For Sale: 1998 Bourgeois Martin Simpson - Cedar / Mahogany

[sevenpalms]

JUST INSTALLED A NEW L.R. BAGGS HI-FI PICK UP!

This is a 1998 Bourgeois 12-Fret Martin Simpson Signature guitar in good condition. The label is signed by Martin Simpson and Dana Bourgeois - Bourgeois Guitars.

This guitar and model was made by Dana Bourgeois during the 'Pre-Pantheon' era. It is superb in DADGAD and other dropped tunings. Typical of Dana’s guitars, this one has attention to details inside and out with finishing inside as if prepped for lacquering. The guitar is resonant, responsive, balanced sound with plenty of volume. The bass is clear, it is tonally responsive across the strings with a sweet clear trebles. It is made for both finger style and flat picking. The guitar has some dings from use. There are 2 small cracks in the top and one in the lower bout right side. They were expertly repaired by a luthier to stabilize and reinforce. It plays well, which is great but is clearly used. I would be happy to forward additional pictures upon request.

The European cedar top is extremely fine grained and has pervasive fine scale silking. It looks like super fine grained Western Red Cedar but was old as and labelled European. The Honduran mahogany back and sides are figured and also top quality tone woods. The tuners are new gold Gotoh’s engraved with tiny leaves. Gold strap pins are mounted on the neck heel and tail block. It is set up with low action.


Specs:
Top: European Cedar, tight grain, natural finish. Deep cut-a-way for maximum access to upper frets. Back/Sides: Figured beautifully matched Honduran Mahogany Body Size: OM-Jumbo Binding: Ivroid and blackline - Top, Body, Neck and Headstock Pick Guard: Tortise Neck: Mahogany, 12 frets to the body. Fingerboard: Ebony, ‘flower’ fret markers - 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 12th, 15th and 17th frets Bridge: Ebony Sound hole: 4.125” with Ivroid and blackline Rosette Headstock: Mahogany, original ‘arrow’ design, Bourgeois name inset Back Stripe: Attractive wood ‘arrow’ design Tuners: Enclosed original, stamped ‘Made in Germany’ (likely, Kluson/Schaller) Scale: Length (25.6) Upper Bout width: 11.5” Waist width: 10.5” Lower Bout width: 15 7/8” Width at nut: 1 3/4” Width at 14th Fret: 2.25” Width at Saddle: 2.375” String height at 12th fret: 0.12 mm bass side, 0.09 mm treble side Case: Hard shell, arched top Black TKL, 14-fret size - Excellent condition

OFF THE MARKET

Here's a link to the Reverb listing
https://reverb.com/item/65243272-bou...n-simpson-1998

[temriver]

PM sent. Hope I'm first

[sevenpalms]

Ok, I recently bought this one back...and its fantastic! However, GAS got me this past weekend and I popped on a really cool 12 string....so I gotta move it along..again! This is a phenomenal DADGAD guitar. Sustains forever and is super responsive.

[twocorgis]

PM sent your way.

[MCDEMO1]

I bought a 2003 sunburst mahogany/red spruce version of this guitar a couple of years ago and think sevenpalms' description of this model fits it well:

"The guitar is resonant, responsive, balanced sound with plenty of volume. The bass is clear, it is tonally responsive across the strings with a sweet clear trebles. It is made for both finger style and flat picking."

To me the Simpson signature is like a 12-fret D, but with OM bracing and the unique cutaway. Also, the headstock shape allows for an almost straight run of the strings from the saddle over the nut to the tuner posts.

Good price too. Best of luck with the sale.

[sevenpalms]

Originally Posted by MCDEMO1

I bought a 2003 sunburst mahogany/red spruce version of this guitar a couple of years ago and think sevenpalms' description of this model fits it well:

"The guitar is resonant, responsive, balanced sound with plenty of volume. The bass is clear, it is tonally responsive across the strings with a sweet clear trebles. It is made for both finger style and flat picking."

To me the Simpson signature is like a 12-fret D, but with OM bracing and the unique cutaway. Also, the headstock shape allows for an almost straight run of the strings from the saddle over the nut to the tuner posts.

Good price too. Best of luck with the sale.

Thanks Mark, I may have also owned that 2003 you mentioned. This one is much more responsive. I think mahogany and Cedar make a great fingerstyle instrument.

[sevenpalms]

Originally Posted by twocorgis

PM sent your way.

Been on the fence back and forth about listing this one....but unfortunately I'm gonna have to let it go! Back on the market.

[sayheyjeff]

I had one of these for a number of years and it was a fantastic guitar. Would still have it if my older hands and fingers hadn’t told me to play smaller guitars. This guitar should make someone very happy.

Jeff

[sevenpalms]

Originally Posted by sayheyjeff

I had one of these for a number of years and it was a fantastic guitar. Would still have it if my older hands and fingers hadn’t told me to play smaller guitars. This guitar should make someone very happy.

Jeff

Thanks other Jeff! ITs a fine guitar. I find that with the 12 fret neck and cutaway this model feels very ergonomic!

[rcalcutta]

I have owned a couple of these over the years. All were outstanding.

You cannot go wrong with this guitar. As most of you all know, Jeff is a great guy to deal with as well.

[anton]

Would you describe the tone as more dry and fundamental, like a Martin? Or rich with overtones like a Goodall? Id be curious where it sits on that spectrum.

[sevenpalms]

Originally Posted by anton

Would you describe the tone as more dry and fundamental, like a Martin? Or rich with overtones like a Goodall? Id be curious where it sits on that scale.

Definitely more dry and woody. I’ve got a little video I can send you…. What’s your email?

[anton]

Thanks! [email protected]

[sevenpalms]

Originally Posted by anton

Thanks! [email protected]

All PM's replied to. Back up on the market with a new L/R. Baggs Hi-Fi pick up installed just this week!

[sevenpalms]

Originally Posted by rcalcutta

I have owned a couple of these over the years. All were outstanding.

You cannot go wrong with this guitar. As most of you all know, Jeff is a great guy to deal with as well.

Thanks Rob, You are a man of discerning taste!