50 Years of Craftsmanship: The Bourgeois Custom OOO 50th Anniversary Soloist

At Peach Guitars, we're thrilled to partner up with Dana Bourgeois and his incredible team to celebrate his legendary 50 year career with the exceptional 50th anniversary Soloist. All Bourgeois guitars are special, but these truly are a cut above the rest. Meticulously handcrafted and limited to just five of this body shape worldwide, this rare instrument stands as a testament to craftsmanship, tone, and heritage.

Dana Bourgeois' Early Days

Dana Bourgeois’ journey into the world of guitar building began in the most unassuming of places—a college dorm room at Bowdoin College in Maine during the early 1970s. With only a copy of Irving Sloan’s Classical Guitar Construction and guidance from his father and grandfather, Dana crafted his first instruments by hand. That DIY spirit quickly blossomed into a lifelong calling.

By 1977, he had opened his own one-man workshop in Brunswick, Maine, where he immersed himself in guitar repair and construction during a vibrant era of folk and bluegrass revival. Legendary flatpicker Tony Rice became both a mentor and an early critic, offering honest feedback that profoundly shaped Dana’s approach.

A pivotal moment came when Rice unexpectedly preferred one of Dana’s OM-style guitars over a traditional dreadnought—an insight that led Dana to champion the Orchestral Model and redefine the tonal expectations of steel-string acoustics. From those humble beginnings, Dana’s relentless curiosity, deep respect for vintage tone, and innovative spirit laid the foundation for what would become one of the most respected names in boutique guitar lutherie.

What Makes A Bourgeois Guitar So Different

Before we dive into the 50th anniversary Soloist collection, we wanted to refresh your mind about what truly makes a Bourgeois guitar so different. It all begins with the extraordinary care, precision, and deep understanding of tonewood acoustics that Dana Bourgeois brings to each build. Central to his approach is tap tuning, a technique where every top and back is individually flexed and tapped by hand to listen for the natural voice of the wood.

Dana then shaves and voices each brace to complement those resonances, unlocking the full tonal potential of the instrument. This hands-on, responsive process means no two Bourgeois guitars are exactly the same, they are uniquely tailored for balance, responsiveness, and musicality. Combined with hand-selected premium woods, expert fretwork, and thin, resonant finishes, every Bourgeois guitar offers a level of tonal refinement and touch sensitivity that few other instruments can match.

A Tribute To Dana Bourgeois's Legacy

This release represents a pivotal moment, paying tribute to Dana’s extraordinary legacy through a collection of instruments that embody the wisdom, skill, and passion he has cultivated over more than fifty years. Each guitar in the series is a testament to his dedication. They're purposefully designed, masterfully built, and rich with the voice of experience. Among them, the OOO Soloist stands out as one of the rarest and most sought-after models, offering a profoundly personal and meticulously crafted expression of Dana’s unparalleled craftsmanship.

The OOO Body: Intimacy and Balance

The OOO body shape has long been favoured by players who value nuance and control. Slightly smaller and more refined than a dreadnought, the OOO offers a balanced tonal palette that excels at fingerstyle playing but also performs beautifully for light to moderate strumming. This shape lends itself to detailed, articulate playing, with a focused midrange and a natural, even projection. In the 50th Anniversary Soloist, the OOO body is pushed to new sonic heights through Dana’s meticulous construction and voicing process, resulting in an acoustic guitar that’s effortlessly expressive and incredibly responsive.

Words truly struggle to capture the exceptional quality and sonic prowess of this guitar. Its voice is nothing short of phenomenal, boasting a remarkable bass response, impressive volume, and articulate punch that belies its smaller OOO dimensions.

Master Grade Tonewoods: Macassar Ebony and Italian Spruce

At the heart of this guitar’s voice is a pairing of Master Grade Macassar Ebony back and sides and a Master Grade Bearclaw Italian Spruce top. Macassar Ebony is celebrated for its deep low-end and complex overtones, offering a warmth and clarity that rivals Brazilian Rosewood while remaining focused and articulate.

The Bearclaw Italian Spruce top not only adds a unique, visually striking grain pattern but also enhances the guitar’s acoustic performance. The bearclaw figure suggests added stiffness in the wood, which improves projection and responsiveness. Italian Spruce itself is known for its light weight, strength, and its ability to produce a crisp, dynamic attack with smooth, extended highs.

Together, these woods create a bold yet refined tonal character that's versatile enough to handle a variety of playing styles while being highly responsive to the nuances of your touch.

Effortless Playability and Signature Bourgeois Feel

The Soloist designation in the Bourgeois lineup is reserved for guitars that excel in playability and response—and this model lives up to that reputation. The soft V neck profile strikes the perfect balance, providing enough substance for a secure feel while remaining incredibly comfortable in the hand.

Expert fretwork and a silky ebony fingerboard, combined with precise neck geometry, ensure a smooth, effortless playing experience across the entire fretboard.

Thanks to Dana’s proprietary voicing and lightweight build, the guitar is highly dynamic and touch-sensitive. Notes bloom with remarkable clarity and sustain, whether you're gently fingerpicking or experimenting with open tunings and alternate voicings.

Elegant 50th Anniversary Appointments

The Bourgeois Custom OOO 50th Anniversary Soloist is adorned with luxurious appointments that make it truly stand out. It features 14k gold ‘ghost’ square and diamond inlays on the fretboard, adding a unique and elegant touch.

The gold slotted triangle inlay on the heel cap is another striking detail, showcasing Dana’s meticulous attention to craftsmanship. A commemorative 50th Anniversary inlay on the headstock, custom abalone rosette, and Ziricote binding all contribute to its refined aesthetic. As a final personal touch, Dana Bourgeois himself has signed the guitar’s label, making each instrument in this limited run a true collector’s item.

Own a Piece of Guitar History

With only five Bourgeois Custom OOO 50th Anniversary Soloist guitars made, this is an extremely rare model. Owning one means having a part of Dana Bourgeois’ legacy in your hands. Whether you’re a collector, a working musician, or someone who simply appreciates exceptional craftsmanship, this guitar offers a perfect blend of stunning beauty, rich tone, and precise craftsmanship that sets it apart from anything else.

Get Your 50th Anniversary Soloist Today!

The Bourgeois Custom OOO 50th Anniversary Soloist is available now at Peach Guitars. As an authorised Bourgeois dealer and passionate supporters of the world’s finest boutique guitar makers, we’re proud to offer this historic and deeply special instrument. Explore it online or visit us in person to experience what makes this guitar truly remarkable.