top horn, elbow area and back edge, as well as widespread surface scratches and dimples around the whole body. The sides have minor dimples and rub wear around the whole body, most notably near the jack. The front has a bunch of dimples around the bottom corner, behind the bridge, in the elbow area and on the top horn, rub wear in the elbow area and some play wear on the guard and horns. Overall: good condition (7/10).

Playing condition notes: Neck is straight, action is low, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. Frets look pretty good, plenty of life and fairly even, 7/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.