Bourgeois

“After a lifetime of favoring larger guitars, Dana found the L-DBO’s power-to-size ratio and clear, direct voice ideal for his personal needs: consisting of unwinding in the living room, casual jamming with friends, very occasional stage use, ease of play and ready transportability. He has since acquired several. Dana’s personal model features a coarse-grained Aged Tone Adirondack top, Sinker Mahogany back and sides, Animal Protein Glue and a single, tiny headstock Inlay. ” – From the Bourgeois Website

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! 

According to the Bourgeois site, the L-DB is Dana Bourgeois’ preferred guitar, given its “power-to-size ratio.“  In playing this particular L-DB, one can readily appreciate Dana’s preference, as this charming guitar is indeed an impressive interpretation of the famous Gibson L-00 models.  By virtue of its Aged Tone (i.e., torrefied) Adirondack top, Aged Tone bracing, Sinker mahogany back and sides, and protein glue construction, SN. 10186 can certainly boast specs that would be consistent with the Gibsons upon which it is based.  Yet, in terms of both overall construction and, more importantly, voicing, all the modern refinements one would expect from a builder like Dana Bourgeois are clearly on display.  As we have come to expect from Bourgeois guitars in general, this L-DB has a firm, pure, and well-composed note foundation, which affords the player a great measure of control when it comes to defining the timbre of the note with the right hand attack.  In addition to being exceedingly well-balanced and clear, this L-DB is very responsive, even to a lighter touch.  Here we must note that, while torrefaction is known to enhance response and fundamental sustain in a guitar, this degree of responsiveness is somewhat surprising in the context of a recently-made small-bodied guitar with an Adirondack top. 

Otherwise, the Adirondack top on this guitar definitely lives up to expectations when it comes to increased dynamic range and clarity.  In a similar vein, the beautiful and highly-prized mineralized Sinker Mahogany (sourced from Belizean riverbeds rather than Honduran forests) contributes an enhanced, glassy directness and punch that is well-suited to drive the Aged Tone Adirondack top to its full potential.  Once again, however, the voice of this L-DB has a surprise in store, as what is generally regarded as a very bright tonewood pairing (Adirondack with Mahogany) is in no way strident or harsh, even in a newer small-bodied guitar.  Rather, one encounters a brilliant definition that is tinged with a pleasing warmth and just enough roundness to the note to counter any impulse towards harshness that might live within such a beautiful and understated little guitar. With all that said, we all agree that this L-DB is as advertised: “No frills. Just comfort, presence and versatility.”

Condition:

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

• L-00 Style Body
• Solid Aged Tone Adirondack Spruce Top
• Aged Tone Torrefied Bracing
• Sinker Mahogany Back and Sides
• Grained Ivoroid Body Binding
• 3-Ply Black/Grained Ivoroid Purfling
• Ziricote Heel Cap
• Mahogany Endpiece
• 5-Ply B/W/B/W/B Single-Ring Rosette
• Animal Protein Glue Construction
• Aged Tone Gloss Body Finish
• Honduran Mahogany Neck
• 14-Frets Clear of the Body
• Ziricote Fingerboard
• Ziricote Fingerboard Binding
• Long Pattern Mother of Pearl “Tiny” Dot Fingerboard Inlays
• Mother of Pearl “AJ” Headstock Inlay and Logo
• Ebony Headstock Veneer
• Satin Neck Finish
• Ziricote Rectangular Bridge
• Grained Ivoroid Bridge Pins
• Nickel Waverly Tuners with Grained Ivoroid Oval Buttons
• Faux Tortoiseshell Pickguard
• Bone Nut, Bone Drop-In Saddle
• 1 23/32” Nut Width
• 2 3/16” “Wide” String Spacing at the Bridge
• 25” Scale Length
• Original TKL 9000-Series Arched Top Hardshell Case