Celebrating 80 years of MatonGuitars, acclaimed photographer Isamu Sawa presents “VIRTUOSITY,” a solo exhibition capturing the artistry and meticulous craftsmanship of Maton’s iconic handmade guitars. The exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the detailed workmanship behind these instruments—famed for their distinctive sound and played by legends such as Tommy Emmanuel, Keith Urban, and George Harrison.
Drawing on exclusive access to the Maton factory, Sawa’s evocative still-life studies document the journey from raw Australian timber to world-class instrument. Inspired by the guitar maker’s ‘bookmatched’ soundboards, each work is presented as a diptych—a paired set of images that symbolise the transformation, skill, and passion at the heart of Maton’s process. The exhibition pays tribute not only to the instrument but also to the artisans whose expertise and dedication have defined the brand for eight decades.
Central to the exhibition is the story of the “Maton Master Built T.E. Personal,” a collaboration between Maton’s Master Built Team and guitar virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel. Through carefully staged studio photography, Sawa highlights each stage of production, revealing the material beauty and human spirit behind every guitar. “VIRTUOSITY” is Sawa’s fourth solo exhibition, embodying a career influenced by the meticulous discipline of his Japanese heritage and the innovative spirit of Australia. His work has been showcased in major Australian galleries and appears in private and corporate collections worldwide.
Collectors and enthusiasts are invited to purchase large-scale, limited edition archival pigment prints throughout the exhibition.
“VIRTUOSITY” EXHIBITION:
Opening Weekend – Saturday, 16th May 2026, 10am – 4pm (free entry)
Isamu Sawa Photography Gallery, 9 Glasshouse Road,Collingwood, Victoria
Exhibition open daily from 10am to 4pm until Sunday, 24th May 2026
VIRTUOSITY Website – https://www.isamusawafineart.com/virtuosity
VIRTUOSITY VII_BODY ASSEMBLY JIG
“Maton uses a combination of heat, moisture, and specialised bending jigs (moulds) to shape the sides of their guitars. For the ‘T.E. Personal’, the Queensland Maple blanks are placed in warm water to make them flexible, then placed in a heated press. This process, known as “steam bending” or “wet bending,” involves placing the wood between two pieces of spring steel. The wood is then tightly clamped into a bending form that matches the guitar body’s shape. Once the luthiers bend the wood, they transfer the sidesto the main body assembly jig. In this mould, the bent sides are positioned and aligned with the prefitted neck and tail blocks (solid wooden blocks at the top and bottom of the guitar body) and secured using various clamps. These specialised jigs and clamping techniques ensure that the guitar body maintains its exact dimensions and shape while the glue cures, allowing the structure to become a single, stable unit.”
Celebrating 80 years of Maton with the CW80 80th Anniversary Edition 2026
The CW80 80th Anniversary edition is a tribute to a guitar that has been a part of Australia’s musical landscape for as long as any of us can remember.
From its humble beginnings in 1967 this affordable, quality guitar has probably been behind more great songs and performances than any other Australian acoustic guitar. It was always intended to be a reliable, robust workhorse for all guitar players, whether it be in the recording studio producing hit songs, on the road with a touring artist, at an open mic in a coffee shop or at home after a hard day’s work. The CW80 has been there for generations of musicians.
Fijian Mahogany back and sides, Sitka Spruce soundboard and an Indian Rosewood fretboard and bridge.
Available at Authorised Maton Retail Partners
The CW80 80th Anniversary Edition 808
The CW80 80th Anniversary Edition Dreadnought
We caught up with Maton Guitar’s David Steedman and Adrian Ayre at the Sydney Guitar Show to discuss the new
CW80 80th Anniversary Edition 808 and Dreadnought