I think I already know the answer to this...

rtfm · #1 01-20-2018, 02:24 AM

Hi,
I have been web surfing of late checking out the Bourgeois D-Country Boy and the new Martin D18. If I were to go only on the written and video reviews of these two guitars, I am inclined to opt for the Bourgeois. Add to this an experience many years ago of playing a D18 and actually disliking it. Didn't like the v-neck, the action was OK, but the guitar didn't sparkle at all.

However, there are no Bourgeois guitar to try out here in Brisbane, but there are a number of D18's. Naturally, as soon as I can manage it, I will try out all the D18's I can access. I am hoping to be blown away by at least one of them. Well, that's my hope, anyway.

So my question is: Do I go with one of the D18s and forget about the Bourgeois, or do I order a Bourgeois without having heard or played it?

Mmmm

I'd be interested in hearing your comments.

Regards,
Duncan

StephenHD35 · #2 01-20-2018, 02:30 AM

I would at least try the D-18 before you do anything. You said you played a D-18 years ago and didn't care for it. If it was prior to 2012, it was a different instrument than the D-18 of today. If you don't love it, then take a chance on the untried Bourgeois D-Country Boy, which in my experience aren't exactly slouches either. Good luck with your decision.

PiousDevil · #3 01-20-2018, 02:32 AM

New D18s have a completely different neck and bracing. Go try a few new ones before you shell out the extra money on a Bourgeois you can't play, but I can't imagine you'd be disappointed by the Country Boy.

Tony Done · #4 01-20-2018, 03:12 AM

I gotta Bourgeois here in Toowoomba, currently up for sale. - A '95 Martin Simpson Sig. It sounds nothing like any other guitar I've ever played, fantastic, but IMO better suited to slide that flatpicking. Based on my experience, I would take a chance on a Country Boy.

D-18s vary, I've liked some, others not so much. Check neck angles, as they also vary, and my experience with Martin warranties here wasn't good, but that might have changed. At least the Bourgeois bolt-on neck is easy to fix if the action goes bad.

inadu ridge · #5 01-20-2018, 03:25 AM

Go play some D-18s.
It would be unwise to base your opinion of the D-18 on one example you played many years ago.

jwing · #6 01-22-2018, 08:50 AM

It's obvious that you really want the Bourgeois. That's the guitar for you to get. Just buy it and don't look back. Everybody who has a Bourgeois loves it. So will you. Don't waste your time playing a bunch of Martins, and do not buy a Martin until you've scratched the Bourgeois itch.

tomiv9 · #7 01-22-2018, 08:56 AM

You mention not liking V necks. Bourgeois' do have a slight V neck, its very subtle, and much less noticeable then martin V necks, but its there. The modern D-18 has the low profile C shape with performing artist taper. So they definitely feel a little different. Bourgeois only scallops one side of the dreads, so they have a more even, sweet OM like tone, still plenty of bass. The new D-18 has scalloped braces (both sides), so has more of a traditional dread, scooped sound.

rokdog49 · #8 01-22-2018, 10:21 AM

For sure at least play a few new D18's to get the experience.
I can't speak for the other guitar and if it is more than $2000, I'd have to play it before I bought it or at least be able to return it for a full refund if I didn't like it. I wouldn't trust anyone else's opinion on an expensive guitar enough to buy one on their say-so.

rokdog49 · #9 01-22-2018, 10:43 AM

Duplicate Post - Deleted

L20A · #10 01-22-2018, 10:44 AM

There are other Martin guitars that you might like over a D-18.
Have you played any of the D-28 style Martin guitars?
Or my favorite, a D-35?

Kupuna50 · #11 01-22-2018, 10:45 AM

I owned a Bourgeois Country Boy about a yer ago. I currently own a 'new' Martin D-18.
Very similar guitars in a lot of ways, but different at the same time.
For the $$, I prefer the D-18.
For the tone, I prefer the D-18.
For looks, the Bourgeois.
For feel, the D-18.

Just my 2 cents.....