Born in Live Oak, Texas and now residing in San Antonio, Cody has been a musical prodigy since the age of 4. He recently designed a custom Breedlove dreadnought with cocobolo back and sides – with a hand selected Sitka spruce top. When asked about his desire to design the custom instrument, he explained, “a well crafted dreadnought can inspire songs you never thought you’d write, and I wanted mine to be one of a kind.” We're excited to see this finished instrument – and to hear Cody perform on his custom Breedlove dread.
About the Custom Instrument:
Cocobolo Back and Sides: Cocobolo is dark, and dense, with a bright, clear, sustaining voice and a tone that is very similar to the best rosewood. Provides well-balanced tone with power, sustain and volume. Responsive, with clear, slow-decaying harmonics and a well-articulated and complex low end. Similar to Brazilian rosewood with a little less bass and more pronounced treble.
Sitka Spruce Top: Sitka spruce is grown in the northwest, and has been the primary top wood for U.S.A. instruments for many decades. It is strong, light, and gives an extended harmonic content and nearly equals the power of Adirondack. Strong, focused tone with a solid fundamental — perfect for flatpicking styles. Usually takes a slightly longer period of playing time to open up. When compared with European spruce, Sitka delivers warmer, more fundamental sound, largely free of overtones.
Dreadnought Body Shape: Regarding the body shape, Cody explains, “A well crafted dreadnought can inspire songs you never thought you’d write, and I wanted mine to be one of a kind.” Breedlove set out to enhance the traditional dreadnought sound, and the results are evident. If you’re inspired by the familiarity of a dread, but are looking for more nuance and richness than usual, the Breedlove Dreadnought delivers. The shape is slightly more rounded than traditional dreadnoughts and produces beautifully full, punchy, and articulate tones. It also provides excellent projection and articulation, so it excels in any ensemble. The hand-graduated top provides the balance and clarity that make this one of the most innovative and expressive-sounding dreadnoughts on the market. See the full custom instrument profile here.
