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1999 Bourgeois A-350 Prototype
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Serial#: 001941
Body size at lower bout: 16 3/4" Body Depth: 3 1/8" Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut: 1 3/4" Neck depth, 1st/10th frets: .76/.90
Finish: Violin sunburst finish, nitrocellulose lacquer type.
Materials: Solid bookmatched handcarved fine grain spruce top; handcarved AAA tiger flame maple back and sides with Venetian cutaway; 3 piece tiger flame maple neck with walnut centerstripe; solid ebony fingerboard; pearl headstock logo, ebony truss rod cover; 3-ply tortoise shell body binding; solid bone nut.
Hardware: Hardware includes inlaid ebony tailpiece; bound ebony finger rest; gold Schaller 16X1 tuners with ebony keys; compensated adjustable ebony bridge.
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. 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.
An all-carved acoustic jazz guitar constructed with the ultimate tonewoods available, this historic example is labeled as a prototype, with a serial number predating the official debut of the A-350 by several years. With breathtaking AAA tiger flame maple in back, sides and neck, and a tap-tuned, X-braced, solid Sitka spruce top, the instrument shows fit and finish executed with a watchmaker's precision.
The first of only 33 A-350 models ever built, this guitar is in immaculate showroom condition, with all original hardware, finish and case. With an elegant gentle D profile neck, the guitar has smooth low action over a fresh high precision setup. At barely 5lb 2oz the guitar is phenomenally lightweight and well balanced, with a voice that is truly thrilling: clear and evenly balanced throughout the register, with a brilliance rarely heard in contemporary acoustic archtops.
Rarely seen on the vintage market, this instrument is a modern classic from a builder deeply immersed in the finest of traditional design. It has been some years now since Dana has had the time to devote to archtop production, making these peerless creations highly sought after by discriminating players. Exquisitely crafted, and a matchless blend of visual design and sonic performance. One only, call now.
Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge flatwound strings. The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 4/64" to 5/64" at the 12th fret, with moderate relief for acoustic playing with medium strings. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.
Case: Original deluxe black arched plush lined hardshell case.
