In the world of acoustic guitars, innovation is a rare and precious commodity. Each new design, each novel concept, builds upon centuries of tradition. Yet, every so often, a guitar emerges that transcends these boundaries, setting a new milestone in acoustic guitar history. The MYRZILIAN II, Breedlove’s latest custom shop masterpiece, is one such instrument.
The story of the MYRZILIAN II begins with the ambitious vision of Angela Christensen, Breedlove’s acclaimed guitar designer. When she first proposed the idea of crafting a guitar with two different tonewoods for the sides, it was met with a mix of excitement and skepticism. The concept was unprecedented, pushing the limits of both design and craftsmanship.
A Vision Realized
“The MYRZILIAN II is unlike anything we’ve ever built before,” Angela explained. “The idea was to combine Myrtlewood and Brazilian Rosewood in a way that had never been done. This meant not just using these woods for the top and back but integrating them into the sides of the guitar itself.”
The journey to realize this vision was fraught with challenges. “Joining two different woods on the sides of a guitar is incredibly complex,” Angela continued. “These pieces are very thin, and ensuring a solid, seamless joint was our primary concern. We had to innovate at every step.”
Breaking New Ground
Angela and her team brainstormed tirelessly, experimenting with various methods until they achieved a breakthrough. They decided to inlay a strip of Bloodwood over the joint between the Myrtlewood and Brazilian Rosewood, not only to strengthen the glue joint but also to add an aesthetically pleasing element to the design.
RA Beattie, who closely followed the development of this groundbreaking guitar, shared his thoughts: “The sides of the MYRZILIAN II are truly something to behold. When you look at the guitar, the Myrtlewood on the top-facing portion blends beautifully with the Myrtlewood top, while the Brazilian Rosewood seamlessly joins at the back. It’s a visual and sonic masterpiece.”
Attention to Detail
The MYRZILIAN II’s unique design extends beyond its innovative sides. Angela pointed out the intricate details that make this guitar a true work of art. “The Brazilian Rosewood fretboard is bound with Bloodwood, and features a combination of Myrtlewood and Ebony inlays. The moon phases represented on the fretboard add a subtle yet captivating element. A detail specified by our partner Sweetwater ”
Even the tuners on the MYRZILIAN II are custom-made from Myrtlewood, a testament to Breedlove’s commitment to quality and detail. “We send Myrtlewood to Gotoh who mills the buttons specifically for us,” Angela noted. “It’s a custom configuration that enhances both the look and feel of the guitar.”
The Neck and Beyond
One of the most striking features of the MYRZILIAN II is its neck. “We chose East Indian Rosewood for the neck and added a stringer with Bloodwood and Myrtlewood,” Angela said. “This creates a racing stripe effect that is both visually stunning and structurally sound. The body binding uses Brazilian Rosewood for the top and Myrtlewood for the back, offering a striking contrast.”
Inside the guitar, the attention to detail continues. “The back center seam strip mirrors the neck’s racing stripe with Bloodwood and Myrtlewood,” Angela explained. “The tail block and head block are made from offcuts of the neck, ensuring that no piece of this beautiful wood goes to waste.”
A Unique Partnership
The creation of the MYRZILIAN II was made possible through a unique partnership with Sweetwater. “It was a joy to dream outside the box with MYRZILIAN I,” Angela recalled. “Sweetwater was so excited about the project that we decided to take it a step further with MYRZILIAN II. This guitar is a true testament to what can be achieved when creativity and craftsmanship come together.”
The MYRZILIAN II is not just a guitar; it’s a milestone in acoustic guitar history. It represents a daring leap into uncharted territory, combining traditional craftsmanship with innovative design. For collectors and guitar enthusiasts alike, the MYRZILIAN II offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of history.
To learn more and see this groundbreaking guitar, visit Sweetwater.com.
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