Everybody loves the sound of a pre-war 1937-D three-legged ‘Buffalo Nickel.’ It’s got tone for days. And the 1918 “Inverted Jenny” is still rightfully hailed for its rich bass and piercing treble, especially in position #49.
Numismatists and philatelists will get the joke, but even those who don’t collect rare coins or stamps are often familiar with two of the most famous, furiously sought-after errors in American collecting history.
The nickel, created after two dies struck each other without a coin blank, or planchette, in between, might net you, in uncirculated condition (good luck with that by the way), as much as $20,000. The stamp—the first dedicated airmail issue, with a single sheet of 100 misprinted with an upside-down blue biplane against a crisp red frame—has fetched auction hammer prices, specifically for the single referenced above, as high as $1.4 million.
In a similar fashion, we’ve crafted three ultra-unique guitars, from an already small limited run of 25, with an alternate neck. Meaning, it’s maple and should be mahogany. Oops.
We’re not expecting Breedlove’s version of the ‘Jenny’ to capture that kind of interest, but, hey, you never know. Why not take the chance while you can?
One of the hits of our inaugural Summer Show, in early June, was the dazzling Oregon Concertina CE LTD, featuring a supremely responsive red cedar top and our signature myrtlewood back and sides.
Operations Manager Miles Benefield put the prototype through its paces as part of the livestream and could barely set it down, marveling at its clarity and presence, especially when fingerpicking.
In addition to the cedar and myrtle, the special edition features a Honduran mahogany neck—except when it doesn’t.
As if to honor the famous buffalo’s three legs, the initial trio of the extremely limited run of 25 instruments was made with Hard Rock maple necks before the error was caught.
On a purely practical level, this offers you a nuanced difference in sound and feel.
Maple is denser than mahogany, making for one of the stiffest neck materials available. You’ll find a touch more brightness and a skosh more ring from maple, a gentle added pop to your playing.
Mahogany is warmer sonically, of course, but also feels that way in the hand, which is why it’s one of the most popular neck woods in the guitar world, imparting an organ-like sustain that makes chords shimmer and gives authority to single notes.
On the relatively unpractical side, it’s just fun to own something unique. Think of it as a custom instrument at a more affordable price.
As a little bonus, with a maple neck, you can boast that your Oregon Concertina CE LTD ‘Jenny’ is all native when it comes to wood selection.
Of course, only sustainable, clear-cut free tonewoods are used in all Made in Bend Breedlove instruments.
These three-legged buffalos are bound to roam quickly. Get yours now!
