Norman ST-68 Left Handed

Made in Quebec,Canada by LaSiDo, makers of Seagull, Simon and Patrick, Arts and Lutherie, and Godin guitars. This model is the top of the line for Norman. Probably made in '96 or '97. Basic dreadnought size and scale,X-bracing inside. Close-grained solid spruce top, solid rosewood back, laminated rosewood sides, rosewood bridge, mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard. Gold tuners (make unknown). No electronics. Came with good hardshell case. It's not ornamented, but has a very clean, balanced, and to my eye, beautiful look about it.

The first time I played this guitar, I was sold. I was looking for a replacement for my 30+ year old beater (anyone remember Espana guitars?)and decided that I wasn't quite prepared to lay out the cash for a Martin,Taylor or upscale Larivee. This guitar has beautiful warm, but balanced tone throughout. Playing with a fresh set of phosphor bronze strings gives a really nice rich sound with the right amount of "snap". It's probably a little too warm on the bottom end for serious fingerstyle, but it works for me. Strumming is clean and doesn't get muddy as you play louder.

Action was pretty good off the rack, but having played it now for a couple of years, I might have it lowered a bit. Generally this guitar is very well put together, but I have a couple of small issues.
One of the braces had a small burr that was removed easily enough when I did the first string change. The dot markers on the side of the neck at the 12th were not aligned, and there was a tiny indent in the upper side of the neck at the fifth fret that you can feel when you run your finger over it. Should you expect little things like this is a hand-made instrument? Hmmmm... Now, none of these things interfere with the sound or playability of this guitar, but-details, details, details...
Overall, I think that the quality of the woods used in this instrument are excellent, and give very good value for the price range.

I have kept this guitar in the case when not being played, so it's been protected. I'm basically a hobby player, so it only goes out for some jams, on holidays, etc. I don't subject it to temperature changes and other potential hazards. That being said, I feel that the guitar is solidly built and would stand up if it got to see more of the outside world... I just know that the first scratch is gonna make me weep.

I have e-mailed the parent company once with a question, and received a prompt reply. LiSiDo does not have any information on the Norman line on their website, which is a shame. Apparently, they will be changing this in the near future.

I've been playing for about 30 years. I also own a Yamaha RGX 312 (strat style)electric, a little Fender Bullet amp, and a Zoom 1010 effects unit (the jury's still out on THAT one!). As mentioned, I'm basically a hobby player- some strummin' and pickin'- want to start working on jazz and alternate tunings. When I was shopping for a new acoustic, I compared this guitar to a Fender, Yamaha, Guild and
entry level Larivee. To me there was no comparison. The Norman had more depth and personality than any of the others. From looking at, and hearing, other Normans over the years, I'm convinced that they are one of the best values in the acoustic guitar market. I think that dollar for dollar, they offer more bang for the buck in terms of the materials, construction and overall sound. (Not having to take the exchange rate into account in the price probably was a contributing factor-but hey, I also liked the idea of buying a good product made here.) If it were stlen or destroyed, I'd buy another.