Product: Breedlove Guitars Northwest Classic
Price Paid: US $3250
Submitted
11/12/2004
at
06:46am
by
Nick
Email: nick<at>guitarnoise dot com
Features
:
10
2004, made in Tumalo Oregon, of course it's solid wood all the way around, no electronics.
Sitka spruce top
Walnut binding
Fantastic inlays
Myrtlewood back and sides.
Just a note about the myrtlewood. Before I bought my Breedlove, I had preferred Koa backs to my guitars. In describing the myrtlewood, the Breedlove site says:
" Koa and Brazilian fans should take notice of this fine tonewood. The tone is highly consistent, while the aesthetic varies widely. One of the best recording tone woods available."
They aren't joking. It's a very well balanced, yet separated tone. The wood is beautiful, flamed and has a gloss finish.
It comes with a very nice crushed velvet interior TKL case. I prefered the older style case for aesthetics, but this one is super sturdy with six latches as I remember.
I almost never give an acoustic a 10 for features, I mean they are acoustics, what do you want? But in this case I'm going to have to.
Sound
:
10
I play fingerpicking and flatpicking in a singer/songwriter style. The sound cuts through while remaining balanced in either style. The sound seems to emmanate from a focus point somewhere in front of the guitar. It's like the "Phil Spector Wall of Sound" for acoustic guitars.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
10
Come on now, it's a Breedlove Masterclass instrument, what do you expect? It was perfect.
Take a look inside with an inspection mirror and you can't find a drop of glue or unfinished edge anywhere. If this thing was any more pristine it would still be a tree.
Reliability/Durability
:
10
Would it withstand live playing? Absolutely, no doubts.
Hardware seems solid, there isn't that much of it on an acoustic.
The finish will last. It's a catalyzed finish, just like most of the other guitars on the market today. As long as you don't go from steam room to walk in freezer you should be okay.
For such a delicate work of art, it's built like a tank.
Customer Support
:
10
These guys are the best. Call them and they talk to you. They love guitars as much as you do.
Overall Rating
:
10
I've been playing since before disco, the first time around.
If it was stolen I'd buy another with the insurance check.
The tone of this guitar is just amazing. You can feel the struck notes in your fretting hand and reverberating through you wherever the guitar touches your body.
You know I promised myself that I wouldn't ever submit a review that is all 10s. It doesn't really tell you anything.
But keep this in mind, this is a $3000 guitar. If it failed to make a 10 in any of the categories, I wouldn't have bought it.
I also have:
'76 Flyde Orsino
Taylor 712ce
'67 Grammer Maple G-30
Collings OM1AC
