Norman ST 40

Purchased new in 2005 - made in Canada - Purchased in Canada. Solid top, light Satin finish. Built in Electronics with Onboard Tuner - see the Norman web site for details - the guitar just sounds better with age - but beware of a problem with the Norman ST 40 I've had.

Full sound - great for folk music -

At this point I need to heed a warning. The headstock is "unvarnished" and narrow - about a month after owing it, I pulled it out of the case and the headstock was cracked - sent it back to Godin and they replaced the fretboard and headstock (it bolts on) - however reluctantly - even though one would imagine after a month this should not happen. 3 years later - same thing in the same spot. I have many other instruments - a number of other guitars - and this is honestly the only instrument I have had a problem with - One could be suspicious of a single break - but to have it break twice in the same spot - one may be looking at a defective product.

The strap button loosened and it had to go in for servicing - It is played live - alot - but because of the light finish, needs to be handled carefully.

The first repair took about 2 months. The store I bought it from was great and supportive and even supplied a loaner - Not sure if they will stand behind the limited lifetime warranty on this one. At this point they are not.

A very basic, natural looking, matte finished dreadnaught acoustic. Mahogany laminate sides, mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard, solid cedar top. Made in canada, 2005.

This guitar really doesn't disappoint. I play folk, blues, pop and rock with lots of "big chords" and with my main focus on the melodies. I don't strumm TOO hard, but it can take it. As others have described it, it really sings. Good bottom, good mids, great highs - all in all a very nicely balanced spectrum. To give a bit of direction, I'd say it's more along the lines of the airy mids and highs of Taylors than that chunky bottom of Martins. Good volume and a crisp, but "round", mellow tone. Can easily compare to much higher priced guitars. Very nice and simply inspiring to pick up!

I guess, I'll have some adjustments done on the action, but you mostly have to, of course. The set up is good, though.
All is very well put together, no flaws. Actually, it seems like one piece of wood, it's that well built. Light and solid, beautiful wood. Tuners are very good, frets very good.. Nothing hanging out here.

I see no reason why this baby wouldn't handle live playing. It definately says "built to last" all over. - Oh, and it stays in tune remarkably well, I might add..

I've been playing on/off for 17 years. I've owned Fender strats and teles, a couple of Ibanez' hollowbodys, but apart from the Norman I only have a Washburn hollowbody electric now, and it's really all I need. I'm mainly into acoustic music now.
I simply have no regrets about my purchase of this beautiful guitar!
I love the natural, unpretentious vibe, the beautiful tone and dynamics. It's all about sound and comfort - a feeling of the instrument becoming transparent in your hands, so to speak. Thats the feeling I get here. I basically tried all I could get my hands on, and like most others, I also at first had my eyes on pricier Taylors, Martins, Takamines and even VERY expensive Gibsons.. I honestly believe that this exceptional value can hold it's own against all of the above. Yes, it's more understated in appearance (which I love) and maybe not as "lushy" and boomy as some Taylors, but to me its sweet, mellow tone and crispness is what a natural western guitar is about. So I picked this - thinking that all who think they have to spend 1500 dollars to get a decent guitar are suckers.. :) I definately go with a Norman again.