Nice guitar. But I have several Martins and you’ll never see an inlay on one that looks that sloppy. For a few hundred $ more, I’ll stay with my Martin guitars.
I've owned approx 7 martins and currently own a 2012 D35 and a 2015 OOO-18E Retro. these are the pick of all the Martins i've owned, having owned 2 x D28, D16, and another D35 , plus a few I've forgotten about. I've also owned Huss and Dalton, Collings, quite a few Gibsons etc. It takes a LOT of hunting to find a Martin that is above the pack in it's sound. I knocked back a 1969 D28 as it sounded pretty crap, but a 1963 I played at the same time was an absolute killer of a guitar. I really pushed the guy to sell it to me but he wouldn't. You've mentioned the inlay looking sloppy? I don't get it. Mine is very similar and think it's very nice and understated. My Collings, Huss & Dalton and Bourgeois were all better than my martins but I can't handle vintage necks so they had to find new homes. My martin D35 is one of the best allrounders I think I'll ever play and own but it does lack a bit of finesse and extra sound that the vintage copies all had. Could be the Adirondack tops and bracing that makes the biggest difference, plus animal hide glue etc. These are all hand made too, whereas Martins are factory production line guitars. You pay a LOT of $$$ for a name on a Martin guitar but you're still essentially getting a factory produced guitar, ie.. John Lennon , Elvis, Clapton. that's more about marketing I think. Martins are great for the long haul. You don't need to be as precious about them as you do with some of the higer $$$ boutique guitars as mentioned.
Anytime an American guitar company does this it tarnishes the brand… Breedlove is a prime example- they are now considered cheap mass produced guitars, not high end boutique guitars. I believe this will prove to be the case for Bourgeois. I hate to say it because I own two of their Lewiston made guitars and they are impeccable in build quality and sound, but I fear they will cease to be seen as high end guitars.
Definitely the point...well said! Rant...I wonder if all these You Tube vloggers making bucks off of reviews and theories, believe they become experts...it gets a bit annoying! Just give us an honest review Jeremy like others and leave out your opinions! You cannot tell how a guitar sounds or plays over the internet! Happy Holidays!
This argument falls down if you do some research Eastman guitars and the sort of guitar maker they are. Put the country of origin aside when you consider this.
I don’t think anyone in the market for a $3,000 guitar would ever confuse the branding & anyone in the market for a $5,000+ guitar would definitely not be confused. Breedlove makes lovely guitars at the $2,000 mark & some okay guitars at the $300 mark, this is a completely different situation than what Dana & the team are doing…
My thoughts are if you are looking for a good guitar in that style and can’t get to the level of a used boutique guitar then yes go ahead, but if must have boutique or American made wait and save because it will never be enough. A good example is wanting a PRS core, no matter how good the SE line is, it will never be good enough.
Hey, Jeremy! i JUST bought this exact guitar you’re playing here off my buddy Rich Alan! it’s such a fantastic guitar! excited to make some music and hopefully friendship with it here real soon :)
I gave up caring about what part of the world guitars are made and letting that determine how good or bad a guitar is. When I pick up a guitar and it sounds good and feels good, then for me it's good. Like any other manufacturer, they will produce good and not so good instruments (a lot of that is also dependent on the player and their preferences). I'm sure this collaboration is worth exploring.
I've got hand made Adi / Brazillian dreadnought, a Bourgeois D Vintage and 12 other guitars. My go to guitar is a Johnson d26 made in china. It feels and sounds like a vintage martin. It could very well be my " take one guitar when your house is burning down " guitar. I paid $300 for it and absolutely love it. It fits in my hands perfectly, is solid timbers, has Engleman Spruce top, and sounds like a canon and plays like a vintage martin ( minus the V neck ) which I had shaved. So in essence, I totally agree with you. Some of the best guitars I own have come out of asia in some way. Check out Maestro from Singapore. The man is a master builder. I own 2 of his guitars and have owned 5.
Jeremy I love you and this show As a proud HD 28 owner, I consider this video blasphemy. Ou lost me at “China”. For the price PREFER the Martin. It is a nice guitar though.
Maybe comparison play a Martin HD 28 at the same time. Jeremy the more you were selling the faster you talk the more this sounded like a commercial not advice.
The touchstone series uses a better grade of wood than Martin 28 series? Sources? I have a bourgeois Vintage D. It's a fine guitar but I personally like my D-28 reimagined a little better. I've also played D-28s that I wouldn't give a dollar for too so it's important to play before you take the plunge.
I haven’t played a true bourgeois yet. I also own an HD28 reimagined. Could you quickly explain the differences in sound? Also, how are their necks? Do you prefer the MLO?
I consider my Furch Vintage 2 Dread to be the real HD-28 killer. Soooo much guitar, and only $2k from Elderly (including a Hiscox case). It's just ridiculous. (Check out Jeremy's vids on his tour of the Furch factory in the Czech Republic.) And at that price, while no doubt not cheap, I don't feel like I need to protect it by leaving it at home. That's no fun. I even check it when flying, using my SKB i3 flight case. I've also played a Furch Orange Dread, and it was significantly better. That was closer to $3k, and I just cannot see how this Bourgeois/Eastman would keep up, in quality, sound, or resale.
Tone is all subjective and your ears are full of personal bias, it's human nature! Furch's don't sound or feel like Martins, they actually sound and play like Furch's...so sorry they can't kill them 😝
I have a Stonebridge G22CR, and a Furch Orange OM-SR. Both are great guitars, but they don’t hold the resale value that well. Maybe a bit better than the pac-rim guitars.
@@BillBurnette @nellatrab fair enough, I guess it depends how you define "HD-28 killer". Is my guitar better at being an HD-28 than an HD-28, no of course not. And the marketplace's value of a used instrument is certainly strongly related to brand-familiarity, and the value of a brand may shift over time (e.g. see Twitter, Tesla). But I buy guitars to make music. I've played both guitars, and have no use for a HD-28 as long as I have the Vintage 2. And the new Furch likely costs less than a mint HD-28 used.
I was deciding between the Bourgeois Om touchstone and a custom shop Martin Om-28. The Bourgeois is impressive... but I prefer the Martin since you can get a better deal on a used one and they are 100% American made. I don't think the boutique price gets you a significantly better instrument. I did play a $10,000 Bourgeous OM out of Cocobolo that was special...but to me it's just not 3x better than a custom shop Martin. If I had infinite money I would consider a Bourgeois D-45 though...those are incredible.
As I've always said there are two distinct groups: People who are always playing thier instruments, and People who tell you what they have in a case behind the couch. Very clear difference.
I've got a LOT of guitars packed away in cases. You can only play one at a time. I've 3 or 4 out at a time for a fun night's playing but they nearly all go back in their cases for storage. I've owned about 50 acoustics and currently have 14 acoustics. I always keep one out to play. I appreciate the individuality of each guitar and after years of playing I've come to appreciate that when you get into the well made guitars, each has it's own personality and character. You say there's 2 distinct groups but I think I am right in the middle. I really appreciate all my guitars but I like to play them too so it's not just cut and dry, 2 groups. I have definitely been a collector and a player.
I've got no qualms with purchasing a guitar from China. Recording King RD-328 is also as good on sound as that guitar. And mine has 30 year old aged Adirondack spruce for its top which is also very nicely quarter sawn. And I love mine. But that's just me...
I've owned many martins and gibsons, Collings, Huss and Dalton, Bourgeois. One of my all time favourites is my Johnson JD26 which is made in China. When many high end guitars have come and gone I would never sell my Johnson.It's fun at parties too allowing people to play it, touch it, see it, feel it etc.. play on words of course. Dad joke. I think Johnson became recording King and they have a model that originated as the JD26. The 26 is rosewood back and sides, the 27 is mahogany. I'd buy one if one came up on the market, but they're rare. I bought a friend a solid timber Recording King and it's a fine instrument.
@@robbiefest Couldn't agree more. And Recording King makes some very good guitars. My RD-328 sounds almost as good as my Martin, but at 1/4 of the cost.
No info on basic point on what are recommended strings. Eastman's are built to use and come installed with lights, American Martin Bourgeios Collings dreads use mediums. Big difference.
Bought a D28 a year and a half ago build quality was perfect. Got a Guild D40 Triditional 3 months ago the same. Been playing 25 years and know my stuff. The touchstone lacks bass probably better off with a E20 if you want to save some cash.
What style d28 did you buy? Straight braced or scalloped? Just wondering when you say lack of bass on the touchstone ? Does the touchstone come across tighter and more like a straight braced d28? Or is it muddy? Thanks
@@thefisherman2837 Straight braced D28. I've played 2 Touchstones their not muddy they just lack bass. Fit and finish my Martin was perfect new the Touchstone not so much. Don't get me wrong their a nice guitar but to say their better then the Martin Standard series is a stretch.
@@ryanbloom1738 I think a forward shifted non scalloped/straight braced d28 is the best sounding guitar for me. I remember looking at some eastmans and the binding on the 40 style didnt match either side...the rosette was a little uneven and 1 of thier dreads had the fret to the body unlevel . However they are great guitars for the money. I miss my d28 .
I’m a Martin player myself but in Jeremy’s defense - he never said that the TS bourgeois is better than the standard Martin. He’s just comparing and contrasting.
Im sure they are nice and play top notch but they are 3k I own an eastman e6d which is I guess their take on a d-18 (all solid mahogany backs and sides slightly bearclawed sitka top) and its a cannon but you can buy a used d-28 or om-28 in great condition for cheaper or for like 300 more or so more you can get a new one. You can also get the eastman e20d-MR (madagascar rosewood) for cheaper than this guitar. all these are wayyy outta budget for me but id def go standard martin or taylor of i could, jic i needed to to sell them later on .
@@ryanbloom1738 Ball ends of strings sit on bridgplate/bridge pins. Maple gives a seed tone that is sweet/bright with E.I Rosewood plate this is not heard. Martin, Taylor, Gibson, Collings, Bourgeois, Recording King, Blueridge, Eastman all use Maple bridge plates. Many lower price imports use E.I Rsw or other Rsw because good hard Maple is more difficult to source.
I just got a brand new Martin HD28 and let me tell ya it is perfect in every way! The lowest action on any acoustic I’ve played craftsmanship is second to none. I have own a vintage Yamaha and my uncle owned a vintage Martin and this thing smokes them. Buy and play whatever you like but, in my book Martins are the king of acoustic guitar period
Merry Christmas to all! Mahogany typically does not have valutes but has great tone. You don't play bluegrass. One could take these out to gig with and leave the real guitar at home If I had the American made version I would not be happy. But Martin has a Mexican plant...
I’m a big Eastman fan. They stopped using nitro late 2020s switched to a water based laquer on all gloss models. They posted on their Facebook I think.
I've owned two Eastmans - E20 OM that I ended up giving to granddaughter, and now a E20D tc. Like both. I don't agree with China politically. But I also don't hold the artisan craftsman who's just trying to get by building guitars accountable.
Does Bourgeois Guitars suffer from having no orders for their guitars made in US? If not, then I don't really understand the motivation behind. As soon as a boutique guitar maker goes global it stops being a boutique guitar maker anymore and becomes a mass guitar producer. It is like giving up your values. To me sound is one thing but holding a guitar in my hands is a lot more than that. If I want to have a good sounding instrument then I would not mind where it was made but for me it is a lot more than that: the tradition, the legacy, the work they have put in the development, innovation etc. or the artists being connected with those brands are also important for me. I simply can't ignore these little but important details. E.g if in the future the perfect 3D printed guitars would show up (just in theory), I would - for sure - stay with the good, old brands, no matter if they sound a little less good than those new ones. I may be a little old fashioned )
American made but factory made guitars now, no more small volume building there. Quality has dropped severely since the production increase. There is so many eastern made brand that are of a much better build quality than martins for 1/3 of the price with the same quality materials.
@@Lavici lol nah apparently u ain’t got a new Martin they have picked the quality back up and Martin is making some of their best guitars they have ever made
I used to own a bourgeois slope D. The nut width was 1 23/32 inches. I stay away from the metric system, except when it comes to my age. I’m younger in Celsius.😳
We even passed a federal law in the 70s under Jimmy Carter to switch us to the metric system by 1985. They are still working implementing that one. A highway near my house in Florida finally has mile markers and kilometer markers.
Not trying to sound like a douche, but I don't understand why buy a D28 copy when you can buy a D28? I know they're expensive but totally worth it, save up and buy used, I've never bought a new guitar or paid retail prices and I've loved every guitar I've owned. Plus used D28s sound better worn in anyways... idk different strokes for different folks 🤷🏽♂️
I think the idea is that the martins are not have voiced, and this is. So you get better top and top bracing in exchange for worse everything else. But I feel the same way, I don't mind Chinese guitars but I don't want to pay American prices for them.
Mind me asking (I'm noobie to guitar), but how are Bourgeois guitars are actually different from Martin guitars? I can tell the difference between Martin's and Taylor's or Lowden's, but not for Bourgeois'. They look and sound like Martin to me 😳
@@HenrysGuitarLog Martin(even the custom shop) are not “voiced” in the same way tht boutique brand like Bourgeois/Collings/Santa Cruz or lowden are. I have a Custom Shop Martin tht I love but they’re still making 150 thousand guitars per year, hundreds per day, but at the most Bourgeois/ Santa Cruz etc makes ab 4-500 per YEAR. The attention to detail, voicing, materials, crafting skills are just on another level. Does that mean a skilled craftsman isn’t making a really incredible Martin, no and in the end a 5,000$ plus Martin custom shop, or even the modern deluxe, authentic series guitar will be an incredible instrument that gets ‘close’ to boutique(the authentic series and custom shop is it’s very best materials and workers). Eastman is lesser quality than Martin but it’s NOT because they’re Chinese. The quality and worker pay and tools/machinery isn’t as good. The collab its own thing, that’s fine but there’s still ppl willing to pay for US made Martin and 6$ PLUS bourgeois. If I want a lesser quality Martin I’ll get an Eastman and pay half, if I want a BETTER Martin I’ll get a US fully made Bourgeois. Just my personal preference though.
@@angelg8445 I see, that helps explain things. From your explanation, what I understand is Bourgeois guitars do in fact have the same design as Martin, but the difference is in the quality control. Thanks for your reply. Much appreciated! 😊🙏
So much not to like about this. Not made by a boutique builder the top is sent to China to build. The frets look flat on close up shot. For me this is going de-value the bourgeois brand. Just because they are listed on reverb for that price doesn't mean you're gonna get that. Not a good direction of this channel. Sorry
Wait just a moment, you made some incorrect/inaccurate comments comparing things about this guitar that is better than a USA Martin HD28 or HD28V....You are dreaming, delirious and wrong if you think that the Touchstone guitar is better equipped, has better materials, has better bracing, has a better case etc. than a Martin HD28V. Those statements are just not true or factual. The sound definitely is not better than either an HD28 or HD28V to most peoples ear. You must be watching/listening too much of Mr. guitar salesman JP Cormier and his continuous put down of USA Martin guitars and how much better his demo guitars are than Martin. This display of blatant false advertising for the Bourgeois Touchstone assembled in China by Eastman which includes China made remaining major guitar parts (back, sides, neck, fingerboard, tuners etc) excluding the top and top bracing which is from USA Bourgeois, leaves one questioning why a subscription to this channel should continue.
Sorry, Jeremy, I don't think this guitar is made by a boutique brand (your words). It is using the name of a once, boutique company, but Eastman is hardly boutique. And, at this price point, I would much rather buy a Martin, support an American company and have a guitar that will hold its value.
Great review J. I think we’re gonna see this line expanded and they’ll get better. As I understand this is one of the first 50 made. I too am impressed by Eastman. While many xenophobic folks are down on China - like it or not, we are part of a global economy and Eastman quality will continue to improve. Maybe throw out your smartphone. Those are all precision made in China Can’t say that about Martin. I keep encountering quality problems with them. This dread at the sub 3k price point - which I’m guessing will drop to sub 2500 once they proliferate the marketplace. Imagine Adi and torrified versions very soon. Eastman shoots a thin nitro finish on this. That might trickle to Eastman branded guitars
Like others have said, you lost me at China as well. There is so much wrong with the CCP that if I can make a reasonable choice to buy something from anywhere but China, I will.
Sorry it’s made in China. It may sound great but it’s not going to hold any value in the future. 3 k will buy you many fine American guitars. I’ll pass
Agreed, no way in hell I’ll pay this kind of cash for an import…. I own two American made Martins and I don’t have a single gripe against either one. One’s a GPC28E ( which they don’t even make anymore sadly because it’s an outstanding acoustic ) and the other one is a less blinged out one but completely different ( 000-15SM 12 fret ). As far as the other reply goes about not reselling your guitar, sure… most of us buy them to play them and keep them for life, although it is nice to know you can still sell it for a good price Incase you do change your mind about the instrument for whatever reason 😉
Jeremy, thanks for another great video. I enjoy what you do . I had an Eastman E20D-SB. . REALLY liked that guitar, even compared, to my fingerpicking style, very favorably to an HD28 I owned. I’ve never played one of these but I would have a problem spending $3K for a China import. I would never buy one new. Have you played the Eastman E20D? And if so, how would you compare. Thank you
I agree with you. The China guitars won’t appreciate but I own a couple of higher end EASTMAN and they are excellent . Purchases used. I would never spend $3K on one. As you say, the depreciation is a big hit. But they do sound exceptionally good.
A $3000 Chinese made dreadnought? Really? What a ridiculous concept. Dana Bourgeois must think this is great considering the much lower Chinese cost to build but selling at near Bourgeois prices for an even bigger profit margin. Typifies the old adage of "a sucker is born everyday". So much for the past respect for the Bourgeois brand and company. The sell out of Bourgeois to a Chinese (Eastman) company will have a long term negative impact on the Bourgeois brand.
Send off what makes your guitar good and allow the Chinese to copy it. Great idea. Just buy an Eastman and save yourself a ton of money. They sounded better than a Bourgeois to begin with. Either buy and Eastman or buy a Collings. Skip Bourgeois totally. I’ve never understood the hype.
@@JeremySheppard No disrespect intended, but it seems to me you have a Martin tunnel vision. 🤷♂️ Ck out JP Cormier mystery guitar stock, on UA-cam. If I remember correctly, another video of his, why I hate Martin Guitars. ( he doesn't, but he's right on in the video). I love Martin guitars, but for the vast majority of us guitar players, are out of reach for the $$$ they cost!
@@rickgold6664 JP is a shill. He promotes guitar brands that are partnered with him. Take his opinion with a grain of salt. Sigma has improved on quality but that and affordability are two different things. Martin has quality and resale value - which sigma does not.
Voicing the back is absurd, totally absurd. You do notice, don't you, that ZERO evidence is provided for any claims about voicing the back. It's easy to find a guitar for $1000 equivalent to the one in this video. Start with a company beginning with the letter "Y".
This Bourgeois is no better than a D28 Martin, it is almost only €1000 more expensive (€3990). Eastman happens to be offering a very similar or identical guitar for €1300 Sitka, solid rosewood, snow flake dots in abalone, ebony fretboard, herringbone inlays (Eastman E8D-TC Dreadnaught D28). So Bourgeois has them produced at Chinese prices, but then sells them at US prices. Depending on the number of items ordered, the purchase price for dealers in China is estimated to vary somewhere between 400-600 € / pce. My Martin guitars are made in the USA, where Martin and their employees pay taxes - my Martins are no better than an Eastman, especially the bindings are not clean D35 HD - 000 EC - CEO7. But where Martin is on it, Martin is inside. If I buy one of these Bourgeois, there's an Eastman in it - so next time I buy an Eastman, there's an Eastman in it - no fake.
How can one speak of a collaboration. This is the result of Eastman acquiring Bourgeois guitars. And now this is getting pushed through such videos into the market. I don’t believe a word of what is being said. You better go to Martin or Gibson and check out their offerings south of 3 grant. You will find great products without this nonsense of making parts in the US and then send them over to China for ‘final assembly’.
Keep dreaming , martin guitars are like none other..... it may sound good and that's why it cost maybe 500 to build and then they jack the price up..... ill double the pass and buy a martin any day
Click bait title. Every dread is a COPY of the early Martin. DB copied Martins like all other modern luthiers. But regardless, play what you want … nobody cares … play a Guild or Yamaha or Gibson or even an Ovation. Just make good music on it.
I understand the sentiment but it isn't factual. Sound is subjective and construction is always changing. Even the D28 is an entirely different guitar now than it was in the 1930's. It's very different from the 50's too
@@JeremySheppard I agree However for me, the economic side always plays a factor when spending high end money for a guitar. IMO - choose the right guitar for you but also choose one you can move without taking a big hit. With the China label - they have a history of not holding their value.
You might laugh, but one of the things I love about my Orangewood Echo Live is, the 44 mm nut!!! Now I want a Touchstone!
It would be interesting to compare the Eastman E8D to the Touchstone series.
Nice guitar. But I have several Martins and you’ll never see an inlay on one that looks that sloppy. For a few hundred $ more, I’ll stay with my Martin guitars.
I've owned approx 7 martins and currently own a 2012 D35 and a 2015 OOO-18E Retro. these are the pick of all the Martins i've owned, having owned 2 x D28, D16, and another D35 , plus a few I've forgotten about. I've also owned Huss and Dalton, Collings, quite a few Gibsons etc. It takes a LOT of hunting to find a Martin that is above the pack in it's sound. I knocked back a 1969 D28 as it sounded pretty crap, but a 1963 I played at the same time was an absolute killer of a guitar. I really pushed the guy to sell it to me but he wouldn't. You've mentioned the inlay looking sloppy? I don't get it. Mine is very similar and think it's very nice and understated. My Collings, Huss & Dalton and Bourgeois were all better than my martins but I can't handle vintage necks so they had to find new homes. My martin D35 is one of the best allrounders I think I'll ever play and own but it does lack a bit of finesse and extra sound that the vintage copies all had. Could be the Adirondack tops and bracing that makes the biggest difference, plus animal hide glue etc. These are all hand made too, whereas Martins are factory production line guitars. You pay a LOT of $$$ for a name on a Martin guitar but you're still essentially getting a factory produced guitar, ie.. John Lennon , Elvis, Clapton. that's more about marketing I think. Martins are great for the long haul. You don't need to be as precious about them as you do with some of the higer $$$ boutique guitars as mentioned.
Jeremy tell us about your turquoise ring. It looks awesome.
Love the guitar tone , not as much bottom end that I like. Liked the D 18 better.
Anytime an American guitar company does this it tarnishes the brand… Breedlove is a prime example- they are now considered cheap mass produced guitars, not high end boutique guitars. I believe this will prove to be the case for Bourgeois. I hate to say it because I own two of their Lewiston made guitars and they are impeccable in build quality and sound, but I fear they will cease to be seen as high end guitars.
Well argued. I agree.
Definitely the point...well said! Rant...I wonder if all these You Tube vloggers making bucks off of reviews and theories, believe they become experts...it gets a bit annoying! Just give us an honest review Jeremy like others and leave out your opinions! You cannot tell how a guitar sounds or plays over the internet! Happy Holidays!
Better sell your American Bourgeois before people start thinking your playing a Chinese-made guitar 🙄
This argument falls down if you do some research Eastman guitars and the sort of guitar maker they are. Put the country of origin aside when you consider this.
I don’t think anyone in the market for a $3,000 guitar would ever confuse the branding & anyone in the market for a $5,000+ guitar would definitely not be confused. Breedlove makes lovely guitars at the $2,000 mark & some okay guitars at the $300 mark, this is a completely different situation than what Dana & the team are doing…
My thoughts are if you are looking for a good guitar in that style and can’t get to the level of a used boutique guitar then yes go ahead, but if must have boutique or American made wait and save because it will never be enough. A good example is wanting a PRS core, no matter how good the SE line is, it will never be good enough.
Hey, Jeremy! i JUST bought this exact guitar you’re playing here off my buddy Rich Alan! it’s such a fantastic guitar! excited to make some music and hopefully friendship with it here real soon :)
He told me! What a monster!! I’ve regretted selling it! You got the one that got away!
@@JeremySheppard just know it’s going to someone whose gonna play it 24/7 literally everywhere, LOL
I gave up caring about what part of the world guitars are made and letting that determine how good or bad a guitar is. When I pick up a guitar and it sounds good and feels good, then for me it's good. Like any other manufacturer, they will produce good and not so good instruments (a lot of that is also dependent on the player and their preferences). I'm sure this collaboration is worth exploring.
I've got hand made Adi / Brazillian dreadnought, a Bourgeois D Vintage and 12 other guitars. My go to guitar is a Johnson d26 made in china. It feels and sounds like a vintage martin. It could very well be my " take one guitar when your house is burning down " guitar. I paid $300 for it and absolutely love it. It fits in my hands perfectly, is solid timbers, has Engleman Spruce top, and sounds like a canon and plays like a vintage martin ( minus the V neck ) which I had shaved. So in essence, I totally agree with you. Some of the best guitars I own have come out of asia in some way. Check out Maestro from Singapore. The man is a master builder. I own 2 of his guitars and have owned 5.
@@robbiefest yes sir. I have played an Avineer dread (built by Mr. Hosan and his team). It was an amazing instrument.
Jeremy
I love you and this show
As a proud HD 28 owner, I consider this video blasphemy. Ou lost me at “China”. For the price PREFER the Martin. It is a nice guitar though.
I totally understand.
Thanks for not blasting me. I appreciate your humility.
D-28 this a great acoustic guitar in the world ,revolution guitar by Martin
Maybe comparison play a Martin HD 28 at the same time. Jeremy the more you were selling the faster you talk the more this sounded like a commercial not advice.
Exactly. I find him very irritating
The touchstone series uses a better grade of wood than Martin 28 series? Sources?
I have a bourgeois Vintage D. It's a fine guitar but I personally like my D-28 reimagined a little better. I've also played D-28s that I wouldn't give a dollar for too so it's important to play before you take the plunge.
I haven’t played a true bourgeois yet.
I also own an HD28 reimagined. Could you quickly explain the differences in sound? Also, how are their necks? Do you prefer the MLO?
Very compelling. Look forward to trying one.
Which is better: Martin HD28 VTS Adirondack or Boucher BG52-GM?
Question @JeremySheppard how does it compare to Furch dreadnoughts, particularly their Vintage range?
It's all preference but I would choose the Furch.
@@JeremySheppard Furch make superb guitars, that's for sure. I have a Yellow GC-SR and it is amazing.
My Vintage 2 D-SR has impeccable fit and finish, plays great, and cost $2k new.
I consider my Furch Vintage 2 Dread to be the real HD-28 killer. Soooo much guitar, and only $2k from Elderly (including a Hiscox case). It's just ridiculous. (Check out Jeremy's vids on his tour of the Furch factory in the Czech Republic.) And at that price, while no doubt not cheap, I don't feel like I need to protect it by leaving it at home. That's no fun. I even check it when flying, using my SKB i3 flight case. I've also played a Furch Orange Dread, and it was significantly better. That was closer to $3k, and I just cannot see how this Bourgeois/Eastman would keep up, in quality, sound, or resale.
Tone is all subjective and your ears are full of personal bias, it's human nature! Furch's don't sound or feel like Martins, they actually sound and play like Furch's...so sorry they can't kill them 😝
I have a Stonebridge G22CR, and a Furch Orange OM-SR. Both are great guitars, but they don’t hold the resale value that well. Maybe a bit better than the pac-rim guitars.
@@nellatrab agreed- two very different guitars.
@@BillBurnette @nellatrab fair enough, I guess it depends how you define "HD-28 killer". Is my guitar better at being an HD-28 than an HD-28, no of course not. And the marketplace's value of a used instrument is certainly strongly related to brand-familiarity, and the value of a brand may shift over time (e.g. see Twitter, Tesla). But I buy guitars to make music. I've played both guitars, and have no use for a HD-28 as long as I have the Vintage 2. And the new Furch likely costs less than a mint HD-28 used.
My guild d-55 crushes my hd28
Nice review. The link to your course didn't work.
I really like my HD28 made in the USA.
I was deciding between the Bourgeois Om touchstone and a custom shop Martin Om-28. The Bourgeois is impressive... but I prefer the Martin since you can get a better deal on a used one and they are 100% American made. I don't think the boutique price gets you a significantly better instrument. I did play a $10,000 Bourgeous OM out of Cocobolo that was special...but to me it's just not 3x better than a custom shop Martin. If I had infinite money I would consider a Bourgeois D-45 though...those are incredible.
I'd do a Martin, no question
As I've always said there are two distinct groups: People who are always playing thier instruments, and People who tell you what they have in a case behind the couch. Very clear difference.
I've got a LOT of guitars packed away in cases. You can only play one at a time. I've 3 or 4 out at a time for a fun night's playing but they nearly all go back in their cases for storage. I've owned about 50 acoustics and currently have 14 acoustics. I always keep one out to play. I appreciate the individuality of each guitar and after years of playing I've come to appreciate that when you get into the well made guitars, each has it's own personality and character. You say there's 2 distinct groups but I think I am right in the middle. I really appreciate all my guitars but I like to play them too so it's not just cut and dry, 2 groups. I have definitely been a collector and a player.
Pretty impressive. If you are nitpicking small details like that than it seems really solid! Are you going to do the OM one as well?
Yes. I'm almost done editing it now. It'll go out tomorrow or Saturday probably
Hi. The touchstone vs Boucher bg-52. How do they compare?
The touchstone is good, but there is no comparison to the Boucher. Boucher is a world class boutique.
I've got no qualms with purchasing a guitar from China. Recording King RD-328 is also as good on sound as that guitar. And mine has 30 year old aged Adirondack spruce for its top which is also very nicely quarter sawn. And I love mine.
But that's just me...
I've owned many martins and gibsons, Collings, Huss and Dalton, Bourgeois. One of my all time favourites is my Johnson JD26 which is made in China. When many high end guitars have come and gone I would never sell my Johnson.It's fun at parties too allowing people to play it, touch it, see it, feel it etc.. play on words of course. Dad joke. I think Johnson became recording King and they have a model that originated as the JD26. The 26 is rosewood back and sides, the 27 is mahogany. I'd buy one if one came up on the market, but they're rare. I bought a friend a solid timber Recording King and it's a fine instrument.
@@robbiefest
Couldn't agree more. And Recording King makes some very good guitars. My RD-328 sounds almost as good as my Martin, but at 1/4 of the cost.
No info on basic point on what are recommended strings. Eastman's are built to use and come installed with lights, American Martin Bourgeios Collings dreads use mediums. Big difference.
Bought a D28 a year and a half ago build quality was perfect. Got a Guild D40 Triditional 3 months ago the same. Been playing 25 years and know my stuff. The touchstone lacks bass probably better off with a E20 if you want to save some cash.
What style d28 did you buy? Straight braced or scalloped? Just wondering when you say lack of bass on the touchstone ? Does the touchstone come across tighter and more like a straight braced d28? Or is it muddy? Thanks
@@thefisherman2837 Straight braced D28. I've played 2 Touchstones their not muddy they just lack bass. Fit and finish my Martin was perfect new the Touchstone not so much. Don't get me wrong their a nice guitar but to say their better then the Martin Standard series is a stretch.
@@ryanbloom1738 I think a forward shifted non scalloped/straight braced d28 is the best sounding guitar for me. I remember looking at some eastmans and the binding on the 40 style didnt match either side...the rosette was a little uneven and 1 of thier dreads had the fret to the body unlevel . However they are great guitars for the money. I miss my d28 .
@@thefisherman2837 Save up and buy a used one their out their.
I’m a Martin player myself but in Jeremy’s defense - he never said that the TS bourgeois is better than the standard Martin. He’s just comparing and contrasting.
When you showcase a dred guitar like today's please use a good stiff pick for us bluegrass guys to hear how it really sounds. Thanks love your channel
This was a 1.5mm triangle Primetone
Is that not stiff enough?
I'd love to trade my 92 d28 and my 2015 les paul for one of these!!
Do they have double thickness around the sound hole like the Eastmans?
Not on these.
Im sure they are nice and play top notch but they are 3k I own an eastman e6d which is I guess their take on a d-18 (all solid mahogany backs and sides slightly bearclawed sitka top) and its a cannon but you can buy a used d-28 or om-28 in great condition for cheaper or for like 300 more or so more you can get a new one. You can also get the eastman e20d-MR (madagascar rosewood) for cheaper than this guitar. all these are wayyy outta budget for me but id def go standard martin or taylor of i could, jic i needed to to sell them later on .
I was thinking about one but I'm saving up for a Huss and Dalton. I don't hate Chinese made acoustics I own 2 and my Blueridge br280 sounds killer.
Huss and Dalton use a rosewood bridgeplate not maple.
@@guestguide2544 So?
@@ryanbloom1738 Ball ends of strings sit on bridgplate/bridge pins. Maple gives a seed tone that is sweet/bright with E.I Rosewood plate this is not heard. Martin, Taylor, Gibson, Collings, Bourgeois, Recording King, Blueridge, Eastman all use Maple bridge plates. Many lower price imports use E.I Rsw or other Rsw because good hard Maple is more difficult to source.
Wrong they use HONDURAN rosewood which is harder than maple.
I totally agree. Beautiful and great sounding instrument!
What people want isn't a measure of their worth, people can ask any amounts, look at Ebay sold to get the real price.
I just got a brand new Martin HD28 and let me tell ya it is perfect in every way! The lowest action on any acoustic I’ve played craftsmanship is second to none. I have own a vintage Yamaha and my uncle owned a vintage Martin and this thing smokes them. Buy and play whatever you like but, in my book Martins are the king of acoustic guitar period
Nah Guild D-55 is king!!
I agree, I love my Amber tone HD28. And I know my cash stayed in the American economy, a family heirloom now. Good luck to my fam, I'm lefty.
Merry Christmas to all!
Mahogany typically does not have valutes but has great tone.
You don't play bluegrass. One could take these out to gig with and leave the real guitar at home
If I had the American made version I would not be happy. But Martin has a Mexican plant...
I have two made in Lewiston Bourgeois’s. I hate that they have done this collaboration because I feel it cheapens the name.
This is not a mahogany guitar, its rosewood.
It's confusing because I said mahogany neck before talking about the valute.
@@davidm.kesslerfineart1717...and I was referring the fact that Jeremy said he prefers mahogany and loves a volute.
@@BillBurnette I agree and I am unsure that I would purchase either at this time.
Seeing them for sale doesn't mean good re sale value
This video and comments are a joke..obviously a sales pitch for the Bourgeois Touchstone Chinese made $3000 dreadnought.
Is the finish poly?
Nitro
I’m a big Eastman fan. They stopped using nitro late 2020s switched to a water based laquer on all gloss models. They posted on their Facebook I think.
Why not just get an Eastman?🤷♂️
I have 3…their great guitars for a whole lot less cash.
I've owned two Eastmans - E20 OM that I ended up giving to granddaughter, and now a E20D tc. Like both. I don't agree with China politically. But I also don't hold the artisan craftsman who's just trying to get by building guitars accountable.
Just paid $2750 for a used USA made bourgeois. I suggest this route instead of the Chinese bourgeois
High praise from Jeremy for the Touchstone. Guitar sure sounds good, and so does your playing. Merry Christmas!
Does Bourgeois Guitars suffer from having no orders for their guitars made in US? If not, then I don't really understand the motivation behind. As soon as a boutique guitar maker goes global it stops being a boutique guitar maker anymore and becomes a mass guitar producer. It is like giving up your values. To me sound is one thing but holding a guitar in my hands is a lot more than that. If I want to have a good sounding instrument then I would not mind where it was made but for me it is a lot more than that: the tradition, the legacy, the work they have put in the development, innovation etc. or the artists being connected with those brands are also important for me. I simply can't ignore these little but important details. E.g if in the future the perfect 3D printed guitars would show up (just in theory), I would - for sure - stay with the good, old brands, no matter if they sound a little less good than those new ones. I may be a little old fashioned )
lost me at sending it to china.... Martin 28's are American made
American made but factory made guitars now, no more small volume building there. Quality has dropped severely since the production increase. There is so many eastern made brand that are of a much better build quality than martins for 1/3 of the price with the same quality materials.
@@Lavici lol nah apparently u ain’t got a new Martin they have picked the quality back up and Martin is making some of their best guitars they have ever made
@@KillerBudda1418 Yep. I’ve got several “newer” Martin guitars and I must say that their fit and finish is as good I’ve seen on any.
@@rogerd9150 yeah i have a 2020 om28 and it’s amazing sounds better every time i play it
@@Lavici keep telling yourself that... lol
Great review! These guitars at the $3,000 mark are awesome. I’ve played many of them and they really special.
I can't get a D35 for that lol
It just sounds like it has now voicing behind it, can’t believe u said its better than a hd 28 it really dont even compare
As a European I just love how lost American people get when they have to tell you what 44.1 mm is in imperial measurements 😂
I used to own a bourgeois slope D. The nut width was 1 23/32 inches. I stay away from the metric system, except when it comes to my age. I’m younger in Celsius.😳
I am getting there but the American system and culture is completely unaware of the metric system
@@JeremySheppard Alexa and OK Google are my “go to” for my conversions😊
We even passed a federal law in the 70s under Jimmy Carter to switch us to the metric system by 1985. They are still working implementing that one. A highway near my house in Florida finally has mile markers and kilometer markers.
@@leesanders1619 I was teaching school back then, and I remember in the beginning of the transition, and then it sort of disappeared
It’s a strange kind of collaboration cause Eastman now owns Bourgeois so I guess Bourgeois doesn’t really have the choice…
Not trying to sound like a douche, but I don't understand why buy a D28 copy when you can buy a D28? I know they're expensive but totally worth it, save up and buy used, I've never bought a new guitar or paid retail prices and I've loved every guitar I've owned. Plus used D28s sound better worn in anyways... idk different strokes for different folks 🤷🏽♂️
I tend to agree, Bourgeois is BETTER than Martin but touchstone/Eastman is NOT.
I think the idea is that the martins are not have voiced, and this is. So you get better top and top bracing in exchange for worse everything else. But I feel the same way, I don't mind Chinese guitars but I don't want to pay American prices for them.
Mind me asking (I'm noobie to guitar), but how are Bourgeois guitars are actually different from Martin guitars? I can tell the difference between Martin's and Taylor's or Lowden's, but not for Bourgeois'. They look and sound like Martin to me 😳
@@HenrysGuitarLog Martin(even the custom shop) are not “voiced” in the same way tht boutique brand like Bourgeois/Collings/Santa Cruz or lowden are. I have a Custom Shop Martin tht I love but they’re still making 150 thousand guitars per year, hundreds per day, but at the most Bourgeois/ Santa Cruz etc makes ab 4-500 per YEAR. The attention to detail, voicing, materials, crafting skills are just on another level. Does that mean a skilled craftsman isn’t making a really incredible Martin, no and in the end a 5,000$ plus Martin custom shop, or even the modern deluxe, authentic series guitar will be an incredible instrument that gets ‘close’ to boutique(the authentic series and custom shop is it’s very best materials and workers). Eastman is lesser quality than Martin but it’s NOT because they’re Chinese. The quality and worker pay and tools/machinery isn’t as good. The collab its own thing, that’s fine but there’s still ppl willing to pay for US made Martin and 6$ PLUS bourgeois. If I want a lesser quality Martin I’ll get an Eastman and pay half, if I want a BETTER Martin I’ll get a US fully made Bourgeois. Just my personal preference though.
@@angelg8445 I see, that helps explain things. From your explanation, what I understand is Bourgeois guitars do in fact have the same design as Martin, but the difference is in the quality control. Thanks for your reply. Much appreciated! 😊🙏
When money doesn't matter
I would definitely stick with an American made guitar by Martin or Gibson instead.
This guitar does sound good, it just doesn’t sound as good as my 1993 D28 that I have owned since 1993. $3k for this? Eff outta here.
Martin HD-28 is the best...Copycats are flattering, always compared, but never matched..I've seen and heard it all. Nice try, though..😅
My D-55 Crushes my HD28!! Alot more comfortable as well.
@@brandonjohnson0037 ok I'll go out and buy one then....thanks
So much not to like about this. Not made by a boutique builder the top is sent to China to build. The frets look flat on close up shot. For me this is going de-value the bourgeois brand. Just because they are listed on reverb for that price doesn't mean you're gonna get that. Not a good direction of this channel. Sorry
Wait just a moment, you made some incorrect/inaccurate comments comparing things about this guitar that is better than a USA Martin HD28 or HD28V....You are dreaming, delirious and wrong if you think that the Touchstone guitar is better equipped, has better materials, has better bracing, has a better case etc. than a Martin HD28V. Those statements are just not true or factual. The sound definitely is not better than either an HD28 or HD28V to most peoples ear. You must be watching/listening too much of Mr. guitar salesman JP Cormier and his continuous put down of USA Martin guitars and how much better his demo guitars are than Martin. This display of blatant false advertising for the Bourgeois Touchstone assembled in China by Eastman which includes China made remaining major guitar parts (back, sides, neck, fingerboard, tuners etc) excluding the top and top bracing which is from USA Bourgeois, leaves one questioning why a subscription to this channel should continue.
Sorry, Jeremy, I don't think this guitar is made by a boutique brand (your words). It is using the name of a once, boutique company, but Eastman is hardly boutique. And, at this price point, I would much rather buy a Martin, support an American company and have a guitar that will hold its value.
Great review J. I think we’re gonna see this line expanded and they’ll get better. As I understand this is one of the first 50 made. I too am impressed by Eastman. While many xenophobic folks are down on China - like it or not, we are part of a global economy and Eastman quality will continue to improve. Maybe throw out your smartphone. Those are all precision made in China
Can’t say that about Martin. I keep encountering quality problems with them. This dread at the sub 3k price point - which I’m guessing will drop to sub 2500 once they proliferate the marketplace. Imagine Adi and torrified versions very soon. Eastman shoots a thin nitro finish on this. That might trickle to Eastman branded guitars
I'm very curious about mahogany versions.
Big difference in crafting a wooden instrument and mass producing electronics.
@@BillBurnette and your point is what?
Jive!!!!!!
I’m sure it’s a good guitar but I think I support enough chinese manufacturing with my money. I’ll stay with US made.
Like others have said, you lost me at China as well. There is so much wrong with the CCP that if I can make a reasonable choice to buy something from anywhere but China, I will.
Your Iphone and your meds are made there .
Sorry it’s made in China. It may sound great but it’s not going to hold any value in the future. 3 k will buy you many fine American guitars. I’ll pass
It might surprise you that most people buy guitars to play, not resell.
Agreed, no way in hell I’ll pay this kind of cash for an import…. I own two American made Martins and I don’t have a single gripe against either one. One’s a GPC28E ( which they don’t even make anymore sadly because it’s an outstanding acoustic ) and the other one is a less blinged out one but completely different ( 000-15SM 12 fret ).
As far as the other reply goes about not reselling your guitar, sure… most of us buy them to play them and keep them for life, although it is nice to know you can still sell it for a good price Incase you do change your mind about the instrument for whatever reason 😉
Jeremy, thanks for another great video. I enjoy what you do . I had an Eastman E20D-SB. . REALLY liked that guitar, even compared, to my fingerpicking style, very favorably to an HD28 I owned.
I’ve never played one of these but I would have a problem spending $3K for a China import. I would never buy one new.
Have you played the Eastman E20D? And if so, how would you compare.
Thank you
I agree with you. The China guitars won’t appreciate but I own a couple of higher end EASTMAN and they are excellent . Purchases used. I would never spend $3K on one. As you say, the depreciation is a big hit. But they do sound exceptionally good.
@@reverb508
When you start paying premium prices for acoustic guitars or just guitars in general - resell is definitely a factor for most buyers.
A $3000 Chinese made dreadnought? Really? What a ridiculous concept. Dana Bourgeois must think this is great considering the much lower Chinese cost to build but selling at near Bourgeois prices for an even bigger profit margin. Typifies the old adage of "a sucker is born everyday". So much for the past respect for the Bourgeois brand and company. The sell out of Bourgeois to a Chinese (Eastman) company will have a long term negative impact on the Bourgeois brand.
My comment referred to my belief that these China manufactured guitars will not hold there their value over time. It degrades his brand in my opinion.
Send off what makes your guitar good and allow the Chinese to copy it. Great idea. Just buy an Eastman and save yourself a ton of money. They sounded better than a Bourgeois to begin with. Either buy and Eastman or buy a Collings. Skip Bourgeois totally. I’ve never understood the hype.
Ditto!!!
Commercial.
Sigma didn't come close? Where's that coming from? You do know the history of Sigma, right? 🤷♂️
I don't really. Sigma, at least in the US, has always been very low quality and thin sounding guitars. I've played dozens and they're all unremarkable
@@JeremySheppard
No disrespect intended, but it seems to me you have a Martin tunnel vision. 🤷♂️
Ck out JP Cormier mystery guitar stock, on UA-cam.
If I remember correctly, another video of his, why I hate Martin Guitars. ( he doesn't, but he's right on in the video). I love Martin guitars, but for the vast majority of us guitar players, are out of reach for the $$$ they cost!
@@rickgold6664
JP is a shill. He promotes guitar brands that are partnered with him.
Take his opinion with a grain of salt.
Sigma has improved on quality but that and affordability are two different things. Martin has quality and resale value - which sigma does not.
Voicing the back is absurd, totally absurd. You do notice, don't you, that ZERO evidence is provided for any claims about voicing the back. It's easy to find a guitar for $1000 equivalent to the one in this video. Start with a company beginning with the letter "Y".
Today is the day I lost interest in ever owning a Bourgeois.
..are you taking money from boogie?
No, but I did get a guitar for this video. They pay for my time, not my opinion.
This Bourgeois is no better than a D28 Martin, it is almost only €1000 more expensive (€3990). Eastman happens to be offering a very similar or identical guitar for €1300 Sitka, solid rosewood, snow flake dots in abalone, ebony fretboard, herringbone inlays (Eastman E8D-TC Dreadnaught D28). So Bourgeois has them produced at Chinese prices, but then sells them at US prices. Depending on the number of items ordered, the purchase price for dealers in China is estimated to vary somewhere between 400-600 € / pce. My Martin guitars are made in the USA, where Martin and their employees pay taxes - my Martins are no better than an Eastman, especially the bindings are not clean D35 HD - 000 EC - CEO7. But where Martin is on it, Martin is inside. If I buy one of these Bourgeois, there's an Eastman in it - so next time I buy an Eastman, there's an Eastman in it - no fake.
How can one speak of a collaboration. This is the result of Eastman acquiring Bourgeois guitars. And now this is getting pushed through such videos into the market. I don’t believe a word of what is being said. You better go to Martin or Gibson and check out their offerings south of 3 grant. You will find great products without this nonsense of making parts in the US and then send them over to China for ‘final assembly’.
What kind of name is it called?? That name alone makes me to NOT want to buy it. Karl Marx might want one if
China? Nope.
Keep dreaming , martin guitars are like none other..... it may sound good and that's why it cost maybe 500 to build and then they jack the price up..... ill double the pass and buy a martin any day
Click bait title. Every dread is a COPY of the early Martin. DB copied Martins like all other modern luthiers. But regardless, play what you want … nobody cares … play a Guild or Yamaha or Gibson or even an Ovation. Just make good music on it.
I don't Rate it.
we cannot comparating with guitar today which is made by technology machine
No chinese made guitar is gonna sound better than an American made Martin. Just facts.
I understand the sentiment but it isn't factual. Sound is subjective and construction is always changing. Even the D28 is an entirely different guitar now than it was in the 1930's. It's very different from the 50's too
@@JeremySheppard
I agree
However for me, the economic side always plays a factor when spending high end money for a guitar.
IMO - choose the right guitar for you but also choose one you can move without taking a big hit.
With the China label - they have a history of not holding their value.
"Proudly made in China". It IS a chinese guitar with bourgeois on the head stock. End of story.
This is one of the best built guitars I've seen in years. The phrase "Chinese guitar" carries much less stigma than you're insinuating.