Acoustic Vibes has been a Breedlove Distinctive Dealer since the beginning. Based in Tempe, they love to showcase their Custom Sound Studio instruments. Jeff Looker recently shared some of his insights in to what he likes in designing custom instruments.
How long have you been a Distinctive Dealer?
We started as a Breedlove Dealer in 2007. The amazing woods, innovative designs and the culture of the company were very compelling. When the Distinctive Dealer program was announced, we were “all in “ right from the beginning! We love everything Breedlove!
What’s your favorite Breedlove?
As a boutique dealer specializing in custom orders, our favorite guitars are always the custom shop beauties that we create with the help of the Breedlove team. We love doing custom orders for customers and seeing their reaction when the guitar arrives It always exceeds expectation. Going to the Breedlove workshop in Bend, Oregon, and hand selecting woods, as well as getting around the great people continues to be a pleasure as well.
What’s your favorite wood combination?
Cocobolo and Brazilian Rosewood are our favorite back and side woods, and Sinker Redwood and Bearclaw Sitka are our favorites for tops. Figured wood binding in Koa and Bloodwood are always amazing
Why do you think Cocobolo is such a great tonewood?
Aside from the beauty and richness of color, it has an ability to not only project volume, but add clarity and richness to the tone- very similar to the holy grail- Brazilian Rosewood
Best tip for deciding what guitar to purchase?
We believe every guitar is built for someone in particular. It is just a matter of time before the guitar and it’s intended owner find each other. Sometimes that happens in a day, sometimes much longer. The key is to search for a guitar that compels you to aquire it through a combination of playability, aesthetics, and tone that makes you excited to hold it. Your acoustic soulmate!
Favorite part to customize on a guitar?
The fretboard inlays and fretboad/bridge woods. Breedlove, unlike many other makers, has such an openness to customization and design that results in few limits on creativity for inlays. We really appreciate Breedlove’s openness to thinking outside the box on design and aesthetics of a custom guitar
