Guitar - General/Maton L202(SPECIAL)

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Expert: Jim Garber - 10/6/2009


Question
Hi, I recently acquired a Maton L202(SPECIAL)in excellent condition, in original case, with original guarantee tag quoting Serial No.211 Test No.568. Do you know if it is a "collectable" item and of much value...I have not found any info on it only a "Maton L202(68)" which is very similar except for where the strings are attached...mine has the "M" for Maton symbol in chrome "wire" between the top & bottom chrome brackets.  Hope you can help me, Sincerely, Jaril.

Answer
Hi Jaril:
I don't have much info except that Maton guitars were built in Australia since 1946. They rarely get over here in the US. You are probably in better position in Australia finding out the info you want.

They are still in business:
http://www.maton.com.au/

Perhaps you should contact the company directly. I have heard that they do make very nice guitars.

Jim

Guitar - General

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Jim Garber

Expertise

I can answer most questions on fretted instruments, my main area of expertise is in vintage mandolins, guitars and ukuleles. I also know some things about old banjos as well.

I can also answer some questions about mandolin technique and since there is no separate mandolin category, I figure they might be asked under guitar.

I have decided to no longer evaluate instruments -- it is very difficult without the instrument in hand. For guitars and some other American fretted instruments, I recommend the Vintage Guitar Price guide. Also, be aware that most insurance companies want written appraisals so my valuation would not work anyway.

It also truly helps if you can includes a clear photo of your instrument. I think the site will only allow for one photo, but you can email me additional ones to jimg@paperclipdesign.com. I will try to evaluate but there are times that it is impossible without the instrument in hand

NOTE: I have decided that I will mostly answer questions about vintage instruments, generally before 1940. You can send me questions about contemporary guitars, but most likely I will send them to the question pool if I feel that I cannot answer them without extensive research.

Experience

I have been buying, selling, collecting and playing old and antique instruments for over 30 years. My recent specialty has been in European mandolins and classical and Italian mandolin music.Organizations
Classical Mandolin Society of America, active participant on the Mandolin Cafe; Current active expert in the Antique instrument category at Allexperts.com

Organizations
Classical Mandolin Society of America, active participant on the Mandolin Cafe; Current active expert in the Antique instrument category at Allexperts.com

Publications
Guild of American Luthiers, Sing Out Magazine

Education/Credentials
BA, Brandeis University

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