Algonquin 12 String Acoustic Guitar

I have the Algonquin 12, and while it may not be quite as good as my 1972 Martin 12-string, I've compared it to a $2,500 Taylor 12-string and find the MacMarr FAR superior, both in terms of sound and fingering.

At $1500 this guitar represents exceptional value. The quality of the wood is nice. The craftsmanship is really very good. The sound is balanced, and the guitar seems to resonate much longer than I would have expected. There are lovely and complex harmonics that make it a joy to play and listen to. The sound is very clean and clear. This guitar is built to last. It is SOLID! Everything seems to be overbuilt compared to most other 12’s I considered in this price range. With the light strings that it came with, one could expect this guitar would be passed down to grandchildren and beyond. The gloss lacquer shows well but is perhaps too thick, and I think might mute the guitar a bit. The electronics are top notch and more than compensate for the lower overall volume that light strings and a heavier build deliver. The bottom end is also a bit lacking. I expected more bass response out of a jumbo body, but again – the electronics can compensate for that. My guitar came with a beautiful heartwood strip down the centre of the back, but no heartwood on the sides. It should be noted to future buyers considering this guitar – ‘Bolivian Rosewood’ is actually Pau Ferro… had I known this before purchasing, I would have bought something else. Knowing this after the fact, I have a new appreciation for another tonewood that until now I though was reserved for entry level fingerboards. Maccassar Ebony is not as black as true ebony - looks more like rosewood to me, but nice none the less. Is the top ‘AAA’ Sitka? Hmmm… it is nice, and does have some nice figuring, but the figuring is not consistent across the entire top and does not have the visual depth that triple ‘aaa’ typically does. The top on my Larrivee D-05 it is far superior (although it was hand-picked by Jean Jr. for me and may be in a class of its own). Carefully check your headstock before you decide it will not stay in tune. Initially I struggled tuning this thing, wondering why the b would go out of tune every time I tuned the e… During set up at M&M, one of the high e strings was intertwined with a b string… seems there is not much room up there to route the stings properly. The pegs in the saddle could be spaced better. I would prefer the second-row strings didn’t contact the front row pegs. Plastic binding? Canadian Maple would be a tasteful and cost-effective improvement. A binding on the finger board would be a nice touch as well. A vintage-inspired tortoiseshell pickguard was mentioned in the marketing description but absent from the case. A clear plastic one was included instead. The strap button is not in the position indicted on the website but run into the heel at the back of the guitar, making it impossible to keep a strap attached there. It will definitely require replacement with a strap lock. Am I being a bit too picky? Perhaps. But when the marketing description suggests it is worth $4,200… I thought I would point out why it would not sell at that price. I should not be able to find fault with anything at all on a $4K guitar. A 7-day trial really isn’t enough time to bond with a guitar and it took a few months for me to really get familiar with it. I understand that a longer trial makes it too difficult to accept a return, so I went into this assuming I would keep it and just accept my purchase. I may buy one of the others I looked at in the same price range for comparison. That said, the Algonquin 12 does provide more value than the $1,500 asked for one.Steve

I have been a serious player since 1970, and owned far too many acoustic guitars than any rational person should. Some I had to sell (the poverty of youth), and some I traded away (with a few regrets), but this year I acquired two beautiful MacKenzie & Marr instruments. Let me first comment on the Algonquin 12 string. First, the setup: I am a finger-style player, having studied classical guitar for nine years long ago. Finger-style on a twelve string with the ability to move all over the fingerboard (inversions, overtones, pedal tones), can make a good twelve string become "Magic Music". Over the years I have had a Guild 212 jumbo, a Martin D-35-12, and an exceptional Taylor V-Class instrument. Frankly, only the Taylor had a setup that allow me to both play all over the fingerboard along with great tone from my fingers. That changed with my Algonquin. It is the easiest fingering I have ever experienced on any twelve string, and an absolute delight to play. Despite eight top-line six string guitars, I am first drawn to the Algonquin. Second, the Tone: Most 12 string guitars have fairly good tone in first position. I realize that few 12 string players are playing bar chords in the 7th position, but, I do. The tone needs to be balanced on all strings at all positions on the fretboard. The tone also needs good projection, especially in the upper strings and upper fret positions. The tone sustains itself both at very soft as well as very loud volumes. I found this true whether using a flat pick or strictly my fingers. The Algonquin put itself in a class of 1 on these terms. Next, my thoughts on my new Ian Tyson Inspiration. Being a finger style player, the action needed to be spot on, particularly since I am frequently at the ninth fret and higher. The Tyson delivered. It's playability is right up there with a 25 year old Lowden, a Gibson Parlor, and a custom built Hoffman. I can't give it higher praise than that! The tone and volume dynamics are still there on the 15th through 18th fret. Balance of the tone is important to me; In general I am not a fan of dreadnoughts, as I don't need the "boomy bass" usually there in a Martine D28; I am playing melodies with bass lines, where balance is critical. Once again the Tyson is right there, and the tone is well rounded all over the finger board. What is so amazing is that the Ian Tyson Inspiration delivers musicality that is absolutely equal to instruments in my collection that would cost over $7,000 US to replace. Pretty amazing for the price point of this instrument. Bottom line? No matter which of my collection I chose to play, I ALWAYS include the Ian Tyson (if it wasn't the first choice)! Finally, the response time on any questions or concerns I have had about the instruments has been rapidly and effectively answered and dealt with by the M&M team. I don't think you could go wrong on purchasing either of these incredible instrument. Peter M.

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.