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  #1  
Old 07-08-2019, 12:12 PM
pdx pdx is offline
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Default A Wolf in sheep’s clothing is in the house!

A few days ago I swung into one of my favorite used guitar shops. I’m checking out the electrics and wandered into the acoustic room. Looking around I immediately notice two Washburn’s on the wall. I briefly had a Tacoma made Washburn that was a wonderful guitar, and through owning that guitar I became aware of the Dana Bourgeois made Washburn’s. Naturally, I have been on the lookout for one, but knowing that they were made in limited numbers, I didn’t think I would find one in the wild. Low and behold, they had two of the Bourgeois made Washburn’s there, the other being the Apache, which had a stunning three piece back, but it had a neck crack that was repaired. I spoke with the manager who I have known for 15 or so years and he didn’t really know much about them other than they just came in on consignment. Anyway, long story short, the Bourgeois Washburn now has a happy new home. I believe I maybe made a suggestion to my girlfriend who was there with me that I would sell a few guitars to bring this one home. I’m sure she will hold me to that.
This one is from 95 with the shop foreman’s initials C.P.T. Stunning Sitka top with attractive EIR. I think it sounds very much like my D-28 though a touch more balanced. I’ll try to get better pictures, but these will suffice for now.





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1968 Martin D-28
1975 Martin D-18
1976 Martin 000-18
1989 Martin 000-16M
2015 Martin 00-DB Jeff Tweedy
2012 Gibson J-45 Custom
2017 Gibson J-35
1971 Alvarez K. Yairi Classical
1970 Lou J Mancuso nylon string hybrid
Harmony Sovereign H1260
30's MayBell Model 6
Nash MW-500
1998 Yamaha LS-10
2003 Tacoma EKK9
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Old 07-08-2019, 01:03 PM
L20A L20A is offline
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Never knew there was a connection between Washburn and Bourgeois.
Thanks for sharing.
Enjoy what looks like a fantastic guitar.
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  #3  
Old 07-08-2019, 01:49 PM
zmf zmf is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pdx View Post
I think it sounds very much like my D-28 though a touch more balanced.
Now that is really cool.

Have you played a "Bourgeois" Bourgeois? I was wondering how his Washburn guitars compare with his current products.
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Old 07-08-2019, 01:54 PM
pdx pdx is offline
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It’s been a number of years. Apparently the only differences between the Washburn Bourgeois guitars and his standard line was the headstock shape, the bridge shape and inlays. I read that the earlier models he made have his standard rosewood bridge plate with later models getting a larger maple plate per Washburn’s request. This one has the small plate.

I’m not sure how his design from the 90’s are compared to his present design, but this is quite a respectable sample of a Rosewood dreadnaught.

I’ve been playing it this morning as it needs a good wake up and it really growls when you dig in. I’m not sure what strings are on it, but I’ll do some experimenting.
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Patrick
1968 Martin D-28
1975 Martin D-18
1976 Martin 000-18
1989 Martin 000-16M
2015 Martin 00-DB Jeff Tweedy
2012 Gibson J-45 Custom
2017 Gibson J-35
1971 Alvarez K. Yairi Classical
1970 Lou J Mancuso nylon string hybrid
Harmony Sovereign H1260
30's MayBell Model 6
Nash MW-500
1998 Yamaha LS-10
2003 Tacoma EKK9
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  #5  
Old 07-08-2019, 02:17 PM
Silly Moustache Silly Moustache is offline
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Hi, I had no knowledge that Dana had made, or assembled guitars for Washburn. I knew he had a short livd deal with Akai, in the late '90s who dropped him, forcing him into bankruptcy.

I see that you put up a very similar thread in June 2016 called :NGD Washburn Native Series by Tacoma.

I had a Bourgeois DS260 made, I think, in 1996. it was possibly the finest instrument I've ever owned but sadly did not fir my left hand.

BTW - I have those weeds on my lawn as well!
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  #6  
Old 07-08-2019, 03:08 PM
pdx pdx is offline
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Yup, in researching the Tacoma built Washburn I found out about the Bourgeois models. The Tacoma built Washburn was no slouch. A-frame bracing with a large neck. This guitar is much more complex sounding, very easy to play with exquisite workmanship. Had the manager known about the Bourgeois connection, I’m sure it would have been priced double. He said he wouldn’t have time to research it for a few days, so I felt it was prudent to strike when the iron was hot.
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Patrick
1968 Martin D-28
1975 Martin D-18
1976 Martin 000-18
1989 Martin 000-16M
2015 Martin 00-DB Jeff Tweedy
2012 Gibson J-45 Custom
2017 Gibson J-35
1971 Alvarez K. Yairi Classical
1970 Lou J Mancuso nylon string hybrid
Harmony Sovereign H1260
30's MayBell Model 6
Nash MW-500
1998 Yamaha LS-10
2003 Tacoma EKK9
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  #7  
Old 07-08-2019, 07:32 PM
ManyMartinMan ManyMartinMan is offline
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I too have never heard of a Bourgeois/Washburn connection. How does one identify a Bourgeois Washburn?
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  #8  
Old 02-19-2020, 07:41 PM
dlnix1954 dlnix1954 is offline
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Default Another wolf

Exciting to hear about your find. I have recently negotiated the purchase of a Washburn D96SW Paramount. Not only is this a piece of art in the details of inlay and workmanship this guitar has balanced tone and volume that rivals any I have played.
Congratulations
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  #9  
Old 02-22-2020, 11:26 AM
pdx pdx is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ManyMartinMan View Post
I too have never heard of a Bourgeois/Washburn connection. How does one identify a Bourgeois Washburn?
Just saw this. The Bourgeois made guitars will naturally be of excellent quality, which is easy to spot, the sticker will have either Dana’s initials or the ship managers C.P.T., if the bridge pins are original they will have hash marks on them denoting their placement, Dana’s bracing and lastly if you feel under the tongue of the fretboard, Dana bolts the tongue to the body.
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Patrick
1968 Martin D-28
1975 Martin D-18
1976 Martin 000-18
1989 Martin 000-16M
2015 Martin 00-DB Jeff Tweedy
2012 Gibson J-45 Custom
2017 Gibson J-35
1971 Alvarez K. Yairi Classical
1970 Lou J Mancuso nylon string hybrid
Harmony Sovereign H1260
30's MayBell Model 6
Nash MW-500
1998 Yamaha LS-10
2003 Tacoma EKK9
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