Maton Serial Number Search

Decoding a Maton guitar's serial number is the most reliable way to identify its manufacture date, though the system has evolved significantly over the decades. Modern Maton serial numbers can usually be found stamped or etched on the neck block inside the soundhole. How to Decode Maton Serial Numbers by Era

Depending on when your guitar was built, you will likely encounter one of the following formats: 1. Post-2014: Alphanumeric System

Around 2014, Maton shifted to a modern alphanumeric code that represents the year and month. Format: Year Digit + Year Letter + Month Letter The Key: Example: A code like 2DB translates to: 2 (2) and D (4) = 2024 B = 2nd month (February). 2. Mid-1990s to Early 2010s: Month/Year Prefix

Many models from this period use a straightforward four-digit prefix that denotes the date. Format: YYMM

Example: A prefix of 0902 indicates the guitar was made in February 2009.

Variation: Some models may use an eight-digit code where the first two digits are the year, the next two are the week, and the fifth is the day of the week (1=Monday, etc.). 3. 1960s to 1980s: Sequential and Legacy Numbers

Older Matons often used simpler sequential numbers, making them harder to date without a reference chart.

1960s/70s: Serial numbers were often just a sequential count of that specific model's production run (e.g., #005 in a series).

1980s: Some models featured a month/year stamp like (387), which means March 1987. Where to Find the Serial Number

If you cannot see a number on the back of the headstock, look for these locations: maton serial number search

Neck Block: Shine a light into the soundhole toward the neck; the number is often etched directly into the wood block.

Internal Label: Some older models have a paper label inside the body listing the model and serial number. Official Resources

For precise identification of vintage or rare models, you can use the Maton Museum search tool or contact the factory directly with high-quality photos of the serial number and internal labels. How to decode Maton guitar serial numbers? - Facebook

Deciphering a Maton guitar's serial number depends heavily on its era, as the Australian luthier has changed its formatting multiple times since its founding in 1946. Unlike some major brands with centralized databases, Maton serial searches often require manual decoding or direct factory verification for high-value authentication Modern Era (2014–Present) Recent Maton guitars typically use an Alpha-Numeric System that identifies the decade, year, and month. The Code Structure : Usually three or more characters (e.g., First Digit : Represents the decade ( Second Character (Year) : Uses letters where , etc. (e.g., Third Character (Month) : Follows the same letter-to-number logic ( would translate to February 2024. The Transition & 2000s Era

For guitars made roughly between the late 1990s and 2013, you might encounter a numerical prefix MM/YY Format

: Some models from this era simply use the first four digits to indicate the date. : A prefix of likely means February 2009. Specific Batch Coding

: In some instances, the first two digits are the production year, the 3rd and 4th are the week, and the 5th is the day of the week (1–5). Vintage Era (Pre-1990s)

Vintage Matons often have shorter, sequential serial numbers that are harder to date without a reference chart. How to decode Maton guitar serial numbers?

To identify the age or authenticity of your Maton guitar, you can use the official Maton Museum or decode the number manually based on when the guitar was produced. Where to Find the Serial Number Decoding a Maton guitar's serial number is the

Acoustic Guitars: Usually etched on the neck block (look inside the soundhole toward the neck) or printed on a label inside the body.

Electric Guitars: Typically stamped on the back of the headstock. Decoding the Serial Number

Maton has used several systems over the years. You can often find the manufacture date within the digits: Post-2014 (Alpha-Numeric System): Uses a code like "2AG." First digit & Letter: Represent the year (e.g., and = or ). Last Letter: Represents the month ( =Jan, =Feb, =March, etc.). Example: "2AG" would be July 2022.

Pre-2014 (Numerical System): Often uses a direct Month/Year suffix.

Look for a 4-digit suffix like "0602" (June 2002) or "1001" (October 2001). 1990s and Earlier:

Some older models use a "Serial Number (Date Code)" format, such as 198 (195), meaning instrument #198 made in January 1995.

Very early models might only have a low sequential number (e.g., "005") without a clear date embedded. Search Tools & Resources

How to decrypt the serial number on a Maton EM 425/12 guitar?

System 3: 1980s–Present (Straight Numeric)

From about 1982 onward, Maton adopted a simpler 4 to 6 digit number (e.g., 15234, 406789). The first two digits often indicate the year: 85xxx = 1985 91xxx = 1991 04xxx =

But be careful: In the early 2000s, Maton reset numbering for some model lines (like the EBG808). A number alone isn’t enough—you need context.

Era 3: The "No Prefix" Years (1980–1993)

During the acoustic boom, Maton dropped letters for simple 5 or 6-digit numbers.

4.1 Sequential Anomalies

Maton is known for using batches of serial numbers sporadically. It is not uncommon to find a guitar with a numerically lower serial number that was actually shipped after a higher number due to warehouse storage logistics or custom order delays.

B. Visual Clues

If you can’t find the date, look at the guitar’s construction:

Method 1: The Official Maton Website (For Era 3 & 4)

Maton does not have a public, automated "serial number lookup" form like Taylor or Martin. However, they have an official process.

  1. Go to the official Maton Guitars website.
  2. Navigate to the "Support" or "Contact" page.
  3. Look for the "Serial Number Enquiry" link (this sometimes directs you to their FAQ).
  4. Alternative: Directly email their service department: service@maton.com.au
  5. What to include: In your email, write "Serial Number Search – [Your Serial Number]" in the subject line. In the body, include:
    • The full serial number.
    • Clear photos of the serial number stamp.
    • Photos of the entire guitar (front, back, headstock).
    • Any internal label details.

Response time: Maton is a relatively small, boutique shop. Expect 5-14 business days for a reply, especially during busy seasons.

Step 3: Decoding Vintage Maton Serial Numbers (1950–2000)

This is where a Maton serial number search becomes detective work. Before 2001, Maton used at least four different systems, sometimes overlapping.

The Ultimate Guide to Maton Serial Number Search: How to Decode Your Guitar’s DNA

For decades, Maton has stood as a titan of Australian lutherie. From the raw backbeat of The Easybeats to the percussive thump of Tommy Emmanuel’s fingerstyle, Maton guitars have shaped the soundtrack of a nation and the hands of virtuosos worldwide. But whether you are a collector verifying a vintage purchase, a repair technician needing specs, or a curious owner wanting to know your guitar’s birthday, one tool unlocks the door to that history: the Maton serial number search.

In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about locating, decoding, and searching Maton serial numbers, including how to use online databases, interpret pre-2000s stamping systems, and what to do when your number isn’t recognised.