Bourgeois Bourgeois M5-A Mandolin – Aged Tone Series – A-Style

What happens when a legendary American guitar innovator turns his attention to the mandolin? You get the Bourgeois M5-A. Designed by Dana Bourgeois in Lewiston, Maine, and brought to life through a boutique collaboration with the master carvers at Eastman, the M5-A is built to deliver an expressive, complex voice that sounds decades old from the very first chop. The M5-A is the culmination of Dana Bourgeois’ decades of expertise in voicing and tonewood selection. While most modern mandolins require years of "playing in" to reach their peak, the M5-A utilizes Fully Torrefied (Aged Tone) Adirondack Spruce and Maple. This thermal curing process mimics the structural changes of vintage wood, resulting in a mandolin with explosive projection, immediate response, and a rich, woody fundamental. Every curve of the M5-A is intentional. From the slightly wider 1 5/32" nut for improved playability to the custom-engraved Bill James tailpiece, this instrument is a tool for professionals. By leveraging the world-class hand-carving capabilities of the Eastman workshop—a team globally recognized for their violin-family heritage—Bourgeois is able to offer a master-designed instrument with boutique appointments at a remarkable value. Key Performance Features: Fully Torrefied Construction: Both the Adirondack top and Maple back/sides are Aged Tone treated for vintage resonance and stability. Bourgeois Design DNA: Voicing and specifications overseen by Dana Bourgeois, ensuring a sophisticated tonal balance. Premium Hardware: Custom-engraved Bill James tailpiece and Golden Age satin nickel tuners for superior tuning and string energy transfer. Ergonomic Playability: A radiused Ebony fingerboard and a slightly wider nut width provide a more comfortable, modern feel for guitarists and traditional players alike. Top Wood: Aged Tone (Torrefied) Adirondack Spruce Back & Sides: Aged Tone (Torrefied) European Maple Finish: High Gloss Standard (Ultra-thin for resonance) Neck Material: Aged Tone Maple Fingerboard: Ebony (Radiused) Nut Width: 1 5/32" (Bone) Scale Length: 13 7/8" Body Binding: Ivoroid Fretboard Binding: Ivoroid Hardware: Satin Nickel Tailpiece: Custom Engraved Bill James Tailpiece Tuners: Golden Age - Satin Nickel Bridge: Adjustable Ebony Strings: D'Addario XT Mandolin Medium (.011 - .040) Case: Deluxe Hardshell Case