Get an in-depth look at the Bourgeois Touchstone Country Boy guitar. Explore its features, specs, playability, and sound quality, perfect for discerning guitarists seeking exceptional value and craftsmanship.
Introduction
Hey there, fellow acoustic enthusiasts! Welcome back to The Acoustic Shoppe Blog – your go-to destination for all things acoustic guitars. Today, we're thrilled to bring you an exclusive sneak peek at the yet-to-be-released Bourgeois Touchstone Country Boy. This new model has been generating quite a buzz in the guitar community, and we can't wait to take you on a journey through its features, specs, and, of course, its sound. So, let's dive right in and discover what makes this guitar so special!
The Collaboration: A Perfect Harmony
At The Acoustic Shoppe, we've always been intrigued by the collaboration between Eastman and Bourgeois Guitars. This partnership is not just a business agreement; it's a fusion of expertise and passion for creating exceptional instruments. In a previous adventure, we had the privilege of visiting the Bourgeois factory and chatting with Dana Bourgeois and his talented team. It was there that we first learned about the Touchstone series, a groundbreaking collaboration aimed at bringing the signature Bourgeois sound to a wider audience while offering an excellent value proposition.
The Touchstone series represents the essence of this collaboration, with Eastman handling the crafting process under the strict guidelines and supervision of Bourgeois. This ensures that each guitar is voiced to perfection at the Bourgeois facility before being completed at Eastman's state-of-the-art factory. This meticulous attention to detail guarantees that the Touchstone guitars deliver the rich, resonant tones that Bourgeois is renowned for.
Specs and Features: A Closer Look
Now, let's get down to the specifics of the Bourgeois Touchstone Country Boy. Priced at $2,799 (at the time of this blog), this guitar is available in both dreadnought and OM styles, catering to different playing preferences. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its impressive features:
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Top: The guitar features an Alaskan Sitka Spruce soundboard, known for its exceptional resonance and clarity. This choice of wood ensures a bright, powerful tone that can cut through any mix.
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Back and Sides: Crafted from high-quality Mahogany, the back and sides contribute to the guitar’s warm, rich sound. Mahogany is celebrated for its balance and midrange emphasis, making it ideal for a variety of musical styles.
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Neck: The mahogany neck is designed for comfort and playability. It features a distinctive squared peghead and a ziricote overlay on the headplate, which adds a touch of elegance to the guitar’s appearance.
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Fretboard and Bridge: Both are made from luxurious ebony, offering smooth playability and durability. Ebony is preferred by many luthiers for its hardness and tonal clarity.
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Hardware: The guitar is equipped with a two-way adjustable truss rod, a bone nut and saddle, and sleek shallow grand tuners, ensuring precise tuning and intonation.
Playability and Feel: Designed for Musicians
When it comes to playability, the Bourgeois Touchstone Country Boy excels. The craftsmanship is evident in every detail, designed to provide an engaging and effortless playing experience. The neck profile is slightly different from the standard Bourgeois models, offering a unique feel that many players will appreciate. The guitar’s setup is impeccable, allowing for comfortable chord transitions and smooth soloing.
The action is set just right, making it easy to play without any buzzing or intonation issues. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned guitarist, the Touchstone Country Boy offers a playing experience that's both enjoyable and inspiring. It’s clear that a lot of thought has gone into ensuring this guitar meets the high standards set by Dana Bourgeois.
The Sound: A Symphony of Tones
Ah, the sound – the most critical aspect of any guitar. The Bourgeois Touchstone Country Boy truly shines in this department. The combination of Sitka Spruce and Mahogany creates a well-balanced, articulate tone that excels in both solo and group settings. This guitar is built to stand out in a mix, thanks to its well-defined individual notes and punchy, articulate character.
When strumming chords, the Touchstone Country Boy delivers a full, rich sound that envelops the listener. Each note rings out clearly, making it perfect for both rhythm and lead playing. The guitar’s balanced voicing ensures that whether you're picking intricate melodies or laying down a solid rhythm, every note is distinct and resonant.
The projection is impressive, filling the room with sound even when played unplugged. This makes it an excellent choice for both live performances and recording sessions. The clarity and sustain are remarkable, qualities that are hallmarks of Bourgeois guitars. It’s a guitar that not only meets but exceeds expectations in terms of tonal quality.
The Value Proposition: Quality Meets Affordability
Now, let's address the elephant in the room – the fact that the Bourgeois Touchstone Country Boy is built in China. While some may have reservations about this, it's important to understand that the Eastman facility where these guitars are crafted maintains high standards of skilled labor and sustainable practices. The collaboration with Eastman allows Bourgeois to offer their renowned craftsmanship at a more accessible price point.
Dana Bourgeois himself has praised this partnership, emphasizing the stringent quality control measures in place to ensure that every Touchstone guitar meets the high standards of Bourgeois Guitars. The result is a guitar that delivers exceptional value without compromising on quality. At $2,799, the Touchstone Country Boy offers features and sound quality that rival much more expensive instruments.
Conclusion: A Guitar Worth Your Attention
All in all, the Bourgeois Touchstone Country Boy delivers on its promise of quality craftsmanship, balanced tone, and exceptional value. If you're in the market for a guitar that captures the spirit of Bourgeois while staying within a reasonable budget, this guitar certainly deserves your attention. Its combination of high-quality materials, meticulous craftsmanship, and impressive sound make it a standout choice for discerning guitarists.
At a price range that's hard to beat for its features and sound, the Touchstone Country Boy is definitely a contender for those seeking quality without breaking the bank. Whether you're a seasoned musician or a passionate hobbyist, this guitar is sure to inspire and elevate your playing experience.
As always, keep strumming, keep exploring, and stay tuned for more exciting acoustic content from The Acoustic Shoppe! We're committed to bringing you the latest and greatest in the world of acoustic guitars. Until next time, happy playing!
** Watch the full review and hear the instrument(s) here: An Affordable Boutique Guitar! Bourgeois Touchstone Country Boy Review **
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