Adam Rafferty reviews Maton EBG808C Michael Fix Guitar

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String Measurements Below - expand this text!
So many of you ask which guitar I play - so here is the 2013 answer to this question!
I describe why I like it and what it does best in this video.
Maton Website Official EBG808C Michael Fix Guitar Page
maton.com.au/pr...
Here are my string height measurements.
1st, put a capo on the first fret.
The measurement at the 13Th fret is: Bass = 4/64, Treble = 3/64.
The measurement is from the top of the 13Th fret to the bottom of the string.
Enjoy!
Adam

[@enspike]

Maybe an unpopular opinion but, I really like the acoustic sound of the EBG808te. Perfect for fingerpicking. Don't know why you say it's best for plugged in. It sounds good unplugged as well.

[@dennisleadbetter7721]

Hi Adam, First time I've watched your channel, but pleased I did. As an Aussie it's good to hear such comments about Maton. When I started my guitar journey, I could not play a note on a guitar, and after getting the music store dude to play various guitars, walked out of the store about an hour later with my first guitar, a Maton dreadnaught straight acoustic. I've never regretted that decision! I made that decision because when the store dude played various guitars, I held others, and the Matons resonated to the sounds of the others, acoustically that was a good sign. None of the others did, they were dead! I know Michael Fix, and regularly see him perform with his 808 based signature model, and it never disappoints. I know he has a pedal that drops an octave in the base range and gives incredible bass sound. Keep enjoying your Maton.

[@tomberetta8781]

Got one. I stumbled upon a late 60s CW80. In rough shape..nursed it back to health and it is now my go to guitar.

[@tomkeefe2051]

Amen to that Adam, best guitar I ever owned, sad to say I had to sell it to pay my mortgage. I felt like sold one of my kids, sad day. When you plug this into an AER amp,well, it doesn't get any better than that, just my humble opinion.

[@getup2nite]

I actually went with a Yamaha AC3R the last time I bought an acoustic electric. Amazing guitar, the wood character is balanced and gorgeous. I highly recommend their stuff, it beat a lot of big-named gear in the ear test.

[@robharris6874]

Great review, I purchased my first Maton EM325C over 20 years ago & the more I play it the better it sounds I have other guitars with the name & the price tag to go with it & in my opinion the Maton are best valued guitar for your money but that`s just me!!

[@MichaelFix]

cool...Im gonna have to get me one those guitars!!

[@LievenDV]

:D It's like it...was made for you :p Lovely signature model; It's high on my list but it's hard to take a pick from all those Matons.

[@RobMichael]

Adam Rafferty I know you typically record both the direct sound of your guitars and combine that with another mic on you videos. It would be really cool to have you make one with just the direct sound (like your live signal path) so we can hear JUST that. Thanks for all you do.

[@mrbigbluesfan]

And Adam your an amazing player and an Inspiration to myself and many others, love your work, Cheers Mate, Al Gibson.

[@mattmaes]

I get great plugged-in sounds with my Larrivee as well. The sound and description of the sound that you provide is almost identical. Would love to own a Maton someday. Love your music.

[@OssieLad64]

You can buy Maton EBG808 and EBG808C without the pick-ups and they are not expensive at all and sound great. I have an EBG808 and I love it. I also have a Maton Messiah EM100C which is a dreadnaught. Great guitars with a great sound, without the pretentions of some of the other brands

[@reddgeetarzan4164]

How do those two guitars compare? I play more bluesy, classic rock kind of stuff, so definitely more strumming involved and I dig in pretty heavy (bends, etc). Which would you recommend as I'm looking at those two models. Thanks!

[@StiflerMartinez]

Thanks Adam, I'm looking for another electric acoustic, I will see if I can find one, I live in Australia so hopefully I can drop into the local mus'O shop and try one out. I play a Maton Wildcat Electric Acoustic, absolutely beautiful guitar (its nearly 25 years old). Thanks man.

[@paulmay7777]

Action comes down to individual preference and to style of play. If you're not heavy handed, a low action will work best for fingerstyle. However, if you want to thrash it aswell like you see Tommy Emmanuel do at times, you'll need it a bit higher or it will buzz like a burglar alarm.

[@briangan5869]

Thanks Adam, that's really low, but still probably still a tad higher compared to TE's guitar action. Do your strings buzz a little? I think you play with a very light touch so it won't really buzz a lot.

[@ekcekvamodomoritus]

Adam can you please show the string action. How low are your strings?

[@StreetTwinRider]

Maton Guitars are extremely well made pieces of equipment. Their acoustic guitars are brilliant. To be honest, I am a much larger fan of their electric guitars, especially the semi hollow guitars.

[@adamrafferty]

I've owned a few Yamaha electrics - they are awesome, and very affordable. Many people are unaware that Yamaha makes great guitars - I'd check those out for sure!

[@jeepcjay5]

Yes I have a Taylor. The strings are very low I think. 12th fret=1,5mm=0,05906inch, 7th fret=1mm=0,03937inch and 1st fret=0,5mm=0,01969inch. Its a great guitar, but I don´t know if its possible (or worth) to reduce the strings on the 12th fret.

[@getup2nite]

One of the best pieces of advice I can give on buying gear: "Don't be afraid to buy used". In that range, you could likely land what you're looking for. If you're going for finger style, I highly suggest you play some stuff to decide if you are a rosewood/maple or a mahogany/ koa guy. That's a generalization, but it's god advice. Look at the new Martin GPCPA4 Rosewood, all solid, good prices ($1300-ish). Larrivee gets some great reviews too, no personal experience here though!

[@gregorylumpkin2128]

Don't forget Keith Urban: Maton EBG808c Nashville model.

[@adamrafferty]

In Bangkok, Michael Fix, Joe Robinson & I A/B TESTED and the Matons won.

[@Snapjaggery]

I've been playing a solo acoustic show full time for years and I couldn't agree more. There are other guitars that will sound better in the shop just acoustically but that's why I think Adam stresses the plugged in point. I recently bought a Martin which was $1000 more expensive than my Maton, I played one gig and returned it to buy another Maton. I use it through an AER acoustic amp and DI it through JBL Eons (G2) and it is really nice. Check my page for this sound. Thanks Adam. Love ur stuff

[@geetarwanabe]

mine is as low as possible. I like the sound with a little bit of buzz.. so long as it doesn't remove from the tonality of the note itself. Adjust the neck relief and mess around with the saddle to get it as low as possible.

[@littlecarminefingerpicking1724]

I don't know why everybody talks about the maton not being loud unplugged 🙄🙄. I have a beautiful ebg808tec and it sounds as loud as a jet fighter unplugged 🤔🤔.. Even on strumming it has such a great sound. It's not as warm as a Taylor or Martin but it sounds woody / wild/ rustic 😂 I don't know but for me nothing sounds like it. IMHO...

[@adamrafferty]

WOW, great. May have to do with the build year, the newer ones are better than ever!

[@littlecarminefingerpicking1724]

@@adamrafferty thanks for your time to reply 🥰🥰.. Yes it's a new post/pandemic model. I was just emailing days ago with Tom Luck from Maton cause I was asking about the fretboard if it was rosewood or ebony.. And giving him the serial number He confirmed that the guitar was built July the past year... Probably it happened that the pandemic slowed down the production.. The past models mostly were mass produced except the "custom model".. Nowadays even the production models are hand made " not by Andy Allen itself " But still hand made and the wood used is much dried and seasoned than before.. Plus I use the thickest strings 13-53 elixir nanoweb... All I know is that if I play standing up I feel the guitar strap vibrating 😄😄 no jokes... Peace brotha🎸🎸

[@allenallen5040]

I like your guitar and met it personally. Beautiful sound. I like Tommys better than the artist or Messiah. So for me it’s between yours or Tommys. What do you like about yours over Tommys? Do you use jumbo frets? How do you feel about the frets that don’t wear down? ( is this the guitar you used in Columbus Ohio at the guitar club in about 2010)?

[@adamrafferty]

Allen the one in the vid is actually my backup - I have 2 of the same MATON :-). I had my main one in 2010. I find the TE model has a "woodier" - has s lightly different kind of punch, but having a cutaway is necessary - I have so many arrangements where I go up high, when I play a TE - I always hit the wall :-)Either one, you'll be good to go. And yes - both were reftetted with jumobs :-)

[@MsCHOTICHOTI]

maton, martin or taylor? i am not decided... i like the martin D16RGT, but the matin dreadnought sounds mind blowing too! i like martin.... what is your opinion?

[@jeepcjay5]

Hi Adam, can you show the string action. How low are your strings. Whats the best action for fingerstyle. Maybe you can tell a little bit about it. Thanks.

[@bobsmith1580]

Great playing and nice tone

[@Buster842842]

These sound like fantastic guitars. Maton needs to put more effort into the U.S. market. I.’d like to buy one, but they are hard to find. It doesn’t seem like Maton sells them directly. Only through a few dealers. Too bad.

[@lauraquentin9860]

hello Adam, you say that you have two maton guitars. It's great ! And I would like to know if you have a preference between one of these two models ? In other words, according to you, is there a model that sounds better ? Thank you very much =)

[@keithyoung4643]

Hello Adam. I own a Maton 808TE with the AmpMic pick-up. As a rule, what are you general set-up controls on your Maton. I know Tommy Emmanuel has Bass on 10, Treble on 10 and the Mic on 10 - and adjusts / backs off the middle control. (0- 2) Also please tell me your control settings on your AER amp. Much appreciated. See you in the UK when you next visit...?

[@chesterkerd7001]

I thank you for the link provided

[@jeepcjay5]

Yes I think my strings are very low. But what´s low. When I go to the guitar maker and he says "thats all I can do" I don´t know if he is right. How is your action? Mine is 0,059inch at the 12th fret, 0,039inch at the 7th fret and 0,019inch at the 1st fret. Is it possible or worth to low it at the 12th fret? Or is it possible to have the same height at every fret?

[@xxmanx1]

THanks Adam, i agree that its not a D45 but does have the RIght sound for Tommy/Fix style playing. I am also in the N Jersey area...so where did u buy yours? I cant find any except 'Guitar and Bass center' in Edison nj. Also..is this much diff (other than looks) from the TE cutaway model? THanks for the great info and you play great! I must see u in NYC when i can find you!

[@adamrafferty]

Hey man, I am based in the EU now. Yep, that's my old NYC pad in the vid. Actually I bought mine mail order from a place that no longer exists. I asked the dude to pick a good axe out for me, and figured I'd need a good setup anyway. Try Rudy's music in Soho, and maybe start asking around the USA, you may need to either take a trip out or buy one sight unseen. Freaky, but it can turn out ok... :-) Check sweetwater.com and musiciansfriend.com as well.

[@riffrobin474]

@@adamrafferty Thanks Adam, sorry to see you leave NY. Best of luck in the EU!

[@finntrentepohl]

I would very much like this guitar, it sounds and plays awesome. Just need to save up some bucks for it!!

[@tubeball123]

Hello, thanks for sharing. I am interested in buying a Maton guitar, do you have comment on the sound unplugged? Thank you. :D

[@Emzo99]

I have to get myself one of these haha

[@nusstu]

Hi Adam, How would you compare the AP Mic system from Maton to the Cole Clark's FaceBlend system? I'm considering both. Thanks.

[@wkclshero]

Adam - I have a TE -808 and I am getting a lot of static from the mike ... Any suggestions ?

[@getup2nite]

If you are looking at finger style models without plugging in & you don't want to break the bank, check out these models #1. Guild f-130/ f-130R $649, $749 for the rosewood model. #2. Epiphone EF-500R, Gotta looked used; they run < $500.00 #3. Yamaha LS-16. $749.00 All of these guitars are 100% solid wood, no laminates/ veneers and excel in a focused and balanced sound, ideal for finger style. All are totally pro-level instruments. IMHO, they outperform many guitars 2X the price!

[@dennisneo1608]

Made in my home town of Melbourne. :)

[@wenbinzhou3747]

boxhill？

[@diegoruizguitar]

Hi Adam, thanks for share, this is so helpful, i think maybe this people should send you at least a good champagne bottle. As Al said, i'm also waiting for the Rafferty model. I wish you and excellent 2013, you are a huge inspiring guitarist and artist /Diego

[@jfsk8er]

Hi, im wondering if this guitar or the regular 808 could be used as both a fingerstyle instrument and to do regular strumming found in most christian worship music? Im saving up for a new guitar but need something with balance. When I play at home its mostly fingerstyle but I also lead worship in church settings. I dont have the budget to buy two highend guitars. I love the Orchestra body and the electronics and the sound of the Matons. I dont want a dreadnought. Thx for any help. :)

[@dennisleadbetter7721]

I cannot see why not. Guitarists like John Williamson, Keith Urban and a long list of professional musicians plays Maton guitars. If you go to Maton's web site they are all listed with the model they use, so that should give you a starting point. Hope that helps in your decision. Or find a dealer and go try it out.

[@adamrafferty]

yes Brian, exactly!

[@strings1955]

Ever play a McPherson? If so, what was your take?

[@angelcastellanosmartinez2412]

But dont you plugged It to an amp? You mean plugged into a DI box and PA System? Thats all?

[@0niwhsa0]

Adam Rafferty you said this was the best acoustic guitar you've every played PLUGGED-IN. How would you rate it based purely on acoustics (unplugged)? I'm planning on buying a Maton and would really appreciate your POV on this. I have a budget of around $1500. Cheers!

[@adamrafferty]

+Ashwin D'Souza Ashwin, if you plan to play on stage, get a Maton. Also, try to get one with the APmic or AP5 PRO - not only the AP5 - that has no mic.

[@spectorfriend]

Hi Adam, I play more strumming ... doest this guitar still a good choice? I play the em225 and Id like to upgrade. Thank you!

[@adamrafferty]

No idea, you'll have to just try!

[@spectorfriend]

Yes :)

[@gallito1010]

Cool review Adam :)

[@CurtisThorpe]

Hey Adam! Nice review, one thing I would have added was a just a small sound sample of what the guitar sounds like acoustically. I really wish it were possible to get that APmic system in other acoustic guitars! Gah! I believe Maton does sell the pickup system seperately but the installation is VERY difficult. It would be great if I could get one fitted in my Voyage Air travel guitar.

[@clydebermingham121]

Man .... I wish I knew about Maton guitars before I got so much in debt getting other dealies not as nice ....

[@BrazosP]

I enjoyed the vid, but I didn't get to hear the guitar being played. :( I'll check out your other vids which I think have this. :) Thanks for posting.

[@getup2nite]

For sure. There are some great options out there under $1K if people aren't stuck on USA made gear.

[@Ang3lik4Sway]

Love the Maton. Have one myself. Do you use the Maton strings? or do u use a different type strings?

[@adamrafferty]

Usually Martin SP Phosphor Bronze strings...

[@Ang3lik4Sway]

Nice! Me too I use the Martin ones. I only have the entry level guitar though. But it's great! EM225C

[@martinmartin8871]

do you use 10-46 ultra lights? I think Tommy uses smaller Ga. More flexable strings?

[@adamrafferty]

I use 12-53

[@briangan5869]

IMHO the EBG808 models are not meant to be played unplugged. They are meant to be plugged in to get the full character of the guitar tone. If not plugging in, your best best is to get another guitar.

[@liquidSpin]

damn you Adam. I'm so jealous. I want a Maton guitar but can't afford one :(

[@pobinr]

Please play it for us to hear !

[@adamrafferty]

Dude, I have a ton of videos on my channel where I play this guitar...

[@orbodman]

The Maton Michael Fix would have to be the easiest, nicest guitar I've ever played. Better than the Tommy Emmanuel models. Sounds beautiful too.

[@reddgeetarzan4164]

What is the difference between the Fix, Emmanuel and Messiah (EMC 100) models?

[@orbodman]

@@reddgeetarzan4164 Specs are available from Maton site. I've played the Fix and I preferred it over my TE Maton guitar by a fair way. Never played a Messiah but a friend of mine says it is the best he has ever had and played. They are the flagship of the Maton line. I don't think that is of much use sorry.

[@reddgeetarzan4164]

@@orbodman I found a Messiah for a fairly reasonable price and I have to say I LOVE it. Blows away ANY Taylor I've played or owned (I've owned a few, up to the 800 series). These are incredible guitars!!!!

[@AlOwens]

Maton should make a Rafferty model.

[@guitartec]

Hi Adam, what are your favorite donut types?

[@adamrafferty]

I have added the string height to the description of this video - check it out! Just click where it says 'Show More' - enjoy!

[@AkoSiGrin]

Snark Tuner :) i have the red one ..

[@trainmasterxxx]

First like and comment!!! Love ya brother!

[@tubeball123]

Hello Adam, what do you think about Queensland maple vs rosewood? Thanks.

[@thelegends7953]

what he has is no qeeunsland maple mine 808TE has queensland maple thats red nog light brownisch

[@tubeball123]

TheLegends Thank you. But I mean what the difference between the tone between Queensland maple and rosewood is. Is the Queensland maple lacks bass when compare to rosewood? There is not much information about Queensland maple on the web.

[@thelegends7953]

i can tell you take a Queensland maple guitar it is the best sounding guitars you ever played belief me i got the maton ebg808TE it's magnificent wow what a guitar men

[@thelegends7953]

that warm sound of queensland maple is the difference and he is also warm and pure of sound

[@tubeball123]

TheLegends Thank you so much for your advice :) My home town music stores lack Queensland maple Maton, so I cannot try it. In your opinion, is the Queensland maple similar to mahogany/rosewood? I want to find a "reference wood" so that I can imagine how Queensland maple sounds.

[@adamrafferty]

See Brian's reply - I'd get a different axe if you are only playing acoustically!

[@mrbigbluesfan]

@Doktorkoyot - Seriously??? You don't like Adam Raffertys or Tommy Emanuels Sound or Tone ??? Seriously ??? My friend you are majorly Tone Deaf or just out of your mind lol They are amongst the best Acoustic Guitar Players in the world at present! And that's a fact Buddy, but hey opinions do vary but yours is extremely hard to swallow or believe, Cheers to you though

[@paulmitchell5349]

Top end Faith guitars are pretty good,often better than Martin.

[@ruvikferrer8298]

Your video is about your mic not the guitar!

[@adamrafferty]

Hmmm

[@CruisinMac]

Would've like to hear the guitar. As far as "plugged in" sound goes also, this man has obviously never played a Cole Clark. There is not an acoustic on the planet that sounds as good as them plugged in. Cole Clark is from one of the head guys that used to be with Maton by the way.

[@adamrafferty]

Hey bud, I was an endorser for Cole Clark and played their guitars for 2 years, also went to the NAMM show to play at their booth. Plenty of my vids have the CC. Based on my experience of playing both on many festivals & concerts, the Matons sound way better on stage :-)

[@CruisinMac]

Adam Rafferty Fair enough then. I guess sound really is subjective. : ) You're the first person I've ever heard say anything could beat a Cole Clark plugged in. Never meant to say Matons are bad tho, they are awesome guitars too by the way, just to be clear. :-)

[@Guitaresque101]

CruisinMac I will agree with Adam on this. I played the FL3 for 6 years and now also play the MF model Maton. Cole Clarks will have a natural compressed sound due to the bracing, strumming hard or soft gives you the same consistent sound. The Maton is much more responsive, you can get more bass, treble or highs by the way you play, what you play with (fingers, nails, hard pick, soft pic, thumb pic etc) making it a much more versatile instrument but also making you sound worse if you play worse and better when you play well.

[@orgminyak]

"this man has obviously never played a Cole Clark" I lol'd there because you obviously have not watched his previous videos.

[@CruisinMac]

nura loh Absolutely correct. This is the only vid of his I've seen. Can't even remember what brought me to the vid. lol.

[@KaninManeepairoj]

I thought you’re Aussie!! Cool!!!!

[@VerticallyUp]

Firstly, go out and play every type of guitar you can get your hands on. Then play on a maton..... You'll know what I mean.

[@Powerslider]

I'd love this, but its crazy expensive for me. I'd rather have my gipsy jazz guitar, a good spanish and another nice acoustic beside my taylor rather than this. If my cash didnt run out it would be a simple choice ofcourse!

[@clydebermingham121]

(So you’re in NYC .... So I someone wouldn’t have to go way to Nashville to try & catch to you .... Hahaha😆)

[@mickkennedy1344]

Donut Trump will kick you out for not playing a good ol' American guitar.

[@merakerli]

ooooooh, ....talk talk talk talk,,,,,,, what you wanna prove with talks.... not selling Maton for sure !

[@TRICK-OR-TREAT236]

MADE FROM KANGAROO WOOD I TAKE IT ?

[@stevanz1]

If you're going to insult a whole country try to learn grammar (No caps lock needed) and your spelling also pretty terrible (KAN-GA-ROO) Hopefully you're better at Trick or Treating than you are at trolling.

[@reddmitchell-petrie2922]

***** that come back just put me in tears haha.

[@dennisneo1608]

No such thing.

[@petethescalemodeller6130]

3000 bucks no ty