Product: Breedlove Guitars Passport D20 Full Scale
Price Paid: UNKNOWN
Submitted
08/03/2008
at
09:44am
by
Doug Ellis
Features
:
9
The Passport D20, FS (full scale) has a 7/8 size dreadnought body with a full 25-1/2" scale length. It has a solid Sitka spruce top and laminate Mahogany back and sides. The finish is satin. There is no pick guard. Unlike original Breedlove models, it has traditional scalloped X-bracing. It is built in South Korea with final quality assurance and set-up in Bend, Oregon. It comes with a thin gig bag.
My guitar was made in 2007, which I understand was the first year of production for this model as-well-as the Passport OM FS.
Sound
:
10
Unlike many guitars in it's price range, it has a great deal of volume and projection. When I first played one, I was stunned at how mature the sound was for a new guitar. I can't even imagine how it will sound when it really opens up after a few years. (I'm guessing that the light bracing has a lot to do with it.) As I play Bluegrass, I wanted a Mahogany dreadnought in addition to my Rosewood dreadnought. This is a great complement to that other guitar.
There are many descriptions of the tonal qualities of different woods. I would refer you to the various manufacturer's web sites for that.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
7
I've noted some buzzing on the lower frets with even moderate strumming. (This was true of ALL these models that I played.) Since the truss rod is properly adjusted, I'm faced with either raising the saddle and/or switching from light gauge to medium gauge strings...The assumption being that the medium gauge strings will have less vibration and therefore less buzz. (I'm also assuming the frets are OK since it IS a new guitar.) As this is a full scale guitar, I wonder if Breedlove should have gone with medium gauge strings to begin with(?)
I'm confidant this can be readily corrected or I would not have purchased the guitar. If not, I'll have my guitar tech. do it.
Reliability/Durability
:
10
The guitar is very well built!
(I think that it would hold together well if I swung it at my wife's head. Just joking...She thought that was funny too!)
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
I e-mailed Breedlove several days ago about the string buzzing issue and whether the guitar would safely handle medium gauge strings. (I suspect that it would). So far, no response...
Overall Rating
:
9
I've been playing for years. And, I own several guitars. In addition to the Breedlove, I have a Martin D-35, a Taylor 614-CE and two Larrivee parlor guitars...One Rosewood and one Koa, etc.
If this Breedlove were stolen or lost, I would definitely purchase a new one. It is a great value! In terms of sound, it blows away the other guitars in it's category. I think that if you're a hard strummer, (I'm not), you need to be concerned about the lack of a pick guard. Otherwise, you'll wind up with a Willie Nelson special after a few years. Also, Breedlove really needs to add some padding to the gig bag. It looks nice but provides little to no protection. Peace.