Product: Breedlove Guitars AC25/SR
Price Paid: US $602
Submitted
12/23/2004
at
10:31am
by
Phil Parker
Email: philipaparker at yahoo<dot>com
Features
:
8
New for 2004, spruce top, rosewood back, rosewood plysides, has an electronic Fishman acoustic system built in. Rosewood fretboard, Grover Tuners, inlaid head stock, pinless bridge, abolone position markers, abolone ring around the sound hole, end jack, gloss finish and deep cutaway. Excellent frets, medium size that are finished nicely. Bought a Breedlove gigbag for it that fits the guitar quite well. It is the "plain Jane" of the line. I ordered a plus model which is fancier but recieved this model instead and liked it a lot so kept it. It is an electric acoustic so feature wise an 8.
Sound
:
10
Sound is excellent and the guitar is brand new. I have a Martin SPD-16 and the sound is just as good. In fact I prefer it to the Martin, easier to play(not as stiff) and more reachable frets (the Martin's a drednaught). You the Breedlove is just as load as Martin and has a more balanced tone. I bought the guitar to use for acoustic Jazz and wanted a cutaway model and this guitar works out fine. The tone is very even, it projects well, the sound is balanced and it is easy to play. I plugged it in and the guitar sounds great. Even has a build in EQ so you can add base, or treble to dial in your sound. I use an Ultasound sound amp for guitar and the combo works for me.
Overall I really like this guitar, the fit and finish is excellent and the tone is excellent.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
10
The guitar had low action when it arrived. So I didn't have to do anything, it was strung up and in tune when it arrived. The neck is so easy to play it is almost effortless. Great action, my Martin in fact all Martins are a little harded to play because the action is high and stiff. Where as the Breedlove action has softer action and is easier to play over long periods of time. It has a compensated bridge that improves intonation and the Gorver tuners are easy to adjust and the guitar stays in tune.
The wood looks good, I forgot how white a new spruce top looks, my Martin has changed to amber. I guess this will too over time. Everything on the guitar was fine no complaints.
If these guitars have any flaws I couldn't find them on my model.
Reliability/Durability
:
10
As the guitar is new I can't really comment on the reliability issue. Although I'm sure it will do just fine.
The guitar seems rock solid to me.
Customer Support
:
10
Interestingly enought I called the Breedlove Guitar Co. on Oregon to ask them about the case options and talked to one of the guys up there who was very helpful and suggested their gigbag for the guitar which I ended up buying. The guitars are made in Korea then set up in Oregon. Anyway had a great chat with the guy about the Atlas line string recommendations etc. So customer service was very helpful.
Overall Rating
:
10
I have to give it a 10 for value, the guitar for under a thousand is a really an excellent value for acoustic players or anyone wanting an acoustic guitar. The fit, finish and sound are what sold me. Like I said I have a Martin which is the standard for acoustic drednaught guitars. Also have a G&L ASAT and Ibanez Jazz Guitar all are excellent, in my opinion. I guess you have to play what you feel confortable with and this guitar makes me want to play it. If it were lost or stolen I'd get the exact same model.
