Boucher Guitars: From Classical Vibrations to New Heights
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Introduction to Boucher Guitars
In the world of acoustic guitars, Boucher Guitars stands out as a beacon of innovation and quality. Renowned for their expertise in crafting instruments with Adirondack red spruce tops, this Quebec-based company has continuously pushed the boundaries of guitar making. Let’s explore the fascinating journey of how Boucher Guitars prepares their iconic soundboards, from a romantic past to a cutting-edge present.
The Romantic Past: Music-Infused Drying
For years, Boucher Guitars employed a unique and almost poetic method in preparing their guitar tops. After carefully selecting and slicing wood from mature Adirondack red spruce trees, they would place the soundboard pieces in special microclimate chambers for a full year. What made this process truly remarkable was the constant presence of classical music, playing 24 hours a day throughout the entire drying period.
This musical infusion was believed to imbue the wood with special tonal qualities, creating a romantic notion of soundboards that were literally born from music. It’s a process that captured the imagination of guitar enthusiasts and added an extra layer of mystique to Boucher’s already exceptional instruments.
A New Era: Embracing Innovation
However, as with all great craftsmen, the team at Boucher Guitars never stops seeking ways to improve their product. In a significant shift from their musical drying chambers, Boucher has embraced a more scientifically-driven approach to soundboard preparation.
A representative of Boucher Guitars, confirms that while they no longer use the music-infused drying technique, they have found an even more effective method: torrefaction. In fact, Boucher Guitars pioneered this approach in the acoustic guitar world, becoming the first to offer guitars with torrefied Adirondack tops in 2010 under their registered trade name, Gold Touch®.
The Science of Superior Sound
Torrefaction is a carefully controlled heating process that essentially mimics the aging of wood. This technique allows Boucher to create soundboards with the tonal characteristics of vintage instruments, but in a fraction of the time. The result is a more stable, responsive, and resonant top that contributes to the exceptional sound quality Boucher Guitars are known for.
Boucher Guitars: Commitment to Quality
While the romantic notion of music-infused wood may be a thing of the past, Boucher’s commitment to quality remains stronger than ever. They continue to be “The Adirondack red spruce specialists,” a title earned through 19 years of exclusive use of this premium tonewood. Each year, Boucher cuts about 15,000 soundboards, selecting only the finest AAAA and AAAAA grade tops for their guitars.
Boucher Guitars: A Bittersweet Transition
As we reflect on this evolution, there’s a twinge of nostalgia for the old, romantic method of preparing soundboards. The image of wood soaking in the strains of classical masterpieces for a year is undeniably poetic. However, we must also appreciate Boucher’s dedication to improvement and their willingness to embrace new technologies that enhance the quality of their instruments.
Conclusion
Boucher Guitars’ journey from music-infused drying to torrefaction perfectly encapsulates the spirit of innovation that drives the company. While we may feel a hint of regret at the passing of such a unique and romantic process, we can take solace in knowing that Boucher’s commitment to crafting superior instruments remains unchanged. Their evolution ensures that each Boucher guitar continues to be a masterpiece of sound, craftsmanship, and technological innovation.
