My guitar: Tofino X, 10th anniversary edition of the Tofino flagship guitar. Purchased May 2020.
If you’re reading this you have two questions.
1. Should I buy a MacKenzie.& Marr guitar?
2. Why?
The answer to the first question is an unequivocal “Yes.” Whatever one you’re considering buy it now.
As for the second question, I’ve narrowed the answers down to the following.
Playability. This is or should be the prime criterion when selecting a guitar. The trick with a MacMarr is that you cannot assess its playability before you open the case for the first time. So let me assure you: It’s playable. My Tofino X is arguably one of the most playable instruments on the market. For tone, balance, clarity, volume, sustain (such sustain!) you cannot do better without spending thousands more — and even then you’ll probably do just as well. The neck as set up by MacMarr plays a big role in this; it’s an amazingly playable neck for an acoustic. I have mine on an acoustic guitar stand in the living room, in front of our non-working fireplace. I can’t walk by it without picking it up just to fingerpick or strum and pick out some scales, even for a couple of minutes. It is a very satisfying guitar to play.
Beauty. That’s the only word I can come up with to describe how really, really good this guitar looks. It’s beautiful. The reason it’s allowed to sit in its stand in the living room is because my wife thinks it’s beautiful, too. The silhouette, the inlay, the finish, the binding, the lovely gold hardware, the headstock and logo... It is a very beautiful guitar and impossible to not just stand in front of it and admire it.
All the Little Details. This guitar wants for nothing. The touches that add to its beauty. The quality of the wood and hardware. X-bracing! The strings. Here’s one detail that I really applaud MacMarr for. I hate getting a new acoustic and having to drill a hole in the heel of the neck for a strap button. I’m always afraid I’m going to screw it up. I was particularly stressed about my Tofino as I waited for it. And then I opened the case and there on the neck heel was a lovely, perfectly placed strap button. For that alone they will always have my admiration. You could call this answer “MacKenzie & Marr clearly has made sure that every small detail that would make a guitarist smile is included in the final product. And that includes the arch top case, which is both solid and really cool. This is one thoughtfully designed, carefully crafted, and perfectly produced instrument.”
Value. There is no better value on the market, anywhere. The price for an instrument this playable, beautiful, and detail-rich should shame other builders. And they are highly valued by their owners, as an ongoing survey of sites like eBay and Reverb shows. I’ve looked high and low, month after month, and I’ve found just one MacMarr for sale. No one is parting with his or her MacKenzie & Marr. If you want a MacMarr, you’ll have to buy new. And you’ll want more. Every BMW owner I know loves their BMW so much that they have at least two. I think MacMarr owners feel the same about their guitars. I’m saving for an Opeongo and hope I can salt enough away for the upcoming 12-string, too, before it sells out.
MacKenzie & Marr. Guitars aren’t built in a vacuum. When you buy your guitar, you’re also buying into the company that built it. I have nothing but admiration for and trust in MacMarr. They are a thoroughly customer-focused organization, uncompromising in their vision and execution of that vision. They care about the customer experience. Here’s a perfect example. For you kids reading this in 2045, we had a bit of a scare with something called COVID-19 back in 2020. My guitar came with a thoughtfully designed and perfectly crafted mask, a vital piece of the public health battle against the disease. It was such a beautiful, happy surprise. How many other companies can you name that care if you live or die — and show you? MacKenzie & Marr is one of the best companies in any category, anywhere.
I really love my Tofino X. I consider it one of the best purchases I’ve made and a truly satisfying addition to my life. It will only increase in value. I look forward to expanding my MacMarr collection.
Any other questions?
