Breedlove (Oregon-made) guitars

deejayen · February 2023

I've come across a new one of these, although I think it's a 2018 or thereabouts model, and wondered what they're like. Initial impressions were pretty good - it sounded better than I expected, and seemed quite comfortable to play. It's a Concert sized guitar, and has the bridge where the strings are fed in from the rear.

No doubt depreciation would be horrendous...

Tannin · February 2023

They are very well respected, but (reading this forum suggests) less so in the UK for some reason. In the States, they are considered a top -drawer maker.

Depreciation is a non-issue if you buy second-hand. They seem to drop like stones in the UK post-new (or so I have read on these pages), but (as with any other asset of this kind) once someone else has worn the horrendous initial depreciation, you don't have to. The flip side of this same depreciation curve is that if you are the second or subsequent buyer, you get a screaming bargain.

They are very rare here in Oz, One came up at my local Hobart dealer three or four weeks ago, an Oregon Myrtle model - the native US timber that Breedlove pioneered and made respectable. Very reasonable price too. In one of the most surprising, indeed amazing, exhibitions of willpower I have ever displayed, I did not go and buy it, or even go in and play it (because of the risk that I would buy it). It sold almost straight away so I'm safe now.

PS: Having saved $3000 not buying a Breedlove, I am now looking at dropping $5500 on a Brook (or possibly a Stoll). It would have been cheaper to buy the Breedlove.

barnstorm · February 2023

Tom Bedell is a fascinating bloke. This interview is a great listen:

https://www.fretboardjournal.com/podcasts/acoustic-voices-breedloves-tom-bedell/

deejayen · February 2023

Thanks very much!

My initial impressions are that it's a very nice guitar. Unfortunately, I would be the first owner! It's probably still priced at the price the dealer took it in at a few years ago, and I might be able to negotiate a slight discount, but it's still a bit off-putting. Having said that, if I liked it I may never sell it.

Jalapeno · February 2023

If it's been on his stock for >5yrs then a deal might be easier.

I've a small OM in mahogany, and it's great.

Some aren't enamoured of the "Ming The Merciless" bridge on some models, but they sound great. (@Bertie, I'm looking at you

)

deejayen · February 2023

What's a "Ming The Merciless" bridge? Is it the one with the strings feeling from the rear? Why don't some people like them?

bertie · February 2023

deejayen said:

What's a "Ming The Merciless" bridge? Is it the one with the strings feeling from the rear? Why don't some people like them?

the outer "bits" droop like a ming moustache

Image: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0147/9412/9472/products/3_17c017ff-3f76-40fe-bbbb-26d09cb708fa_750x.jpg?v=1645739580

deejayen · February 2023

Thanks! The guitar I'm looking like at isn't like that. It's one like this (not my photo)...

Image: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0343/4368/2183/products/breedlove-acoustic-guitars-built-in-electronics-breedlove-usa-concert-fire-light-e-mahogany-mahogany-uscn16emama-28229386141831_2000x.jpg?v=1652188994

Jalapeno · February 2023

Lovely !

deejayen · February 2023

Yes, it's a lovely guitar.

However, I went back this afternoon, and I realised it's not really the sort of sound I'm after. Also, I think the thinner neck wouldn't be so comfortable. It's easy to play, but I could see my hand was under a bit of strain with some chords, and I suspect it would get to me after extended playing.

I'm afraid the search continues!

lincolnblue · February 2023

I don’t have an American made one but tried a load of them at a Breedlove exhibition evening run by Dawson in Chester almost 20 years ago. There wasn’t one that didn’t impress me. I have Breedlove Atlas (can’t remember where it’s made now) and it’s very much my go-to acoustic. The solid woods have aged beautifully over the 19 years I’ve had it.

As others have said, I don’t see many over here but in USA they seem to have a very high reputation. If I was in the market for another high-end acoustic, I’d definitely consider another Breedlove

guitarjack66 · February 2023

They get a whole lotta love (hee-hee) on youtube it seems. Often you have to expect US based bias though if a brand is associated with North America.

Tannin · February 2023

guitarjack66 said:

They get a whole lotta love (hee-hee) on youtube it seems. Often Always, every single time you have to expect US based bias though if a brand is associated with North America.

FTFY

guitarjack66 · February 2023

Tannin said:

guitarjack66 said:

They get a whole lotta love (hee-hee) on youtube it seems. Often Always, every single time you have to expect US based bias though if a brand is associated with North America.

FTFY

Haha!
I certainly can't argue with that.

tomjax · February 2023

I played a Breedlove 000R Revival series guitar several years ago at a dealer. It was a beautiful guitar with fabulous tone and playability. I still wish I'd bought it... I've been searching for another one ever since.

It turned out that particular one was a stolen guitar, and the dealer was trading in stolen guitars, but that's a whole other story!

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Breedlove (Oregon-made) guitars

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