Bourgeois Blind Test With

John, Jeremy, and our Special Guest ‪@JeremySheppard‬ compare a new Bourgeois Touchstone Dreadnought against a Lewiston made Bourgeois.
Check out Jeremy's channel: / jeremysheppard
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00:00 - Intro
01:12 - The Review
05:43 - Blind Test
07:54 - Initial Opinions
10:27 - The Reveal
12:05 - In Depth Specs
15:18 - Jeremy Playing the Guitars Back to Back
16:23 - Final Conclusions
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#acousticguitar #dreadnought #bourgeoisguitars #bourgeois #performingguitar #acousticmusic #dreadnoughtguitar #thouchstone #bourgeoistouchstonedread #performingguitar #guitars #acousticguitarreview #bluegrassguitar #theacousticshoppe #bourgeoisacousticguitar #bluegrassguitarreview #professionalguitar #highendguitars #newbourgeoisguitar #guitarsongs #guitarmusic #newguitar #newguitar2022 #newguitarreview #comparison #guitartips #guitarcomparison #touchstone #touhcstoneseries

[@angieann8916]

I guessed right on the test and thought the Lewiston made sounded better to me as It sounded more full and warmer. The guitar playing was very good!

[@JeremySheppard]

This was so hard! They both sound and play incredibly well. I want a Touchstone OM!

[@ReVeRbx-fe5wr]

The second was louder and had more bottom end. Definitely boomier and sounded better to me.

[@johnhicks7057]

Great guitar. My concern is the “stigma” of being associated with an overseas mfg. company.

[@carole8312]

The proof of the excellence of the Touchstone guitar is demonstrated in this comparison video. The Guitar Hunter's review is adds another layer of credibility to the project.. The Touchstone guitar is a WIN/WIN for Bourgeois and guitar players alike! 👍👍

[@ManchurianCounterweight]

Totally agree. Eastman is doing some amazing work these days,

[@blakesorie1]

Absolutely beautiful sounding instruments. And, John, you are an amazing player. Thank you for sharing your talent with us all.

[@BillBurnette]

Agreed- John is awesome… so clean!

[@johnchapman4232]

Thank you

[@texhaines9957]

Great comparison! Give them both 5 years and try this again! Still love my Eastman from you folks!

[@michaelwebster8389]

I could hear some difference, but thought the second guitar actually had some additional warmth - though on the second listen, I think I picked up more of what you guys were on about. I really want a touchstone - they're so close, and after it's opened up a bit it'll be a killer. So much resonance.

[@JeremySheppard]

Me too! They're both excellent but the touchstone speaks to me for sure.

[@greenfinmusic5142]

I'd like to see a blind comparison/shootout between the Touchstone D and E8D, and to hear your thoughts on how well the E8D stacks up. Does the Touchstone D sound noticeably different and/or better?

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks for the suggestion! We'll see what we can do.

[@bngbraz2]

Fun video, and interesting instruments. Time tested will (always) be the best test. The second guitar played had a little more depth (low-end) but not much, and to my ear it too was a more "buttery" sounding, but the mids were about the same to me. I think Jeremy's point he could "feel it in his feet" and the other comment, "boxy" was interesting. I think the first was clearer, but both sounded good. I would say the 2nd guitar felt light and yet warm, maybe not as crisp. The first guitar (today) sounds like it's ready to go to work! But I'm still a Martin guy at heart...Haha, though I did play a Japanese Yamaha the other day and was like, wow!

[@RSNflatpickn]

Great video and thanks for doing it was really good I was shocked at how good the Eastman guit a r actually sounded although I could tell a big difference tone wise I couldn't really tell the difference in the volume just b we cause the video sounded same volume all the way thru but I trust you guys and your opinions keep them coming

[@johnmcrae3221]

Very interesting. So on the second guitar, non-thermo cured, how long would the wood need to naturally age for them to be basically sounding the same. Personally. I prefer naturally aging because I am just old school.

[@joepayne7843]

Yeah that first guitar had the machismo. Lol they both sound awesome. I definitely like the torifide guitar better, but they both sound awesome!

[@androwerks6665]

thanks for making my day with your great humor :D:D

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks for watching!

[@BillBurnette]

At 3:38 Jeremy C. Says same neck profile. But then John corrects that after the demo. The Lewiston made necks are compound radius fretboard, and the V shape of the back becomes less pronounced as it goes up to the body, which is very nice. I don’t think that’s the case for the Touchstone.

[@johnchapman4232]

The neck profile is very similar, but not quite as pronounced of a v shape with a standard radius.

[@samsoliva]

Please tell me if there's going to be a 00-14 in the Touchstone series. Only D and OM so far.

[@briandesjardins728]

I hot hired at Bourgeois just after you guys visited. Really bummed I didn't get to meet you guys! Love your channel and all of us at Bourgeois Guitars talk about how great you all are.

[@AcousticShoppe]

We may be back someday!

[@briandesjardins728]

I hope so! Be well guys

[@SlimeyGuitarStrings]

I heard a difference, but I had no clue which one was the touchstone. To me, the Bourgeois sounded like the Boucher guitars I have played whereas the Touchstone sounded like it had a little bit more sound in the lower registers and on a second listen I think I hear the boxy sound that Jeremy mentioned. I tend to think the majority of the difference was probably the thermo-treated top. They both sounded killer and assuming the Touchstone started to sound a little less boxy, which I think I have heard people say is a new guitar thing, the Touchstone is incredible.

[@markguynn7254]

The The Gen D had glistening and colorful overtones and a sweeter sound . The Touchstone was more dryer sounding . It did sound like guitar that has not opened up yet , and it had a more of a boxy sound .Also, the Touchstone tone was not as present . But the Touchstone for just under $3000 , great value.

[@scottbradford960]

Please do a comparison between Furch Vintage DSR and the Bourgeois Touchstone Vintage D. Or can you explain the tonal difference to me? Thanks!

[@wnmckee]

John, what is the sample/tune you are playing in the blind test?

[@AcousticShoppe]

That is "Hangman's Reel".

[@deanmcbride8747]

A comparison video needs doing with the touchstone and a Martin d 28. First guitar sounded better at the beginning. Dean 🇬🇧 ❤️🎸

[@24avenged24]

I just don't see the market for these, price wise they compete with d-28 standard or a hummingbird studio, but also are more expensive than an Eastman. I don't see a market of people willing to buy expensive imports who are also willing to pay more for the usa voiced tops (better or not).

[@greenfinmusic5142]

Will we see some Touchstones with baked tops in the near future? (fingers crossed)

[@brandonin_ny]

FWIW, I definitely liked the 1st guitar better for my preference, but the 2nd wasn’t too shabby. If my budget was the $3,000 range I’d be patient and try to buy a well cared for used boutique or Martin Custom Shop. Something of that ilk.

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks for sharing!

[@BillBurnette]

I don’t completely get the philosophy behind this though- if you can’t tell the difference, why pay more for the Lewiston made guitar? I’m also concerned this will lower the resale value of my two Lewiston made guitars.

[@johnchapman4232]

I think it will allow the Lewiston team to work on more custom guitars and let standard models be part of the touchstone series

[@glennmelrose607]

Guys: this was a very much appreciated comparison and set-up quite well; BUT comparing a torrefied topped Bourgoise vs a “non-cooked” topped Touchstone makes it IMHO much less of a useful comparison “test” between the two brands. The Bourgoeis -to me- sounds like a fine aged and open guitar (drier & more resonant) while the Touchstone sounds like a fine new guitar that will benefit from age/opening up. Still, good examples of TWO very nice guitars.

[@SimiPair]

Both guitars are cannons. I hear no reason to spend 3K more for the Generation D.

[@bigmac51290]

I could tell a clear difference between the two, I just couldn't tell which was which, they were both incredible. I'd say most of the difference was definitely the thermo cured top on the Lewiston. I'd love to hear a more apples to apples comparison.

[@AcousticShoppe]

That's fair! The thermo cured top definitely makes a difference.

[@nycLPplayer]

So you can either get a very well made and spec' d Chinese Bourgeois or a new Standard Series Martin from a good dealer and save a few hundred and maybe hot rod it a little. To each his own.

[@davidgillespie7954]

I'm looking forward to more comparisons like this. I liked the Lewiston guitar better but I like my money to stay in my wallet too.

[@JTSunriseMusic]

❤

[@mattm1854]

Great. Glad I spent more on a lewiston made bourgeois lol. I actually hate that they work with Eastman.

[@bryanjackson8604]

What kind of mandolin is being played here

[@bigmac51290]

It's one of Bourgeois' new mandos

[@BoyajianDon]

One of these or one of the Madagascar dreads from Eastman?! Oooo

[@entemen]

NOT EQUAL COMPARISON! Thermo-cured Eastman E20D sounds much different/better than the non TC. So Bourgeois TS is a hard sell for a grand more. E20D-MR-TC is the best value with offers on Reverb for less than $2k if you're going with overseas built.

[@greenfinmusic5142]

The Touchstone sounded incredible, but I think this video just sold me on Bourgeois, because I thought the first guitar was better.

[@tomboese367]

I almost hate to tell you this, but for the sake of your algorithms, I'll add my comment. I'm a poor boy, i'll never be able to afford those guitars. Then again, I don't play well enough to warrant having an expensive guitar. My dream guitar has always been a Martin D28. I prefer warm tones, thus I like the Martin D 28. I love your playing, your style is awesome, I love your videos and content, so please keep them coming.

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks for watching! The D28 is a dream guitar for many! At least there's always payment plans!

[@luvbgrass]

I picked the Gen D before I knew what they were and prefer that sound a bit better. But, for $4000 difference, Id have to take the touchstone, which also sounded great. It was just a bit brighter and greener to my ear. Great video!

[@karlderdelinckx]

Haha right in the middle of the blind test KZbin places an add. They really have to change where they put the adds because this is not working.

[@jimmycollette9209]

You tube does that so you will go to the premium channel and pay them to not show commercials. Sux but true.

[@karlderdelinckx]

@@jimmycollette9209 if it happens to often i just unsubscribe.

[@matthewpotter1933]

While I appreciate the affordability of the touchstone model, I won’t buy things from China if I have a choice. Also, if I spend $3,000 more on a guitar, I don’t want anybody confusing it with one that is $900. Yes it’s a vanity thing, but that’s ok. Otherwise I loved the video and enjoy, as always, your knowledgeable opinions.

[@angelg8445]

American made products aren’t free from exploitation of humans you know that right ? Also MOST of our products have atleast some parts made from Chinese ones. That being said even tho Amerikkka has plenty of its own problems I still think it’s hard to beat my Martin Custom shop, and the only reason I won’t get a touchstone is bec I would want the fully American made bourgeois. I’ve played Eastmans and based on the comments ab the touchstone they have some great craftsmanship and have been doing wordworking for thousands of years.

[@nathantuckfield2199]

I get what you’re saying however I guarantee that the touchstone sounds better than the standard martins you’ll get from nazareth

[@matthewpotter1933]

@@nathantuckfield2199 That's a pretty subjective conclusion, Nathan, don't you think? I'm not disparaging Eastman guitars at all, but I have heard and played a lot of great sounding guitars. Sure , these sound great but I am left wondering why Eastman would make such a business decision as to create what is essentially a Chinese knock-off of their own guitar and sell it as a substitute for their higher priced model. If it were my company, I would probably have made more differences between the two to distinguish the higher priced model from the lower. Those were great guitars, great video. I have a different opinion.

[@briandesjardins728]

Im a bourgeois employee you'd be pleased to know our hands are on touchstone every step of the way. 3 guys now 4 is working in the touchstone department and they are impeccable. The Lewiston maine shop inspects every single touchstone guitar and if not up to snuff it does not ship out. What about 3000 taylor from mexico?

[@matthewpotter1933]

@@briandesjardins728 No doubt that Bourgeois takes care of it's product. Great reputation for the guitars. The whole Chinese / make-the-cheaper-model-look-like-the-expensive-one thing is what I would have trouble with as a business model if my name was on the headstock. But it's not. You do whatever you want to do and I hope you are wildly successful with it. The Taylor comment is a non sequitur. It has absolutely nothing to do with the discussion. You are conflating Mexico with the CCP. Regardless, I hold Bourgeois Guitars in high regard based on the artists I have seen and heard play them.

[@karls.623]

2

[@VictorVectorMusic]

I'd rather buy 3 Eastmans instead lol.

[@AcousticShoppe]

Go for it! They're great guitars too.

[@adamstewart247]

I liked the Touchstone sound better

[@ryangregohara]

So this is like a 3k China guitar?

[@bigmac51290]

It's more like someone dropped a Chevy (or whatever company you're biased towards) V8 in a Toyota.

[@AcousticShoppe]

No, it's like a 3k Lewiston Bourgeois guitar.

[@edfulginiti8798]

I'm missing the "hunting" and hope for more of it and less...dare I say?..."marketing?"

[@Michael-bm8hi]

I posted it already on Jeremy's channel: I don‘t know if DB had that in mind when the company got sold to Eastman. Clear to me is that this is the start of the end of an exceptional boutique guitar builder in Maine. The only thing that will last in the end will be the brand name. How must their staff feel, noticing that they now are (degraded to) a parts builder and not allowed anymore taking slabs of wood all the way through to the final product. It is a shame. ... and, in the end you will buy a relatively more expensive guitar.

[@AcousticShoppe]

We really think you should check out this interview with Dana & his team: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bouwhYiJorZnaqs We're not trying to disregard your opinion, It's totally valid, but this is what Dana has to say on the subject. Hopefully it can show some insight into why he chose Eastman for the touchstone partnership. If anything this partnership is actually allowing the Bourgeois team to expand & make more of their custom Lewiston builds, they are by no means going away.

[@Michael-bm8hi]

@@AcousticShoppe I was aware of that. Eastman is now the majority owner, means the company was sold. One should not be naive. Their strategy is to suck out the Know-how by at the same time benefiting and not harming the brands reputation. Time will tell, but in a few years from now Bourgeois will not be the same what it was before (and it will be to the worse).

[@pertjacanape]

Not even close. Guitar A so much nicer.

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks for watching and commenting! Be sure to subscribe for more!

[@steveadams8438]

no difference for the average player. Touchtone for me on my budget.

[@AcousticShoppe]

Absolutely great take!

[@pawlowski6132]

OMG. An American crafted guitar assembled in China then shipped back? No thanks. I'd rather just save up to and buy the real deal.

[@nellatrab]

Just go buy a real Martin...honestly it will be an investment. Not just a Chinese frankenstein guitar that will depreciate instantly. The Truetone acrylic finish on the Eastman will not age like nitro unfortunately!

[@fr3dj31]

There's so much reverb and post processing on the whole video that it is completely worthless.

[@JTSunriseMusic]

Plenty of other videos out there for you - Give love 7777777

[@BillBurnette]

Not true. It sounds very natural- the processing is very transparent.

[@davidtackett5953]

China? Why? No thanks

[@circaSG07]

I don’t know if I’ll able to afford the real thing, but what I do know, value over time is something to consider. Typically, the American guitar will hold its value at a higher rate for longer. But my socks were blown away. If only I had 3 grand laying around.

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks for watching!