By the mid to late sixties every manufacturer had to have a double cutaway thin line semi acoustic guitar in their range and this was Matons answer to the demand for a reasonably priced guitar in that 335 style. Maton had made superb jazz style guitars from their inception but this guitar was aimed the mass market. The first model Maton Sapphire was the SE303/6, model. This stood for, SE, Sapphire Electric series 30, 3 pickups, /6 strings was the first of the Sapphire models commencing in 1967 and ending in 1968 with 96 being made, this guitar is dated by Maton as being one of the first series. The early models were either two or three pick up (SE302/6) with options such as tremolo. It was available in 4/6 and 12 string models. They are well finished with a typical Maton playable neck. These were surprising good guitars for the money. From 1968 on it became the Sapphire Deluxe, SE302 or 3 pick up 4, 6 or 12 string D for deluxe with much larger production numbers. The model name continued in various styles until 1978. Like all Maton guitars from the sixties they are much in demand.

You can find information including advertising materials at www.maton.com.au/maton-museum/

Ken P.