Northwood R80-00

Made 2007-8 in Sorrento, BC, Canada. This is an R80-00-14DB, that is 14 frets to the body, deep body 00. Solid Western Red Cedar top, solid Indian rosewood back/sides, body bound with koa; no electronics; mahogany neck, ebony fingerboard and head plate, neck and head bound in ivoroid; microdot markers; body gloss finish, neck satin; comfortable neck, short scale (24.9"); abalone in rosette as shown on his web site; came with arched case. This was a custom build (9 months) and thus has exactly the features I care about. Bought through Jason at notableguitars.com.

I am primarily a finger-stylist but mix in some strumming, rubato, or whatever seems right for the piece of music. This guitar has a stunning, full sound. It has great volume and is very balanced. It has a thump in the bass and mids without a boom and sparkling highs. Very long sustain. I wish it had not been delivered with phosphor strings as it doesn't need them. I'm switching to 80/20. Due to cedar top, it doesn't require break-in time.

John McQuarrie's build quality as shown in this example deserves its high reputation. If you can find a spot of glue inside or out, you have better eyes than I. Everything is perfectly bookmatched. I mark down one point for a dark spot in the cedar. I doubt this affects the sound or robustness of the instrument at all.

I see no reason why this guitar should not be reliable. Talk to me after 10 years. (I have a 1958 Martin D21 that is my benchmark: not a hint of a crack.)

I spoke with John on the phone about what I was looking for and he had some suggestions. He is very friendly and answered questions before and after delivery. Waiting times are a bit flaky, but 9 months was in the range of expectations when I ordered (6/2007).
Jason at Notable Guitars is very easy to deal with, has reasonable prices, responds to phone calls and email, and is quite helpful. I recommend his site/store.

I have been playing since 1/1965. I have owned four playing guitars: Gibson LG1 1965 (now with my son), Martin D21 1958 (NFS ever), Three Sisters Parlor, and this one, plus a WWI-era Washburn that I don't play very often. The Northwood is not as loud as the Martin (duh) but is far better balanced (also duh). I love this guitar for its balance, thump, and versatility, its simple beauty and top-notch build quality. Besides, it costs about a third as much as a Ryan!

Engleman Spruce Top, Indian Rosewood back/sides, Mahogany neck/satin finish, 12 fret slotted headstock 00. Ebony diamond bridge. Abalone rosette. Flawless workmanship.

I have owned a number of higher end Larrivees an Martins and this one blows them away with sound quality. For a small body 00 the volume and sound quality is amazingly well balanced (and loud). Sounds best with medium gauge strings. Clean highs, vibrant midrange and well defined bottom end. I play blues/ragtime/jazz and it is the best guitar I have ever played/owned.

Flawless, again. I have had no need to adjust anything. Specs were set up perfect from the start.

The guitar is suprisingly lightweight so I am not sure on how to comment on longevity, however, the luthier informed me that the older double OO's that he has made are holding up fine. I use a humidifier. I have no reason to believe there will be durability issues but I will leave this one open as I have owned this guitar about 6 months.

John McQuarrie was always professional, courteous, and helpful with questions I had before, during and after production. Good guy.

I will likely own this guitar for the rest of my life. Best looking and sounding guitar I have ever owned. Unlike other guitars I have owned, I am becoming more attached to this instrument over time.