Maton Silvertone ES-50 Lap Steel 1968
Maton ES-50 Silvertone lap steel, made in Australia 1968. Maton guitars was launched in 1946 by Bill May, building guitars and other instruments out of some modest digs in Melbourne. By the mid 1960s, things had picked up a lot and it was quite a big operation; guitars like the Mastersound were finding their way into hands of players like George Harrison. This dates from that era, when things were happening fast and Maton were making a whole bunch of different and interesting stuff. It's a pretty simple six string lap steel: solid construction, one single coil pickup, sturdy hardware, midcentury minimalist aesthetic. The sound on offer is cool: a warbling, warm sizzle and snarl, perfect for country or blues stuff. This is a really fun little slice of history and a cute little playable investment.
Model: Maton Silvertone ES-50
Made: Melbourne Australia, 1968 approx
Serial: none
Finish: mahogany stain back and sides
Construction: solid
Weight: 2.245kg
Pickups: Maton single coil
Accessories: none, no case or tone bar
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has dimples and scuffs on the end and edges, surface scratches and a dent on the back and some scuffs on the front. The back has dimples and scuffs over the whole body and a tape mark near teh back edge, no major marks. The sides have dimples on the top side and a tape mark on the back corner, as well as dimples and scuffs along the back and bottom edge and a little bit of rash approximately around from the pickup. The front has scuffs on the guard and around the bridge and some dimples on the timber section.
Overall: good condition (7/10)
Playing Condition Notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Wearing fresh Moonshiners strings.