Are Bourgeois Guitars Worth the Money? Bourgeois guitars are known for their exceptional craftsmanship, using premium tonewoods and meticulous attention to detail. While they come with a higher price tag compared to mass-produced guitars, the quality and value they offer can be significant. The sound produced by Bourgeois guitars is often described as rich, balanced, and resonant. The playability is also top-notch, making them a delight to play for both seasoned musicians and hobbyists alike. The durability and longevity of these guitars are also noteworthy, ensuring they can withstand the rigors of frequent play and occasional bumps. However, it’s important to consider your budget and playing needs. While Bourgeois guitars are undoubtedly high-quality instruments, there are other excellent guitars available at lower price points that may suit your requirements just as well.
Tonewood Selection and Construction
Bourgeois guitars are highly regarded for their exceptional craftsmanship and tonewoods. The company uses a variety of premium tonewoods, including:
- Top: Sitka spruce, Adirondack spruce, Engelmann spruce
- Sides and back: Indian rosewood, Brazilian rosewood, mahogany
The specific combination of tonewoods used affects the guitar’s overall sound and playability. For example, Sitka spruce produces a bright, clear sound, while Adirondack spruce has a more complex and articulate tone. Indian rosewood adds warmth and depth, while Brazilian rosewood is known for its rich, resonant sound.
In addition to tonewood selection, Bourgeois guitars are constructed with meticulous attention to detail. The company’s luthiers use traditional woodworking techniques to ensure that each guitar is built to the highest standards. This includes using hand-carved braces, dovetail joints, and a carefully calibrated neck angle.
The result is a guitar that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also produces a rich, resonant, and balanced sound. Bourgeois guitars are designed to last for generations and become cherished family heirlooms.
| Tonewood | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Sitka spruce | Bright, clear sound |
| Adirondack spruce | Complex, articulate tone |
| Indian rosewood | Warmth, depth |
| Brazilian rosewood | Rich, resonant sound |
Playability and Ergonomics
Bourgeois guitars are known for their exceptional playability and ergonomics. The guitars are designed with a comfortable body shape and a low action, making them easy to play for hours on end. The necks are also well-shaped and the frets are finished to a high standard, providing a smooth and comfortable playing surface.
- Body Shape: The body shape of Bourgeois guitars is designed to be comfortable to hold and play, even for extended periods of time.
- Low Action: The low action of Bourgeois guitars makes them easy to play, even for beginners.
- Well-Shaped Necks: The necks of Bourgeois guitars are well-shaped and the frets are finished to a high standard, providing a smooth and comfortable playing surface.
In addition to their playability, Bourgeois guitars are also known for their excellent ergonomics. The guitars are lightweight and well-balanced, making them easy to hold and play for long periods of time. The headstocks are also designed to minimize neck dive, which can be a problem with some other guitars.
| Feature | Bourgeois Guitars |
|---|---|
| Body Shape | Comfortable to hold and play |
| Action | Low |
| Neck | Well-shaped and comfortable |
| Headstock | Designed to minimize neck dive |
Customer Service and Reputation
Bourgeois Guitars prides itself on providing exceptional customer service and building a strong reputation within the guitar community. Here’s an overview of their approach and reputation:
Customer Service
- Personalized Support: Bourgeois offers one-on-one communication with a dedicated customer service team for personalized inquiries and support.
- Warranty and Repairs: Guitars come with a comprehensive warranty against defects and receive expert repairs from skilled luthiers when needed.
- Lifetime Refurbishment: Bourgeois offers a lifetime refurbishment program that allows owners to maintain the condition and playability of their guitars over the years.
Reputation
| Aspect | Reputation |
|---|---|
| Craftsmanship | Exceptional, known for meticulous attention to detail |
| Tone and Playability | Exceptional, praised for acoustic richness and responsiveness |
| Artist Endorsements | Endorsed by renowned guitarists such as Tony Rice, Tim O’Brien, and Tim Reynolds |
| Industry Recognition | Awards and accolades from notable guitar publications and organizations |
| Resale Value | High resale value due to collector interest and limited production |
Bourgeois Guitars: Assessing Their Value
Bourgeois guitars are renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship, tone, and playability. However, these qualities come with a hefty price tag, leading many to question their worthiness. In this article, we will delve into the resale value of Bourgeois guitars, a crucial factor to consider before making an investment.
Resale Value
- High Demand: Bourgeois guitars are highly sought after in the market due to their quality and limited production.
- Appreciation over Time: As with many fine instruments, Bourgeois guitars tend to appreciate in value over time, making them a sound investment.
- Exceptional Condition: Guitars that are well-maintained and in pristine condition fetch higher resale prices.
- Special Editions and Rarities: Limited-edition models and rare woods contribute to the guitar’s exclusivity and enhance its resale value.
| Guitar Model | Average Resale Value as a Percentage of Original Price |
|---|---|
| Bourgeois OM Country Boy | 85-90% |
| Bourgeois D Signature Aged Tone | 90-95% |
| Bourgeois Slope D Aged Tone Vintage | 95-100% |
It’s important to note that the resale value of Bourgeois guitars can vary depending on several factors, including the model, condition, and market demand. However, based on historical data and current market trends, they consistently maintain a high resale value, making them a valuable addition to any guitar collection.
That’s all, folks! Thanks for sticking with me on this journey through the world of Bourgeois guitars. It was a pleasure to share my thoughts and experiences with you. If you’ve got any questions or comments, feel free to drop me a line. Otherwise, I’ll catch you next time for more guitar-related adventures. Until then, keep on pickin’!