Matheas Guitars Workshop · Melbourne

For 30 years, I’ve shaped guitar tone that speaks your language.

Harmonically rich, expressive, & built to feel right in your hands.

From my Fitzroy workshop, we craft it together
- Jim Matheas

Contact JimAbout
Workshop Relocation NewsNew Workshop coming in November 2026Studio 206 - 61 Church St. Abbotsford, 3067
Workshop offerings

Helping musicians with guitar tone is my specialty.

01Matheas Classical GuitarsDaniel Nistico→02Matheas Acoustic GuitarsMatt Walker→03Matheas Electric GuitarsStephen Magnusson Trio→04Harmonically Re-voiced GuitarsTone Optimization→05Vintage Guitar RepairC.W. Stoneking→06Repair Services →
Handmade · Classical

“Persephone”

The making of a classical guitar, named “Persephone” for Robbie Melville. From wood selection to completion.

My traditional Spruce/ Brazilian Rosewood model.

▶“Seed”From Robbie Melville’s Tangled Trails Album.
▶“Dance of Solitude”From Robbie Melville’s Tangled Trails Album.
▶“Antelodic”Live from Melbourne Recital Centre.
Handmade · Acoustic

D Style Acoustic

Made of select 1940s Sitka Spruce & 1960s pre CITES Brazilian rosewood.

▶Stephen Magnusson “Tea in the Sahara”Matheas D Style Acoustic. Brazilian / Sitka
▶Luthiers improv in E min.Matheas D style Acoustic Brazilian / Sitka

Pre CITES or recycled rosewood & select grade spruce & cedar soundboards.

Harmonic Re-voicing

Optimizing a Guitar’s Tone

I set out to introduce qualities closer to that of the finest guitars.
A modification process of realigning the guitars resonances & response fingerprint.

Listen to some of the before & after samples.
To:
Sweeten the upper register.
Increase the dynamic range.
Lengthen sustain.
Improve tuning stability.
Improve intonation accuracy.
Set-up for easier playability &
Make the strings touch sensitive.
Achieve chimey colours.
Philosophy

How does it sound, how does it respond ?

Each guitarist’s touch is unique & it is imperative to identify any obstacles in your phrasing.

Beautiful tone and playability are complex. To better understand this, I consult with you, measure, listen, adjust, and remeasure.

My dedication is to continuously refine my craft within this ongoing feedback loop.

01consult
02measure
03listen
04adjust
05remeasure
Repair Services

Consultation

To achieve the best outcome in how an instrument feels, responds and sounds for your style, a consultation is recommended.

Personalised Guitar setup

Calibrated to your playing style.
or
To factory specifications.

Try Before you buy setups

Not sure of your ideal setup ??

Intonation

Perfect octave settings. Buzz Feiten tuning specification. Earvana nut specification.

Fretwork

Fret milling. Refrets in Nickel, Stainless, EVO. True temperament fret milling.

Finishing

Nitro cellulose. Shellac French polished. Resin retouching.

Pickups & wiring

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Testimonials
“I'm saying that Jim's work IS number 1!”
WHITT — SPIDERBAIT
“Jims work is First Class!”
MAGIC DIRT
“They look good, sound good, and are really player friendly.”
NICK CHARLES
My story

My story

On completion of a NEIS business course in 1994, I was awarded a small grant from the Queens trust which helped me establish my workshop.

I am dedicated to exploring guitar excellence and since have traveled nationally & abroad to learn from many masters, continually experimenting to discover that magic tone..

I’ve been privileged to have helped many guitarists from 66 Westgarth St. for 22 years and over 30 years total in Fitzroy.

Contact

Interested in working on your sound ?

Fill out some info & I’ll be in touch...

Matheas Guitars
Tel. 03 9415-9888
jim@matheasguitars.com.au

“Studio 206 - 61 Church St. Abbotsford, 3067”
A.B.N. 99437433298

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