Product: Breedlove Guitars RD-MH
Price Paid: US $1,000 used
Submitted
03/21/2005
at
04:42am
by
Charlie Hughes
Email: cehughes<at>comcast dot net
Features
:
10
Made in Oregon in 1993
RD-MH rounded dreadnaught mahogany
Mahogany neck, ebony fretboard
nut width 1 11/16
Master Class upgrades on wood, select Mahogany, Bloodwood binding, Adirondak Spruce top, Koa, Walnut and Ebony rosette
LR Baggs dual source pickup system with piezo under bridge
Deluxe archtop original hardshell case
My cost $1,000 used
Similar model today $3650 list
JDL bridge doctor truss system
Asymetrical pinless bridge,
Bloodwood binding around body, tailpiece, and neck
Gold tuners
Sound
:
10
The sound is the sweetest, warmest sound I have ever experienced. My other guitar is a Taylor 714 Ltd. and although the Taylor is great the sound of this Breedlove leaves it in the dark. The sustain goes on forever. The guitar is easy to play with a low action and smooth neck, there is no buzz or distortion anywhere. The intonation is perfect. Fingerpicked it rings like a bell. Flatpicked it makes a Martin stop in a bluegrass jam, just so it can listen. Jazz and blues seems to call Robert Johnson from his grave. No kidding this guitar is special
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
10
I don't know about factory setup. I bought it used and it played beautifully after a flight from Alaska. I couldn't find any flaws in the workmanship or finish. I did an extensive mirror exam on the inside and it was amazing how clean the work was inside. The cuts on the kerfing were perfect where it joined the bracing. Wonderful work.
The gloss finish still glimmers after 12 years
Reliability/Durability
:
10
Reliability is I am sure not an issue. This guitar is 12 years old and I would consider it a work horse. I'd take it anywhere and know that I could count on it.
Customer Support
:
10
Customer support is great. Before purchasing the guitar I called the Breedlove folks to ask them about the serial number and to find out what they thought of the guitar. The receptionist asked me to wait a minute and she then put Steve Henderson ( one of the founders)who actually made the guitar on the phone. He was a fun guy to talk to.
Overall Rating
:
10
I've been playing for about 20 years, although only for about 3 years seriously with lessons. My other guitar is a Taylor 714 ce Ltd. a fine and wonderful guitar ( although not played much since the arrival of the Breedlove). I love the rich woody smell of the mahogany wood that still is escaping from the guitar. The bell like tones and sleekness of the guitar is almost sensual. If I lost it I would need another and if there were a fire in my house, after securing the kids and the dog the Breedlove would be my next move. I'd even throw the Taylor on the coals if it would by me time to get the Breedlove out.
I'd only like to share that these are excellent guitars. They seem to be out there on the market for a good price used. If you see one, jump on it before the world wakes up and their worldly value catches up to their musical value
