Breedlove Guitars AJ25/SR-12

This is my first Breedlove Guitar, but not my first 12 string. I own a vintage Guild 512NT, a Yamaha FG-512, a custom made electric 12...you get the idea! This is the Breedlove "Richard Gilewitz Limited Edition" of the AJ25/SR-12. It is beautiful! The soft cutaway is both pretty and functional, giving access to the upper frets. The gloss finish is perfect, the rosewood sides and back gorgeous, it's a perfectly proportioned instrument. Not as heavy as my Guild, the look and feel is great. Comes with an LR Baggs soundhole pickup and a lovely Breedlove case that is built like a tank. It's a finger pickers delight, I find myself putting the picks down with this one.

Sound....like a bell? That's the only way to describe it, like a bell. The sustain is remarkable, not as bassy as my Guild, but a clarity that is fantastic. I have always considered the Guild 12 strings as the benchmark for sound in this category, but the Breedlove has changed my opinion entirely. I can sit and pick this for as long as my fingers allow.

At risk of being to enthusiastic, once again the fit and finish of the guitar is flawless. The action, right out of the box is great! No buzz, very comfortable up and down the neck, no adjustment required. Plays like a dream.

Okay, being a brand new guitar, and having no experience with this brand prior to purchase, I cannot lay claim to knowledge here....only time will tell. Since I'm not an on the road, gigging guy anymore, I expect this guitar to hold up for many years to come. It feels solid and well constructed.

Haven't had need to contact Breedlove, don't know.

I would favorably compare this 12 string with any other 12 out there. I have owned, and/or played a wide variety of 12s, it is my passion. I love the Guilds, the Ovation ME (Adamas) is nice, the Taylors play great, but pop-for-the-buck, this is the clear winner! A joy to play and own, a guitar that I think will only improve as the years pass.