Dear Customer:  

Your comments and feedback are important to us.  
Thanks to those below who have allowed us to share
their thoughts with the rest of you.  

NOTE:    In the customer letters below, you will sometimes notice an  XXXXX where another guitar company's name might have been.  We do this to show respect.  The guitar building community is a small one made up of many fine companies and many friends of ours. (Of course that doesn't mean we aren't making the best guitars(!!), we just would rather you make up your own mind about that!). 

Miles with Alvin Deskins in Morgan Music, Lebanon, Missouri.   ---- Original Message ----- To: info@pantheonguitars.com Sent: Wednesday, August 20, 2008 3:23 PM Subject: my new guitar To: Dana & Bonni   I went up to Morgan Music last Saturday 8-16-08 to get my special order DB Signature Model Bourgeois Guitar, it was worth waiting for. Alvin Deskins was there to help me with all the details. I was the first to open the case. It was a great time. I played the guitar while Alvin played some banjo tunes. Some good friends of mine, Larry and Mary had just arrived right when I started to play my new guitar, we all had a jam session. It was a great time playing bluegrass music with my friends, Alvin, Mary and Larry.  My DB Signature Model is the most powerful guitar I have ever owned.  It has the sound I have always wanted in a guitar.   Thank you for custom building the guitar to meet my request's.       I have had a great experience, working with Bonni at Pantheon Guitars and with Alvin and Jenna at Morgan Music throughout this process.  I am very proud to own a Bourgeois guitar.  Thanks again to Dana, Bonni and all the folks behind the scenes.     Your friend Miles    8-20-08

----- Original Message ----- From: "John" To: <info@pantheonguitars.com> Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 12:59 PM Hi Dana, About a year ago I purchased an Engelmann top soloist from 12th fret in Toronto.  I have been blessed with the good fortune to acquire what I consider to be a good guitar collection.  But without a doubt your soloist is the one I turn to most often.  Its silvery tone and butter like feel is a marvel.  I truly hope to one day add one more to my collection the Slope D. Best of luck and thank you Regards John

Left shows Ella Rose & Grandad Rodger.  Click on pictures to see a close-ups of Ella Rose with her grandad and the guitar ----- Original Message ----- Sent: Tuesday, December 11, 2007 9:51 AM Subject: Re: Ella Rose   Hi Bonni,   You guys are simply amazing!  I brought home the “Ella Rose” guitar (the DB Jumbo designed and named for my granddaughter) two weeks ago.  It’s taken me that long to gather my thoughts enough to tell you how thrilled I am with it!   I’ve played guitar for over 40 years and have seen and played hundreds (maybe thousands?) of acoustics.  The Ella Rose is the most visually stunning guitar I have ever seen – nothing in my experience even comes close.  The wood combinations work so well together.  I’m convinced that Dana significantly upgraded each of the wood sets to make a special guitar even more special for our family.   The redwood top is so rich and dark – I didn’t know redwood could look like that.  The Koa binding is “flamey” from every viewing angle.  And the Brazilian rosewood back and sides – wow!  Beautiful straight grain – I didn’t know this quality was even available anymore.… and the inlays.  The fretboard Rose inlay is gorgeous!  The detail is just incredible.  Dana did a wonderful job of matching the Style 42 top border inlay to the fretboard Rose. click on photo for close-up   And finally, the tone.  After all – that’s the most important thing for most of us.  Let me just say that I had to revamp my recording setup because the “Ella Rose” just overpowered it compared to the guitars I was using for fingerstyle.  It is so powerful, so well balanced and generates such a wide frequency spectrum that I had to adjust to capture it all.  I asked for a guitar that could also handle light to medium strumming in addition to fingerstyle and this guitar can do it.  It is just a fabulous all-around guitar.    On a personal note – I just want to thank you, Dana and the entire crew for building a dream come true for me and my granddaughter.  You listened patiently to what I was looking for and made suggestions that turned out perfectly.  Your only concern was to get it right – and you guys nailed it!  I can’t thank you enough for the materials you selected and your painstaking care in every conceivable detail.  The workmanship is flawless and the care in building this masterpiece is obvious.  As I’ve said before – you guys are the absolute best at what you do.  You’ve given me a guitar that will always be a bond between Ella Rose and me – she’ll just have to wait 20 more years to own it.  My hope is that it will be a cherished heirloom for my family 100 years from now – I’m sure it will continue to be an elite, world-class instrument for at least that long.  Thank you for creating a piece of history for me.  My only dilemma is that our first grandson was born 3 months after Ella.  Well, after the guitar fund is replenished, you’ll be hearing from me.   Thanks again, take care – Rodger

Mike with his custom JOM.   (click on photo for a closer look) So nice, he wrote us twice ! ----- Original Message ----- To: info@pantheonguitars.com Subject: thanks again! Dana and team, Yes, I sent you a "THANKS" and an "I'm IMPRESSED" already regarding my Custom JOM, Signature series. As I reflect on it and play it, I have become even more impressed by it and by your company. Here's why: 1) the guitar is built flawlessly. There is NOT a single piece of it that shows a rough spot at all. All edges come together smoothly and beautifully. 2) you don't waste your money or time on fancy things, but just put your all into the guitar. The simple warranty letter is a case in point, with no fancy letters, just a simple photocopy. 3) now my biggest problem, and that is when I pick up my Bourgeois first, I keep playing it! So I barely have time to play my National, and I really want to develop my slide guitar skills, too! I really do have a hard time putting it down, once I start with it. So thanks again :) (and keep it up, there are a lot more people that you can make happy!) Mike ----- Original Message ----- To: info@pantheonguitars.com Subject: My new Custom JOM Dana and the Bourgeois team, I just received my new Custom JOM from Mountain Music Shoppe yesterday, and it was so exciting that my hands were trembling in their shop. Jim Curley, Mountain Music Shoppe owner, had told me a year earlier that Bourgeois is the best guitar made.  I took a second look and play. Now I get it! You have made another truly wonderful musical instrument! You know that you create beautiful guitars, both by look and sound. When I compare what I had with yours, I see the quality of craftsmanship, too, and can imagine what care you also put into the shape and tuning of the woods. I am so glad that you created the JOM model. It feels so much easier for me to play than a full-sized Dreadnaught with my narrower shoulders, and I really feel more relaxed with it. As I worked through the process of choosing which guitar, model and woods I wanted, Mountain Music Shoppe was patiently there answering all my questions and sharing their knowledge. You have a GREAT partner there, and I tell everyone to shop at that store and give your guitars serious consideration. I am really lucky that, with you and with Mountain Music Shoppe, there are great instruments nearby at an affordable price. Yours truly, Mike

Sent: Saturday, September 01, 2007 11:47 AM Subject: Re: Shorty Slope D Hi Bonni, Re Slope D, Short Scale: Immediate impressions, in no particular order: warm, plyable, woody, comfy, friendly, articulate, clear strong mids, firm woody bass end, shimmering trebles. Slope Short Scale is a combination of great features, short scale, slope shoulder, easy to hold, great looks - mine has some bearclaw, lovely 'pale burst', real oldtime feel & sound, but also a good all rounder. Strums, flatpicks & fingerstyle playing all feel great on this guitar. Have yet to use it live, - can't wait . . .have installed McIntyre feather (best pick up for any Bourgeois, in my opinion). So far, very good, - and I'm not easy to please! Best regards, Guy

Ed with his Signature D  (click on photo for a closer look) ----- Original Message ----- To: blloyd@pantheonguitars.com Sent: Thursday, August 02, 2007 10:36 PM Subject: Pictures Hello Bonni: I picked up my guitar last Friday. Don and Marty really had me expecting great things based on the phone calls, emails and excitement on their faces when I walked into Wildwood. I must say it was a little emotional when I opened the case. I wanted to see the label first - then take in the guitar itself. Like the Queen of Sheba said of Solomon's Temple, "the half was not told me." I was expecting a tone monster. What I heard was the bell like quaility from low to high up and down the neck I've only read about. I think you could breath hard on it and it would ring. To say I'm pleased with the sound would be a gross understatement. In fact, I toyed with getting it in Brazilian but I can't imagine it sounding any better. The real surprise came when I started to look at it. I was expecting tone over appearance. After all, that's how you promote the Signature D, right? The whiteness of the top due to the light amount of vintage toner set it apart from a room filled with high end instruments. The Madagascar Rosewood was just as unbelievable - quartersawn, incredibly straight and tight grained. If you have higher grades of Adirondack or MadRose, I would like to see them. This guitar is as beautiful as it sounds. Every little detail is as promised. I played it in church Sunday. I told the folks the story of how the guitar came to be then sang a song my mother used to sing in church when I was a child. There were several misty eyed folks who sang along. Please give Dana my deepest thanks along with anyone else who had a hand in this project. I'm attaching a couple pictures. Now you have a face to put with the name. Marty & Don at Wildwood Guitars (click for larger view) Be Blessed, Ed

May 26, 2007 To everyone at Bourgeois, I want to let you know how pleased I am with my new Vintage OM. I got it in early April at West Chester Music, where I have had my teaching studio for years. Since the store became one of your dealers, the guys there and I have enjoyed playing the various guitars as they have arrived; in fact we don't wait to try them because they don't tend to hang around long. Your guitars set a very high standard immediately. They sound great, look beautiful, and play very comfortably. Every guitar so far has been a winner.  Even with my sky-high expectations, though, I'm knocked out by my new guitar! Great neck, really good intonation (one of my personal must-haves), a truly flawless fit and finish (thanks for the cool unslotted bridge pins, which I usually have to install on other guitars;  I really think there's a difference), and spectacular tone. No tweaking needed on the setup; that's VERY rare for me. Really pretty wood, too, especially the Adirondack top. I'm getting great note separation on busy pieces, but wonderful sustain on chords at the same time. Bass notes are very clear, even way up the neck, and I can make them snarl when I want. Trebles are clear and fat. The balance is great and the guitar is responsive, loud, and full everywhere. It takes a capo just fine.  In fact, this combination of a really articulate bass with a clear but gutsy top end is a combination I've been trying to find for a loooong time. I've bought and sold several guitars (OM's, 000's, and a 00) in the process, including one that cost considerably more than this one, and was hooked the first time I lifted this guitar down from the wall. So, thanks for the amazing guitar, and for wrecking my budget last month (and at tax time, to boot)! I wouldn't have it any other way. Jay Scott

Hi Dana and Company, I am a former guitar roadie for Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band and former guitar roadie turned road manager for John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band. I now teach fifth grade in Fairfield, CT. I want you to know that I didn't go into Acoustic Music.org  in Gilford, CT today planning on buying a $4250.00 Bourgeois OM Custom guitar. Brain Wolfe just kept lining up OM guitars for me to try and I kept playing and trying and switching and eliminating instruments until it came down to a XXXX OM and a Bourgeois OM. There actually was no real choice involved because the Bourgeois was the Koa/Sitka OM combo that Brain said that he ordered from you in 2005 and took shipment of in 2006. It's beautiful and sounds fantastic but...I'm really not surprised that it was still there after some months on the floor and the wall because I'm a firm believer that certain guitars and people being fated to be together. When Brian brought the Bourgeois out for me to see he said, "Do you want to see the most beautiful OM that I have in the shop?" It was so beautiful that I was stunned that he was going to let me play it. As I worked it through the group of guitars that I was playing I honestly wasn't letting myself love it too much because I wrongly assumed that it would be at least $7500. When it came down to asking the dreaded question of...how much...Brian replied that, "It's not as much (bad) as you might think." Once I knew the prices I did another go around with both guitars just for fun. I then took my wife to a local resturant  and Linda said, "What do you want to do?" I told her that I'd love to buy the Koa Bourgeois and she said the words that every husband wants to hear..."Then why don't you do it?" It helps that she plays guitar and is a great songwriter (as well as being beautiful!!). I called and said..."I'm going to take the Bourgeois Koa."  Having just played two Norman Blake OMs, a Clapton OM and a Marquis OM at a friend's house in R.I. this week I feel that I've had the opportunity to play some very nice guitars of late. Mine though, is hands down, the most wonderful of the bunch. Thanks you for showing me that there is more than one brand of guitars for me in the world.  Thanks again, David Seymour, CT

December 18, 2006 To All at Bourgeois Guitars:  It is hard to describe my satisfaction with my new Bourgeois Country Boy Dreadnought, serial number 003990! I bought the guitar a week ago at Mountain Music Shoppe.  I played guitar extensively about 25 years ago, but sadly gave it up because of a demanding career. I also sold guitars in my youth at a store in my hometown. We sold the finest instruments on the market at that time. I did not think they made guitars like that anymore. When I decided I wanted to play again, I could afford only one guitar, which would most likely be a "lifetime keeper".  Foolishly, I initially bought what most might consider a "fine guitar" from a renowned "factory" maker, thinking it would be sufficient. But, I was eventually dissatisfied. I should have known there really was something missing with the "new post modern style" factory built guitars. Consistency might improve other products, but not musical instruments! As you discuss on your website, each instrument really does have its own personality.  When I finally took a chance and played my Country Boy, I knew within minutes that I had to own it. Nothing less would do. I decided it did not matter whether or not I thought I could afford it.  I will most likely keep this guitar for the rest of my life unless I can eventually afford a better Bourgeois mahogany dreadnought. In my opinion, the Country Boy is probably the best "all around" mahogany dreadnought available.  Thanks very much to everyone who had a part in building my guitar! I will treasure it.  Chris  Overland Park, KS

----- Original Message -----  From: Paul  To: Bonni Lloyd  Sent: Wednesday, December 06, 2006 8:30 PM Subject: Re: Slope D I paid off the balance owed on my new slope D and brought it home on Sat., Nov. 25. I'm thrilled with the guitar - everything: the look of it with its elegant lines, the woods, the finish ... the very strong, very clear tone that is not too rich and not too vanilla ... the neck contour which fits my hand perfectly with comfortable string spacing .... . Thanks for giving it a waist that's slim enough to make it reasonably comfortable to play seated, though I usually stand. Thanks for giving it tonal balance to suit a finicky fingerstylist. To summarize, it is all I hoped it would be.  Paul

Sent: Tuesday, November 14, 2006 5:55 PM Subject: DB Signature D I just purchased a Signature D from David Wren at The Twelfth Fret in Toronto. What a wonderful guitar.  My decision to buy was instant.  This guitar is unlike any that I have played from Pantheon.  It has an edgier attack than I expect from Bourgeois and the Adirondack top is uncommonly responsive to a light touch.  Already, it sounds as open and lively as I like.  To my ears, the balance of fundamentals and overtones from this guitar is near perfect and it has the clearest bottom end of any dreadnought I have played.   The visual aesthetic of this instrument is also outstanding with its flamed maple binding and Dana’s custom herringbone purfling.  I particularly like the ivory inlays – that is a very nice touch.  The spider-webbing of the quartered Madagascar back and sides used on this guitar is as nice as any I have seen in this species. The Signature D can dominate the gap between East Indian Rosewood and Brazilian, and in my house I expect it will get played more than either.  Good luck trying to keep up with the demand.

To: <info@pantheonguitars.com> Sent: Tuesday, August 29, 2006 1:36 PM Subject: Slope D - Burst Finish Adirondack I just received a Slope D serial no. 3950, which I purchased from Acoustic Music Works who made it a great experience.  I have to tell you that this guitar is all that I could have possibly asked for.  It is exactly what I was looking for.  Notwithstanding that it is a drop dead gorgeous guitar, the sound is so sweet, I couldn't believe my ears.  It just sings.  Thank you for building such a beautiful instrument.  My guitar and I will be singing your praises for many years to come. Dave

To: info@pantheonguitars.com  Sent: Thursday, August 24, 2006 10:51 PM Subject: Bourgeois OMS... Hello: I just received a new OMS with highly figured mahogany back and sides and an adirondack top that I bought from Pioneer Music Co. in Portland, Oregon. I live in the wilds of Alaska where there are no such animals like this OMS I'm holding. I have never been so impressed with a guitar's tonal quality and wood selection as with this OMS. The figured mahogany alone is something I could stare at for hours were it not for the fact that I love to play this thing. This guitar is perfectly balanced in every way: The tonal quality is almost unbelievable to hear, and the figured mahogany is visually complemented perfectly by the adirondack top and the vintage Waverly tuners. Moreover, this OMS is an absolute joy to see, to hear and to play, and it will be my blue heaven until the day I die. Good show ol' man! Ron

To: info@pantheonguitars.com  Sent: Friday, August 25, 2006 5:36 PM Subject: Custom Slope D Sunburst Hello to Mr. Bourgeois and all the fine Luthiers at Pantheon: Earlier this month I was fortunate enough to purchase a Bourgeois Custom Slope D Sunburst from David Wren & Grant MacNeill @ The Twelfth Fret in Toronto. Since I live in Winnipeg, I had to rely on their photos and description of this guitar over the internet. Not a problem really, since these are great guys to deal with and their web-site has some of the best photos and descriptions of any I’ve seen! However, even the high quality artistic photography and description listed could not hold a candle to actually SEEING and PLAYING this guitar! I have admired Bourgeois guitars (from afar) for some time now, but have never had an opportunity to play one – until purchasing this model. Well done! The fit and finish are impeccable, the sunburst is finished to give the illusion of great depth to the top, and the sound is remarkable right out of the box. This validates every good thing I have heard about Bourgeois/Pantheon and then some. Thanks to The Twelfth Fret for selling this guitar to me and for having such great people to deal with. And a special thanks to everyone at Pantheon who obviously treat their daily work as something very special – it shows! Sincerely  Robert

----- Original Message ----- From: "Rodger"  To: "Bonni Lloyd"  Sent: Sunday, July 02, 2006 4:25 PM Subject: Re: Country Boy Deluxe Information    Hi Bonni: Please disregard my last e-mail - I know where the CB Deluxe is.  I picked it up at Wildwood on Saturday.  It is absolutely magnificent!!!!  The wood is drop dead gorgeous, the workmanship flawless and the tone is to die for.  I had very high expectations and you guys managed to exceed all of them - from the Brazilian headstock overlay and the best Adirondack top I've ever seen to the stunning quilted mahogany back and sides.  The tone is everything I listen for -  I can't wait to record with it.  Please tell Dana and the guys that built this masterpiece that they are the best at what they do!  Thanks - Rodger

From: "William Hite"  To: <info@pantheonguitars.com> Sent: Sunday, January 01, 2006 7:43 PM Subject: Bourgeois OM Custom Serial Number 003325 Dear Dana Bourgeois & Pantheon Guitars,  Re: the above wonderful guitar  I must tell you this: I am the proud owner of the "other" OM Custom that you made for Ricky Skaggs. My Lord what a guitar! I marvel at the sweet woodiness of the tone, the range of tones and the power! (I let Steve Kaufman play it for a while. I took one of his two-day classes. His comment was, "I guess Ricky kept the bad one!") I am a writer and don't ordinarily use exclamation points. Yet they fit perfectly here. I love the sound of this guitar, and it is so easy to play, maybe not like Steve Kaufman played it but easy nonetheless. I purchased the guitar from Paul Heumiller's Dream Guitar store in North Carolina. I am pleased beyond description. I will play it until I die. Then it is my daughter Jennifer's--herself a flatpicker. Thank you and God bless. Regards, William "Bill" Hite

To: "Bonni Lloyd" <info@pantheonguitars.com Sent: Thursday, September 29, 2005 5:50 PM Subject: Aloha Hi Bonni, Just want to say hi and thanks again to you, Dana, and the entire crew at Bourgeois for my wonderful sounding, feeling and looking guitar. I can't think of anything that wouldn't sound corny to say. I guess the fact that it's the first thing I reach for when I get into the house pretty much speaks for itself... Aloha, Bruce

----- Original Message -----  To: info@pantheonguitars.com  Sent: Tuesday, September 06, 2005 5:40 PM Subject: Guitar #3536 Dana and staff,  Along the way to saving for a D-150, I had the occasion to play  a locally offered mahogany Country Boy with a adirondack top. I was  amazed at not only the instruments volume and tone, but its complexity  of sound as well - a usually lacking feature and a knock I've always  carried against mahogany guitars. That experience got me thinking  about one of the most beautiful instruments I had seen grace your fine  website recently. So after being assured by Les Haynie of Blue Moon Music in Arkansas that I could return the guitar if it didn't live up to my expectations, I purchased guitar #3536. I can't even describe the quilted mahogany. The photos are nice, but just can't capture the warmth and the depth of the veining.  It literally looks like 1/4" canyons below the mirror flat surface. Mated with its adirondack top, this guitar is everything it's local bretheren offered both sonically and visually and more.  I have been seeking one of your fine guitars for over three years, and just wanted to drop you a line on how proud you all should be for the functional artwork you create.  I'm just starting to realize that I'm no longer just a Bourgeois fan.  I'm a Bourgeois owner!  thanks again,  Brian M. Szuch  Westerville, Ohio

----- Original Message -----  To: <info@pantheonguitars.com> Sent: Monday, August 08, 2005 6:47 PM Subject: Bourgeois OM #003197 Just wanted to drop you a line and tell you how pleased I am with a custom OM purchased from Acoustic Music Works (Steve Miklas). The guitar is wonderfully light and responsive with a truly striking appearance. I've been playing for a lot of years (40+) and this custom OM is one of those "special" guitars that keeps driving us back to music stores. Steve Miklas is a tireless Bourgeois booster and an all around good guy to do business with. I was so impressed with the OM and Steve that I ordered a Bourgeois Advanced Slope D as well. Can't wait to get my hands on it! Best Wishes, Jim Janssen San Diego, CA

To: info@pantheonguitars.com  Sent: Saturday, July 30, 2005 1:21 PM Subject: bourgeois guitar Dear Dana and crew, I recently acquired a Bourgeois Vintage D. This is the finest guitar I have ever owned. I have owned high end guitars from several other makers in the past, but this guitar outshines them all. It's construction and tone are second to none. Thank you for building such a fine guitar. Sincerely, Kevin  Moomaw

From: Mitch Tabol To: info@pantheonguitars.com  Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2005 10:30 PM Subject: Your Services Are No Longer Required Dear Dana, Over the past four years I have been privileged to own six Bourgeois guitars. My present two Bourgeois' include a Country Boy Deluxe and a Brazilian/Adirondack Slope D with vintage appointments. These are both exquisite and tonally perfect guitars. Between the two they cover every musical situation I've encountered, from practice to stage to studio. I am mature flatpicker and over the past forty years I've owned eighteen high-end acoustic guitars from various makers. My CB Deluxe and B/A Slope D are rated at the very top as far as I am concerned. So unless you dream up another spectacular guitar, I respectfully say that you have worked yourself out of a job. I am extremely pleased these instruments and am presently cured of guitar acquisition syndrome. Thank you again. All the best to you and yours, Mitch Tabol  PS: I have modified the B/A Slope D slightly with a fossilized elephant ivory saddle and bridge pins and the guitar sounds like it's on steroids. I stayed with a bone saddle and pins on the CB Deluxe as not to make it too bright.

Subject: Vintage OM The guitar is, in one word, sweet. It is dangerous for me to pull it out at night. I say to myself, "When the news is over, I'm putting it away." Then it becomes, "When Letterman is over, I'm putting it away," and sometimes beyond that.  I tried many, many OMs and when I got this one, I was hoping it would stand up to the average of the group, something along the lines of a Martin OM-28V. Instead, it has exceeded all my expectations and expanded my definition of what an OM is capable of.  Thanks to Dana and the whole team at Pantheon for getting this great guitar into my undeserving but appreciative hands.  Matt

----- Original Message -----  To: info@pantheonguitars.com  Sent: Thursday, September 30, 2004 10:55 AM Subject: Yet another flatpicking great... Man, you guys are good…I find it an undeniable testament to the quality of Bourgeois instruments that an increasing number of flatpicking greats' shortlists of main guitars read something like: my vintage Martin and my Bourgeois--and sometimes it's the other way around! In addition to the stellar players already on your players list, you can, and by all means should, add Scott Nygaard. Scott, who is an incredible soloist, sideman to multiple bluegrass greats, and editor of Acoustic Guitar magazine, officially became a Bourgeois player/owner with the acquisition of a 2004 Country Boy Deluxe (Cocobolo/Adirondack). Cheers! I hope all is well in Lewiston. Big fan and aspiring owner...  Travis

----- Original Message -----  To: info@pantheonguitars.com  Sent: Wednesday, October 06, 2004 4:46 AM Subject: Feedback on my new Slope D I’ve recently received a custom Slope D (bearclaw sitka top, beeswing mahogany back and sides) that I ordered through The Acoustic Music Company in the UK. I thought I’d let you know that it’s the best guitar I’ve ever owned. I’ve had a sound in my head that I’ve been looking for for years. I’ve tried Martins, Gibsons, Taylors, Guilds, Lowdens, Lakewoods and many others without any real success. I was amazed to find that the Bourgeois Slope D has the exact sound I’ve been looking for. It’s a superb guitar. I will definitely be buying another Bourgeois – soon! Best wishes, Richard

----- Original Message -----  To: "Bonni Lloyd"  Sent: Wednesday, October 06, 2004 6:17 PM Subject: Guy' Country Boy Hi Bonni, Received my Country Boy Deluxe yesterday.  What can I say about the extraordinary Adirondack top & beautifully figured mahogany back & sides? Apart from looking great, the sound coming from this guitar is like a Country Boy on steroids! It is very responsive to a light touch and when flatpicked hard produces clean cutting fat trebles, but with a warmth and roundness in the mid and low frequencies. Well balanced and very powerful when played hard. The overall sound to my ears is classic dry mahogany with pre-war bite. This is a serious bluegrass instrument. Needless to say the finish is up to the normal Bourgeois standard of excellence.  Now in a year or two . . . . . Please pass on my thanks to Dana & the team. Many thanks, Guy

Sent: Wednesday, August 04, 2004 10:33 PM To: sales@elitemusicsales.com Subject: Re: Bourgeois D150 Brian, Had practice tonight with our acoustic trio, didn't say anything about the new guitar, and just started playing when they weren't looking. Everyone dropped their jaws and instruments, and said "Hey wait a minute, what IS that?"  The sound floored everyone. My bandmate's wife walked in from the other room and wanted to know what guitar I was using, because it sounded so amazingly rich and 'different'. The tone and reverb and the clarity of the notes and the rich bass and perfect mids and treble and perfect balance...and the top and particularly that Brazilian are unbelievably beautiful. In short, a keeper for life, an amazing instrument, and probably some of the best money I ever spent. Thanks again for hooking me up with a life-changing instrument, which will have me enjoying the moment for many years to come. The only problem is I have work tomorrow and I have absolutely no interest in sleeping. I just want to play some more. And so I will. Have a great one, and thanks for showing the same enthusiasm for your customers that you must have for your music.  This is a match made in heaven. Best Regards, Jerry

Date: 2004/02/07 Sat PM 12:47:37 EST To: <info@pantheonguitars.com> Subject: Bourgeois OM Dear Dana--I just wanted to tell you how pleased I am with my Pantheon guitar! I have been playing guitar off and on for almost 40 years and I have played many wonderful guitars! But there is something mighty special about your OM Pro series guitar- It just sings!!!  I purchased this guitar mainly because I wanted a smaller bodied guitar for comfort and knew I would probably give up some volume- but not with guy! It has volume in spades.  I also wanted a guitar I could keep and treasure and pass along to my Children--Well I found it! Thanks Dana and the folks at Pantheon for creating such a special instrument!!! Sincerely-Ken

Sent: Saturday, December 27, 2003 2:10 PM Subject: New Country Boy Dear Dana,  I just wanted to email and say thanks for a job well done. Last week, I went to Morgan Music in Lebanon MO, with the full intention of buying a XXX guitar. I started out playing about 10 guitars, and quickly narrowed the field to 3. I was very pleasantly surprised by the deep bass response from the Country Boy, and when I worked my way up the neck, your guitar left the XXX in the dust both for playability and tone. The workmanship also was superior and apparent to even a layman such as myself. I look forward to lots of years of playing, and listening as the guitar opens up even more over the years. Thanks for your attention to detail, and all the years of experience I know it takes to produce a guitar like this. I’m kind of a “one guitar guy”, and probably won’t buy another guitar for 20 years (or ever), and look forward to many enjoyable hours of playing my Country Boy. Sincerely,  Drew

----- Original Message ----- To: blloyd@pantheonguitars.com Sent: Monday, December 29, 2003 5:45 AM Subject: thanks Dear Bonni: I am writing to tell you how pleased I am with my Bourgeois Vintage OM. It is a gorgeous sounding instrument and very versatile. Not only that, but it is also stunning to look at. The top, in particular, is the most beautiful piece of Adirondack I have ever seen. Best of all, however, has been the service that you, John and Dana have provided. Your caring and quick response make the ownership experience complete. Keep up the good work! Sincerely,  Jim Glazer

October 16, 2003 Subject: GGLJA: A Plethora of Pantheon (Guitars)......  Posted by Michael A. Wong on 2003-10-05 To read Michael Wong's 13th Fret review of 3 guitars: A Country Boy Deluxe, Brazilian OMC and a Curly Koa OMC, CLICK HERE.

March 2003 "Just got the best guitar I've ever played or owned, and maybe the best guitar I think I will ever get to play. I haven't purchased a guitar since the mid 1970s, and this was worth every dollar I paid for it. I got a Bourgeois Vintage D with Brazilian Rosewood, Adirondack top, waverly tuners and not fretboard inlay. This guitar has the tone of an old Martin but with more tonal range, more dynamic range...plays perfectly in tune everywhere. Not one wolf tone on the whole instruments. From top to bottom the tone is warm, clear and rich. This thing responds to the lightest touch or the heaviest hand with equal eloquence. It's really hard to explain, but this guitar allows me to play things that I could previously only imagine. My playing is already feeling like it is at the beginning stages of a quantum leap and it is all because of this guitar. I love this feeling. " I think Bourgeois, if this guitar is any indication, is building the most incredible guitars being commercially built and sold. I played several and they were all really great instruments...".  Scott Fore - 2002 National Flatpicking Champion

Date: 2003/03/17 Mon PM 05:22:39 EST To: info@pantheonguitars.com Subject: Custom Indian Rosewood D-150 I thought I would drop you a line to let you know how pleased I've been with my D-150. I had been intrigued with the distinct sound of Bourgeois guitars on bluegrass CDs, most notably on Ricky Skaggs' projects... when I'd hear the Bourgeois on the recordings I'd think, "Damn; that is a FINE sounding guitar.  I figured I'd try one out just to see what all the hub-bub is about. Well, I played a couple of notes on this D-150 and my friend who was with me said it at the same time I thought it to myself: "It sounds like the Ricky Skaggs CD!". I bought it on the spot, spur of the moment.  People have commented that it sounds like "the Perfect guitar";  responding equally well to a light touch, slick flatpicking, or heavy rhythm.  I've never before played a guitar that SOUNDS so similar to what the pros sound like on the recordings. Bourgeois really does have a unique and POWERFUL sound. Such clean midrange punch. I plan to purchase a Slope D next year. Please pass on my comments and my thanks to Dana. Best, Jeremy Huber Buffalo, NY

November 4, 2002 Dear Dana,  I was visiting my good friend Gary Filgate of Acoustic Outfitters in Stratham, N.H. and there it was, a Vintage Dread with what I consider to be the best looking Brazilian I have seen in quite a while. It was #5045 which I had seen on the web site. After wiping the drool off my screen, I decided to take a ride down to Gary’s to look at it and give it a go. Not only was it beautiful but it had the tone/voice to back up the good looks! Well, I now own the guitar and I couldn’t be happier. I have quite an assortment of guitars and I have to tell you that this new one went to the head of the class right away. I certainly do not want to indicate in any way that the guitars I have are any less than outstanding, I just want to get the point across about how I feel about the new one. Once I played the Brazilian I knew this was the ONE. The feel of the neck and the playability was fantastic. The fit and finish was superb. I can’t tell you how happy I am with this high grade guitar that I can pass down to my kids and so on. This is what I would call A REAL KEEPER!!!  Sincerely,  Dan Willette

Date: 2002/09/30 Mon PM 02:48:14 EDT To: <info@pantheonguitars.com> Subject: Limited Edition Slope D Hey! Last week I purchased a limited edition Bourgeois Slope D (14/50) serial #002112 from Buffalo Bros. I have to tell you that this is one beautiful guitar. The workmanship is flawless and the voicing of this instrument is perfect. I know that it will only improve with time it's a perfect companion for the JOMC I acquired earlier this year. I play mostly in churches in the Carolinas. My music is a grand mix of "folk" music, hymns, spirituals, gospel and the like, played in a variety of styles. I mostly play the JOMC fingerstyle in alternative tunings. The Slope D I'll mostly flatpick and I plan to put it to work this week. You may add my name to your list of satisfied customers - and may consider this an endorsement of your fine products. Keep up the great work!  Sincerely,  Luke  Summerville, SC

From: "Christian Smith"  Date: 2002/10/07  To: info@pantheonguitars.com Subject: jomc #2385  Just recently I purchased a Bourgeois jomc #2385 from Pat Rutland in Valdosta Georgia.  I must tell you that my life is now one that is forever ruined... I will never be able to pick up another instrument and not be aware of the meticulous attention that was paid to the guitar I now own.  I have in my possession one of the finest instruments I have ever played.  I want to thank you for paying such close attention to detail.  The craftsmanship is superb; this is evident not only in the appearance of the guitar but also its tone. The instrument is possibly one of the most tonally balanced guitars I have played. I have had needed no sound adjusting when recording the instrument. (which can be a major problem even in high end guitars)  Thanks again,  Christian Smith

Date: 2002/06/28 Fri AM 10:35:28 EDT To: "'info@pantheonguitars.com'" <info@pantheonguitars.com> Subject: Left handed DS-260-Wow..Thanks John Good morning John, Just wanted to drop you a quick note, and say, "Thanks and WOW"...I recv'd my lefty DS-260 last night from Buffalo Brothers. The guitar is incredible!!! The fit and finish is perfect, and beautiful. I have never seen multi colored Indian rosewood like is on this guitar, and I've looked at hundreds of guitars in my 46 years. It's unbelieveable. I bet there is a dozen colors in it, from a goldish color to the usual brown. Is this an unusual? The top is great also. Lots of silking, which I wasn't expecting, because I've always heard adirondack is supposed to be very plain. Not true in this case. It sounded great right out of the case. I can only imagine how it's gonna sound a couple of years from now. Please tell your guys, and Dana, thank you and great job. Regards, Rick

From: "Kevin Gallagher"  Date: 2002/06/06 Thu PM 12:02:49 EDT To: info@pantheonguitars.com Subject: Great guitars! Dana and all the guys at Pantheon, I was able to play one of your guitars earlier this week. It was a  beautiful sloped shoulder Dread that was a piece of art. All of the woods  and appointments were so beautifully matched that you really didn't need to pick it up and play it to appreciate it, but I did anyway. Awesome tone just seemed to pour out of it. Sparkling high end perfectly balanced with the tight immediate bottom and a surprisingly complexed harmonic carriage under it all. It was trademark Bourgeois tone and design in every aspect. Thanks to Dana, Patrick and all the others there for raising the bar again  for luthiers.  Regards, Kevin Gallagher/Omega Guitars Saylorsburg,PA

Subject: one huge fan Dana,  After being a XXXX fan for many years, and now having purchased one of your guitars, I'm convinced you are a genius, based mainly on the article "Tapping Tonewoods."   XXXX does have something special--especially price--but you are correct in writing that sound is the most important thing, and your guitars sound incredible. We bought an old house in Thomasville, GA, and are in the process of restoring it, but one thing I won't touch is these old hardwood floors, because I take my Bourgeois in the guest bedroom with a fresh set of D'Addarios  and guess what?--I'm transferred to the third heaven, or whatever they call it! You're a genius, man. Myself, I'm just a player, fairly advanced, a songwriter for the past 22 years or so (I'm 42 now), and a good singer, If I can say that modestly. I self-produced an album of original songs in 1998, and I want to do another one LIVE AT THE FOGGY BOTTOM CAFE (locally) just for fun. A miked Bourgeois will definitely be recorded. I wouldn't dare put a pickup in the thing. I'll try to get you a copy when the project's over later this summer.  Take care, friend....Joe Gunter

"Dear Mr. Bourgeois,  I want to thank you & your crew for building phenomenal guitars! More exactly, thanks for making OMC Sean Watkins #3/25 into such a fantastic instrument. I’ve played guitar for way too many years and this one is the best sounding, feeling & constructed guitar I’ve had the privilege to own. I am not kidding. There is nothing I would change about it, sonically or design-wise. This has never been the case before, even with other ‘high-end’ guitars. I am only just waiting for the Adirondack to finish opening up. I want to also complement you on the woods you used; they look to be quite closely quarter sawn. I’ve seen & owned closely quartered spruces before, but I can tell the rosewood is a cut above what I’ve ever owned or usually see …. small ‘silky’ lines evident. Since I've flatpicked various small bodied guitars since the 1980s I was really excited about getting an OM specifically built for this playing style. So far I can tell you did something right. It works really well, but the main point is that whatever you did helps & inspires me to find new spaces in the music …no other guitar I’ve owned has been so inspiring and ‘facilitating' of inspiration. Again thanks for the great guitar and the contribution your knowledge has made to today’s ‘golden age’ of amazing guitars. Sincerely, Kerry Spokane WA"

Subject: Thanks Dana, Last year a co-worker brought to work one of your JOMC masterpieces. It has changed and increased my love for the guitar tenfold! I had no idea an acoustic guitar could sound and play so beautifully. I didn't have much of an appreciation for the Acoustic Guitar until seeing your guitar firsthand. I have since put my Electric Guitar on the back burner. My CD collection has been overhauled - Only Acoustic Music is found in my Truck nowadays (Keaggy, Legg, Segovia,Gerhard, etc.....). I spent over 3 hours at Wildwood Music in Coshocton, Ohio pouring over all the Guitars at my disposal. While most 'high-end' Guitars have a good sound, they all are such different 'animals' so to speak. I kept returning to the OMC of yours that was  so enjoyable to play. While I continue counting my pennies, be sure that your Guitar is at the head of the class. Again I just want to thank you and your gift. While my musical abilities are far to limited to consider one of your masterpieces, my new found love for this type of music has me working overtime to reach that level. Have a Good Day! Larry"

" I purchased a Martin Simpson European model guitar a couple of years ago, and I just wanted to thank you for making such a work of art. I live in Colorado, and the climate here is very hard on guitars, yet this delicate instrument, with some love and care, has managed to consistently impress professional musicians throughout Denver. The attack, sustain, and body of the tone continue to surprise me as it ages, and it's one of the most aesthetically pleasing guitars I've ever seen.  I was extremely pleased to hear that you're back in business, making guitars as beautiful as ever yet again. Thank you for making mine. John"

" I purchased a Ricky Skaggs signature last year, it is the finest instrument I have ever played, everyone compliments me on how great it looks and sounds. I hope to purchase another one of Dana's guitars as soon as possible. I would recommend one of Dana's guitars to anyone who is in the market for one of the finest instruments ever made !!!!!!!! Serial # 000879. The playabilty and sound will only continue too improve over the years. Thank You ever so much for a extremely AWSOME GUITAR !!!!!!!!!!!!!  Your Friend, Harold. southeast, TN"

"Hello, I am the proud owner a Sean Watkins signature model (number 11) OM. Although I am a fan of Nickel Creek I bought the guitar for being such a Wonderfully crafted instrument. I was sold on the guitar after putting it through my paces. Although I am not in any way an accomplished player, this guitar does everything I want it to from standard tuning, to open tunings with the low E dropped down to C. This guitar is no slacker. The tone resonates through the guitars body and into my chest. I am writing to say thank you for caring. Your love for building magnificent guitars is my benefit. Sincerely, Bob "

"Hi John, It's gorgeous! How can human hands do such beautiful things with wood? I am spellbound. The action doesn't seem to look any lower than some of my other guitars and the saddle rises above the bridge higher than some but it plays easier that any guitar I have ever held. How do you do that? I love the padauk, it has great visual appeal and I even like the smell of it. And I love the adirondack top with its figuring on one side of the lower bout. But the trim is exquisite. The curly maple looks as if it is a perfectly manufactured synthetic material. Outstanding! The back strip is unbelievable as well as the herringbone trim. The ebony is flawless. It too looks like some kind of man made composite. It looks too perfect to be made by human hands using wood.  I am sorry if I sound like a idiot gushing over this piece of art you folks have created, but I don't know how I could be any more pleased. I've seen the photos and I've read the posts, but until you hold one and examine it closely, a person cannot realize its true elegance.  Please pass this along to Dana, Patrick and the rest of the team. Kindest regards, Randy"

" I forgot to mention the neck. Not only does it feel and look great and play easy, but I have never seen Mahogany like that. Beautiful. The way the grain shows off at the head in particular. The woods used are a perfect combination for aesthetic value. The contrast in the padauk, ebony, mahogany and curly maple is just outstanding. Okay, I'm think I'm finished now..... Randy"

"...I must, however, compliment you on the very high-quality of this instrument. It is a JOM and has a Cedar top and mahogany sides. The cedar is the nicest that I have ever seen in the mahogany is beautifully done. The intonation as you go up the neck is perfect.  Best of all, the sound is wonderfully rich and complex. It is very unusual to have a warm and deep base response and still have such clarity on each string and a strong mid-range presence. Perhaps this is due to the combination of cedar and mahogany put together with your attention to voicing and musicality. I will enjoy this guitar for many years, Thanks Charlie"

          Page last updated: August 20, 2008