"The Finest Resonator guitars built by myself, by hand, one at a time. This allows the freedom to get the best out of each instrument and allows changes so each instrument meets your requirements."

 

For over 10 years Luthier Russ Mattsen has been handcrafting custom Singlecone & Tricone Resonator Guitars, built to inspire the playing of the Blues, Slide and Fingerstyle


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It has been a busy start to 2012 for me, I now have a small waiting list
which I am working through. My latest build is something that I have been wanting to make for a few years now and thanks to Blair from Canada for his commission I have finally had that chance. The Weissenator as I call it, is based on a style 1 Weissenborn Guitar from the 1920,s.

-Hi, one of my latest builds has been a Brass Body Blind Blake for  Califorian guitarist Arlin. Check out the video on the Blind Blake guitar page and comments by Arlin on recieveing his new Reso. I have also added videos for my Florentine Scroll model and the Robert Johnson model.

-My latest project has been to add video or a slide show to this site. Check out my latest Slide show presenting my Antique Brass Single cone guitar on the Guitars page.

-Hi everyone. The last few months have been busy with repair work. Not my guitars but other makes. Here is a picture of an 1938 Gibson ES150 I restored for a local collector. It is the Charlie Christian pickup model one of the first electric guitars.
January.
Happy new year to everyone. I finished last year with my first news letter in which I showcased my latest guitars and my good friend and client Aki Kikuchi. Thanks for the feed back on the news letter. In December I also did some playing at the local market with my son Adam and my nephew Mark which was great fun.
I have just lent my own personal left handed resonator to international performer Jon Sanders. He will be playing at the Auckand NZ folk fest and around NZ this year with the guitar, do check him out as he is a fantastic finger style guitarist and a very nice guy. His web adddress is www.jon-sanders.com
October
Thankyou to Bob from Australia for comissioning me to build him a  Crossroad model, Tribute to Robert Johnson. It was a pleasure to build for him and thanks for his kind words.
"Hi Russ, It arrived safely and was opened with great ceremony to many ooh and aahs. It is beauitful and will be a treasure in the family as two of my kids play as well. I've been playing it and love it. The set up is perfect for me which is great. Can't wait to show my muso brother in law ( he's buying my old reso) I think he will be very envious.]
Bob.
September
Finished the New Model, a Florentine Scroll, let me know what you think of it. It features a large Florentine Cutaway, Dual pickups, Bound Headstock and Fingerboard. It is for sale at Cadenza Guitars in Auckland. I will have photos on the Guitar pages soon. Also have just about finished a Robert Johnson tribute Resonator, Crossroads, for an Australian Guitarist.
 
June.
Well the Roadster took only a week to sell thanks to Ed at Cadenza Guitars, Auckland, NZ. It was brought by Nels Cline, Guitarist of the band "Wilco". Wilco are an amazing band do check out Nels solo on youtube, search, Wilco Impossible Germany Nels Cline Solo. Thankyou to Nels & Jeff for there support of my guitars.
My next Resonator is almost finished. I have been polishing it today ready for Nickel plating. It is a new model (see pic to the right) a Scroll body with a Florentine(sharp) cutaway. It will be fitted with two pickups, a volume & blend control and will be a one of the most beauiful instruments I have made. Do let me know if you are interested as it will be available.
 
April 2010
Finished a Roadster model which I am very pleased with. I added a Brass line around the headstock and down the neck which I think looks good. Im traveling to California on the 1st of July, so if anyone would like to meet or knows of anything happening, music wise, let me know.
February
I have just finished a nice commission for Satoru of Japan. A Tribute guitar to Robert Johnson. Inspired by the Gibson L1 Robert Johnson is famously photographed with. Made with a copper body and patinaed to a chocolate brown.
November
Another busy couple of months with a nice commission of a Roadster, (my new name for this model) a copper body singlecone cutaway for Steve O,Donell, checkout his website. www.steve-odonnell.com  and now I,m on to a tribute build to Robert Johnson. It is inspired by the L-1 guitar he is picture with, photos to come.

Sept 14
Wow what a busy time its been. I have finish the Baritone Resonator commision for Californian Musician Ken. Thanks Ken for commisioning me to build such a beauitful instrument and your kind words of support. Check out his guitar on the Guitar pages.
I am now on to my next commision, a Copper body Single cone Cutaway for Steve, a American living here in New Zealand. I will keep you posted on progress.

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Gibson Es150

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Tribute to Robert Johnson
    Crossroads model.



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Florentine Scroll.


new model resonator guitar
new model resonator guitar


Mattsen Resonator guitar headstock

robert Johnson Tribute
Robert Johnson Tribute


   








 
 

 


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Customer Feedback

"I'm really happy with the guitar and it's a welcome addition to my collection. Over the years I've acquired many guitars but never sold one. So it's here to stay. I hope I can get some others to take a look at your work. It is truly excellent. Don't hesitate to give me a yell once in awhile.
 All the best,
Jerry Douglas. Nashvill, USA.
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Guarantee

I stand by my guitars, materials and craftmanship 100%. I absolutly guarantee that I will deliver exactly what I say I will. I know that you will be delighted and inspired by your new Mattsen Resonator Guitar or I will give your money back.

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