. On some later models, this information is found on a paper sticker inside the body. Electric Guitars : Check the back of the headstock

If your Maton has electric components (AP5 pickup, or an electric solid body like the MS500), pull the control cavity cover. The volume/tone pots have date codes (e.g., 137 7829 = 1978, week 29). The guitar is usually built 3-6 months after the pot date.

For immediate, though less authoritative, results, the Oz Guitar Forum and Maton Collectors Facebook groups are invaluable. Enthusiasts have crowdsourced extensive lists of serial number ranges. For example, it is widely known that serial numbers starting with M1000 to M2500 generally correspond to the late 1970s, while A100 to A500 often indicate early 1980s acoustics. Cross-referencing a number with these community-led tables can provide a “best guess” year within minutes.