thanks for advice
ended up doing a straight swap - my old and in need of love US tele, for the MS500 in really good shape.

still will be looking for some cheaper guitars to mess around with- but i like the maton, for anyone else who may be looking i find it great with clean tone, the neck is nice, and feels like a nice solid guitar.
distortion is not so great on it but it is a sweet guitar.

@bookas58- the little switch on the guitar- trying to work out what it does... does it split the a pickup? doesnt seem to change alot in tone?
cheers