Unofficial Taylor Guitar Forum - UTGF
The Lounge => The Lounge => Topic started by: cigarfan on March 22, 2012, 02:28:23 PM
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I know it's not a Taylor ... but I also know you all can appreciate just how nice it is! :) :) :)
Been looking forward to this day since I decided to learn fingerstyle. Feels like a dream as it has finally arrived. Having no experience playing a Bourgeois I was taking a risk but after having a chance to sit and play this guitar, I know it was the right decision.
So comfortable to play. Man, I am really likin' the way the neck feels in my hand. Dana and crew have done an exquisite job putting this thing together. Every construction detail is just perfect. The only concern I had was how I would like the sound of the redwood top ... no longer. A very intimate sound ... warm with clarity across the tonal spectrum. Intonation is perfect. Very articulate and responsive. Tom @ Redwood Acoustics described a "growl" which I couldn't quite wrap my mind around but now I know what was talking about. The lower register just jumps out at you when you dig in. Awesome!
A huge THANKS to Tom @ Redwood Acoustics for the smooth buying experience.
Here is a sound clip (http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/bourgeois-sample.mp3) recorded with my Zoom HN4.
The specs and pics. Enjoy!
Body Style: Small Jumbo
Top: Master Redwood
Back & Sides: Master Madagascar
Headstock: Square w/ Brazilian Veneer and Mother of Pearl Bourgeois inlay
Body/Fretboard/Headstock Binding: Dark Flamed Koa
Custom Purfling: Top/back border and headstock
High Gloss Body and Satin Neck Finish
Backstrip: Arrowhead
Neck: One piece Mahogany
Short Scale: 25" 14-fret
Rosette: Custom
Fretboard: Ebony
Fretboard Inlay: None
Bridge: Small Ebony Belly - 2 5/16"
Bridge & End pins: Fossilized Ivory
Nut & Saddle: Bone
Nut Width: 1 3/4"
Tuners: Gold Waverly’s w/ Snakewood buttons
Pickguard: Premium Tortoiseshell (provided separately)
Hot Hide Glue Package
Case: TKL Deluxe Hardshell
http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2011-Bourgeois-SJ-Custom-01.jpg (http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2011-Bourgeois-SJ-Custom-01.jpg)
http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2011-Bourgeois-SJ-Custom-02.jpg (http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2011-Bourgeois-SJ-Custom-02.jpg)
http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2011-Bourgeois-SJ-Custom-03.jpg (http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2011-Bourgeois-SJ-Custom-03.jpg)
http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2011-Bourgeois-SJ-Custom-04.jpg (http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2011-Bourgeois-SJ-Custom-04.jpg)
http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2011-Bourgeois-SJ-Custom-16.png (http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2011-Bourgeois-SJ-Custom-16.png)
http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2011-Bourgeois-SJ-Custom-15.png (http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2011-Bourgeois-SJ-Custom-15.png)
http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2011-Bourgeois-SJ-Custom-08.jpg (http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2011-Bourgeois-SJ-Custom-08.jpg)
http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2011-Bourgeois-SJ-Custom-10.jpg (http://home.comcast.net/~dglair/pwpimages/2011-Bourgeois-SJ-Custom-10.jpg)
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Cigar,
That is one freaking gorgeous guitar! Mazel tov.
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That is one beauty! Best of luck with it and many years of enjoyable playing...
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I'll bet it is a dream to play, it sure is gorgeous! How did you happen upon that company and decide on that model?
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How did you happen upon that company and decide on that model?
I knew I wanted to try a boutique brand. Something other than the "big" producers as I already have some of theirs. Narrowed the field to Goodall, Collings, Lowden, Olson, Santa Cruz and Bourgeois (not very narrow I know). My focus was "good for finger-style" and like most of my acquisitions, try a different tonewood combination. I was looking for a smaller, more comfortable piece on the order of a parlor but with some punch in the bass register. I played a few and listened online to many more. I narrowed the field to an Olson or a Bourgeois. Both are pricey but the Bourgeois won out and I felt the OM and Small Jumbo sizes were going to be the best for me. At this point it became an inventory search on the net and seeking advice from AGF members on ways forward (allot of boutique owners over there). Redwood Acoustics popped up during a discussion of top Santa Cruz dealers in 2011. I looked over their inventory and found this beauty. And the rest, as they say, is history ... or maybe I should say a really nice guitar for my future.
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Man, you're on a roll. I'm excited to see what you get next week... ;)
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gorgeous! absolutely love it!
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That's a beautiful guitar. 8)
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Man, you're on a roll. I'm excited to see what you get next week... ;)
I know it seems that way and I apologize to anyone who thinks my acquisition whirlwind is over the top. I came into some estate money from my father who passed Feb 2010. Dad was not a musician himself but a true fan. When we were kids he afforded us lessons for anything we wanted play. When I picked up the guitar and played for him he just lit up. I thought it would be fitting to invest the money from him in this way. That said, I think this "roll" is coming up on a stop sign. The comptroller at my place has warned me not to step outside the cash I received from Dad or I may lose body parts. I believe her. Besides that, I now have more than my fair share of wonderful guitars and I am quite settled to be happy with my collection of wood.
I know the Bourgeois is not a Taylor but I just wanted to share the beautiful construction and sound with you all. Hope I didn't offend any hardcore Taylor lovers by posting here. I am, and always will be, ecstatic about all of the guitars I am blessed with.
... dennis
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Don't worry, Dennis. No judgement here -- Just envy... 8)
The guitar is just ridiculously gorgeous, and a worthy remembrance for your father. Now, play it loud enough for him to hear it!!!
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Man, you're on a roll. I'm excited to see what you get next week... ;)
I apologize to anyone who thinks my acquisition whirlwind is over the top.
... dennis
Hey Dennis,
You don't at all need to apologize for being lucky enough to afford great guitars. There are always going to be people who think any purchase above a 114 is over the top, and they don't need to be apologized to.
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Oh, I hope my comments weren't taken the wrong way -- all the new guitars have been awesome and I've enjoyed the reviews. I was genuinely hoping there would be more eye candy in a week or two!
:)
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Dennis,
I think that this is a great tribute to your father, for without him you wouldn't be here. What would be a nice gesture is for the guitars you own with truss rod covers, have ones made with some type of wording for him? Just a thought...
Gary
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Oh, I hope my comments weren't taken the wrong way -- all the new guitars have been awesome and I've enjoyed the reviews. I was genuinely hoping there would be more eye candy in a week or two!
:)
No worries. My answer more to do with the lack of comments on this post as opposed to those that have. I didn't take yours the wrong way ... fact is your post kinda made me smile! Appreciate that! :D
Tell you what I'll do.
Like most of us, I keep my eyes open for beautiful guitars. Whether I can purchase them ... another set of criteria (read that $).
Gonna start a thread here where everyone can post beautiful stuff everyone can dream to own and most can't afford to buy!
Keep the juices flowing!
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Dennis,
I think that this is a great tribute to your father, for without him you wouldn't be here. What would be a nice gesture is for the guitars you own with truss rod covers, have ones made with some type of wording for him? Just a thought...
Gary
That is a superb idea! Now the search for someone who can do that ... hmmm. :o
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Wow!! How does it sound?
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Wow!! How does it sound?
There is a link to an audio file in his first post. :)
It's beautiful to look at and its sound is incredible! Congratulations! :D
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Nice, I like the way it rings and sounds so bright but not overly so. My speakers are not the greatest tho'.
How does it compare to the Taylors and the others you've played?
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I didn't notice the sound clip at first. After listening to your new guitar, I have to say that it sounds as sweet as it looks. Great playing, by the way.
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How does it compare to the Taylors and the others you've played?
I gotta say I am so blessed to have such a superabundance of quality guitars. I don't take that for granted.
The Bourgeois brings another unique voice to the coral. The guitar is stunning to look at but incredibly, it sounds better than it looks. It's not a boomer but it has very good volume. Now I know what folks meant by "the low end growl of the redwood top." Not as much bass as the 2 Taylor Maccasar Ebony but rich sound and it has such clarity in note separation and balance from lows to highs. The overtones from the rosewood are nothing short of fantastic. This will be my go-to guitar for finger-style. It has all of the qualities I was looking for. I'm convinced, Dana Bourgeois is a master at voicing a guitar.
Last night I got all the guitars out and played round-robin for a couple hours. What an incredible array of quality sounds. And each one brings something special to the table. My Yamaha FG-160 served me well for better than 35 years but now ... all I can say is WOW! I love each one. Don't want to part with any of them but I may have to.
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Great playing, by the way.
Thanks Dennis. Actually, I think like most of us here, it's a work in progress.
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thanks for sharing the pics & sound clip Dennis :)
absolutely beautiful :o
congrats :D
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The Redwood top is truly a looker. when I was initially looking at guitars I was drawn to the cedar tops hence the 500 series and I surprisingly ended up with the 516 with the spruce top.
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Thanks for sharing! You sure have very good taste in guitars! Wish you all the best with your new beauty! ENJOY!!
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:)
Wow! i listened to your sound clip, & it is simply beautiful! Beyond the looks, I completely enjoyed listening to your new Bourgeois, you must simply love to play it, and you must not be getting much sleep!....