Norman Guitars introduces refreshed Norman Line of acoustic guitars
The redesigns see modern features added to the brand’s more traditional models.
Image: Norman Guitars
Canadian guitar makers Norman Guitars has unveiled redesigns of its Norman Line of acoustic guitars. According to the company, these refreshed models bring along some modernised design features, while honouring the brand’s four decades of heritage.
The revamped line-up offers eight acoustic models, each ranging in body types and sizes, finishes and electronics.
B18 Parlor Cherry Burst GT Q-Discrete
This model is a small-sized acoustic with a Canadian wild cherry body, a solid Sitka spruce gloss top and a silver leaf maple neck. Referred to by the company as the Cherry Bomb, this acoustic-electric makes use of a Q-Discrete pickups as well as electric guitar-esque volume and tone knobs on its body.
B18 CW MJ Cherry Burst A/E
Like the Cherry Bomb, this mini-jumbo acoustic-electric features a Canadian wild cherry body, Sitka spruce top and silver leaf maple neck. Despite its “mini” tag, the guitar’s scale length is 25.5 inches and its nut is a slim 1.72 inches wide. This model comes equipped with a Fishman Sonitone preamp system for amplification, and is finished in a semi-gloss cherry burst.
B20 Natural GT QIT
This acoustic-electric dreadnought sports a Canadian wild cherry body, a solid Sitka spruce gloss top, and a silver leaf maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard. In terms of hardware and electronics, this guitar makes use of a Graph Tech saddle and nut, as well as a built-in Custom Godin QIT system, which boasts a EQ and frequency control range that’s been contoured to provide rich and full sound.
B50 12 Natural SG Element
This is the Norman Line’s 12-string acoustic-electric model – originally designed for Serge Fiori of Quebecois progressive rock group, Harmonium. The B50 12 Natural SG Element sports a solid flame maple back and Sitka spruce top, along with a flame maple neck and Richlite fingerboard. LR Baggs’ Element pickup system rounds up the spec sheet.
ST30 Havana Burst Element
This durable acoustic-electric features a solid mahogany body and solid cedar top paired with a mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard. Its construction makes use of Godin’s Atelier Compound Tapered Bracing, which the company claims provides “optimised top rigidity, deflection and structural stability”. Like the 12-string B50, this guitar also has an onboard LR Baggs Element system for plugging into amplifiers or PAs.
ST40 CW Natural HG Element
The cutaway model of the series, the ST40 provides easy access for soloing on the higher frets of its mahogany neck. Its solid mahogany back is matched with a Sitka spruce top, which the company says provides “balanced clarity”. The ST40 is also easily recordable through DI as it has a built-in LR Baggs Element system.
ST50 Cherry Burst HG Anthem
Norman Guitars has designed this model to inspire “the player with pen and paper in hand”, packing a solid flame maple body, solid spruce top, and a rich-sounding flame maple neck. This model makes use of an LR Baggs Anthem system – which is highly noise-resistant for cutting out the box-like sonic qualities associated with some soundhole pickups.
ST68 MJ Natural HG Anthem
This refresh of Norman’s mini-jumbo ST68 features a solid rosewood body, solid Sitka spruce top and a durable mahogany neck. Its Richlite fretboard has been adorned with custom inlays, as well as a hardy Graph Tech nut. Like the ST50, this electric-acoustic has been equipped with LR Baggs’ feedback-resistant Anthem acoustic system.
Models in the Norman Line are priced between $549 to $1695. Learn more at normanguitars.com.
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