Norman B50-12

Review on a 1-yr old Norman b50-12 string.

Finish - High gloss, light finish. Looks good, and shows a lot of grain under heavy lighting. Dark, rosewood fretboard. Treating the neck with a polisher/moisturizer can bring back the like-new feeling after a string change.

Body Style - No cutaway, dreadnaught style. Might be a bit large for the small of stature.

Bridge Style - "Fish-Eye" string holders, non adjustable bridge.

Neck - The neck is super-slim for a 12-string. It makes for incredibly easy action all along the length of the neck.

Accessories - Well, nothing really. Most guitar stores will give you a set of strings, a cheap patchcord, or a tuner when making a large purchase. I think I got a handful of picks.

I play a lot of acoustic essentials...Blue Rodeo, Neil Young, Seger, Clapton, Slightly Stupid......
When on stage I run it through a P.A. System, and it does the trick. Avoid going heavy on either bass or treble as your proximity to the mic can cause unwanted feedback or changes in overall level.
One of the best sounds you can ask for in a guitar. When I bought it I played every 12 string in stock at the store and this one was heads above the rest (I was also playing the "professional models", the likes of Takamine & Ovation.) A very commanding guitar, and loud. Acoustically it will drown out any other guitar that is not plugged it.
I have yet to have any problems with the sound. No buzzing, and I can hit harmonics on the 5th, 7th, 9th, and 12th frets.

Action on this model is great. I play an acoustic version of the wall, including some of the lead riffs, and I have problem making the transitions. Very user-friendly, and it does not feel like a normal, bulky 12 string. On other 12-strings it is sometimes hard to play a lead riff and hit all the strings with your strumming hand. Not so on this model.
PROBLEM - loose tuning keys. The screws with hold the machine heads in place come loose with use. Easy to fix, but none the less a re-occuring problem.

This guitar can do everything great. It has a very strong construction and I believe it will stand up to a lot a abuse. (Although I can't fathom why you would want to abuse such a lovely instrument.) I would choose this over any other guitar on a gig, and the only back-up guitar needed would be an exact replica of this one.
Although I would not bring mine out on a camping trip for fear of water/humidity issues, I see no reason why it could not stand up to such situations.

I brought it back to the place of purchase and asked about the tuning keys...which were "fixed" but the guitar technician. He just overtightened the screws to a point where it was noticably more difficult to turn them. I sent an e-mail to the company, but my issue was not addressed in their response.

I have been playing for about 12 years. This is the best sounding guitar I have played, but super frusterating issues with the tuning keys will bump my overall ratings down. If I tighten the screws in the tuning keys before jamming with friends I would not feel confident playing all night without checking them for loosenes.

Natural finish, maple sides and back with a spruce solid top...mine is a dreadnaught B50 12 string which I purchased brand new in Toronto about 1981. Nice thin neck...bolt on and a little top heavy but I am used to it and do not notice it. Made in Quebec by Norman...came with a case, no electronics...maple neck with rosewood fingerboard

I am a strummer and a fingerpicker...folk rock etc...this guitar sounds fantastic and has gotten better with age...I would not trade it for anything and I have tried out quite a few over the years...the sound projection is amazing and it has a clear voice with nice strong and even lows, a clear and unmuddied midrange and a very pleasing hi end...dean markley medium light strings seem to sound and feel the best...phosphor bronze strings are too thin sounding and have no body when i tried them on this guitar...

I had to have the nut raised when i bought the guitar to eliminate low e string buzz...after that no problems until about 6 years later and the saddle had to be re-glued...I am not one to take good care of a guitar...it goes where i go... cold nights, campfires, beaches and left out of the case for easy access at home...this lead to the saddle problem...after that i decided to take better care of it...the guitar was nicely finished when i bought it and no flaws other than the buzz on the low e string

this guitar is now 25 years old...has been around the block a few times and is a great guitar...the neck is still in great shape with no sign of twisting...it is a loud guitar and sounds terrific...no problem being heard with this baby...it has the big classic twelve string melodious sound like you hear on supertramp (Give a little bit)

I had the place I bought it from do the nut adjustment and another guitar repair shop close to where I lived do the saddle re-glue...I never tried to contact Norman

been playing for 40 years...am not a pro ...just like to play and jam a bit...have played in front of people many times over the years in all kinds of different situations. Concerts, church, parties, on the train etc...if lost or stolen I would replace it with the same if possible...but then again there was that guild jumbo 12 string i tried years ago that might tempt me away...as it is i am just happy that i have this guitar...it is a real pleasure to play and can take you away with it's sound...am i predjudiced???afraid so

Satin finish dreadnought, rosewood fingerboard, maple neck, back, sides. Spuce top. Made in Quebec Canada early to mid 70's.

Mine is the original mid 70's B50-12 with the bolt on neck. Sound is rich, full, superb. Lots of volume. Beautiful wood. Bit top heavy standing but fine sitting.

Bought mine secondhand. Haven't changed anything. Action is fine as is. No flaws. Nice satin finish.

Takes a lickin and keeps on tickin.

Not applicable

Playing 5 years. Had the B-20 circa mid 90's glossy finish. It's ok where the B50-12 is fantastic. Would buy another in a flash.

made 1n 2003
solid sruce top
back and sides are flamed maple nice finish on that guitar
solid epp case included
no pick up or electronic on it

the guitare is a bit heavy ....cause of the nice wood the used

good settings but when played really lound my e string make a buzz
this should be easy to fix

this axe is good for live playing and will outlived me...
only 1 strap button
can use it without back up no problemo..

it takes 1 or 2 days to get feedback from them on their website

i have been playinf for about 20 years
this as now became my no 1 12 strings and if lost or stolen i would replace it .....
i already own other guitars like washburn ea20b - seagull s6 -segull s12 12strings - norman st68cw -and an ovation cc068
the sound of the norman b50 12 is a lot better then my seagull s12 12 strings