Macmarr (MacKenzie & Marr)... anybody own one?

billder99 · #1 01-17-2015, 06:48 AM

I have been participating on AGF for 5 years, so it surprises me when I hear of a guitar that I never heard of. I heard about these yesterday from a buddy, and I went to the website... read the whole thing. Intriguing on several levels... looks like a great value.

There was a thread that started here 5 years ago that is now a very interesting read... it starts in 2010 super negative and skeptical... it ends in 2014 with some pretty nice comments and the manufacturer participating in a positive way. Here it is: http://lnk.splashurl.com/1NvD (sorry for the "splash" link conversion... how do I get rid of that?)

Does anyone here own a Macmarr guitar? Feedback?

msbedard · #2 01-17-2015, 08:15 AM

I own the Tom Rush Naked Lady model. Play it more than my 49 yr old Martin D-18. I would not hesitate to purchase from them again.

billder99 · #3 01-17-2015, 12:13 PM

I am interested in the tonal quality and response. The cedar top will give something quite different in comparison to spruce. Also, I don't know what they do with bracing that varies from the tone we associate with Martin, Gibson. I wonder if these capture the character of the Irish steel strings... Lowden, McIlroy, Avalon... that combination of bracing and cedar.

billder99 · #4 01-26-2015, 05:47 AM

I don't mean to be a pesky thread bumper, but I am becoming more interested in these MacKenzie & Marr guitars. Anybody else own one that can comment on your experience?

msbedard · #5 01-26-2015, 07:04 AM

They do have an excellent 7 day no questions asked return policy. It may be the only way you'll know for sure if it speaks to you as the likelyhood of finding a used one to play first is very slim.

Coffeeaddict · #6 01-26-2015, 08:17 AM

I haven't heard anything about them since they appeared on Dragon's Den a few years ago.

billder99 · #7 01-27-2015, 05:30 AM

Hi John,

I was hoping you would see this thread and jump in. Your quote above is very powerful stuff. Very nice updated website you guys have produced, it appears the pace of business is picking up steam for you.

I know some of those Macmarr owners are here on AGF, I keep hoping some of them will comment on their experience working with you.

I have a request for you. How about getting some more videos online, especially comparison videos with guitars that have a tonal character similar to Macmarr. It is pretty hard to take the leap and buy an aural & tactile product based on narrative description.

EDIT: I did just find this, another vid of Tom Rush on his Naked Lady... this really helps, surprisingly great sounding cedar top with strong rhythm playing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sdsGwRrhbQ ... and another that better captures the character of cedar over rosewood, very celtic as I would have expected: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hvF_Ggt_ck

BD

AngusG · #8 07-21-2015, 11:37 AM

I purchased one of these guitars about 3 years ago. The costumer service was top notch; they are great communicators. I was, of course, a little sceptical of buying without first trying, but the 7 day love it or return it policy gave me a boost of confidence.
I've been playing a Seagull S6 for the last 20 years and I was looking to upgrade but I was not anxious to part with $4K. So this seemed like a reasonable risk. It was completely worth every penny. The M&M (Dionisio) has a much clearer/fuller/richer sound when compared to my Seagull. The better sound is not just noticeable, but very obvious. The M&M makes me want to play more often. I am so impressed with the whole experience, that I just ordered a second guitar from them (The Tom Rush-Naked Lady). You really can't go wrong with these guys.

teabart · #9 06-15-2022, 07:51 PM

I have one of the Ian Tyson (Signature edition - #149 of 250) guitars which is no longer available - it's a great guitar - competes with my D-18 for my attention - I've had it 4-5 years with no issues - I've been using D'Addario Lights (EJ16's) on it - sounds super

cyberdog · #10 06-15-2022, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teabart

I have one of the Ian Tyson (Signature edition - #149 of 250) guitars which is no longer available - it's a great guitar - competes with my D-18 for my attention - I've had it 4-5 years with no issues - I've been using D'Addario Lights (EJ16's) on it - sounds super

Ian Tyson owned #1 of the edition, but evidently traded it away.
https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...d.php?t=282567

pszy22 · #11 06-16-2022, 02:15 AM

Looks like they are nice guitars, but I'm guessing they would be very difficult to unload if one ever needed to downsize,

Unfortunately one starts to think about those sorts of things as one gets on in years.