Norman B20

I was in need of an acoustic upgrade to replace my korean fender, and tried many a martin and taylor in the under $1000 category, don't ask how i found this on ebay but i did and got it with a case for $200

Quality and sound- It reminds me of a martin so much, like the new DMs or D-1s, just not fancy- its nicer than a DXME or DX1
Sound is sweet and has low action that I like- I know the previous owner had it set-up professionally with new elixer strings.
Remarkable guitar.

Nothing really just wish the rosette was fancier--but thats being petty.

Seems that the older models either had a model # or serial # missing from the label-mine has the serial but I know its a B-20 due to the specs.

this one has the red label with maple leaf

unbelievable- Solid wood all around. I thought this guitar would be my bang around /bring to the beach or park guitar--This thing is too nice- I probably will take it out sometimes but not for a while--this is a 94 model and its still like new- smooth frets and fingerboard and comfortable to play-well built--I am very happy.

Just get one-Normans are starting to develop a rep here in the US- Although still uncommon-I spent two hours researching this guitar before I bought it cuz I never heard of the name- although I knew Canadian guitars were well made I was a skeptic at first., This is not a beginner guitar-unless the beginner is serious one. This is a fantastic quality instrument- get one and see and save a few bucks.
I plan on a Martin or Taylor oneday- but now it has to be one of those pretty $2500+.
Hope this helps your decision process.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I bought this guitar used for $350 Canadian with a sound-hole pickup and a hardshell case.

It sounds great, deep and not tinny at all. It is the best sounding guitar in it's price range hands down. The hardware is solid and the woods used are quality, I'm also told these guitars are handcrafted. Definently the best acoustic guitar you can get for your money.

Since I bought mine used I can't say too much about the wear and tear the previous owner put it through, but I've put it through some rough times. The Bridge is starting to come off of the body and I've talked to a previous B-20 owner who had the same problem. I'm not sure how much this will cost to fix or if it's even repairable at this point, but if it's under $100 it would definently be worth it. Also, it doesn't have the easiest action in the world, but that's good for me because it was my first guitar.

Besides the aforementioned bridge problem this guitar is built extremely well. The tuning pegs, although not flashy, do their job and the rest of the guitar is flawless.
This is the most inexpensive quality solidtop guitar you can buy.

If it wasn't for that nasty bridge problem it would be a 5, if you see one scoop it up, you won't regret it. I'm also thinking of installing a Soundchecker "Accu_stic" condenser pickup in it. If anyone has any experience with this type of pickup could they please email me at davecfraser@hotmail.com. Thanks

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I bought this guitar in Portland, Oregon. I had been looking at buying a Martin D-16 forever until this beauty caught my eye. For about half the price, this guitar was a steal. I paid $320 for it new.

It sounds magnificent. Very deep, resonant and clear. Even compared to other brand name acoustics this guitar easily holds its own. This is definitely a well-kept secret gem of an acoutstic guitar.

I guess the only drawback is that it is somewhat plain...but that doesn't really bother me.

Solid spruce top, cherry back and sides, mahogony neck and rosewood fingerboard. It is solid! Very well put together. Sturdy. Light gloss finish that suits it well.

This is a dream guitar for the price...seriuosly. I can't believe these guitars aren't better known than they are. Their sister guitars, like Seagull, get a lot more advertising bang, but these handcrafted guitars are simply fantastic. A gem...

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I bought this guitar mostly because of the price. It's a great sounding guitar for the price. It costs about 450$can in montréal.

I tried a lot of guitars in the 350-500 range price and it's by far the best sounding guitar and it comes with a basic fisherman equalizer (acoustic/electric).

It's made in only one shape and color. It has a pretty basic acoustic guitar shape with a naturel finish.

The top is made of solid spruce and the back and sides are made in cherry. The head and the neck are made in Honduras mahogany with rosewood fingerboard. If you wanna buy the acoustic/electric one, try it before because the pick-up may have trouble playing the bass. It's handmade in La Patrie in Québec, Canada.

It's a great guitar for the price and it's the only handmade one for that price. Go out and buy it.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com