At the Breedlove Custom Shop, we see a lot of special moments. But every once in a while, one comes along that reminds us exactly why we do what we do.
Recently, customer Jeff Stallings walked through our doors to see his brand-new custom guitar for the first time. Built to his exact specifications, the Custom Concert E Koa-Koa had been months in the making. When he opened the case, his face said everything—pure joy, disbelief, and gratitude all rolled into one.
“Oh my goodness… Oh my word… That is beautiful.”
It was a moment we’ll remember for a long time.
The Meaning Behind the Wood
For Jeff, koa wasn’t just a tonal or aesthetic choice—it was deeply personal.
Koa grows only in the Hawaiian Islands and is an important and iconic part of the culture and traditions. Known as a “warrior wood,” it has long symbolized resilience, strength, and honor. In Hawaiian tradition, koa was given to warriors and royalty, a tribute to its rarity and symbolic weight. To Jeff, it represents decades of life experience—more than 30 years of marriage, years of challenges weathered, and the triumphs that follow.
“In Hawaii, this wood is sacred. It represents trying times, but also overcoming them,” Jeff explained. “For me, it’s a reminder of strength and perseverance.”
The Sound of Experience
After 47 years of playing guitar, Jeff knows what he likes. And from the first strum, he knew this one was special.
He describes the tone as “unmatchable—mellow, bright, warm, and inviting.” The koa top, back, and sides give the guitar a balanced, articulate voice with a warmth that draws the listener in. As any seasoned player knows, a guitar’s tone matures with time, and this koa build is sure to open up even more in the years ahead.
Custom Details
Jeff’s guitar was designed with his style and needs in mind:
• Model: Custom Concert E Koa-Koa (Item Number: CSCN01EKOKO)
• Top, Back & Sides: Koa – Natural Gloss
• Neck: Mahogany ASYM 25.5″ – Semi Gloss
• Fingerboard & Bridge: Natural Oiled
• Electronics: LR Baggs Anthem Tru Mic
• Nut & Saddle: TUSQ
• Case: BHC-CN
More Than an Instrument
For Jeff, this guitar isn’t just an instrument—it’s a symbol of his journey, his resilience, and his love for music. For us, it’s an honor to build guitars that mean so much to the people who play them.
“It’s not just the look or the sound,” Jeff said. “It’s the story it tells.”
We couldn’t agree more.
If you’d like to see this unforgettable moment for yourself, watch the full video from the Breedlove Custom Shop.
