Bourgeois

Dana Bourgeois is without question one of the most widely-respected acoustic guitar builders of the modern era.  Apart from the recognition he has achieved as a builder, Dana is known as one of the early pioneers and champions of torrefaction.  In the following years, torrefaction has become a now common process in our industry, whereby wood is super-heated in a vacuum to a crystallized state that is consistent with the physical nature of the naturally-aged woods of vintage instruments. (NOTE: We are always quick to mention that torrefaction doesn’t replicate the effect of decades of exercising a top through active use, but we do find that it very effectively replicates the drier response and enhanced projection of fundamentals typical of the best vintage instruments.) Being cognizant of the tonal quality and concomitant market appeal of the pre-WWII/wartime golden era vintage guitars (i.e., those built between 1920 – 1945), Bourgeois has clearly paid homage to the pre-war Martin dreadnought in his Vintage D model, both in terms of specifications and voicing. Accordingly, the Vintage D offers the player a very appealing firm note foundation, a rich tonal palette, and a confident overall presence. Yet, unlike the Martins upon which it is based, one detects a more refined, an overall balanced voicing in the Vintage D, which translates to a greater degree of articulation in the instrument.  Subsequently, this unique blend of vintage inspiration and modern refinement would undoubtedly stoke the creative fires of any dreadnought enthusiast.

This particular Vintage D has been hot-rodded with an Aged Tone (or torrefied) Adirondack spruce top, as well as highly-prized Madagascar rosewood back and sides. Without paying the premium for Brazilian rosewood, this is about as close as one can come to completely replicating pre-war Martin Style 28 spec. Thus, the Madagascar rosewood used for the back sides on this instrument creates a lot of appeal, as this wood is not only visually arresting, but it mirrors the glassy response and harmonically rich sonic texture of Brazilian Rosewood. These sonic qualities are, in turn, well-suited to highlight the enhanced dynamic range and top end clarity associated with Adirondack spruce, as the clear, rich, and punchy response of Madagascar rosewood better drives/propels the top. With the application of the optional Aged Tone process to the top factored in, this Vintage D makes for a very impressive and well-rounded dreadnought with a healthy dose of vintage vibe for the player to exploit.

Condition

This Vintage D came from a collection where it was clearly meticulously maintained, as there are no structural or cosmetic issues to report.  EXCEPTIONALLY FINE Condition.

• Dreadnought Body
• Aged-Tone/Baked Adirondack Spruce Top
• Spruce Pre-War Scalloped X-Bracing
• Madagascar Rosewood Back & Sides
• Grained Ivoroid Body Binding
• HerringboneTop Purfling
• 3-Ring Rosette with Ivoroid Center Ring
• Zipper Backstrip
• High-Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer Body Finish
• Mahogany Neck
• Modified V Neck Contour
• Ebony Fingerboard
• Long Pattern Abalone Slotted Diamond and Squares Fingerboard Inlay
• Black Fingerboard Binding
• Ziricote Peghead Veneer
• Mother of Pearl Bourgeois Logo
• Nickel Waverly Tuners
• Satin Neck Finish
• Ebony Belly Bridge
• Bone Nut and Drop-In Saddle
• Faux Tortoiseshell Beveled Pickguard
• 25 ½” Scale Length
• 1 23/32” Nut Width
• 2 3/16” String Spacing at Bridge
• Original Pimpled AVS Double Arched Hard Case