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Custom Jane Goodall / Grey Beard Guitar

Jane Goodall custom guitar made by Kim Breedlove

Two Old Hippies and Breedlove Guitars Support the Extraordinary Work of the Jane Goodall Institute by Crafting an Extraordinary Guitar

BEND, OR ⎯September 20, 2011 ⎯ Don’t miss your chance to support the amazing work performed by the Jane Goodall Institute and get your hands on a truly unique one-of-a-kind Breedlove Guitar created for Dr. Goodall.

Founded by renowned primatologist Jane Goodall, the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) is a global nonprofit that empowers people to make a difference for all living things. Their work builds on Dr. Goodall’s scientific work and her humanitarian vision. JGI is succeeding in changing lives because its projects are driven – and embraced – by local communities. It has been recognized by the US Agency for International Development and others as a model worth emulating.

In an effort to support this amazing work, Two Old Hippies and Breedlove Guitars are doing what they know best, hand crafting a spectacular one-of-a-kind guitar. This guitar will be auctioned off at a later date to benefit JGI. This magnificently crafted C25 Master Class custom guitar was inspired by Dr. Goodall and the Gombe Stream in western Tanzania, the birthplace of the Foundation and Goodall’s inspirational work.  This unique guitar was crafted from extraordinary African woods and features a beautiful Bear Claw Sitka Spruce top and figured Sapele back and sides, which were carefully selected from Kim Breedlove's personal collection. The rosette is as stunning as it is unique, featuring a solid Snakewood ring and custom African design.  This masterpiece is finished with a figured Sapele neck, Master Class headstock with Snakewood overlay, Master Class Snakewood Fingerboard with an Ebony Bind, Abalone top purfling, Master Class Ebony binding, Snakewood winged bridge, bone nut and saddle and deluxe high gloss finish.

Designed by Kim Breedlove, the crowning jewel of this magnificent instrument is the fretscape, which celebrates Dr. Goodall and the chimpanzee that changed her life, David Greybeard.  The inlay depicts these two reaching for each other to bridge the divide between their two species. This special connection between Dr. Goodall and Greybeard caused the other chimpanzees to feel less threatened by her presence and eventually allowed her to observe wild chimpanzees at close range.  The bond between Dr. Goodall and Greybeard would open the door to phenomenal insight into these previously mysterious creatures.  According to Dr. Goodall “what were once thought to be peaceful, simple vegetarians turned out to be powerful, highly intelligent hunters with complex personalities and emotions: beings capable of communication, altruism, political alliances, infanticide, warfare, and tool making—the last one thought to distinguish humans from the rest of the animal kingdom..”

“We are so inspired by the work of JGI, and very much appreciate the opportunity to lend our support and voice to this cause.  Our mission at Breedlove Guitars and Two Old Hippies has been to change the world through music and this is a unique opportunity to fulfill that promise,” says Molly Bedell, Co-Founder of Two Old Hippies and avid supporter and Board member of JGI.

Renowned for making some of the world’s most extraordinary instruments, the Breedlove Guitar Company is nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains in Bend, Oregon. Breedlove instruments are celebrated for their impeccable craftsmanship, magnificent tone and unique aesthetic.