Algonquin 12 LTP - Less-than-pretty back
A Less-Than-Pretty Solid Wood Spruce and Bolivian Rosewood 12 String Guitar

Asking our Bolivian woodlot owner to preserve the light-coloured sapwood results in spectacular backs and sides. But occasionally we come across one that may not look as good as others. This guitar has a very wide centre stripe - perhaps too wide.
See the photo gallery below for an image of the Bolivian Rosewood back.
CAD $4,200.00 |
List price: | CAD $1,499.99 |
Price: | CAD $1,349.99 |
You save: | CAD $150.00 (10%) |
There was a time in this fair land when only six strings would ring. The new Algonquin 12 changes that, and does so at an (almost) affordable price.
Crafted with a AAA grade bookmatched Sitka Spruce top and AAA grade book-matched Bolivian Rosewood back and sides, the guitar is (modesty alert.....) spectacularly beautiful. If all an owner did, was hang it on their wall, they would have a sculpture that would be the envy of the art world. BUT, and a big BUT to boot...this guitar is a 12 string that hits every player's expectation and then goes on the exceed them.
For more than a decade we've been asked for a 12 string guitar that would meet the standards of our six-string models.....a beautiful solid wood acoustic with an easy action and a full, rich sound.
We made a number of prototypes over the years but were never 100% satisfied with the results. Then, in 2018 design work began for a new body shape. What became the Alberta Jumbo was destined for the Ian Tyson Inspiration but from day one we saw it as a perfect foundation for a 12 string guitar.
The big Alberta body is a refined Jumbo shape - punching out full, fantastic, overtone-rich bass notes and adding just a hint of "attitude" to mid and treble notes. It is ideally suited for the jangly characteristics of a dedicated 12 string acoustic.
The MacKenzie & Marr Algonquin 12 is an exceptional acoustic guitar known for its impeccable craftsmanship and rich tonal qualities. Designed by the renowned Canadian guitar company MacKenzie & Marr, the Algonquin 12 combines traditional construction techniques with modern innovations to deliver a superior playing experience.
At the heart of the Algonquin 12 is its solid AAA grade Sitka spruce top, which provides a well-balanced and resonant sound. The back and sides are crafted from solid Bolivian Rosewood, adding warmth and depth to the guitar's tone. This combination of tonewoods creates a harmonious blend of clarity, projection, and dynamic range, making it suitable for a wide range of musical styles.
The Algonquin 12 features a comfortable, easy-to-play mahogany neck with an ebony fingerboard, ensuring smooth playability and excellent intonation. The precise fretwork allows for effortless chord transitions and intricate fingerpicking patterns. The guitar is also equipped with high-quality hardware, including Grover tuners and a bone nut and saddle, which contribute to its exceptional tuning stability and sustain.
One of the standout features of the Algonquin 12 is its stunning aesthetics. The guitar boasts an elegant, minimalist design with tasteful appointments such as herringbone purfling, a vintage-inspired tortoiseshell pickguard, and tasteful binding. The attention to detail in the construction and finishing is evident, creating a visually striking instrument that is as much a pleasure to look at as it is to play.
The MacKenzie & Marr Algonquin 12 is a meticulously crafted acoustic guitar that offers outstanding sound, playability, and aesthetics. Whether you're a professional musician or an avid enthusiast, the Algonquin 12 is a worthy instrument that will inspire and elevate your musical journey.