The Breedlove craftsmen recently finished a truly stunning custom acoustic guitar at the custom shop in Bend, OR. We had the honor to photograph, play and produce a profile on this amazing instrument. There are many features which make this acoustic guitar highly custom and remarkable. The distinct custom feature is the “hands of time” inlay on the fretboard. The detail and implementation of this inlay are impeccable. A true work of art. The owner of this magnificent instrument explains his inspiration behind the design, “My inspiration surrounding this design was my love for watches. I have typically acquired a watch for every milestone in my life, so it seemed fitting that I would design a guitar with a watch theme. Myrtlewood has long been my favorite acoustic tonewood since I owned my first Breedlove in 2006. I think the name of my first model was an Atlas around the $1000 price point, then I had a flame maple Focus and then 5-6 various Myrtlewood combinations, but my favorite was a Northwoods Masterclass which I owned for several years. As I previously owned a guitar store for ten years, I am very familiar with tonewoods and custom guitars, but having the privilege to design one with Breedlove was an absolute joy. The Breedlove team including the design concierge, artists, and master builders are second to none in my opinion.”
Besides the exquisite inlay, the custom guitar also boasts a highly figured myrtlewood back and sides. Combined with the custom soundhole rosette and binding, the overall aesthetic of the instrument is classy and elegant. All of the wood tones compliment each other for a design that puts this acoustic guitar into the high-art category.
The sound and tone must also be noted. The instrument is extremely balanced and warm. There's quite a high level of note-to-note clarity, and the concert body sits well in the player's lap – making it extremely comfortable and fun to play.
Myrtlewood Back and Sides: Myrtlewood offers a strong fundamental with a powerful voice. Grown in the northwest, it is a favorite for many styles of playing and is used primarily for back and sides. Similar to maple, it is clear and bright with superb projection and sustain, and offers a very full and balanced sound. Highly unique, no two sets are alike. Coloration ranges from blonde to taupe. Learn more.
Concert Body Shape: The Concert is our most popular body shape, favored by players because it is well-balanced, compact, comfortable to play, and offers all the qualities of a great sounding guitar. It generates a wonderfully articulate range of tone with an ample low end that is never boomy, but always felt. The Concert works well when played fingerstyle, as vocal accompaniment, or at a full strum. Learn more.
