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.