[tspnyc]

I might agree when compare to guitars that sound nothing like Martins. And of all the Martin-style guitars made with bolt-on necks, the Bourgeois sound more Martinesque to my ear than the other major producers like Collings, Huss and Dalton, or Taylor.

None of those become as drenched in harmonic overtone and undertone quite like a Santa Cruz or a Martin. But Martins tend to do that in a different way, more low-mids, less bottom bass, different trebles.

When I was at the Brother's work benches they had a variety of interesting projects going on.

There was a Taylor dreadnought there for a neck set.

There was an ancient Gibson Roy Smeck and a very cool Martin that had been converted years before from an archtop to an "M" size flattop. Both where having their necks reshaped for their owners' comfort. That is an art form all to itself.

And Dave and Rich are way up the list, as far my experience goes.

I have always been less star struck by well known guitar players than I do the builders, legendary repairmen, and other wood charmers who create and heal such great guitars.