Norman ST40

1994, solid cedar top, laminated mahogany back and sides, no electronics, satin finish. Standard features for an acoustic guitar.

Sounds a bit muddy when I bought it but opened up a couple of years later. Now (11 years later) the guitar sounds very rich. It sounds better with bigger strings in my opinion (I used 13-56).

I can't remember the action set up when I bought the guitar but now the action is medium-low. The finish is a bit fragile (satin finish) but I removed the original pickguard an put a hummingbird one. I like the look and the protection is a little bit higher.

Very well construct guitar. I play this guitar in my band, at home, everywhere for 10 years now. Lots of scratch in the finish but the rest is in very good condition and really solid.

Never deal with!!

Play for 12 years now. In several bands, alone, in studio. That's the only guitar I never think to sold!!! Over the years I bought, strat, tele, rick and a lot of cheap guitars and keys. The only one I lwayskept is that Norman.

Made in 1988, judging by the label and seller info. the label in this Norman was used from 1981 to 1988.
Made in Canada.
Neck joins the body at the 14th fret.
Solid cedar top, i believe solid Mahogany back & sides. the grain appears the same on both sides. i know newer ST40's have laminated back & sides.
No electronics. Mahogany neck, Satin finish, Dreadnought body, non cutaway. Rosewood fretboard and bridge. non locking Schaller tuners. 24.84 scale length. nut width 1 3/4"
Guitar came with a very nice Canadian made hard shell case.
i'm giving this a 10 because of the quality of the features.

My stlye of music is Folk, Country, Comedy & a little rock. in that order. i only play what i have written, i am a singer songwriter and this guitar is very well suited for me. i play mostly rymthm with my thumb and finger picking with thumb and 2 fingers like a banjo picker.
Guitar is balanced with a little extra bass response. B string doesn't have that odd phone ringing sound like many Martins have.
i like having the extra bass response and guitar has plenty of volume, especially considering i never use a pick.

Received the guitar used, i believe i'm the second owner. the action was med-low. i do my own setups and have changed the nut to Tusq. LaSido didn't use Tusq until recently.
Bookmatched top, bridge was properly routed, no flaws that i can find.
Frets are seated properly with no sharp edges. fretboard was not dug in, fret wires were not scored. tuners [tuning machines] are smooth and hold tune. nut was fine, i changed it to Tusq for better sound transfer. saddle fits snug with no canting.
the neck is different than the newer LaSido products. it has a gradual taper from the headstock. very attractive and has an excellent feel.
also, the body is slightly deeper than the newer LaSido products.
the top and body is a very tight grain. exceptional wood.
this is a very well made guitar.

i'm sure the guitar will withstand live playing. it is solid.
the hardware seems like it will last. if it needs anything i'll fix it. the finish appears substantial, the top is cedar so it is softer than spruce.. i will be changing the satin finish to low gloss.
there is one strap button, it is secure. i don't use a strap, i play sitting down.
i can and will depend on it without a backup

i have dealt with the company [LaSido]before. the were helpful and friendly. they may not get back to you right away, they are busy building guitars.
i wouldn't need to get it repaired, i do repairs.
being that it was made in 1988, any warranty has expired.
i believe the new Normans have a one year warranty.

Been playing quite awhile, i'm still not good at it.
i own a Martin DM, a Simon & Patrick S&P 6, a Seagull S6, a old parlor guitar from the 20's or 30's, a Stone acoustic amp. a couple Shure 57's.
there's nothing i wished i had asked. i owned a newer model ST40 a few years ago.
if it were stolen or lost, it would be impossible to replace. it would not be cost effective. the quality of woods used and the craftsmanship will not be seen again in newer guitars in this price range.
i love the sound and feel of the guitar. i hate the fact that it cannot be duplicated in todays market.
my favorite feature is the sound, first and foremost.
i compared it to the same but new model. i choose this because of the quality and craftsmanship.
only thing i wish it had was electronics which i will be adding soon.
as far as anything to share, this is a cedar topped guitar. cedar is less harsh and opens up faster than spruce.
a guitar doen't have to be all solid wood to sound good. a guitar with a high quality top will sound better than an all solid wood guitar of average quality.
the LaSido guitars Norman, Simon & Patrick, Seagull and Art & Lutherie are a bargain.

I bought mine in early 1993. It has a solid cedar top and I had a Fishman pickup fitted under the bridge for gigs. I paid #370 (UK) at a local shop. It's a very plain looking guitar without much decoration and a matt finish. Definitely not a flashy guitar.

The thing just sings. They say that this model is for more "intimate settings", but it provides good volume and a very rich woody tone across the whole note spectrum. At the local club, most of the other players have much more expensive guitars (Martin, Takamine, Brook etc.). My Norman is better (in my opinion) and certainly much louder.

My other Guitar is a Gibson J40. This has a slightly better (lower) action than the Norman (though I've had it reset and the bridge replaced). I intend to have the Norman adjusted when I get the time. I seem to have more trouble keeping it in tune than I do with the Gibson, but that's probably just me.

The Cedar top (especially with the matt laquer) seems to be softer than Spruce and it now has a couple of small dings. Otherwise, there are no warps or problems.

I haven't called on any customer support so I don't know

I bought this guitar because I didn't want to punish my ageing (and quite valuable) Gibson. I also didn't want to drill into the Gibson for a pickup. The Norman is better than the Gibson in all areas (except the action which will be fixed). It's the sound stupid. The sound. It's really lovely. If lost it, I'd buy another.

Year of manufacture unknown but I'd imagine it was late 1990s. Mine was on offer at my local store because it was the guitar that the Norman/Seagull/Godin/Lasido demo man was using on his travels. It's all standard issue - solid cedar top no cutaway, and as far as I remember solid mahogany back and sides (I did write to Lasido by email to confirm this and I'm sure they replied 'yes'). Finish is outstading, and a little polish every now and again really does make all the woods on the body glisten and sparkle. All in all, bares some considerable resemblance to a Martin - similar headstock anyhow. Some nice inlays around the soundhole also. Giving it an 8 because it's a great natural looking guitar.

Cedar tops always have a much more mellow tone than spruce. It's a matter of taste at the end of the day, but for me the cedar just sounds aesthetically much more relaxed, much more natural. You can play a reasonably cheap spruce top and it'll sound more or less like a reasoonably expensive spruce top, but with cedar tops the whole tone is completely different. I found with mine that the bass is much louder and warmer than on spruce tops, where things can sound a bit tinny and boxy.

Action was fine (it would be considering it was the demo guy's guitar). The neck (in my opinion anyhow) is relatively thin, so playing thumbed-chords etc is very easy. Access past 12th fret is customarily difficult but chording on this guitar produces such a nice sound that I tend to stay lower down the fretboard. Having said that, bends and pull-offs are easy thanks to some nice mid-sized frets. The finish on the guitar was excellent. Tuners are very good and stay in tune well.

Reliability's not an issue on most decent acoustics so not much to say here. I will say however, that cedar tops (being a softer wood than spruce) tend to mark a lot easier, so if you're buying second hand take this into the equation - it's nothing materially wrong with the guitar itself! I own 4 other guitars - Les Paul Custom, USA standard Strat, Tokai SG, Yamaha APX and have owned about a dozen more in the past. Out of all of these though, the Norman is the guitar I pick up the most - it's easy, simple and beautiful sounding (even compared to a 1987 arctic white Les Paul Custom!)

Contact Lasido for information re Norman. These guitars are very rare in the UK - not many people do Seagull or Godin let alone Norman. They're all made in the same factory but probably not at the same time. Norman guitars take their name from the son (or is it the owner?) of the company. The guy I bought the guitar from had a theory going that Norman guitars were made when they had finished their orders for Seagull etc. They certainly bear a strong resemblance to Seagull, but Norman's are more expensive to buy and certainly feel a 'better' quality guitar. Anyway, when I decided to get in touch with Lasido re my Norman they took a while to reply but at least they did so in the end and gave the information I needed re the woods of the guitar.

Overall a brilliant guitar that I'll probably keep for the rest of my life and I'll proobably use more than any other guitar. If I do get another 'workhorse' acoustic I'd probably go for a Martin or similar, and would definitely try to find a cedar top. Anything else after this would be a let down.

I have a 2002 model ST-40 Cutaway w/Fishman electronics. It is of course the Cedar top with Mahogony Back and Sides....Hondouran Rosewood Neck....all that good stuff.
It is a plain-looking guitar, which is exactly what I wanted from this purchase.

It sounds excellent. Alot of dynamics in this guitar....you can play pretty much any style of music and have it scream for more. Acoustically it is a dream, both fingerstyle or played with a pick. Electrically it is competeitive with just about any acoustic out there, regardless of price.

The guitar has an excellent feel. Action is neither too high or too low. IT is low enought to play some fast intricate lines....or high enough to grab a bottle and play slide.
My only problem is a slight buzzing which stems from the electronics. When played acoustically, if you take the battery out, it seems to fix it. Plugged in - doesn't matter anyway.

This guitar is my new "take every where" guitar. I have played it live or at parties....and there isn't a scratch on it....plus I have never broke a string on it....

THe company seems to be little slow to respond to emails. Nothing has ever gone wrong with it anyway so I can't say for sure.

THis is a great guitar. I have been playing for about 20 years, and professionally for about 15. I have some other custom built guitars and my previous favorite to this was my Paul Reed Smith Electric....but now, I only play the Norman....and the PRS stays in the case until gig time.

Norman ST 40 Red Cedar Top. Mohoghany back and sides. Full Dreadnought, enclosed tuning keys, 2001 Model year, 21 fret rosewood.

This "just over" entry level guitar has the sound of guitars that cost twice the price, the aged wood flows in direction to allow very harmonious vibration, with deep rich tones. great for pickin' or strummin' I tested everything in the $300-$700 range, and sound-wise, and found nothing to justify spending the $700 ones.

Factory set up is near perfect, with true attention to detail, not 1 flaw that I could see, not even the odd minute factory scratch. action is above average, It's not a Taylor, but its not $1200 either.
Quality craftmanship overall.

Since its 5 days old, with me ..... Durability will be reported in time. but with the wood grain direction and no 20 coats of clear, if kept in proper Humidity, it should last forever.

I bought it from The Carpenter Shop in Waterloo, Ontario They stand behind everything they sell, and are very helpfull with choosing a model that is for YOUR needs, not for their sales numbers.....

Wether your a weekender, or just want to relax and write some tunes for your mate, this guitar dollar for dollar can't be beat. I looked at everyhting out there, this guitar sold itself !!

paid U.S. 450 w/ Hard Case. Modle ST-40, 1995. 21 Fret- mahogany board, Red Ceder Solid top, Mahogany back and sides. Dreadnought, with Fishman Transducers Pre-amp. Simple guitar with great quality. Not tons of features, but thats why I bought it.

Excellent Sound. My guitar tech (a Martin certified tech, Did a recent Re-fret, and replaced origional plastic nut and saddle with new bone) gives it high marks. Sounds very much like a martin D-50. Rich deep tones, which mixes nicly in the pre-amp.

Good action right from the factory, intonation was as close to perfect as you can get from a factory built guitar. Pickup wireing place on front side of the guitar tended to make it a bit "buzzy", but that was easly fixed. Soft finish give a great sound, but doesnt make for a particularly durable top. Mine's a bit beat up but it is simply astetics. Still sounds so good, that I'm not looking at purchasing another guitar.

I am a Youth Pastor, so Jr. High kids have picked up and beat up this guitar for the last 6 years and it still sounds beautiful. I use it every week to lead music for our sunday morning church with a full band without a back up (occasionaly boken strings are the only problem!) I have played beside Taylors and Martins, and the Normam matches or beats them in preformance and sound. It may not stay as nice looking, but give a Taylor the type of beating this guitar has taken and see how good it sounds!

The only customer support I have delt with was at the shop I bought it at. Is there a customer service number they can be reached at... if anyone knows, please post it.

I think my other comments cover this... I think it's one of the best guitar buys out there...thought they have become difficult to find in my area. I know a few other guys that own them as well, and they are more than happy with them.
If you dont already own one, sell your other toys and buy one now!

My Norman Is from 1998
It's a 21-fret, dreadnought-style body with a cut-away, with Cherrywood sides and back, mahogany neck, ebony fretbord and a solid Spruce top.
It has a very plain appearance, minimal ornamentation. Which is exactly why I like it!

This is truly a beautiful guitar!
Because of the lack of a heavy gloss finish, the woods vibrate extremely well...you can clearly hear every single string.
It can cover any stryle, from bluegrass pickin' to heavy strumming.
It also has a remarkable ability to stay in tune (those tunners are great). It works for my voice, but this is pretty subjective. Some people need a guitar where the sounds of the string are more blended, a chunkier sound. It all depends on your personal voice

Norman obviously care about the products they put out...even the grains of the wood are mirrored.

The only problem I had was with the action. I had to file down the bridge and adjust the truss rod a touch, but that was it. Even after all that, the intonation wasn't dramatically affected, which made me very happy.

My Norman has a couple of minor wounds, but they are simply cosmetic.
I guess the lack of a heavy finish makes it succeptable to scratches, but I couldn't care less because the sound is what matters to me.
Norman has survived the dramatic climate changes that occur when I migrate to school in the fall from Quebec to Southern Ontario. I've used it in small coffee house performances (like 10-25 people), micin' in front of a sound hole and into a normal guitar amp. But I think I could have done without that set up because Norman projects very loudly. Of course, as with any other guitar, it needs a back up for large performances. Norman is ideal for jamming in the park with a couple friends.

I don't know...If I needed help I'd go see the retailer and I suppose they would direct me to Lasido Co. (they own Godin, Norman, Simon&Patrick, Seagull)

I play at least twice a day. I own an awesome Les Paul, a crappy Peavy Amp (distortion was awful-had to get effect pedals) a Kay acoustic from the 40's and of course Norman.
During my travels the Kay got terribly warped. It had such an interesting cheap tone, but alas, it now only hangs from a wall lookin' pretty.
Norman has survived unscathed for two years. I bought a humidity control device to ensure that it doesn't warp...I have confidence that it won't...If it does I'll be forced to buy another one. Thankfully, they only cost a fraction of a Martin, and yet still sound fantastic.

'98 or '99 Made in Quebec (LaSiDo parent company, also makes Art&Lutherie, Godin, Seagull, Simon&Patrick, etc.). Solid cedar top/laminated mahogany sides and back. Acoustic only dreadnought style. Satin finish. Martin scale and width style mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard, 21 med/small frets, nicely crowned, edges fair. Sealed chrome Gotoh (assume) machines feel better than any other machines I've ever felt, including Schallers! Single-ply dark brown binding around top and back. Rosewood heal cap. Stick-on "tortoise" plastic pickguard. Strap-lock style "endpin" strap button screwed into butt endblock (nice touch!).
I'm giving it a nine because of the nice touches like a locking strap button, great machines, and good build quality. It's cheap where it doesn't matter, and expensive where it does. I don't care for satin finishes, but they are accepted practice. If it had solid wood throughout I'd give it a 10, but that's just not possible or expected at this price. Thin rosewood veneer on headstock. "Norman" in script painted on head. Sort of strippo guitar, but nicely made. Doesn't feel "cheap." Came with hardshell case, three latches.

Sounds GREAT! I have never cared for cedar tops or mahogany bodies, but this guitar is a sleeper! It's well balanced and loud, crisp but not tinny. Sounds excellent when finger picked too. The bass is just right: there, but not drowning out the inside notes. Despite the "no-snob" appeal statis it sounds good for general flat-top duties, even Bluegrass. Loud enough and projects pretty well. It's a worthy all around utility flat-top with a deceptively "high-end" ($$$) sound. Lively and fairly resonant.

Excellent action, no buzzes even when whammed on. Good intonation up the neck. Pickguard easily removed. Everything well fitted and aligned. Very attractive woods (deserve gloss finish). Seams hardly visible. I guess high end guitars have one piece necks instead of built up, separate heal stocks, but that's commonly done, and the head splice is properly done for strength according to good luthier practice. The fret ends are acceptable, I've certainly felt a lot worse on guitars in this price range.

Very well made, though not fancy. Simple, proven design. Seems somewhat "Martinish," though "low-end" Martin, to be sure. I would trust this guitar. Seems solid and substantial, without being matronly.

N/A
Two year limited warranty. Parts and labor. Customer ships to factory.

38+ years experience. Also have Fender Telecaster and a couple amps. I'd replace with the same basic model from any of the LaSiDO divisions. Love the tone. Love those machines! Love the simple vibe. I wish it was glossy. Compared to some Tacomas, which were more expensive, it holds its own. For $150 more, you could get a bottom feeder Martin or Larrivee from a warehouse type place, then buy a case. I'll take this.