“Consumption is an ethical choice,” says Arndt of pioneering new series of sustainably-sourced instruments
“Consumption is an ethical choice,” says rising star Chris Arndt. With roots in rural upstate New York, Arndt is as attracted to the sustainable philosophy behind his recently acquired Breedlove Signature Concert Copper CE as he is to its modern high gloss look, trademark easy playability and bold “aged” sound.
“It’s like the acoustic guitar equivalent of when you go in front of a big stack and hit a power chord that just vibrates your chest,” he grins of the instrument, which features a torrefied spruce top, lending an instant “vintage” vibe and offering easier care.
Arndt is the featured artist for January with Breedlove Guitars and the inaugural Organic Collection artist, helping to introduce the pioneering, affordable line—all featuring Natural Sound electronics—to younger players.
As guitarist with Jocelyn & Chris, Arndt has been the sonic engine behind recent Top 40 hits, including “Kill in the Cure,” “Red Stops Traffic” and “Outta My Head” (which the group performed on NBC’s Today Show, while “putting a millennial spin on classic rock”).
Arndt debuts his Signature Concert on “Mercy Me,” the first single from the sibling duo’s new Bridge Road Entertainment live album, One Night in November, recorded at the band’s Albany N.Y. homebase, White Lake Music & Post, and slated for February release.
Designed in Bend, Ore., The Breedlove Organic Collection is the culmination of a three-year journey to create four great-sounding series of responsive lightweight, all-solid wood acoustic/electric guitars, in distinctive body shapes, using no clear-cut timber, no synthetic materials and half the glue—all at revolutionary prices.
Owner Tom Bedell traveled the globe to responsibly source FSC-certified European Spruce and African ebony and mahogany as well as native Oregon myrtlewood.
“We’re building tomorrow’s guitars today,” says Bedell. “And with our efforts at sustainability, we’re respecting the planet, too. It’s our only home.”
Arndt, who writes primarily on acoustic, has drawn comparison to past giants like Jimi Hendrix, David Gilmour and Stevie Ray Vaughan. He is forging a new path in Americana circles and says his Breedlove allows for new modes of expression, especially in the group’s frequent stripped down “semi-acoustic” performances.
“I’ve played a lot of acoustic guitars and others just don’t feel like an extension of myself the way the Breedlove does.”
