Bourgeois

“Slope Shouldered and “square shouldered” Dreadnoughts co-evolved from divergent lines of guitar DNA. Curvier and ever so slightly wider and deeper than its counterpart, the Slope D’s most important structural distinction lies in its short, 25” scale length. Long favored by country musicians – and additionally popular with a variety of American roots stylists – the Slope D is widely regarded as a superb choice for vocal accompaniment. And while also a fine flatpicking guitar, the Slope Shouldered species is usually considered a fingerpickers’ Dreadnought-of-choice.”  – From the Bourgeois Website

As intimated in the Bourgeois website copy above, the Slope D is a Gibson-inspired model.  Of course, as is true of any small production/boutique take on classic design, Dana Bourgeois’ tonal sensitivities and design tweaks ultimately translate to a voicing that fundamentally differs from that of any Gibson.  Perhaps most notably, the Bourgeois voice is more clear, balanced, and separated than that of the typical Gibson, where one often encounters a mid-forward and potentially more blended voicing.  As a result, the Bourgeois is very much as advertised—a big presence that is articulate and versatile enough to suit strummers and fingerpickers alike.

This particular example of the Slope D could be regarded as a synthesis of a J-45 and an Advanced Jumbo or “AJ,” in that it has the rosewood back and sides of an AJ but a shorter scale length like a J-45 (though, technically, the 25” scale here falls in between the 24 3/4” scale of a traditional J-45 and the 25 ½” of an AJ).   The Indian rosewood back and sides contribute a pleasing degree of warmth and richness to the note without muddying all of the signature Bourgeois vocal refinement.  Meanwhile, the shorter scale length subtly relaxes the Sitka spruce top, allowing for more elasticity in the top’s motion at pitch.  Much like a drum head that has been slightly detuned, this relaxation of the top also translates to an overall mellowing of the guitar’s presence.  Of course, the shorter scale can also be appealing in terms of playability for some players—it both reduces the distance of difficult stretches on the fingerboard while also offering a slinkier string feel for those who like to bend strings more aggressively.  In short, this Slope D is an excellent option for anyone a guitar with Gibson-esque feel and breadth of tone with a more refined voice.

Condition:

This guitar was very well kept by its previous owner and exhibits no significant cosmetic wear or structural issues.  Upon arrival we did note two small patches of finish separation on each side of the neck heel at the fingerboard tongue (i.e., towards the top of the guitar).  While we have improved these, some evidence of the repair is still evident upon close inspection.  Additionally, we discovered slight bridge separation, which has likewise been addressed.  NEAR MINT condition

• Slope Shoulder Dreadnought Body
• Solid Sitka Spruce Top
• Spruce Hybrid X-Bracing (Asymmetrical: Tapered on Treble Side, Shorter and Subtly Scalloped on Bass Side) with Two Scalloped Tone Bars
• Rosewood Bridge Plate
• Indian Back and Sides
• Grained Ivoroid Body Binding
• 3-Ply Black/Grained Ivoroid Top Purfling
• Indian Rosewood Heel Cap and Endpiece
• 3-Ring Black/White Rosette
• Gloss Nitrocellulose Body Finish
• Honduran Mahogany Neck
• Bound Ebony Fingerboard
• Long Pattern Mother of Pearl “Tiny” Dot Fingerboard Inlays
• Squared Headstock
• Mother of Pearl Headstock Logo
• Indian Rosewood Headstock Veneer
• Gloss Nitrocellulose Neck Finish
• Rosewood (Granadillo?) Belly Bridge Bridge
• Ebony Bridge Pins with Mother of Pearl Dots
• Nickel Gotoh Kluson Style Tuners with Butterbean Buttons
• Faux Tortoiseshell Pickguard
• Bone Nut, Bone Drop-In Saddle
• 1 3/4” Nut Width
• 2 3/16” “Wide” String Spacing at the Bridge
• 25” Scale Length
• Gator Deluxe Molded Hardshell Case