Why I play these guitars || Maton and Avalon guitar reviews

My first vlog about the acoustic guitars I play most often, which are ‪@matonguitars‬and ‪@AvalonGuitars‬:
Maton Custom Shop "JT" model
Avalon Ard-Rí L2-310
Maton TE1
I paid for all of these guitars with my own money, I am not endorsed by any of the companies mentioned and I am not being paid by anyone to review them. This is purely for enjoyment!
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0:00 - Intro
1:07 - Maton Custom Shop
1:38 - Tonewoods
3:52 - AP5 Pro system
5:13 - Plek system service
5:44 - Maton Custom Shop sound demo 1
6:23 - Maton Custom Shop sound demo 2
6:51 - Avalon Ard-Rí L2-310
7:48 - Tonewoods
8:47 - Bog Oak surprise!
10:17 - Sound of Irish-made guitars
11:18 - Avalon Ard-Rí L2-310 sound demo 1
11:48 - Avalon Ard-Rí L2-310 sound demo 2
12:16 - Maton TE1
12:42 - Tonewoods
13:20 - 'CGP' inlay
13:41 - AP5 Pro vs AP5 original
14:46 - Maton TE1 sound demo 1
15:24 - Maton TE1 sound demo 2
15:50 - Outro

[@rodericingold5129]

Finally…. Someone other than Australians recognising the brilliance of Maton guitars. In my opinion, the finest guitars in the world. Thank you so much.

[@JohnTraceyMusic]

They're belters! They're becoming more visible (and audible) now in Europe, which is really nice to see.

[@janiceandscottwolfe6203]

I am a maton fan as well. have 2. te signature custom shop thinline and the joe robinson signature. was fortunate to meet Mr. Emmanuel b4 a concert and he was kind enough to sign his signature guitar. cheers. Scott from the Grand Canyon State

[@JohnTraceyMusic]

Excellent, health to enjoy them! TE has a lot of time for his fans. If you look closely he signed my TE1 as well, but that's going back maybe 10 or 11 years now so it's nearly completely faded :)

[@janiceandscottwolfe6203]

I should have added that in the US, Artisan Guitars in Nashville is a great source for Matons. They saw the writing on the wall and have gone all in and only sell Matons now. Great selection and knowledgeable staff.

[@Billinabinet]

Hi John Many thanks for providing great reviews of your guitars and in particular the Maton instruments (I have 2 custom built top-of-the range models circa late 1990's) If, by any chance, could you eventually post a full length video of your composition 'Dundrum Bay' when time permits - it's a delightful composition and deserves a full time slot! Many thanks and all the very best Bill (Australia)

[@JohnTraceyMusic]

Thanks very much Bill! It's my intention to record Dundrum Bay in full, and I'll definitely post it on KZbin 🙂 that's a composition from around 2006!

[@Billinabinet]

@@JohnTraceyMusic Hi John Thanks for responding and I look forward to Dundrum Bay's posting sometime in the future. All the very best Bill

[@jacintaferyn122]

Thank you John great all round video introduction to Maton guitars. (I'd never heard of them) and you've given a real eyeopener demo. GREAT

[@DjNikGnashers]

Wow that Avalon ! I own a Lowden but always wanted an Avalon too.

[@startingfingerstyle]

Great video John. I'm listening on fairly basic speakers, I know, but for me purely acoustic, the Avalon pips the Matons. You may recall when we were at the Tommy Camp in Scotland, Maton had a stand of 'off the peg' Matons that we could try. Lovely to play, but I'd agree with you, it's when they're plugged in that they really take off. Hard to imagine a better sound than that. My own guitars are many rungs down the ladder from these, but I can testify from my Faith Neptune Legacy that the torrefied Sitka Spruce top makes for a great acoustic sound.

[@JohnTraceyMusic]

I'm with you! Although, being a jumbo, the Avalon does have the advantage of the bigger body over these particular Matons. I didn't mention this in the video, but the custom shop Maton sounds very different to other off-the-shelf Matons of a similar size. I associate Maton in general with a tight, focused, woody quality - which definitely has its own appeal and application - but the custom shop's sound is rich, more complex and more resonant. The top-end especially rings out beautifully. Worth trying one if you spot one in the wild!

[@bealfeirsteabu]

Three beauties John, and you make them your own. Love the big full sound of that Avalon. Got myself a jumbo Martin and putting the K&K pure mini into it after reading the reviews. Slán agus adh mór say hello when you’re home.

[@SergeUnplugged]

Thanks for the detailed review

[@JohnTraceyMusic]

Thanks for watching Serge!

[@declanbrady8045]

Great presentation of 3 different guitars. Personally, I liked the tone of the Maton TE1 the best - very crisp and clean yet warm. Thanks John. Have you tried the Australian Cole Clarke guitars? They are also awesome value for money and give the Maton's a serious run for their money.

[@JohnTraceyMusic]

Thanks Declan! The TE1's a great guitar, I'm not sure why Maton have discontinued it. Probably wasn't selling as well as the TE 808s? The CC guitars are lovely, very similar to Maton which makes sense of course. I've only ever played one once though. David Browne Murray plays one, and his sound is exceptional.

[@robhobson3457]

Good stuff John, keep going!

[@SergeUnplugged]

Returned to give this video another look!

[@jackaro2]

Sweet video, man. I'm getting a new (my first high end) guitar in about 2 weeks.. And I've had an Avalon and Maton in my cart recently so this was spot on.

[@JohnTraceyMusic]

I don't think you can go wrong with either! Which models do you have in mind?

[@jackaro2]

@@JohnTraceyMusic I'm hoping to get an Avalon Ard Ri auditorium size or for the Maton, either the Tommy Emanuel 808 or the Messiah 808. I keep going back and forth on whether I should get a smaller guitar with a deep body or maybe a jumbo.

[@JohnTraceyMusic]

The Avalon jumbos and auditoriums are very special, they have a huge, unique Irish sound. The Messiah 808 is the top of the Maton range and will be fairly close in sound to the custom shop model I play in this video - same wood combinations. You really won't be disappointed with either of those choices!

[@dodgedandle8311]

I have a 6 and 12 string Avalon Guitars they are both L32s and they are incredibly guitars I’ve had them about 22 years now and they just sound better with age the tops have gone that lovely amber colour and they are so well made and sound and play amazing and never had to adjust anything on them.. Got a Maton SRS70C Another Great Guitar nice thin neck very well balanced and intonated and yes the AP5 is a MEGA pickup 👍🏻🌞⭐️❤️…. Great Video enjoyed this 👍🏻🌞⭐️😎

[@JohnTraceyMusic]

The spruce/rosewood combo is hard to beat isn't it! I'd say those 22-year old Avalons have opened up beautifully over the years. The SRS series from Maton are brilliant giggers, I had an SRS808 a few years ago (I have some older videos on my channel featuring it) but unfortunately it had to go back to Maton in Oz as it developed a severe neck/truss rod issue. The truss rod actually ended up bulging out of the back of the neck during a gig - not good! Thanks, glad you enjoyed the video. More to come soon!

[@DavidJNann]

This is a great video ( for me) purely by a chance meeting, ( Guitarist :Vinnie, I didn't get his full name) I played on his Avalon A380 4 days ago , wow , a fantastic Guitar, I'm now looking into buying an Avalon

[@williamhunt9874]

Finally got around to watching this video in full - very informative though pretty high end guitars. Are there any guitars you recommend from earlier in your progress that might suit dedicated hobby players? Thanks anyway-all the best!

[@JohnTraceyMusic]

Thanks William, much appreciated! I think Tanglewood guitars are very good instruments for not a lot of money. Takamine, Eastmann and Lâg are superb. The entry-level Matons are also crackers. If you ever spot a secondhand Avalon Silver Series or Gold Series, try one out. They were phenomenal value guitars.

[@BertisGuitar]

At last! Thanx John...also, have you moved to Germany...what's the story there - my favourite country

[@JohnTraceyMusic]

Ha I know, I had you in mind with the review! No I'm not in Germany, but I'm very nearby - think beer, chocolate and triple-cooked chips!

[@BertisGuitar]

@@JohnTraceyMusic Ah, Ik snap het! Onthoud: Vlaams is gewoon makkelijk Duits (et le français est encore plus facile). Hope whatever you're doing doesn't keep you from your playing

[@lordglencoe2194]

John, good to see you highlighting Avalon from Norn Irn! I love your light touch playing style but I think you'd get a better sound with a pink thumbpick 🙂. And you've moved out of Belfast? As they say you can take the boy out of Belfast but you can't take Belfast out of the boy. ATB, Ian

[@JohnTraceyMusic]

Hey Ian, nice to hear from you! Always loved Avalons. I also owned one of their Korean-built "Silver Series" models about 18 years ago, and for the money those guitars were hard to beat!

[@lordglencoe2194]

@@JohnTraceyMusic Good to know John. I'm still scraping along with my Gibson Songwriter. I've got some Korean made guitars (the PRS SE series - electrics, yes I know...) and they are great to play and excellent VFM.

[@mojoefelix]

I have owned an Avalon L 10 jumbo for about 10 years. I had hoped to love it, but I can never really bond with it. It is much too bright, and the nice part is it is clear, but it has no warmth, no lower, mid range thump that I love in my other guitars, such as my Larivee and my Martins.

[@JohnTraceyMusic]

The L10 is definitely a more punchy choice with the mahogany back and sides, compared to a rosewood or similar. I've grown to really enjoy the projection and clarity of woods like mahogany, blackwood and amazaque!

[@A-rl4or]

Great guitars although not a huge fan of the strap button location on the Avalon :)

[@JohnTraceyMusic]

I requested it to be put on the heel cap in particular, but I think Avalon usually add it on the underside of the neck itself as standard. All my guitars have the button on the heel cap, it just sits more comfortably for me that way 👍🏻

[@dieselman7453]

Your maton is class John !! Jesus I have a maton srs808 mine don’t sound like yours 😂hard to beat Avalon or lowden !!I have a 1972 guild John that works in lowden has it doing a full neck reset and set up !! Thank you for your videos especially the raglan road tutorial your a legend lad cheers stay safe !!! Brian Armagh!! I have a Avalon sliver series if that counts as an Avalon but it sounds top for a cheaper model there’s not many sliver series left out there 👍

[@JohnTraceyMusic]

Thanks a million Brian, that means a lot! I had a Silver series as well a load of years back, they were brilliant guitars for the money. I see Gold series models up for sale now and again but the Silvers are like hens' teeth these days. The SRS808 is a belter wee guitar too, I loved mine but it had to go back to Maton with serious neck issues. Shame!

[@dieselman7453]

Cheers John I’m on the market for a lowden but my cousin said to go with Avalon I want a cutaway guitar which I think is a smaller company and probably better to deal with !! Anyway John thanks for your reply !! Your deep river blues is class from doc Watson !! I’m trying to get that style nailed I’m getting there I follow joe Robinson on line he’s a great wee player !! John take care love your videos !! Brian

[@tommysixstring5094]

The bass is really evident on the Avalon (though they all sound great). I have the jumbo L2-320 and like yours, it has a mystical 3D sound. Did you try other tonewoods? I love mahogany guitars but not sure how the Avalon 'hog guitars are (tbh amazaque sounds great... A good mix of mahogany and rosewood)

[@JohnTraceyMusic]

I've tried dozens of Avalons with different tonewood combos over the years, they all sounded great. The amazaque/spruce combo always stood out to my ear though, and it might just be that it suited my own style of playing. Mahogany is another criminally underrated choice! Probably because of how commonly it's been used for acoustic back & sides over the years. The first Avalon I owned was one of their budget Silver Series (RIP), a spruce/hog dreadnought. An excellent guitar!

[@tommysixstring5094]

@@JohnTraceyMusic Agree re mahogany - rosewood and similar harder woods can get a bit fatiguing on the ears but can play a mahogany all day. Great stuff!

[@paulbanner9612]

LOWDEN 🎸 👌 🎸

[@JohnTraceyMusic]

They're some machines! The OG Irish acoustic

[@shotanakaumi]

SRS808 sound was good? from🇯🇵

[@JaimeHammett]

I prefer the avalon, more bass and tone

[@JohnTraceyMusic]

That big jumbo body lends a lot of thump for sure. They're sensational guitars