Breedlove History

(Above Photo: The first Breedlove Guitar, Serial #1)

Our History
Thirty-Five Years of Craftsmanship, Community, and Sound.

Breedlove Guitars began in 1990, when luthiers Larry Breedlove and Steve Henderson set out to build extraordinary acoustic guitars—tools of inspiration that felt as personal as the songs they would one day carry. Working out of a small workshop in Tumalo, Oregon, they began designing instruments that challenged convention and prioritized sound, playability, and sustainability from the start.

Rather than copying traditional guitar templates, Breedlove introduced original body shapes like the Concert, engineered for tonal balance, projection, and player comfort. In the years that followed, Larry’s brother, Kim Breedlove—a talented inlay artist and luthier—joined the team, helping shape the brand’s aesthetic and creative identity.

In 2010, Tom Bedell acquired the company, bringing a renewed focus on environmental responsibility and sound science. With his leadership, Breedlove introduced Sound Optimization®—a breakthrough process of individually tuning each top and back to maximize tonal potential. The brand also deepened its commitment to responsible sourcing, championing tonewoods like Oregon myrtlewood and ensuring every U.S.-built guitar was made from ethically harvested materials.

In 2025, longtime Breedlove artist and singer-songwriter Pete Mroz, along with music industry executive Shannon Pollard, took ownership of the company. With a deep respect for the brand’s legacy and values, they’re helping guide Breedlove into its next chapter—preserving the integrity of the Oregon workshop while refining the product line, expanding reach, and celebrating the artists and stories that make Breedlove what it is.

Today, every U.S.-made Breedlove guitar is still handcrafted in Bend, Oregon. And whether it’s a custom build for the stage or a first guitar for a new player, each instrument is designed to elevate sound and empower self-expression.

Over three decades later, we’re still driven by the same vision that started it all: to craft guitars that inspire the music only you can make.