Before playing this Magician, neither Tom nor I had ever played a cedar/mesquite guitar, so we really didn't know what to expect. Since the Magician is the big brother to the Alchemist we were counting on a similar sound, just bigger. And there is definitely a heavy dose of the Alchemist tone in this guitar. But what we couldn't have predicted was the astonishing dynamic range Roger has built into it. I do not exaggerate when I say that this jumbo--it has a 17" lower bout--could easily be mistaken for a small, sensitive fingerstyle guitar if you weren't looking at it. It can go from light and responsive to big and full in a matter of seconds. And the responsive, resonant low end is quite satisfying. As with our best guitars, the lows are deep, rich and resonant--loud without being boomy.

After playing this guitar, we immediately asked Roger to look for more mesquite. If you've spent any time in the American Southwest, you've undoubtedly run across more than a few mesquite trees. But this was the first time we'd heard it on any guitar, and Roger has used it to great effect. It opens up the sound a bit more than walnut (the standard tonewood for this guitar), and it adds some nice shimmer and overtone, all of which are complemented perfectly by the gorgeous cedar top. The entire audible scale is marked by an earthy roundness in each note, while the mids and highs in particular have a unique, relaxed sparkle to them.

Finish - Visually, the most stunning part of this guitar is, of course, the mesquite back and sides. Roger has chosen to let the natural beauty of this wood shine through, as you can see in this picture to the right. It is marked by a slightly rosy hue, and some great graining, especially along the sides.

Roger's trim is typically modest, and this guitar is no exception. He has added a few nice flourishes in the purfling and rosette, which adds some depth to the bindings when you get up close.

Summary - This is certainly one of the best $3500 guitars I've ever been privileged to play, and given its amazing dynamic range, distinctive Fylde tone, and even more distinctive cedar/mesquite combo, it is truly a rare treat. But don't take our word for it--read what the owner of this guitar had to say about it (we use his comments with his permission):

"Hello John -When I left the message, I hadn't really had a chance to play the Magician yet. Well, I just had a session with it, and I am totally thrilled! This is an awesome instrument. You're right--it has the responsiveness, touch, action, and color of a smaller guitar along with the gratification of a large, room filling sound. I love the feel of the neck as much as that of the Alchemist. It turns out also that mesquite is an excellent wood for this guitar: It has more airiness than rosewood, and a bit more projection than walnut--the cedar/mesquite combination is very satisfying, a blend of bright and mellow.

I am amazed at the playability and responsiveness that Roger has been able to build into such a large guitar. My wife has a very strong voice, and I often play with cello, so this guitar allows me to play with them in small settings without worrying about the volume balance. Also, a large guitar is useful for a full sound when a capo is used. The other aspect is simply the soul that Roger imbues his guitars with--the music seems ready and eager to leap out. The signature of a fine hand made instrument is the heart of its maker, and it's evident here. The large sound is achieved without a loss of clarity--no excess boominess, just a deep, satisfying clear bass. There are a lot of tone colors available in the high end as well, and the midrange is full and rich.

I like this as much as the Northwood, and I am grateful that I discovered these fine guitars through you. In addition to those musical qualities I mentioned, the guitar is beautifully and tastefully made, with some unique design touches. In short, this Magician is a distinctive, sonically wonderful instrument that has great playabilty. It has music in it. Thanks again for turning me on to this and for your fine service."