2022-09-27
Star Rating:
Lance from Kitchener writes:
Lately, I've been looking about for a different guitar. I've been perfectly happy with my Martin HD-28. When I was learning to play in the late sixties, all my guitar influences played guitars like these. My parents were both musicians and I learned on my Dad's ' 51 Gibson SJ-200 and my Mom's '50 J-45. (Yes, I was lucky!)
But, finally, after half a century, I finally realized something. I have a low baritone voice, and the boomy bottom end of those big dreadnoughts drowns out my voice when not plugged in. Back in the old days of poor PA systems, we needed all the volume we could get from acoustic. Not so, today. I'd been trying out some smaller guitars that have great sound and better balance. I found I particularly liked the Martin 000-28 style guitars. But...these are WAY over what I can afford! I love the sound of James Taylor's Olsen guitars, but these are much more expensive than even Martins! Strictly fantasy material!
For the last few years. I've been watching the ads for MacKenzie and Marr guitars.
They looked beautiful. The marketing philosophy seemed logical. The prices were excellent.
All the words made sense – but, then again – Everyone makes claims like this!
I've been underwhelmed too many times.
I would never have dreamed of buying an acoustic guitar that I couldn't try in person.
I don't know how many times I've advised people never to buy a guitar online!
But, when I first saw the Ian Tyson inspired guitars on your site I was really intrigued. They looked wonderful, but I couldn't believe the claims about them at that price point.
But – one day, I noticed a special deal for one that had been damaged and repaired.
I contacted you and was assured that it still had a full factory warranty.
The price was so good, I HAD to take it!
When it arrived, I was thrilled! It was easily as good as the claims. I waited a few weeks to write this, to make sure I still thought so.
I still think so.
It actually is the same size as my Martin dread, but for some reason, it seems much smaller. It has that lovely rosewood/spruce sound that I want, but it is much more balanced. The play action is probably the best I've ever seen on an acoustic. More like a typical electric. It is great for both strumming and finger picking.
The workmanship is exquisite. The look is even somewhat like those Olsens!
And, yes, I've always liked Florentine cutaways. (even though I don't really do much playing up there)
At that price, I can't believe that the case is as good as any I've seen on high end instruments.
It really is as good as competitors' products costing many thousands of dollars.
I can't believe my good fortune in finding such a good instrument at this price.
There is only one thing I would change, but it's no fault of the guitar. The pickup included is very nice, and considered high end by most people. Again, I'm surprised to see one of these included in this price range. It works well, but it still has that piezo sound. True, it's well damped, but still, they have to give you directions on how to set it to “find” the best sound.. I will probably leave it in there and use it that way, but, I much prefer the K&K pure mini currently in my Martin. On that one, you don't need a battery, and there is only one sound – that of the guitar. It just gets louder when you turn it up.
Personal preference, I suppose. I'm sure many would disagree with me on this.
But, in general – I couldn't be happier with my purchase!
