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.

Goodall Aloha Koa Grand Concert

Here is our second Goodall, an Aloha Grand Concert with amazing Koa back & sides. This is Goodall's entry level guitar without bling bling but the tone is still very rich and full typical of the Goodall tone. Very comfortable Grand Concert body shape but volume and projection is as loud as most dreadnoughts. The highly figured Koa back/sides and headstock are really a sight to behold. Comes installed with a K&K Mini pickup and Gotoh tuners.


Usual price is USD$3200 with pickup.
Our special price is S$3900 only.

Specs:
Top: Sitka Spruce
Back/Sides: Highly figured Koa
Flamed Koa headstock with Pearl logo
Pheasant wood fingerboard
Black fibre binding
Pearl soundhole rosette
Size: Grand Concert
Electronics: K&K Mini
Nut width: 1 3/4"
Tuners: Chrome Gotoh minis with 18:1 ratio
OHSC case included with crushed velvet interior


Click here for more high-res pics.

Pls email to vjcs20@gmail.com if you are interested.

USA Breedlove Revival DR

Finally, our first made-in-USA Breedlove. :p

This is Breedlove's take on the traditional dreadnought. To me, this compares very favorably to Martin's D-28 in all aspects from tone to playability. The low-end is very present on this dread, tight but not overly boomy with great volume and projection. Highs are not sacrificed at all. For fans of the more traditional vintage tone, you will love this guitar. The neck is extremely comfortable and fast.

Even though it's my first time trying the Grover 18:1 Sta-Tite open-back tuners, I have to say I'm extremely impressed with its rock-stable tuning capabilities and of course, the classy look it imparts to the guitar. The hand-rubbed semi-gloss finish is impeccable and allows lots of the grain to show through. Check out the high-res pics of the rosewood grains on the DR.

I'll let the photos do the rest of the talking. :D


Retail is USD$2699.
Selling for S$2500 only.


Specs:
Solid Sitka Spruce Top and Braces (Advanced and Scalloped “Pre-War” X-Bracing)
Solid Select Rosewood Back and Sides
Ivoroid Body Binding
Multi-ply bwb Rosette
14 Fret Honduran Mahogany Neck
Ebony Fingerboard
Pearl Dot Position Markers
Rosewood Headstock Overlay
Grover 18:1 Sta-Tite Vintage Chrome Tuners
Vintage Toner Stain
Hand Rubbed Semi-Gloss Finish
Size: Dreadnought
Nut width: 1 3/4"
Electronics: Fishman Matrix
Original Deluxe Breedlove Arch Top Hardcase with crushed velvet interior


Click here for more high-res pics.

Email me at vjcs20@gmail.com if you are interested.

Upcoming guitars...

Hi guys,

Just to let you guys know what's coming along the way.
A couple of Goodalls (various shapes and woods), a couple of USA Breedloves (Yes, USA Breedloves!! Various ranges available...), and a very special hand-made guitar from a rather well-known but reasonably-priced luthier... =)

Keep your eyes peeled to our blog...

Cheers,
Samuel