MacKenzie & Marr guitar owners' reviews

Please note: We publish all reviews exactly as they are submitted. Occasionally we may correct an obvious typo but that's it. The opinions you read are the owner's own words. Some of the earlier reviews mention long wait times for delivery. When the world first discovered MacKenzie & Marr Guitars we were flooded with orders. Backorder delays were common. Our production has now caught up with demand. Most guitars are in stock and can be delivered quickly. Current inventory and delivery times are on this page.

Tofino

I recently took possession of a Tofino model guitar made in China, and imported by Mackenzie-Marr, those two somewhat swashbuckling entrepreneurs who appeared in January 2010 on C.B.C.’s Dragons Den with their proposal to sell guitars on-line. They “ambushed” one of the “dragons”, Kevin O’Leary, to test-drive their guitar and he was very enthusiastic about the instrument. Consequently, I was sufficiently intrigued to try the guitar and offer some impressions: First of all, John Marr is a very good front man. He responded quickly and openly to my every inquiry, both about the instrument itself, and about the details regarding shipment, payment etc. The instrument came from Montreal to Comox B.C. in perfect order, via Fedex. I had a week to decide whether or not to keep the guitar and can report that there is no way that Marr is getting it back. Initially I found the set-up a little higher than my Martin D-18, and John Marr offered to enlist, at his expense, the services of a local luthier to change that. But I quickly adapted and the “problem” disappeared. What has really impressed me is the Tofino’s big sound. It’s a lot of guitar, quite the equal of my Martin. To be sure the fit and finish of the Martin seems a little better, but we’re comparing a $4000 instrument with a $999 one. In short, the Tofino is everything and more that Mackenzie-Marr claim – a lot of guitar for a very attractive price.
Mosco

Tofino
FedEx delivered it today. Unbelievably beautiful! It's a keeper.
lmarko

Dionisio
I received my Dionisio a couple of weeks ago and was disappointed with the factory set-up: high action and a clumsy feel on the neck. After consulting John I embarked on a tweaking exercise that consisted of: 1. cranking the truss rod clockwise (oh oh, too much) and back again several times to find the best action..no buzzing on the frets, yet greater ease of playing at and around the 12th fret. 2. polishing the frets. 3. oil/buff the fretboard several times. 4. swapped-out a lighter gauge of strings. After several days of trial-and-error, and several more days of playing the bejeezus out of it, I now have a guitar that is perfect for me. You may have to do some personal tweaking of your own to get it where you want it, but it's worth the effort. I also have the Tofino model but it didn't require any tweaking at all. It's a great guitar with its own character and feel. As to the Dionisio, it's a sturdy, rich sounding guitar I'll be playing for a long, long time. Cheers, Larry
lmarko

Tofino
I went through the other comments and everyone has said it all. It's simply a wonderful instrument, well worth the price and in my opinion - a bargain, as you really do get $3000 quality for a $1000 price. About the time I bought it, I had read somewhere (I believe it was a Clapton interview) that when deciding on which guitar to buy, opt for the most expensive you can afford. I assumed, as with many things, he was saying you basically get what you pay for. I was in that state of mind, looking to improve my playing by investing in a better, more expensive guitar. I was trying out Martins and Taylors ($2500 range) when someone at work mentioned the dragons' den program and this guitar in particular. Just good timing I guess. It took a few days to weigh the risks - but I figured so long as I can return it and get my money back ... What can I say. The best decision I made. "Thirteen" (as I so lovingly call her) is a beautiful instrument. Plays beautifully, sounds amazing and truly is a bargain. And incidently, Clapton is right too. A better guitar does make you a better player - not instantly of course, but because it's easy to play (action is fantasic, sound is great), you just feel motivated to play more. I can't seem to put mine down. If you want that $3000 guitar, but aren't keen on parting with that much money, I recommend (highly) you go for the Tofino or other style they offer. You won't be disappointed and while your looking at your other new guitar - you know, the one you bought with the money you saved - well then you can simply thank me (and MacKenzie and Marr of course!)
andrebruneau

Tofino
Wow, so glad I ordered this guitar when I did. I got #16 of the original 48 and can't say enough about how happy I am that I trusted my feelings on this one, Everything they said about how you could spend easily 5 times what this little beauty costs and still not have something that is this sweet has been proven to me. Best of luck to you folks at MacKenzie Marr. The sound and feel is fantastic. Thanks very much, I'll enjoy this for the rest of my life. Kind regards, D. Harris
dlcyh

Tofino
Just received my second Tofino, tone is amazing! The finish is outstanding! The guitar is everything that the ad said it was, great company to deal with, answered all my questions with straight to the point and honest answers. Thank you John, I am a very happy customer!! Ray
razor

Tofino
This is a great guitar and I just love it. GREAT VALUE Thank You
chanel

Tofino
I had my doubts about buying a guitar untried over the internet but I trusted the Dragon’s Den and I trusted my instincts. My Tofino arrived yesterday to much delight. I bought my first guitar 30 years ago, an El Degas for $500 and it still sounds great but the Tofina outshines it and the other two guitars that I own by a country mile. The Tofino is easy to play, that's the first thing I noticed and the sound is crisp and clear. This is a quality guitar and good value for my money. Jim
jat001

Tofino
I bought my tofino before the appearance on the dragons den. The number of my guitar is 26. It took me a while to get use to the sound but when I put D'Addario silk and steel strings on it I found the sound I was looking for.I play in the finger picking style and found the tofino was the only guitar I needed. I give it a five star rating!!
cowpaddy

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An Important Note Regarding Porch Pirates

When we ship a guitar we always send it with instructions to the courier that a signature MUST obtained at the time of delivery. If no one is home to sign for the carton it will not be left. We do this to insure that your guitar does not fall into the hands of porch pirates (or other nefarious characters such as bass players or drummers).

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Try any of our guitars in the comfort of your own home. If you don't fall head over heels in love within a week we'll arrange to take it back and issue a full refund (including shipping).

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