Bourgeois

As we frequently state around here, the fundamental design elements of the pre-war, holy-grail, vintage guitars have been exhaustively researched and documented by this point, effectively making each a classic “grandma’s biscuits” sort of recipe.  And, of course, any steel string acoustic luthier worth his salt is likely to try his hand at baking this recipe at some point, and many end up fixated on refining their interpretation of the recipe.  Dana Bourgeois is no exception; and, as he is considered one of the pioneers of torrefaction as it applies to guitar building, one could assert that he is one of the foremost guitar bakers operating today. 

Yet, as is always the case when it comes to interpreting a recipe, the original is one thing and the variation or interpretation is another.  In our opinion, for instance, it is quite unrealistic to expect any modern guitar to be a complete analogue of a vintage guitar, as this would require replicating the effect of decades of use in addition to replicating the design.  Along that line, to maintain unwavering blind reverence for the old instruments would be to ignore all of the great advances that modern builders have achieved! 

Indeed, guitars such as this delightful OM Country Boy Deluxe underscore the fact that we truly live in a golden age of acoustic guitar, where the precedent of the great old guitars has been ardently studied and continually refined.  For its size, this OM has a surprisingly bold voice that is appropriately firm and balanced.  Though the notes are clearly defined and crisp, one also detects pleasing hints of darkness and color in the background.  Moreover, the complete Aged Tone package (i.e., torrefied top, back and sides, and bracing) infuses this instrument’s voice with a robust vintage flavor profile that is defined by enhanced fundamental sustain, a drier and more direct timbre, and a projection that is overall more powerful and forward.  This all translates to a very satisfying lyrical nature in an instrument that can be intimate or front and center as needed. 

These sonic qualities are mirrored by a tasteful aesthetic treatment.   At a glance, one readily detects the influence of classic pre-war Martin Style 18 appointments, particularly the pairing of Mahogany and Adirondack spruce with a wooden binding.  Yet, in the case of this OM, some substantial upgrades are proudly on display: In particular, the back and sides have been upgraded with a truly striking figured/flamed Mahogany.  The binding, heelcap, and headstock overlay have been upgraded to Ziricote.  And, as a fitting finishing touch, the Aged Tone treatment has also been applied to the finish, imparting some darn fine vintage curb appeal, while complementing the impact of the Aged Tone on the guitar’s sonic flavor profile.   Complete with a comfortable modified V neck, this OM Country Boy Deluxe certainly lives up to its reputation as a stunning Bourgeois guitar, embodying all that constitutes a modern interpretation of a classic design.

Condition:

This guitar was very well kept by its previous owner and exhibits no signs of play wear.  EXCEPTIONALLY FINE condition

• 14-Fret 000/OM Body
• Solid Aged Tone (Torrefied) Adirondack Spruce Top
• Aged Tone (Torrefied) Pre-War Scalloped Bracing
• Figured Mahogany Back and Sides
• Ziricote Body Binding and Heelcap
• Black Fiber/Maple Top Purfling
• Single-Ply Back Strip
• Three Ring Rosette
• Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer Body Finish
• Aged Tone Stain
• Mahogany Neck
• Bolt-On Neck Joint
• Modified V Neck Carve
• Ebony Fingerboard
• Style 18 (Short Pattern) Mother of Pearl Dot Fingerboard Inlays
• Square Headstock with Diamond Volute
• Ziricote Headstock Veneer
• Mother of Pearl Bourgeois Headstock Logo
• Satin Neck Finish
• Ebony “Traditional” Belly Bridge with Drop-In Saddle
• Animal Protein Glue Construction
• Gold Waverly Tuning Machines with Butterbean Buttons
• Bone Nut and Saddle
• Bone Bridge Pins and Endpin
• Beveled Teardrop Faux Tortoiseshell Pickguard
• 1 3/4” Nut Width
• 2 5/16” String Spacing at Bridge
• 25 1/2” Scale Length
• Original Pimpled Arched Top Hardshell Case