Bourgeois Ricky Skaggs

I purchased one of the 1st issue Indian Rosewood Ricky Skaggs' models from Elderly in '97. It is tastefully apointed with simple ivoroid binding and a subtle ring of abalone around teh sound hole. It is traditional in every respect - maybe even more so than the "genuine article".

The sound is riveting. There are overtones and undertones across and up the neck to about the 14th fret. It is an acoustic cannon with subtlety and color. It is not for the timid nor for those enamoured with the tinkly-treblely new age sound, nor does it lend itself to any "unplugged" piezio-quackery.

Fit finish is impeccable, equivalent in every respect to my Collings. Mine was set up at bourgeois with lower-than-standard blue grass action but nary a buzz anywhere even when played hard. Materials are exceptional - top grade (Indian) and Adirondack top.

I've had this for about 7 Yrs now - zero issues - in spite of the fact that I am less than scrupulous about humidification and all the things you're "supposed" to do.

The set-up at Bourgeois was complemetary - that is gratis - almost 2 years after I purchased it and was done to such a high standard that it impressed Elderly's staff.

I am extremely fortunate in owning many high end acoustic guitars - It is a great joy to me to play them, even after 38 years of playing and collecting. I especially Enjoy this Skaggs model and my other Bourgeois Slope D. I don't think Dana Bourgeois gets quite the recognition he deserves, which is one reason why these guitars are still attainable at prices below some of the snootier boutique brands.

This was a Indian rosewood/Spruce D-28 style guitar I found in the "Clearance" section at the local chain retailer...SUCKERS! The guitar has Waverly tuners and beautifully finished bone nut and saddle.It came complete with a road worthy case and enough tone to get you to the next town...

These guitars are absolute giant killers.It has the most incredible nuance of tones that I found myself playing the thing for hours in the store.It has a HUGE,woody,balanced sound that jumps out of the thing and grabs the closest person by the ears.It is truly a complex,life-long commitment waiting to happen. I can't believe the thing had been sitting there waiting for me for over 2 years!

The action was set up for a bluegrass picker. I like a little finer action, but no problemo,I'll have it set up to my specs.The overall quality of this guitar is,well,near perfect. The finish on the top was somewhat rough in a couple of places. I still feel like the tone more than overcomes any other faults.

I'm a little skeptical about the bolt on neck/fingerboard deal. Probably because someone had messed up the fingerboard junction with the top by unauthorized attempt at set up or something. I'm sending the guitar back to the shop to repair this,but it's not Bourgeois' fault that some idiot got hold of one of his creations before I did.I feel, that after the simple repair, this instrument will sustain me for years of hard labor without complaint.

As I have mentioned, I've had to send the guitar back to Bourgeois and find him to be approachable and patient.

Top of the Line. Get one if you can. Or if your the guy that sold the one I bought all I have to say is....Sucker!!!

1998 Bourgeois Ricky Skaggs Signature, Adirondack and Indian. Pre-war style D-28 Diamond and Squares and Abalone Rosette, B/w purflings, Tortis(r)-like pickguard. Ebony board - all top notch materials throughout.

This is a straight ahead no compromise traditional pre-war D-naught. It has a traditional sound, equal to or better than the (better)originals. Strong bass, with smoothe transition into the upper registers and superb volume. This guitar does one thing extremely well - possibly better than anything before or since. It does not pretend to double as a New-age or Unplugged vehicle.

Impeccable fit and finish. Its action is not surprisingly) set up for bluegrass.

This is a basic utility instrument, but then again it's something a cut above a utility instrument, so I would not use it for gigs.

Hopefully Dana Bourgeois will reestablish himself very soon. I have 2 of his guitars, and found that he was one of the few "famous" luthiers who had an affinity for his customers as well as guitars.

This is an outstanding guitar which I would pit against any other Rosewood D-model. It does what it does with less compromise than the rest, and these are still priced well below what their inherent value is (if you can find one that is).