This post was originally written on June 12, 2022
Hello, I’m Jooyoung Kim, a mixing engineer and music producer.
After parting with my Taylor 220CE K-dlx model, I decided it was time to add a new guitar to my collection, one that differed from my Taylor and Guild preferences.
I visited my favorite shop to test out some guitars and found that the higher-end models from Headway, a Japanese brand, and Boucher, a small Canadian workshop, produced impressive sounds.
I was particularly interested in the seasonal commemorative models from Headway, but unfortunately, they weren’t available in Korea. Ordering directly from Japan would have added nearly 600,000 KRW(about 450$) in shipping and customs fees. Given the high cost, I thought it would be wiser to look for a used Boucher guitar.
As luck would have it, I found a well-maintained Boucher guitar at a reasonable price and traveled to Siheung this morning to pick it up.
Although it’s an older model, the specifications match the SG51. The label inside simply reads “Studio Goose OMH East Indian Rosewood.”
The binding is made of maple, giving it a distinctly high-end appearance.
While I’m not particularly fond of the D’Addario EXP strings currently on it, the balance of the sound is incredible. Throughout my years of playing guitar, I never gave much thought to the balance of sound. However, playing this guitar made me realize what good balance truly means.
I’m curious to see how the sound will change once I switch out the strings.
It’s been a while since I’ve purchased a piece of equipment that brings me this much joy just by looking at it.
*As I translate this post in 2024, I’m still finding this guitar incredibly useful. I’ve used it extensively for recording, and the high-end harmonic overtones that come from such a premium instrument have greatly enhanced my recordings, adding a touch of sophistication to my music.
I look forward to sharing more with you in my next post. See you then!
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