Maton L202 "Lute Guitar" Cherry 1968
Maton L202 'Lute Guitar', made in Melbourne 1968, cherry finish. This is very unusual, to say the least. Maton were making some very cool electrics in Melbourne in the 1960s, and some of the models like the FyrByrd and Wedgetail went on to become cult favourites that enjoy significant international acclaim. The Lute Guitar is a cute oddity from that time, made only from 1967-8. There's some similarities with the Vox Teardrop models, made in the UK in the mid 1960s, although this is far from a straight copy. It's a hollow body, paired with a short scale, slim neck. The vibrato bridge was a factory option, adding some air and breath to the attack and some wobbly possibilities. The tone is great: approximately Tele-ish in character, but with a naturally short sustain, warmth and colour through the mids and a musical, responsive fundamental note. There's a bit of normal wear around the body, but it presents very well: that lightly bursted cherry finish is gorgeous in the flesh. Our handy house tech levelled the frets before listing, so this is playing evenly up and down the whole board, intonates nicely and is generally behaving itself. Surely you've only got one shot at this one, right?
Model: Maton L202 Lute Guitar
Made: Australia, 1967-1968; 1 of 133 made
Serial: 304
Finish: cherry, gloss polyurethane
Body: teardrop shape, vibrato, hollow with painted f holes, spruce top, maple back and sides
Neck: 23.375" short scale, adjustable truss rod, low action frets,
Weight: 2.665kg
Mods: none
Pickups: 2 x Maton humbuckers
Accessories: Maton hard case
Cosmetic condition notes: minor play wear. The headstock has scuffs on the front and edges and some dimples on the back and end. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and rub wear on the back only. The back has a sticker mark in the middle, dimples and dents around the bottom, back and top edges and widespread minor scuffs around the whole body. The sides have dimples and minor scuffs around the whole body and some minor scratches in the faux-binding. The front has minor paint chips along the back edge, dimples around the tailpiece and knobs, minor scuffs and checking around the whole body and some play wear on the guard and shoulders.
Overall: very 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 10/46 Moonshiners strings.
Fret life: 8/10, minor wear only