Bryan Sutton is a masterful flatpicking guitarist known for his lightning-fast precision, impeccable tone, and deep-rooted connection to bluegrass tradition. But because of his versatility, Sutton has pushed lightyears further than bluegrass, and he has become one of the most in-demand session musicians in Nashville, contributing to recordings by artists like Dolly Parton, Béla Fleck, Taylor Swift, and many others. His solo work showcases both technical brilliance and innovative artistry, bridging the gap between traditional bluegrass and contemporary acoustic music. Through his playing, teaching, and influence on modern flatpicking, Sutton has helped shape the next generation of acoustic guitarists while keeping the rich heritage of bluegrass alive.
In collaboration with Bryan, Bourgeois Guitars released a Limited Edition Bryan Sutton signature model to reflect his exceptional playing style and tonal preferences. Inspired by Sutton's 1997 D-150, this Limited Edition model pushes the Bourgeois Aged Tone Dreadnought to a different level. Featuring Premium Brazilian Rosewood back and sides and an Aged Tone Adirondack top, the D Bryan Sutton was made in 2015 and limited to 30 total guitars.
This 2015 D Bryan Sutton is #01 out of 30—the very first one in the series! This D Bryan Sutton has a gorgeous set of Brazilian Rosewood with straight, even grain on either side of the center strip and then stunning book-matched figure that flares out on the edges. It appears to have spent a lot of time in the case—which means it's fairly clean cosmetically—but from certain angles/light conditions the back looks a little cloudy.
The previous owner installed a K&K Pure Mini with volume control, so this one is ready for the stage and the studio. It has a nice setup that is very playable up and down the fingerboard, and the frets show only minimal wear so there's plenty of life left! As soon as you dig in, this Bourgeois comes alive. It has an expressive feel, and the bass rumbles like it only does with Brazilian Rosewood. Relative to other rosewood guitars, this D Bryan Sutton has a sweetness and smoothness that counteracts the "intense" or "glassy" criticism we sometimes hear about East Indian, Cocobolo, or other less-expensive alternatives. All around, it feels like a well-made guitar that was constructed from the finest materials available. Bryan Sutton should be proud that his signature is on the label of such a fine guitar.
This 2015 Bourgeois D Bryan Sutton includes its original hardshell case.