The new Mini-Maton EM6 is a new look at the very successful EML6. Everything that was great about the EML6 is to be found on the is new model except that the old laminated Qld Maple back and sides have been replaced by solid Qld Maple back and sides. This brings a fuller, richer tone which will improve even further over time as the wood learns to vibrate to its full potential.
Add to this the new Double X Bracing now found across the entire Mini range as well as Maton’s “Original” AP5 pickup system and you have a real winning combination.
Greater tone, improved structural integrity and a perfectly matched pickup system.
SITKA SPRUCE (PICEA SICHENSIS)
The traditional choice of soundboard timber for many guitar manufacturers, “Sitka Spruce” has become the benchmark against which all other timbers are measured. It is found on the West Coast of North America from Northern California to Alaska.
QUEENSLAND MAPLE (FLINDERSIA BREYLEYANA)
Originally used as a Mahogany “substitute”, Queensland Maple has become the backbone of the Maton sound. It is used in nearly every Maton either as a neck, back & sides, or internal component. A rainforest hardwood from Northern Queensland, this timber is light, strong, and visually striking. Queensland Maple is extremely well balanced with an even response accross all frequencies. If you are looking for the secret to Maton’s great tone, this is a good place to start.
It’s no secret that shorter-scale instruments are harder to keep in tune than their longer-scale cousins. This is especially true when shorter-scale instruments are tuned the same as the longer scale variations. The reason for this is the lower tension in the string and deflection and stretching when the string is pressed onto the fingerboard. We can use heavier strings to try to compensate for the tension, but the trade-off is a reduction in audible upper partial harmonics, which is where much of the magic of tone is generated. In other words, the tone becomes less interesting and more fundamental.
From Dec 1 2022 all Maton Mini will ship with the updated split bridge design