Breedlove "love"? [Archive]

58flame

09-15-2005, 10:21 PM

I like my Phoenix a LOT. Coming from me, a true Gibson fanatic, that says a lot. The build quality of the phoenix is outstanding, the playability is absolutely second to none, and the tone is what sealed the deal for me. It has this piano like quality that keeps me picking it up more and more. I can't get enough of that thing.

My Hummingbird gets more and more jealous every day...

Terry Hayes

09-16-2005, 10:13 AM

Originally posted by 58flame
I like my Phoenix a LOT. Coming from me, a true Gibson fanatic, that says a lot. The build quality of the phoenix is outstanding, the playability is absolutely second to none, and the tone is what sealed the deal for me. It has this piano like quality that keeps me picking it up more and more. I can't get enough of that thing.

My Hummingbird gets more and more jealous every day...

Finally, another Breedlove fan. I knew I wasn't the only one here.

Yes, the "piano-like" quality is one of the things I like best about my Breedlove as well.

Terry

george4908

09-16-2005, 08:31 PM

I had a Breedlove MJ-E 12-string. Easily the finest 12-string I've ever played. Powerful, clear, balanced and sounded like it had its own onboard reverb. I only sold it because I was having wrist and elbow pain at the time and the 12 strings were making it worse. Of course, I would like to have that one back now, as my arm is okay. I'll never own a better 12.

Terry Hayes

09-21-2005, 10:22 AM

The new Lowden thread has 19 replies. Our Breedlove thread only has 4:o

Any other Breedlove fans out there?

Terry

smoove

09-21-2005, 10:28 PM

Working on it...

Shopped for months and finally decided on Breedlove because of the tone and overall construstion - loved the ones I played.

So, I picked up a cedar on mahogany master class C25 in June, but due to unfortunate circumstances, it's at Breedlove right now for repairs.

So a fan to say the least, and an owner, but not a player right at the moment.

I am surprised to find so few responses. I'm new to TGP, but I figured there would be more posts about them.

Terry Hayes

09-22-2005, 10:24 AM

Sorry to hear about the problem! I hope it is nothing serious and you get your guitar back soon.

Terry

smoove

09-22-2005, 11:16 AM

I should see it again in early October and am greatly looking forward to it's arrival.

Two questions and an observation:
1) Anyone have any experience with the BlueStick pickup system? This one has it and I have not plugged it in yet, so I am still excited to hear that part of it. Have heard great things ABOUT it, but have not heard IT.

2) Any insight into the bridge truss system? Does this make the guitar more susceptible to top issues because of the lighter bracing?

When I got the guitar, to my surprise, there was no paperwork with it that stipulated that I have to agree to use the term 'piano-like' when describing it. Yet, strangely, that's the term I began to use. (Behold, the power of suggestion - especially when the suggeston is completely accurate.)

Terry Hayes

09-22-2005, 12:59 PM

Originally posted by smoove
I should see it again in early October and am greatly looking forward to it's arrival.

Two questions and an observation:
1) Anyone have any experience with the BlueStick pickup system? This one has it and I have not plugged it in yet, so I am still excited to hear that part of it. Have heard great things ABOUT it, but have not heard IT.

2) Any insight into the bridge truss system? Does this make the guitar more susceptible to top issues because of the lighter bracing?

When I got the guitar, to my surprise, there was no paperwork with it that stipulated that I have to agree to use the term 'piano-like' when describing it. Yet, strangely, that's the term I began to use. (Behold, the power of suggestion - especially when the suggeston is completely accurate.)

That's good.

As to the BlueStick - I have not even heard of that system. I'll have to check it out. I ended up with a B-Band system with which I am really pleased.

The bridge truss is interesting. It really doesn't require constant adjustment (n my experience) and is quite easy to adjust if necessary. Breedlove has instructions on their website, or you can call and one of the service people can help you through the procedure.

In some respects, I would think the truss would make the top less susceptible to problems in that it allows the top to be subject to a constant and consistent amount of tension. I would also imagine that the truss provides a balance in terms of tension so that there is no undue force being applied to the glue joints.

I just treat it like any other quality acoustic when it comes to humidity and care. However, I have only had mine for about 1 1/2 years.

Good one on the "piano-like" bit:D But it's true!

Terry

smoove

09-23-2005, 08:39 PM

From my (limited) research, people seem to either love or hate the bluestick. It's an under-the-saddle pickup, but is NOT a piezo. And it sort of seems that the people who have had bad experiences also seem to have had shoddy installation (and can't admit that their 'luthier' may not have done it right.)

More at http://www.schertlerusa.com/bluestick.htm

I played a Takamine Santa Fe LTD 97 for years and just sort of got used to the piezo quack (but the guitar played great). I am looking forward to some warmth in my 'plugged in' sound, but I know that most of that will come from being a better instrument, cedar top, etc.

I did see where Breedlove recommends AGAINST using a sound-hole humidifier, as they tend to affect the inside of the guitar and not the whole thing at once. And that makes sense, but I guess I have to wonder, wouldn't that be better than nothing?

Any insight there?

And for the record, I have a piano, and comparing the Breedlove to it is hardly a compliment. :-) Depends on the piano, I guess.

Scott

Terry Hayes

09-24-2005, 10:23 PM

Originally posted by smoove
From my (limited) research, people seem to either love or hate the bluestick. It's an under-the-saddle pickup, but is NOT a piezo. And it sort of seems that the people who have had bad experiences also seem to have had shoddy installation (and can't admit that their 'luthier' may not have done it right.)

More at http://www.schertlerusa.com/bluestick.htm

I played a Takamine Santa Fe LTD 97 for years and just sort of got used to the piezo quack (but the guitar played great). I am looking forward to some warmth in my 'plugged in' sound, but I know that most of that will come from being a better instrument, cedar top, etc.

I did see where Breedlove recommends AGAINST using a sound-hole humidifier, as they tend to affect the inside of the guitar and not the whole thing at once. And that makes sense, but I guess I have to wonder, wouldn't that be better than nothing?

Any insight there?

And for the record, I have a piano, and comparing the Breedlove to it is hardly a compliment. :-) Depends on the piano, I guess.

Scott

I checked out the BlueStick after you mentioned it earlier and noticed some similarities between it and the B-band. The B-band AST and UST are not piezos either.

As to the soundhole humidifer, it is okay to use one as long as it does not completely seal the soundhole. A humidifier such as the Planet Waves for example is fine. I checked with Breedlove on this when I got my guitar.

Terry

Galejt

09-28-2005, 10:09 PM

Breedlove OM-R here. Sweet piedmont fingerpicker. This bell like tone is a little earthy with a big bottom. Me likey.

Terry Hayes

09-29-2005, 10:38 AM

That sounds nice. I saw the Revival series at the NAMM show but have not played one.

Terry

proactiv

10-12-2005, 08:21 AM

Breedlove Ed Gerhard here with LR Baggs Dual Source. A fine instrument. Thuderous bass. Made for picking ala Ed Gerhard but just fine for struming, too.

Also have a Henthorne with the Schertler Blue Stick and it works just great.

The trick with the Blue Stick is have it properly installed, and to keep the volume wheel set at a low to mid level, an use your amp/preamp to shape the tone. I run my guitars through either a Rivera Sedona or Schertler Unico.

Terry Hayes

10-12-2005, 10:56 AM

Nice!

Terry

jcground

10-25-2005, 12:08 PM

I have a Breedlove Quartz mandolin that I really like a lot. From time to time I get M.A.S. for a Rogue, but so far I have resisted (just because of the cost).

They make great guitars too. For me, I like the sound every bit as much as Collings and better than a lot of more well known brands. I think their styling turns some players off, but that's probably part of their appeal to some others: they're different.

The only thing I wish they'd change is the string geometry in the headstock. I prefer straight string pull if I can get it, though it's somewhat rare on acoustics in general. (I know that's a bigger deal with electrics that are tremolo equipped.)

proactiv

10-25-2005, 01:01 PM

What a coincidence.. I just acquired a mandolin and have never played one in my life. I'm a long-time guitar player, though. What would you recomment for a good way to learn mandolin? Any good material you can point me to?
Thanks,
Paul

jcground

10-25-2005, 01:32 PM

The standard "introduction" to mandolins for experienced guitarists is to think of the fretboard as a guitar "upside down" - meaning that since the mando is tuned like a violin, you can simply invert the shape of many guitar chords and quickly do simple arpeggios and comp. That tip alone was enough to get me to the point where people who don't play thought I was good. (People who do play know better, of course :p A real mandolin player can dust me off playing with their feet.)

The good news is that there are also a lot of free resources on the Web that can get you started with the mandolin. I recommend the stuff from Folk of the Wood (a store that specializes in all kinds of acoustic instruments).

Here's their free mando lesson page:
http://www.folkofthewood.com/page5296.htm

Lots of good stuff there.

proactiv

10-25-2005, 02:30 PM

Thanks, Jim.
Checkin' it out..

Boogie92801

10-28-2005, 10:26 AM

Well I may be late on this thread but I am certainly a Breedlove fan. I do not currently own one but I have played about 10 or 15 of them over the years. I love the SC20 and the Gerhard ones alot but I have to say the drednaought style ones that I have played really sounded and played great (thye just don't look as good so they get overlooked I think).

Some of the BLs sound like they lack highs but I think that is because the bass is so strong.

On the "quak" issue, I recently started using an LR baggs para acoustic DI with my a BIG Jumbo Gibson that had a really quaky pup and a boomness that, depending on the system, could get out of control and the Para DI makes it sound fantastic. My buddy uses a taylor with the ES and he is envious.

Back to the breedloves I absolutly love the neck shape and fel and I even like the head stock!

wsaraceni

10-28-2005, 10:46 AM

i really want to try a breedlove but havent had the chance. i really like that funky looking bridge they have. which cutaway models do they have? also what are the neck shapes like?

Boogie92801

10-28-2005, 11:11 AM

All of the body shapes come in cutaway versions. The grand auditorium types just have better aesthetics with their bridge and head stock.

The necks are a thing of beauty, they feel like a good tele to me and the actions is low and the string tensions are always soft on the ones I have played. My only issue is I tend to play hard sometimes and I can get pretty aggressive strumming and I think the BL are more refined and don't need to be banged on. They are like all of the Taylors I have owned or played (much richer bass response though) in that they get overdriven if you get heavy on the attack.

My current Gibson J-100X has great response when finger picking but she takes a beating and hold up throughout the onslaught.

I would need to play softer if I had a BL.

smoove

10-31-2005, 07:14 PM

Thanks for the input on the bluestick, Proactiv. I should have the long-awaited C25 back in the next couple of weeks.

(Lately, every time I get a time update on the return, it's "a couple more weeks"... but I think this time it was closer to accurate - I hope)

Between now and then, I need to know if I need any other gear. Most of my acoustic gigs will be plugged in, and always into a DI to the board, not an acoustic amp.

What do you recommend putting betwen a bluestick-equipped guitar and the DI?

and Boogie - I'm with you on playing softer. I bought the C25 (cedar top) because I wanted something NOT to pound on.

I know enough guys with great dreadnoughts and have always been able to borrow one for a gig or session - but no one ever has a great small body. And I don't have the budget for 3 or 4 great acoustics, so I figured I'd get whet I wanted and what everyone else didn't have.

Johnny Raz

10-31-2005, 07:43 PM

I'm a huge fan, but don't have a huge wallet. The Breedlove guitars I've played have a lot of Mojo - I especially like the wild look of some of them.

Guff

11-25-2005, 10:08 AM

Nothing but love here for my "Focus."

hey_day

11-30-2005, 12:14 PM

i am looking into a breedlove right now but its really hard to find info on it. Let me know what ya'll think. It is a 1995 master class jumbo, which is not really made anymore but can create it as a premier guitar. It has macassar back and sides and spruce top. it has a fishman matrix professionally installed and gold tuners and no cutaway. Because it was mad in 1995, i guess breedlove had a bad batch of finish and just this year they refinished the guitar for free. it sounds like a great guitar and im sure it plays well, but i am having troubles figuring how much it is really worth, to make it today it would probably be about $6000 it looks like. let me know if anyone has any knowledge, i am new to breedloves.

Terry Hayes

11-30-2005, 12:37 PM

Sorry, I can't be of any help. While I love my Breedlove (and all their instruments in general) the only Breedlove jumbo I have ever played is an Ed Gerhard model at a NAMM show which is hardly the best place to really try a guitar.

On top of that, I have never tried a guitar made of macassar.

Call Breedlove, I am sure they can help you out.

Terry

flume

12-04-2005, 11:47 AM

Fantastic thread...I'm likely to pounce on a Breedlove 12 string soon...very soon. Walnut back and sides it has....big shiny jangle it does. Mmmmm...yes.

Much love for Martin 6 strings and smaller body sizes...but it seems Breedlove has nailed the 12 string thing to the wall.

wsaraceni

12-04-2005, 09:25 PM

i just got to play a breedlove omm the other day. was priced at 2k and i dont think i have played a nicer acoustic (new) under that price yet!!!!

mcdyas

12-05-2005, 05:07 AM

I traded a Bogner XTC head for a Focus 12. I love it. It is my first 12 string in 20 years. My other acoustics are Gibson J-100, J-150, J-45 and a Taylor 614ce.

hey_day

12-05-2005, 10:13 AM

anybody have an older breedlove, like a 95 or 96?

retro

12-06-2005, 07:49 AM

Originally posted by smoove

I did see where Breedlove recommends AGAINST using a sound-hole humidifier, as they tend to affect the inside of the guitar and not the whole thing at once. And that makes sense, but I guess I have to wonder, wouldn't that be better than nothing?

Any insight there?

Scott

I have a Breedlove C20/MH...
An amazing guitar really. Compliments the Collings I have.
When I got my Collings I was given a free soundhole humidifier. It was always a hassle and it dripped once inside the guitar and that was it for using soundhole humidifiers for me.
I found a couple of travelling plastic soap dishes at Target with a snap close top. Drilled the top with a bunch of holes and cut a sponge to fit inside. So I keep a couple of them inside the case. Works well.

I love Highlander Pickups....

Jeeves

12-13-2005, 04:37 PM

I have a Breedlove SC25 mahogany/cedar that I bought new in '96.

Beautiful guitar. I've played it a ton; it has a few dings in the soundboard but otherwise a great instrument. I've considered selling it as I now have a guitar built by Australian luthier Chris Melville. Since it was my first good acoustic though it will be hard to part with. Breedlove makes great guitars, no doubt.

smoove

12-14-2005, 04:18 PM

At long last, my C25 has returned from Breedlove. My word, what tone. It's mahogany with a western red cedar top.

I should clarify - it has a NEW western red cedar top. It got sent back with a cracked top and they replaced it. There is absolutely no way to tell that they didn't just build me a new guitar. Incredible.

I had some guys over the other night for 'monday night guitar therapy' and in the room were a Northwood Mini Jumbo, a Taylor 710CE and my C25. Hearing it in that context, it really is a wonderful fingerstyle guitar - but I was amazed at how well it hung with being strummed alongside an MJ and a dread.

So after a long wait, still love it.

Scott

eric102673

12-14-2005, 04:28 PM

I'm an electric player at heart but have always been really picky in my acoustic choices. I've been a big fan of Breedloves for a number of years and after a lot of looking I got a really fortunate break earlier this year. I stumbled across a great deal on a used SC-25 that just had my name written all over it. No frills for inlay and whatnot but a BRW back and sides and a bearclaw spruce top. It sounds so sweet that I really don't have any use for any other acoustics. The low end is tight and the highs have a warmth that isn't shrill or brassy. Love it.

Here's a shot of the back for you wood nuts...
http://pic12.picturetrail.com:80/VOL438/646473/2011375/109870418.jpg

-e.

Boogie92801

12-14-2005, 04:35 PM

That looks fantastic. I always thought of the bass on the SC25 as almost "whoffy" it is so strong.

They play like butta!

flume

12-14-2005, 08:21 PM

New member here to the Breedlove fan club....

My 12 string arrived last week from Mandolin Bros - it's heavenly! Sunburst spruce top, walnut back and sides. Ebony bridge and fingerboard. Immaculate workmanship from stem to stern. I took a chance on this - never played a Breedlove 12, but trusted the phone demo and had good dealings before with Stan Jay (both buying and selling) and I am glad I did it. The tone is really special - different than mahogany for sure but not sure how to describe it - it's bright but plenty of bass depth and all the jangle-sparkle I want in a 12 string. The really striking element in the sound is all the sustain that hangs around for days on every note. I have played some other walnut back/side guitars that sounded a bit "tanky" or hollow - but wanted to pursue the use of this wood given its environmental advantages and local harvest in the Willamette Valley. I know the ebony still comes from a threatened area so its not a 100% eco-friendly guitar but its getting closer and the payoff in tone speaks for itself. A fuller review to come as more mileage is put on this young lovely. In sum, I'm a fan!