Author Topic: NGD - Bourgeois SJ Custom Redwood/Madi  (Read 9832 times)

cigarfan

  • Veteran Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1451
  • If He comes today ...........are you ready?
    • I Ignite!
NGD - Bourgeois SJ Custom Redwood/Madi
« on: March 22, 2012, 02:28:23 PM »
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 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-02.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-16.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-10.jpg
« Last Edit: April 17, 2012, 08:09:32 PM by michaelw »
Blackbird, Froggy Bottom, Gibson, Goodall, Hatcher,
Kanile'a, Kinnard, Kwasnycia, Martin, Rainsong,
Ryan, Santa Cruz, Taylor, Voyage Air, Weber

DennisG

  • Veteran Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1064
  • Veni Vidi Velcro: I came, I saw, I stuck around
Re: NGD - Bourgeois SJ Custom Redwood/Madi
« Reply #1 on: March 22, 2012, 02:47:33 PM »
Cigar,

That is one freaking gorgeous guitar!  Mazel tov.
-------------------------------------
'21 Goodall GC - master redwood/Macassar ebony
'18 Taylor K14-BE
'18 Taylor 114e
'21 Taylor GT Urban Ash
'15 Martin uke

gdeleo

  • Veteran Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 542
  • Baton Rouge, LA
Re: NGD - Bourgeois SJ Custom Redwood/Madi
« Reply #2 on: March 22, 2012, 04:47:04 PM »
That is one beauty!  Best of luck with it and many years of enjoyable playing...
Gary
2013 Bourgeois OMC Custom
2014 Collings OM2HVN

mgap

  • Global Moderator
  • Veteran Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 5826
Re: NGD - Bourgeois SJ Custom Redwood/Madi
« Reply #3 on: March 22, 2012, 05:36:16 PM »
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?
He who loses money, loses much; he who loses a friend, loses more; he who loses faith, loses all.

cigarfan

  • Veteran Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1451
  • If He comes today ...........are you ready?
    • I Ignite!
Re: NGD - Bourgeois SJ Custom Redwood/Madi
« Reply #4 on: March 22, 2012, 07:20:50 PM »
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.
Blackbird, Froggy Bottom, Gibson, Goodall, Hatcher,
Kanile'a, Kinnard, Kwasnycia, Martin, Rainsong,
Ryan, Santa Cruz, Taylor, Voyage Air, Weber

ataylor

  • Veteran Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 497
    • I'm recording an album -- check it out on Kickstarter!
Re: NGD - Bourgeois SJ Custom Redwood/Madi
« Reply #5 on: March 22, 2012, 10:58:44 PM »
Man, you're on a roll. I'm excited to see what you get next week... ;)
2005 Taylor 210 (sitka/sapele)

mea1970

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 50
Re: NGD - Bourgeois SJ Custom Redwood/Madi
« Reply #6 on: March 22, 2012, 11:11:44 PM »
gorgeous! absolutely love it!
-----------------------------
'12 Taylor GC Macassar Ebony/Sinker
'11 Taylor GS Mini
'83 Les Paul
Ron Kirn custom Telecaster
Reverend Reeves Gabrels Signature
Reverend PA-1 hollow body

CodeBlueEMT

  • Veteran Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1649
  • In Dog Beers, I've Only Had One
Re: NGD - Bourgeois SJ Custom Redwood/Madi
« Reply #7 on: March 23, 2012, 01:07:55 AM »
 That's a beautiful guitar.  8)
Shayne

Taylor: '99 XXV-DR, '08 SB-1 Classic, '11 314ce, '14 524ce, '15 Custom GO, '17 T5z Pro
Martin: '13 000-28EC, '13 GPCPA1 Plus
Gibson: '23 Custom '57 LP Goldtop
Hard Knocks: Custom Esquire

cigarfan

  • Veteran Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1451
  • If He comes today ...........are you ready?
    • I Ignite!
Re: NGD - Bourgeois SJ Custom Redwood/Madi
« Reply #8 on: March 23, 2012, 07:45:32 AM »
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
Blackbird, Froggy Bottom, Gibson, Goodall, Hatcher,
Kanile'a, Kinnard, Kwasnycia, Martin, Rainsong,
Ryan, Santa Cruz, Taylor, Voyage Air, Weber

Gutch

  • Veteran Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 545
    • www.davegutshall.com
Re: NGD - Bourgeois SJ Custom Redwood/Madi
« Reply #9 on: March 23, 2012, 09:15:07 AM »
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!!! 
‎"Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything."
-- Plato

DennisG

  • Veteran Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1064
  • Veni Vidi Velcro: I came, I saw, I stuck around
Re: NGD - Bourgeois SJ Custom Redwood/Madi
« Reply #10 on: March 23, 2012, 09:18:49 AM »
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.
-------------------------------------
'21 Goodall GC - master redwood/Macassar ebony
'18 Taylor K14-BE
'18 Taylor 114e
'21 Taylor GT Urban Ash
'15 Martin uke

ataylor

  • Veteran Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 497
    • I'm recording an album -- check it out on Kickstarter!
Re: NGD - Bourgeois SJ Custom Redwood/Madi
« Reply #11 on: March 23, 2012, 10:25:17 AM »
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!

:)
2005 Taylor 210 (sitka/sapele)

gdeleo

  • Veteran Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 542
  • Baton Rouge, LA
Re: NGD - Bourgeois SJ Custom Redwood/Madi
« Reply #12 on: March 23, 2012, 10:40:02 AM »
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
Gary
2013 Bourgeois OMC Custom
2014 Collings OM2HVN

cigarfan

  • Veteran Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1451
  • If He comes today ...........are you ready?
    • I Ignite!
Re: NGD - Bourgeois SJ Custom Redwood/Madi
« Reply #13 on: March 23, 2012, 11:08:58 AM »
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!
Blackbird, Froggy Bottom, Gibson, Goodall, Hatcher,
Kanile'a, Kinnard, Kwasnycia, Martin, Rainsong,
Ryan, Santa Cruz, Taylor, Voyage Air, Weber

cigarfan

  • Veteran Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1451
  • If He comes today ...........are you ready?
    • I Ignite!
Re: NGD - Bourgeois SJ Custom Redwood/Madi
« Reply #14 on: March 23, 2012, 11:10:58 AM »
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
Blackbird, Froggy Bottom, Gibson, Goodall, Hatcher,
Kanile'a, Kinnard, Kwasnycia, Martin, Rainsong,
Ryan, Santa Cruz, Taylor, Voyage Air, Weber