Maton Fyrbyrd 620.

Yes the spelling is correct one could only guess that this was to avoid any naming rights problems with the Gibson Firebird, or just a flight of advertising fancy.

First introduced in 1962 and continuing in model name and various guises until the early 70’s. The 620 was the first body shape of the Fyrbyrd series, Bigsby tremolo, three pick ups, curved headstock. It was the leading Maton solid body electric guitar.

The model was available in six or twelve strings and a bass version called the Vampyr. It was followed by the FB series in 1966, commonly called the shark bite because of the sharp waist cutaway. The next series was the 650 series which changed the body shape to that of a more “Square Strat” shape and a different headstock design which was a cross between a conventional head stock and a slotted nylon guitar style. The little brother to the 650 was the “Leaderman” there is one on this site. The last of the range was the FB70 Fyrbyrd which kept the 650 headstock but with a more Fender Mustang body shape. The white Fyrbyrd is serial 728 of 1286 of the model made.

The Fyrbyrd has a special place in the memories of Australian guitarists of the 60’s it was a high quality instrument that played well and sounded great with trebles to burn, a real lead instrument. Acknowledgement should be made to Maton, their record keeping and their willingness to supply model and serial number information. Whilst they would probably admit that record keeping is not perfect it is a credit to the organization. For a luthier who began in 1940’s and started the company in 1946, grew through the turbulent times of the sixties and survived to still be in family hands as Australia’s major exporter is a huge accomplishment.

Ken P.