For many players, a guitar is more than just an instrument; it’s a vessel for memories, experiences, and emotions. This is particularly true for one avid guitarist who recently picked up his latest custom Breedlove guitar from the Breedlove Custom Shop in Bend, Oregon. This marks his third custom instrument, each one bearing fretboard inlays that symbolize the significant places he has lived: Colorado, Kansas, and the Pacific Northwest.
The New Arrival: A Tribute to the Pacific Northwest
His latest acquisition is a masterpiece, designed to honor the Pacific Northwest, where he has spent a significant part of his life. The guitar features inlays inspired by the region and boasts a top made from a beautifully figured piece of Port Orford cedar, paired with a stunning back made from figured Ovangkol. This combination of woods not only creates an aesthetically pleasing instrument but also delivers a superb tonal quality perfect for fingerpicking and light flat picking.
“It does that really, really well,” he says, reflecting on how this guitar’s sound perfectly suits his playing style.
The Legacy of Colorado
Another guitar in his collection pays homage to his time in Colorado. This instrument features a bearclaw Sitka top paired with Brazilian rosewood back and sides. He admits he went all out with this guitar, relying on the expert advice of Matt and Tom at Breedlove to select the ideal materials.
“I did exactly what Matt and Tom told me I should do, and I’m not sorry. You really can’t go wrong with that combo at all,” he shares.
Kansas: The Beginning of a Musical Journey
The first custom guitar he had built is dedicated to Kansas, where his musical journey began. As the birthplace of his passion for music, this guitar is designed for versatility, particularly suited for playing in drop D or full open tunings. The top is made from bearclaw Sitka and is paired with an exotic Striped Ebony back. Both unique and rare woods that create the instrument’s distinct character.
“Music became important to me in Kansas. It was the same with my family,” he recalls, highlighting how his early years in Kansas shaped his musical path.
Choosing the Right Wood: A Collaborative Process
One of the most enjoyable parts of designing these guitars, he explains, is the process of selecting the wood. He collaborates closely with the craftsmen at Breedlove, focusing on both aesthetics and functionality to create instruments that are not just tools for making music but works of art.
“When I come into this room and we start laying out sets of wood, it’s hard to even call them an instrument. They’re works of art that also play,” he enthuses.
Design Philosophy: Purpose-Driven Choices
Each custom guitar is crafted with a specific purpose in mind, tailored to how he intends to play it. For example, his Kansas guitar was designed to handle more robust playing styles, while his new Pacific Northwest guitar is optimized for fingerpicking.
“I come in with how I am going to play it,” he explains. This approach ensures that each guitar meets his precise needs and enhances his playing experience.
Memories Etched in Wood
Playing these guitars transports him back to the times and places they represent. The Kansas guitar, with its sunflowers, wind pumps, and Dorothy’s ruby slippers, brings back childhood memories. The Pacific Northwest guitar, representing the longest phase of his life, reminds him of his formative years and the vibrant music scene in Seattle and the surrounding areas.
“Absolutely, it takes me back for sure,” he says, reflecting on the deep emotional connection he has with his instruments.
A Collection of Seven Breedlove Guitars
With seven Breedlove guitars in his collection, each one holds a special place in his heart. Though he plans to sell one of his masterclass guitars to make room for his new custom pieces, his commitment to Breedlove remains unwavering.
“Well, you guys love me back. I wouldn’t still be here,” he says with a smile, expressing his appreciation for the Breedlove team.
In November, he looks forward to another custom build trip, already planning his next legacy instrument. For this guitarist, each custom Breedlove guitar is not just a musical instrument but a tangible representation of his life’s journey, meticulously crafted to reflect the places and experiences that have shaped him.
