People are gonna hate on me for this but modern Martin guitars are some the most overrated instruments. The name is what you pay for, the only people who tend to argue with me are people who own a new Martin. Go play one off the rack and you’ll leave underwhelmed and looking at the boutique manufacturers to be satisfied. This guitar SOUNDS better to me. The made in China gripe is the only legitimate complaint but even then it’s not a great one.
I love the sound of the Bourgeois guitar. Ray Lamontagne plays one on his performance on Letterman and it has the most beautiful sound. Looks like one of the classic dreadnought with a great sound.
I agree. It amazes me how much of a ridiculous idea this seems to be. This is not sustainable or good for the environment at all. I'm all for global collaborations but it seems laughable that a USA builder would ship tops to China to be assembled on guitar bodies. Just because they are "voiced" in the USA these are supposed to be better? As if Bourgeois are the only ones in the world to "voice" their guitar soundboards? So wait I'm confused. Is this a story about a USA company that can't or won't make affordable guitars? Or is this a story about a Chinese company that don't know how to make a guitar soundboard? This may be a symptom of why we need to MAGA
Also I'd like to add, my E6SS-TC came straight from Eastman to Australia and it's flawless, a good instrument is a good instrument no matter where it's made, one of these collaboration guitars could only be better really if that's possible.
Jeremy said, "Guy's put in the comments below a better built and better tone guitar in the $2700-$3000 range". Better tone is subjective. Not necessarily in the traditional Martin architecture, but Iris Guitars out of Vermont make for strong competition. Very good build quality in a satin finish. USA built.
Hey guys does Elliot make a capo for the 1 23/32 nut width on the Bourgeois? I love these guitars, got to play a vintage touchstone the first time at your store. Very impressive instrument! It"s like an HD28 on steroids. I could care less it is assembled in China, this thing is HIGH QUALITY flatpicking awesomeness.
I love these guitars. I would prefer a less bright guitar with more warmth and balance of bass and treble but that is my personal taste. Others might prefer this sound more. Great review and wonderful playing!
Just started playing guitar about a year ago. I’m in my 50s and I currently have a “well loved” (used) big baby Taylor that I’m learning on but now that I’m progressing and can afford a “nice” guitar, I’ve started looking into different options in the $1500-3k range. So this is a bit on the higher end but love the sound and is a nice looking guitar. But ultimately I just want to find something I enjoy playing, plays well and is something I’ll enjoy for years to come. I know there are a number of options to choose from in this price range so thank you for the reviews and information you provide on this channel. In my limited research so far I did come across Zager. It seems this is a dirty word in some circles but I am curious if you have tried or reviewed a Zager ZAD 900 or 80 series guitar. Would love an honest review and understanding of the criticisms I see out there. I haven’t played one yet but would love someone to do a review that doesn’t seem to be sponsored by Zager. I’m intrigued because of the claim of playability and slim neck design as I have smaller hands than most. I know I need to get back out and getting some more guitars under my fingers at a local shop to see what works for me but I would still love some constructive feedback on where to start. Thanks!
How much carbon footprint does it require to ship back and forth between US and China? Why can't they just lower their price $3000? This is precisely why China can and do things better. While manufacturers in the US look for shortcuts and a way out, China steps in and gets things done and most likely in a more sustainable way.
God’s good world is full of fine men and they don’t all look like me. Proof of beauty and humanity when good folks from two different countries come together. Semper Fi
Both great, just different, they definitely sound more like a Bourgeois, here is a link to our back to back comparison with the Rosewood versions: ruclips.net/video/jY7mS5We_bc/видео.html In the near future we will be the country boy touchstone to like instruments!
Who really plays lead on a acoustic. Lol They sound nice but I'll keep my American built larrivee which I paided less than half the price for... and is rosewood.
I dig it, Are all Bourgeois guitars bolt on? I am real glad y’all don’t play Taylors on this channel, I used to dig the X braced Taylors, but haven’t been a fan since Andy took over, glad to see new brands coming in like Furch, Bourgeois, Santa Cruz, Collings, Froggy Bottom… I say new, but I mean new as in not just the same ole same
We do not have that spec but it will be listed on the products when they hit our website. We typically only point out when string spacing is wider in reviews.
Hey guys, another great video. Beautiful top on the OM. I thought it sounded fantastic. I personally like these more than the rosewood Vintage. Eastman is based in Pomona, California, and, speaking for the Maine team, we are treated exceptionally well. Come up to Maine to see us again soon! ...Do you have an F style mando yet?
So Bourgeois is doing the production methods like Martin did with the Shenandoah? parts made in China with some assembly here. The Shenandoah didn't do well at all. also with the Martin for the price point you can have a guitar that's made in the USA. but to each their own, I don't knock anyone for playing a guitar made overseas. Cheers
Bourgeois was acquired by the Eastman company so no matter how you flip it Bourgeois guitars will have Chinese ties. Also,.with the up on quality with Eastman I think some of the stigma that comes with China is being proven a myth. Sure, I don't agree with Chinese politics, but that doesn't mean they can't make great guitars. Quality is about effort not geography. I think the Touchstone series is a cool partnership between the two companies. It gives you a boutique instrument at about half the cost.
@@HenryPipes if Eastman purchased Bourgeois then it's not a joint effort at all. the company is not American anymore. but as I said before, to each their own.
So this new partly Chinese made (sans top)Touchstone Country Boy is priced the same as a Martin D-18 Standard series 100% made in Nazareth PA? Hmmm? I’m all for Eastman making a good quality, affordable copy of our favorite US made guitars but maybe the price is still a bit high given the standard D-18 pricing.
I don’t get your point. If you want a Martin D-18 buy a Martin D-18. Like the video states these are being made for a person that wants a Bourgeois guitar that’s normally $5-6k for half that. Sharing production in China they feel they can get the costs down, but still have a Bourgeois voiced top.
These days $2700 (the cost of a mid-market Martin guitar) is called “affordable?” Yikes! A typical Eastman acoustic runs $1500 or less, and that may well stretch the bounds of affordability.
Gushing advertisements have their place but they are not reviews...
I’d like to see a reasonably priced Tony Rice model come out. Love the content good job everyone 🇨🇦👍
I will put my Oregon built Breedloves up against those any day.
My Eastman E20D TC sounds better than this.
0:05
been looking for a mahogany back and sides om with a neck volute for a while. I think this is the first. I am incredibly excited for this.
People are gonna hate on me for this but modern Martin guitars are some the most overrated instruments. The name is what you pay for, the only people who tend to argue with me are people who own a new Martin. Go play one off the rack and you’ll leave underwhelmed and looking at the boutique manufacturers to be satisfied. This guitar SOUNDS better to me. The made in China gripe is the only legitimate complaint but even then it’s not a great one.
I love the sound of the Bourgeois guitar. Ray Lamontagne plays one on his performance on Letterman and it has the most beautiful sound. Looks like one of the classic dreadnought with a great sound.
I would go with a Martin 00-18 all day over this for the same money. should be less $ coming from china. Sounds pretty good on line though.
I agree. It amazes me how much of a ridiculous idea this seems to be. This is not sustainable or good for the environment at all. I'm all for global collaborations but it seems laughable that a USA builder would ship tops to China to be assembled on guitar bodies. Just because they are "voiced" in the USA these are supposed to be better? As if Bourgeois are the only ones in the world to "voice" their guitar soundboards? So wait I'm confused. Is this a story about a USA company that can't or won't make affordable guitars? Or is this a story about a Chinese company that don't know how to make a guitar soundboard? This may be a symptom of why we need to MAGA
how much do they weigh?
Well Damn. Slippery slope here we go.
Also I'd like to add, my E6SS-TC came straight from Eastman to Australia and it's flawless, a good instrument is a good instrument no matter where it's made, one of these collaboration guitars could only be better really if that's possible.
Great guitars. And Jeremy wit8a mustache! See how fast it grows by Takeover Tuesday or Mandolin Monday!!
Love Bourgeois instruments. I was surprised to learn that Eastman bought the company in 2019!
Do I need another guitar...no, do I want one of these to sit alongside my E6SS-TC...yes, stop teasing me please 😂
Get it get it get it get it get it get it get it get it
Jeremy said, "Guy's put in the comments below a better built and better tone guitar in the $2700-$3000 range".
Better tone is subjective. Not necessarily in the traditional Martin architecture, but Iris Guitars out of Vermont make for strong competition. Very good build quality in a satin finish. USA built.
Same price as Guild D-40 Traditional. Hmmmm
Hey guys does Elliot make a capo for the 1 23/32 nut width on the Bourgeois? I love these guitars, got to play a vintage touchstone the first time at your store. Very impressive instrument! It"s like an HD28 on steroids. I could care less it is assembled in China, this thing is HIGH QUALITY flatpicking awesomeness.
Elliott does not specifically but their 1 3/4" size with a 14' radius does fit Bourgeois guitars.
@@AcousticShoppe Good to know thanks a lot!!
I love these guitars. I would prefer a less bright guitar with more warmth and balance of bass and treble but that is my personal taste. Others might prefer this sound more. Great review and wonderful playing!
Most modern guitars are overly bright. I don’t mind it
Good point. I does make for a good mix in the studio @@pmscalisi
I’m glad they are doing a mahogany Touchstone! Can’t wait to try one out!
How would this stack up against a Yairi in your opinion?
Just started playing guitar about a year ago. I’m in my 50s and I currently have a “well loved” (used) big baby Taylor that I’m learning on but now that I’m progressing and can afford a “nice” guitar, I’ve started looking into different options in the $1500-3k range. So this is a bit on the higher end but love the sound and is a nice looking guitar. But ultimately I just want to find something I enjoy playing, plays well and is something I’ll enjoy for years to come. I know there are a number of options to choose from in this price range so thank you for the reviews and information you provide on this channel. In my limited research so far I did come across Zager. It seems this is a dirty word in some circles but I am curious if you have tried or reviewed a Zager ZAD 900 or 80 series guitar. Would love an honest review and understanding of the criticisms I see out there. I haven’t played one yet but would love someone to do a review that doesn’t seem to be sponsored by Zager. I’m intrigued because of the claim of playability and slim neck design as I have smaller hands than most. I know I need to get back out and getting some more guitars under my fingers at a local shop to see what works for me but I would still love some constructive feedback on where to start. Thanks!
We haven’t experienced Zagers too much but we can say that they haven’t impressed us.
I play a Bourgeois OM. They are a dream to play. I highly recommend it. If you splurge on a Bourgeois Touchstone you won't regret it.
How much carbon footprint does it require to ship back and forth between US and China? Why can't they just lower their price $3000? This is precisely why China can and do things better. While manufacturers in the US look for shortcuts and a way out, China steps in and gets things done and most likely in a more sustainable way.
I believe the Duncan Africa Artisan series could challenge the Touchstone Country Boy series. I guess we need a head to head comparison to know.
God’s good world is full of fine men and they don’t all look like me.
Proof of beauty and humanity when good folks from two different countries come together.
Semper Fi
How would you say this one compares to the Eastman E10d?
Both great, just different, they definitely sound more like a Bourgeois, here is a link to our back to back comparison with the Rosewood versions: ruclips.net/video/jY7mS5We_bc/видео.html In the near future we will be the country boy touchstone to like instruments!
guitars from the other side of the globe are 2799$ and Henderson builds the next county over sell for 20k lol
Who really plays lead on a acoustic. Lol
They sound nice but I'll keep my American built larrivee which I paided less than half the price for... and is rosewood.
I dig it, Are all Bourgeois guitars bolt on?
I am real glad y’all don’t play Taylors on this channel, I used to dig the X braced Taylors, but haven’t been a fan since Andy took over, glad to see new brands coming in like Furch, Bourgeois, Santa Cruz, Collings, Froggy Bottom… I say new, but I mean new as in not just the same ole same
Yes, Bourgeois does a bolt-on neck on all models.
Good video!
Do you plan to review any of Furch guitars? Made in Czech republic, those are very interesting guitars.
Absolutely! Here is a link to our Furch reviews so far: ruclips.net/p/PLAMJH63TffO9MMJvc3jNmFn3awDZgcOMF
Please make louder
Guys, you never give the string spacing at the bridge. Come on guys, that’s important to some people.
We do not have that spec but it will be listed on the products when they hit our website. We typically only point out when string spacing is wider in reviews.
@@AcousticShoppe ok, thanks 😊
Hey guys, another great video. Beautiful top on the OM. I thought it sounded fantastic. I personally like these more than the rosewood Vintage.
Eastman is based in Pomona, California, and, speaking for the Maine team, we are treated exceptionally well.
Come up to Maine to see us again soon! ...Do you have an F style mando yet?
The F-Styles are on the way!
F a Chinese guitar. Same price you can pick up an american made Larrivee.
I’m glad I watched this n for $3k n made in China!!
I guess I’ll get a Alvarez Yairi anytime
So Bourgeois is doing the production methods like Martin did with the Shenandoah? parts made in China with some assembly here. The Shenandoah didn't do well at all. also with the Martin for the price point you can have a guitar that's made in the USA. but to each their own, I don't knock anyone for playing a guitar made overseas. Cheers
Bourgeois was acquired by the Eastman company so no matter how you flip it Bourgeois guitars will have Chinese ties. Also,.with the up on quality with Eastman I think some of the stigma that comes with China is being proven a myth. Sure, I don't agree with Chinese politics, but that doesn't mean they can't make great guitars. Quality is about effort not geography. I think the Touchstone series is a cool partnership between the two companies. It gives you a boutique instrument at about half the cost.
If you buy a Martin you help Americans pay their mortgages and feed their families.
@@HenryPipes if Eastman purchased Bourgeois then it's not a joint effort at all. the company is not American anymore. but as I said before, to each their own.
@@johnwashburn3793 John and Jeremy are Americans. Looks like all the people working at the acoustic Shoppe are Americans.
I owned a Shenandoah Martin in the past they weren’t any better than the Sigma guitars of the day. Not that great.
So this new partly Chinese made (sans top)Touchstone Country Boy is priced the same as a Martin D-18 Standard series 100% made in Nazareth PA? Hmmm?
I’m all for Eastman making a good quality, affordable copy of our favorite US made guitars but maybe the price is still a bit high given the standard D-18 pricing.
I don’t get your point. If you want a Martin D-18 buy a Martin D-18. Like the video states these are being made for a person that wants a Bourgeois guitar that’s normally $5-6k for half that. Sharing production in China they feel they can get the costs down, but still have a Bourgeois voiced top.
These days $2700 (the cost of a mid-market Martin guitar) is called “affordable?” Yikes! A typical Eastman acoustic runs $1500 or less, and that may well stretch the bounds of affordability.
Go buy a real Bourgeois. They’re $5000 plus.