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2018 Bourgeois OM-42 Koa
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SN# 008223
Body size at lower bout: 15". Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut Width: 1 3/4" Neck depth, 1st/10th frets: .82/.90 String spacing at bridge: 2 1/4"
Materials: Solid Master Grade curly Koa back and sides; solid bookmatched Redwood soundboard; solid mahogany neck; solid ebony fingerboard and bridge with compensated bone saddle; brown swirl tortoise pickguard; rosewood headstock veneer, fossil ivory bridge pins and endpin, abalone inlay, purfling, backstripe and rosette, curly Koa binding, gold Waverly 16:1 tuners with engraved butterbean keys; adjustable truss rod.
Notes: One of the most respected builders in the acoustic guitar world, master luthier Dana Bourgeois has built an international reputation in a career spanning nearly three decades. Original creator of the celebrated Schoenberg OM series, Dana has designed innovative prototypes for clients as diverse as Gibson Montana and Paul Reed Smith. Now at his workshop in his native Maine, Bourgeois has returned to crafting exquisite hand built creations for top artists like Ricky Skaggs, Martin Simpson, Ry Cooder, Norman Blake, Vince Gill, David Lindley, Marshall Crenshaw, Jerry Douglas, Elliott Easton, James Taylor and many more.
The OM (Orchestra Model) guitars were Martin's first instruments to feature the long 25 1/2" scale, for increased projection in larger ensembles, while retaining the generous 1 3/4" fingerboard width beloved of fingerstyle players. Introduced in 1870, Martin's ornate Style 42 was their top of the line model for decades, with its most famous example being a 000-42 from 1939, played by Eric Clapton. The combination of the two models was the rarest of all: the OM-42, of which only two examples were ever produced, both in 1930 only.
Koa wood, a decorative Hawaiian species, was so prized among native islanders that its possession was long reserved only for the royal family. Originally used for canoes and weapons, Koa eventually became the most popular tonewood for the ukulele, Hawaii's iconic instrument. Martin first employed Koa as early as 1918 for its K series lap style guitars, and it's remained popular to this day, prized for its lustrous looks and brilliant tone.
With its spectacular Master Grade curly Koa body, this stunning Bourgeois OM-42 is richly ornamented with colorful Paua abalone fingerboard and headstock inlay, body purfling, backstripe and soundboard rosette. The quartersawn, bookmatched Redwood soundboard is thoroughly interlaced with crossgrain silk, with a bold tone has been described as 'cedar on steroids.'
At a bare 4lb. 2oz. this example is almost notably light in weight, with deftly scalloped braces, and excellent balance, both physically in the lap, and audibly under the ear. The guitar sports a vintage style small tortoise guard, and top-of-the-line engraved gold Waverly tuners. Neck profile is smooth and comfortable, with a gentle C profile, very easy in the hand, with a fresh high-precision setup. The instrument is 100% original, free of pick, thumb or fretwear, and appears to have had little play altogether. The tone is clear, balanced, and highly responsive, both under the pick or the fingers.
A compelling blend of striking tonewoods and precision craft, this Bourgeois OM-42 is a rare combination of premium features and classic design. One only: call now.
Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge (.012) strings, and will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference.
Case: Original deluxe plush lined hardshell case.
