Algonquin 12 String Acoustic Guitar | MACKENZIE AND MARR GUITARS

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Algonquin 12 String Acoustic Guitar

A Solid Wood Spruce and Bolivian Rosewood 12 String Guitar


The Algonquin 12 string solid wood acoustic guitar
Availability: 
In Stock

Our solid AAA grade Sitka Spruce and Bolivian Rosewood 12-string acoustic guitar. With direct pricing, it is half the price of comparable models.

After more requests than we can count from owners of our other models, we introduced a 12 String acoustic guitar. The Algonquin 12 with its AAA-grade Sitka top and Bolivian Rosewood back and sides has been a huge hit. It easily outperforms 12 strings costing 3 or 4 times as much.

Suggested Retail Price: 
CAD $4,200.00
Your Price: 
Price:CAD $1,499.99

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.

UPDATE:

We were so blown away by the sound and playability of the production sample that arrived from the workshop in September we jumped the gun and announced availability before most of the marketing assets were in place. No videos, no 360-degree rotating image etc. We expected a few people asking for a 12 would pre-order, and pretty much everyone else would wait for more details before deciding. We were wrong!

Preorders have been coming in at a rate faster than any other guitar we've introduced. We're now getting close to selling out of the March 2021 availability, and that's before anyone has actually heard the guitar. When videos finally go up on the site it's going to be nuts. This guitar leaves any other 12-string in the same price range in the dust. The truth is that it is more than the equal of $3,000 to $4,000 guitars.

Owner Reviews

Ken from Sacramento

Wed, 08/10/2022 - 23:35

This is a beautiful guitar, very pleasing to the eye. The tone and ease of play are much better than expected for this price point. And the clarity and presence are excellent as well. With a solid AAA Sitka spruce top and Bolivian Rosewood back and sides, this instrument is a tremendous value, comparing very favorably with top-end Martin, Guild, and Taylor 12-strings. And I can't seem to put it down!

David from Racine

Thu, 07/21/2022 - 11:23

My experience with 12-string guitars was limited to the not so good instrument that I bought way back in 1990. I didn't know much about guitars then. It was a Dreadnought Style guitar, large and not too dissimilar to hugging a log. The sound of the instrument was bright but brittle and over time the neck warped Beyond repair and could not be readjusted.  I considered a number of brand named instruments and found to be overpriced and I didn't like the sound of most when I heard them on the videos.  Then I found the Algonquin in my online search. First, I admire the business philosophy of Mackenzie and Marr: high quality instruments at Factory Direct prices. I appreciate the craftsmanship and the care that went into the development of this Algonquin. It took me a while to adjust to the algonquin. The shape and size of this instrument were different than my old 12 string. The body style of the Algonquin is very similar in design and tone to my Santa Cruz F model 6 string, both being rich and balanced and resonant. The overtones on the Algonquin ring like handbells. The appearance of the instrument is indeed dramatic with the split Rosewood back, the spruce top with its long straight grain, the detail work and finish flawless. Tuners are quite sensitive and this instrument is easy to keep in tune.  I am very happy to have purchased this instrument. My only regret was not having the electronics installed. Simply, I was just too anxious to play your superb instrument. Thank you for your work in developing this fine instrument.

Lou from Ormond Beach

Wed, 06/08/2022 - 11:01

I’m a singer-songwriter, and play 12-string as my primary instrument. I use live on-stage solo, with duos, trios, and bands, through small PA’s and house systems, in venues from small clubs to festival stages. It’s my choice in studio settings as well. I was looking for a backup 12-string guitar I could quickly switch to in a live situation if needed. Well, the Algonquin 12 caught my eye right away. It’s a beautiful axe, and the pictures (fit and finish), reviews (from first-timers to professionals), and brand endorsements (Tom Rush) caught my attention. After couple of email exchanges with John Marr, who satisfied my concerns about on-stage feedback issues, and keeping a 12-string guitar at concert pitch, I decided to take a chance and ordered one. The no-questions-asked 7-day guarantee made it an easy choice. The guitar arrived in perfect shape, and after installing the battery, I found it to be better than expected. The Anthem pickup is flawless, and easy to adjust. Most important, the sound is truly wonderful. Bolivian rosewood and spruce bring a clarity which I expect will only improve as the guitar opens up. Needless to say, the Algonquin 12 is now my primary live performance guitar and my former go-to axe (without mentioning the brand) is now relegated to the guitar stand at the back of the stage. Can’t wait to see what songs may be waiting to be unlocked. If the songs end up as pretty as the guitar, I’ll be all set.

Chris from CASTLE ROCK

Thu, 05/19/2022 - 14:47

I’ve been a six-string acoustic guitar player for almost thirty years now, and I have probably ten or so six strings spread around the house, from a cheap $100 Yamaha that was my first guitar (and is now my take camping guitar) to a wonderful mahogany Taylor that rarely leaves the house, and many sundry six-strings in between. The Taylor has been my favorite since I acquired it, and it opened my eyes to the wonders of all solid wood construction on a guitar. A solid top, back and sides on a guitar simply blows away a laminate instrument, and for this reason I made the decision to only purchase solid wood guitars from here on out. But when I got the itch to try a twelve string, I just couldn’t bring myself to pay Taylor prices (or, god forbid, Martin) for an instrument that I might only use 10-20 percent of the time. Luckily I stumbled upon the Mackenzie & Marr website and this Algonquin 12 guitar. Sure, I was reticent at first. Their guitar listings all sounded too good to be true, and I’ve never bought a guitar without playing it first. But, between the positive reviews and the ‘return it in the first week’ offer, I decided to give it a go. Man, am I glad I did. Took a couple weeks for the guitar to arrive, but when it did, I was blown away by the instrument right out of the box. They weren’t kidding—this baby is like a work of art. The Sitka Spruce top is flawless and the grain tight and even. The Rosewood back and sides have the most amazing wood coloring and grain patterns, and I love the little strip of lighter heartwood that runs down the middle of the back. Both woods are further enhanced by the beautiful high-gloss finish that adds such an incredible depth and clarity to the guitar’s look. My hand effortlessly glides up and down the satin finish of the mahogany neck, and the ebony fingerboard looks and feels stunning, as do the sparkling brass tuners and glossy headstock. But all that gleam and glitz would be meaningless without a good sound and playability. Well, I’m happy to report that this guitar has both of those as well in abundance. Right out of the box, the instrument was set up perfectly, and I only had to tune it up two steps to get it in tune. I’ve also heard twelves can be a nightmare to tune, but this one was no problem. I’ve spent many hours at guitar shops trying out twelve stings and some play like you need a vice to fret the strings, but this guitar is as easy as my Taylor in its action, almost like playing a six-string. And the sound is out of this world. It sounds as good or better than the twelve string Martins and Taylors I’ve tried, but for a third the price! And the included pickup sounds awesome as well. There is just so much sound when you plug this thing in, from the throaty, freight train lows to the bell-like clarity of the highs, and the warm mids in between, this guitar has it all. I could go on and on, but suffice to say, this was a great purchase, and I will likely be back for another Mack & Marr in the future!

Richard from Longmont

Mon, 05/02/2022 - 22:53

I put off reviewing my newest guitar (Algonquin 12) as I wanted some 'alone' time with the Big Al. Out of the box, Big Al, while not the biggest in size, came out with a big sound. It shines with big bass and warm mid-tones. However, the treble strings are a little thin and I don't know yet if that is the strings or just a function of the guitar's sound. What I noticed right off, was how easy Big Al was to play! OMG! Just a delight and a dream to work the fretboard, playing those 12 string songs everyone knows :-) And I've found that any song can sound special with Big Al. This guitar has brought me a ton of fun. I find that I reach for Big Al when I get that itch in the fingers to play music, even though I have a couple of old friends sitting in the guitar stand. I was so trepidatious about buying a guitar online, but I found the whole process painless and I have an incredible guitar value at a very reasonable price. Thank you, M & M!

Chuck from Myrtle Beach

Mon, 04/11/2022 - 09:36

Great guitar, great price.

Herb from Pickering

Mon, 03/14/2022 - 09:30

Really enjoy the Algonquin 12 with the exception of a slight buzz on the high E string that seems to have disapated now. I'll be changing the strings in June and it can only get better. Not a huge fan of d'adarios.

Terry from Amanda

Mon, 03/14/2022 - 09:30

Mixed emotions at this point; fell in love immediately with the guitar for many reasons and have played it with great pleasure since. The pickup will not perform for me.  I have tinkered with it occasionally but have no need for amplification, I figured I would have my luthier try something when I can afford to take it in for fresh strings and set up. Which, by the way, the set up was very workable straight out of the box.  It is also a flawlessly beautiful piece of workmanship  and I genuinely treasure it. This instrument was a treat to myself for sticking with my practice as I continue to recover from a mild stroke.

R W from West Grove

Mon, 12/06/2021 - 12:48

Fantastic sound and playability. I picked it up and played my favorite 12-string songs I hadn’t played in couple of years with ease. Beautiful workmanship.

Kevin from Roseburg 97470

Wed, 11/17/2021 - 22:21

Such a sweet guitar! Worth every minute of the wait and every dollar spent . Fit and finish are way way more than expected for the price range. It beats my original Taylor 12 in playability and sound. Thanks guys

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Specifications

Dimensions
Neck Profile: 
Shallow "C"
Frets To The Body: 
14
Scale Length: 
646 mm (25.4 inches)
Fretboard Radius: 
355mm (14 inches)
Neck width at nut: 
48 mm (1.88 inches)
E to E string spacing at nut: 
41 mm (1.6 inches)
Body Style: 
Alberta Jumbo
Width at Upper Bout: 
29 cm (11.4 inches)
E to E string spacing at saddle: 
60 mm (2.35 inches)
Width at Waist: 
22.5 cm (9 inches)
Width at Lower Bout: 
41cm (16 inches)
Body Depth: 
10 cm (4 inches) at the neck - 12.5 cm (5 inches) at the end-pin
Body Length: 
51.5 cm (20.5 inches)
Materials
Body finish: 
Gloss lacquer
Neck finish: 
Polished satin lacquer
Fretboard and Bridge: 
Macassar Ebony
Neck: 
African Mahogany (Akoumé)
Tuning Machines: 
Grover mini rotomatics
Body Back and Sides: 
Solid bookmatched rare Bolivian Rosewood
Body Top Wood: 
Solid bookmatched AAA grade Sitka Spruce
Nut & Saddle: 
Genuine bone
Bracing: 
Hand scalloped Spruce X bracing
Strings: 
D'Addario EJ38 light gauge (10-47) phosphor bronze
Body Binding: 
Ebony
Bridge Pins: 
Bone
Extras
Case: 
Professional arch top hardshell case (included at no additional cost)
Electronics: 
Optional L.R.Baggs Anthem

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