Our first single luthier guitar - Northwood MJ80

Hi guys,

Here's a MINT-as-new condition Northwood MJ80 (previous owner was a lady who didn't play guitar).
This is our first guitar by a luthier who operates a one-man shop producing about 60-70 guitars per year. He's none other than Canadian-based luthier John Mcquarrie, who has trained extensively under Jean Larrivee. He left Larrivee to start Northwood Guitars in 1996 so he has already accumulated more than a decade of experience.


John typically only uses Englemann Spruce for his guitars, and surprisingly it handles both strumming and fingerstyle VERY well. Englemann Spruce usually tends to break up under heavy strumming but not in this case for the MJ80. It tackles aggressive strumming with much aplomb. Fingerstyle-wise, it is very responsive and handles from light to heavy touches superbly. Tone-wise, every note "blooms" with much overtones (due to the Englemann Spruce) but there is still much clarity and definition. Bass response is deep without being boomy and the mids are buttery with crystal clear highs. Neck is a very comfortable slim C-shaped profile and will appeal to most people, very fast and playable.

Looks-wise, the Englemann top is one of the whitest and creamiest tops I have ever seen.
There is also LOTS of silking on the top and the rosewood back/sides have got to be one of the most eye-catching pieces I have ever seen. Very straight-grained with nice dark reddish-brown hues.


Saddle has been changed to FMI by our very own Jarvis, who also did a fantastic job setting it up with medium-low action.

Frets have been redressed by Mike Chen of Standard Value. When the guitar first came, there was a high fret at the 14th fret causing some buzzing at the higher positions. However, Mike has done a great and very clean job of redressing the affected frets and the guitar now plays without any buzz up and down the entire neck.


Brand new is USD$3099 after discount.
Asking for only S$3400.


Specs:
Top: Englemann Spruce
Back/sides: East Indian Rosewood
Ivoroid bound Rosewood headstock overlay with Paua Abalone logo inlay
Ivoroid bound Ebony fretboard with inlays
Rosewood body binding with B/W/B purfling
Herringbone binding on centre of back
Size: Mini-jumbo
Electronics: None
Nut-width: 1 3/4"
Tuners: Schallers chrome
OHSC case included


Please click here for more high-res pics.

Email to vjcs20@gmail.com if you are interested.