If you’ve ever watched Keith Urban rip through a solo, you know he treats his guitars like they owe him money. He’s aggressive. He’s percussive. He’s basically a rock star who happened to land in Nashville. But when it comes to finding a keith urban guitar acoustic electric, things get a little confusing. Are we talking about the high-end Australian Maton masterpieces he plays on stage at the Bridgestone Arena? Or are we talking about the "Urban Guitar Collection" that showed up on HSN and in Walmart aisles a few years back?
Honestly, it’s both. But they couldn't be more different.
The Workhorse: Maton EBG808 Nashville
Let’s start with what Keith actually uses when the cameras are rolling and the stadium lights are blinding. If you see him with a smaller-bodied acoustic that has a killer sunburst finish and a "keyhole" headstock, that’s a Maton. Specifically, the EBG808 Nashville.
Maton is an Australian brand, and Keith has been loyal to them for decades. Why? Because these things are built like tanks. His guitar tech, Chris Miller, has often mentioned that the Maton is the perfect road guitar. It’s stable. It can take a beating.
The 808 body is a bit deeper than a standard OM model, which gives it this punchy, focused bass that doesn't get muddy when you're playing through a massive PA system.
Technical specs for the nerds:
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- Top: AA Select Grade Solid Sitka Spruce
- Back/Sides: Solid Blackwood (an Australian timber that’s somewhere between Koa and Mahogany)
- Pickup: The AP5 Pro system. This is the secret sauce. It uses a piezo and a microphone that you can blend.
Keith doesn't just "plug and play" either. In his 2025/2026 rig tours, his tech revealed that the acoustic signal often runs through a Fractal Axe-Fx II XL+ specifically for the acoustic presets. This helps manage the feedback and adds that lush, studio-quality shimmer to a live performance.
The HSN and "Ripcord" Era: Can a $200 Guitar Actually Play?
Now, let’s talk about the guitar most people actually own: the URBAN™ Guitar Collection. Keith launched these on the Home Shopping Network (HSN) with Joy Mangano. The goal was to make guitar playing accessible to everyone.
You’ve probably seen the "Ripcord" or "Phoenix" editions floating around eBay or Facebook Marketplace for $150 to $300. These are entry-level instruments. They usually feature a spruce top (often laminate on the cheaper ones), mahogany back and sides, and a built-in tuner.
Is it a "good" guitar?
Kinda. It depends on what you want. If you’re a pro looking for a Martin or Taylor killer, this isn't it. The hardware is cheap. The tuners can be a bit jumpy. But for a kid starting out or someone who wants a "couch guitar" they don't have to worry about humidifying? It’s surprisingly decent.
A common complaint with the HSN acoustic-electrics is the action. They often come out of the box with the strings sitting a bit high. A quick trip to a local luthier for a $50 setup usually makes these "Ripcord" guitars play ten times better.
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The Gear Shift: From Telecasters to PRS Signature Models
While the acoustic-electric side of his life is about Maton and the HSN line, Keith’s electric world is currently undergoing a massive change. For years, "Clarence"—a 1989 Fender 40th Anniversary Telecaster—was his soulmate.
But as of 2025 and heading into 2026, Keith has been leaning heavily on a new PRS signature prototype. He saw John Mayer using the "Dead Spec" Silver Sky and wanted a guitar he could "lean on" for a whole night.
The new PRS (which isn't fully in retail yet) has a unique f-hole shaped like the tattoo on his left forearm. It’s a semi-hollow swamp ash body with a figured maple top. It’s meant to bridge the gap between his bright Tele tones and the thick, mid-heavy grunt of his Gibson Les Paul Juniors.
What to Look for if You’re Buying Used
If you’re hunting for a keith urban guitar acoustic electric on the used market right now, you need to be careful with the naming.
- Black Label Platinum: These were some of the "higher-end" HSN models. They look flashy with the sunburst and the "Urban" branding on the headstock. Usually, they come in a package with a small 15-watt amp.
- Nightstar: These were the 2014-era models, often finished in a dark blue or black gloss.
- American Vintage: A limited edition run that usually fetches a slightly higher price on Reverb ($400+) because of the "aged" look.
Check the bridge. On many of the cheaper HSN models, the bridge has a tendency to lift if the guitar was kept in a dry basement or attic. If you see a gap between the wood of the bridge and the body, walk away.
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The "Mini Diesel" Factor
Interestingly, Keith also plays a smaller version of the Maton called the EMD-6 Mini Maton. It’s basically a travel-sized guitar that sounds huge when plugged in. If you have smaller hands or you’re a songwriter who likes to work on a tour bus (or just your bed), this is the actual professional version of a "beginner" guitar. It’s expensive, but it’s the real deal.
Actionable Steps for New Owners
If you just picked up one of the Keith Urban signature acoustic-electrics, don't just leave it stock.
- Swap the strings immediately. Most of these have been sitting in boxes for years. Put on a set of D'Addario NYXLs or Elixir Nanowebs (Light gauge, 12-53). It will instantly brighten the tone.
- Upgrade the Nut and Saddle. The HSN guitars use plastic. Replacing them with bone or TUSQ will give you more sustain.
- The Amp matters. The 15W amp that came in those 40-piece kits is... not great. If you want to hear what the guitar actually sounds like, plug it into a dedicated acoustic amp like a Fishman Loudbox or even just a decent DI box into an interface.
Keith Urban's name on a guitar doesn't automatically make it a "stage-ready" pro instrument unless you're buying a Maton, but those HSN kits did one thing right: they got thousands of people to actually start playing. And honestly? That's probably exactly what Keith wanted.
Next Steps for You:
If you own an HSN-style Urban guitar, check the 12th fret action height. If it’s higher than 2.5mm, take it to a tech for a setup. If you're looking to buy your first "pro" acoustic-electric, save up for the Maton EBG808 Nashville—it’s the only way to truly get that Urban "thump."