SOLD - Vintage Maton Tommy Emmanuel 'Ebony' Signature - AUS 1989

This is definitely one of the very first Tommy Emmanuel Signature acoustics ever made by Maton – it is serial number 004. We wrote to Maton to determine its origins. Maton wrote back the following – “The Tommy Signature was the guitar before the TE2 came about. It has a spruce top, American Rock Maple back and sides and it used the Wayne pickup shown in the photos. The obvious difference also was the Florentine cutaway which we do not do any more. That guitar was made in October 1989 and was the number 4 of its kind which is pretty special. This would have been one of the first models Tommy had as a Signature model, having just used standard models previously."

This is a Maton Tommy Emmanuel 'Ebony' Signature model acoustic guitar – Serial No. 004, manufactured in its second year of production, in October 1989. So, this was the fourth one built of not many ever made in this shape, and the first in the ebony finish that we can find, making it extremely rare! Interesting that the inbuilt Wayne pickup controls are placed very close to the neck joint on this one. They were placed more on top in later models.

Back in the late 80s, Australia’s premier acoustic player was recognised by the legendary Maton company with his own 'Signature' model, which utilised top grade materials, quality components, and hand craftsmanship, appropriate for a top-of-the-line model that it was at the time. Tommy played this model exclusively for years worldwide, and he is still Maton’s highest profile brand ambassador.

This TE Signature is one of the very best acoustic guitars ever created by Maton. It is in very good condition and is a fabulous guitar to play. Currently owned by a founding member of one of Australia's biggest bands, this guitar has been played all over the world and certainly has a tale to tell.

A couple of minor marks on the top and some light checking in the finish but nothing of concern, and certainly nothing structural. Some very light marks on the back but the neck is pristine. The rosewood fingerboard is so dark and shiny it’s almost like glass – a joy to play. The sound is big and balanced. Professionally set up and ready to be used by a professional, or simply by a new owner who appreciates a top-quality Australian made instrument which was designed for the Australian Ambassador of Guitar – Tommy Emmanuel.

Includes non-original Hiscox flight case in good condition. Also included is the Tommy Emmanuel Signature pick guard in the case. 

Features:

Action @ 1st Fret: 0.25mm

Action @ 12th Fret: 1.5mm

Nut Width: 44.18mm

12th fret Width: 52.86mm

Weight: 2.3kg / 5.07lb  

Top Material: 'AAA' Grade solid sitka spruce 

Back Material: Solid American rock maple

Sides Material: Solid American rock maple

Neck Material: Select Queensland maple

Fretboard Material: Rosewood with dot mother of pearl inlays

Bridge Material: Rosewood

Headstock: Queensland walnut veneer

Finish: High Gloss Ebony

Tuners: Gold Maton closed back tuners

Pickup System: Wayne EQ-4

Pickguard: Black with Tommy Emmanuel signature (in case)

Case: Hiscox Flight Case