Here is a great example of a classic piece of Australian rock history. The iconic Australian made Maton Fyrbyrd 620. This one is in excellent condition, with almost all of its paint still on it! The big raspy jangle from the three big single coils is a sound that instantly transports you to the garage and surf rock sounds of the 60s. Those classic sounds that started to emerge right around the time this guitar was put in a shop front way back in 1964.
The Maton guitar brand was founded in 1946. The Australian manufacturer gained a reputation rivaling the big makers across the pond in the USA and the UK. The Fyrbyrd is Maton's flagship electric guitar of the mid 60s - the sounds of which can be heard on many popular recordings of the day. The Australian TV show "Blue Heelers" features the distinctive twang of the Fyrbyrd on much of the sound track.
This guitar is mostly original and in excellent condition. The neck is nice and straight without the dreaded "Maton twist" that some Matons experienced due to the wood not having long enough to cure. Its safe to say the wood has cured by now!
The original tuners have been replaced with a set of Klusons and they hold tune very well. The original Bigsby bridge has been replaced by a Nashville style adjustable bridge. Both of these upgrades will be welcome to anyone with a penchant for intonation and tuning stability.
The pickups make a big throaty sound. Plenty of sparkle and definition. They are clearer/brighter than P90s. Similar to Gretsch Dynasonics, but with a tighter bass response. The middle pickup is out of phase from the neck and bridge, giving that "T- Bone Walker" quack when engaged with the others. The original B5 Bigsby is nice and tight with good control over the vibrato. All electronics work without issue. Ever driven a stick shift? The "Sound Barrier" stick provides a cool feature - making it easy to flick from "half" volume to "full" volume.
This is one of the best looking and best playing examples of this model you are likely to find. A rare byrd indeed.
Brand: Maton
Model: Fyrbyrd 620
Year: 1964
Country: AUS
Case: OHSC
Serial: 10XX
Colour (Body): Red
Colour (Neck): Red
Finish Type: Nitro
Fretboard Material: Rosewood
Scale Length 25.5
Fret Number: 22
Action: 2mm
Neck Profile: Slim "C"
Nut Width: 42.9mm
12th Fret Width: 59.6mm
1st Fret Depth: 20.7mm
12th Fret Depth: 22.7mm
Pickups: Original single coil
Resistance: Neck = 8.56k, Middle = 7.56k, Bridge = 8.12k
Electronics: Original with minor mods
Knobs: Original
Pickguard: Black plastic
Hardware: Chrome/Alloy
Mods, repairs: Nashville style bridge, replacement Kluson tuners
Weight: 3.30kg
