If creating an instrument that has balance, power, dynamic range, and an uncanny level of responsiveness is a contest, this luthier will no doubt take the prize and win by a very large margin.
So who wins the prize?
Dana Bourgeois of Bourgeois Guitars.
Dana Bourgeois is a luthier that not only puts incredible care into the wood he sources for his guitars; he also treats the materials in a way that gets the absolute most tone out of them.
Bourgeois guitars have been played by many many acoustic guitar luminaries and for very good reason. Dana seems to be the resident truth holder when it comes to voicing an acoustic guitar top to produce as much tone and volume possible. Tone is something that Bourgeois guitars offer in absolute truckloads. Sonically these guitars have the uncanny ability to balance volume and tone, which means you can project beautiful tone at such a volume that it will nearly always be heard.
Going beyond the tone, the appointments, specifications, and overall eye appeal of Bourgeois guitars is of an extremely elite level. From subtleties like purfling and coordinated bindings all the way to the inlay work and custom shop options these guitars are sure to make any guitar geek drool. The folks at Bourgeois can make the simple and classy guitar in a drop-dead gorgeous fashion, and they also can make a presentation level guitar that is classy and elegant. The attention to detail on these instruments is of the surgical level and each and every one I have ever played has literally been an experience I look back on fondly.
I have had the joy of being able to play a wide range of the guitars that Bourgeois offers from a Banjo Killer slope shoulder dread, to a Soloist, and most recently, an Aged Tone Large Soundhole OM that pretty much ruined me for all OM’s. Literally that guitar had one of the most memorable tones I have ever heard… so rich and pure, with each note speaking with the clarity of a piano, and the most remarkable set of overtones that seemed to offer the most lush harmonic support. But I digress…
Bottom line, Bourgeois guitars should be on your radar as a guitar geek. They are always building unique instruments that will make your jaw drop and your ears addicted. One place to frequent is the gallery of guitars on the Bourgeois site… not only do they list instruments that were just shipped, but they also feature some true custom beauties that are inspiring.
As you get curious about Bourgeois guitars and wish to play them make sure to visit some of the Bourgeois dealers that have previously been featured on the show. Places like Eddie’s Guitars in St. Louis (make sure to talk to Matt as he knows Bourgeois Guitars inside and out) or chat with Brendan at Heartbreaker Guitars down in Las Vegas as they offer some beautiful pieces by Dana Bourgeois and his crew from Lewiston, Maine.
One thing that I nearly forgot, Dana’s passion for luthiery is very evident and contagious. He can talk about voicing a top and every guitar geek within ear shot will hang on every word… and for good reason. Dana’s guitars are one thing that is inspiring, but the knowledge that he has of guitar building brings all of that to a whole different level.
These are heirloom instruments of the highest level, no doubt.
Bourgeois Guitar Links
- Bourgeois Guitars Homepage
- Bourgeois Guitars Custom Gallery
- Learn About What Sets Bourgeois Guitars Apart
- Dana’s Building Philosophy
- Listen to Courtney Hartman Play a Single 0 Bourgeois
- Listen to Courtney Hartman Play a Bourgeois Luthier’s Choice Guitar
- Hear the New Bourgeois Generation Series
- Checkout Eddie’s Guitars Bourgeois Selection
- Checkout Heartbreaker Guitars Bourgeois Selection
Tony,
Have you played one of the new Bourgeois Touchstone
OM’s? If so, what do you think of the collaboration of Bourgeois and Eastman?