Inside the Acoustic Shoppe’s Sawdust-Filled Demo and the Genius of the Bridge Truss System
Ever wondered why so many 12-string guitars feel like a wrestling match? Between the extra string tension, high action, and the dreaded top “belly,” it’s no surprise most 12-strings are considered a lot more work than a standard 6-string. But, Breedlove is doing something different—and it’s making waves.
In a recent and sawdust-filled episode created by The Acoustic Shoppe, the crew took a bold step: cutting open a damaged Breedlove 12-string to uncover the magic behind one of the easiest-playing 12-strings on the market. What they found inside? The Breedlove Bridge Truss System—a humble but highly effective innovation.
What Makes Breedlove’s 12-Strings Special?
Let’s face it: 12-strings are notorious for problems like warped tops, shifting neck angles, and generally heavy builds. That’s where Breedlove’s Bridge Truss System comes in. Originally applied across the entire Breedlove line, the truss system has now been refined to shine where it matters most: 12-string guitars and basses.
The Bridge Truss acts like an internal counterbalance, distributing tension from the bridge to the tail block of the guitar. It helps reduce the “bellying” effect that occurs when the top pulls up under pressure. The result? Lighter builds, better stability, and—most importantly—smoother playability without sacrificing tone.
“Belly” Isn’t a Bad Word
One of the biggest myths in the acoustic world? That a belly on your guitar top spells doom. As the Acoustic Shoppe’s crew explains, a little top tension is actually essential for good tone. The key is controlling that tension—and Breedlove’s approach allows them to keep the top responsive while avoiding structural breakdown. As they joked in the video, “Let that belly out—freedom!”
The Big Picture
For most players, a 12-string isn’t their daily driver—it’s an occasional flavor. That’s why Breedlove’s affordable, performance-ready models are such a game changer. They’ve cracked the code on making a 12-string guitar feel and play like a six-string—without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re a singer-songwriter looking to add shimmer to a studio track, or someone who just wants a more comfortable 12-string for stage, Breedlove’s attention to detail—especially in their bracing and bridge truss system—offers a compelling reason to give them a closer look.
In Their Words
Even the skeptical crew from The Acoustic Shoppe came around. After cutting open the guitar and examining the system in action, they admitted: this is one of the rare cases where an innovation lives up to the hype.
“I’ve not been the biggest fan of the bridge truss system… but I have to say, in this instance—I support it.”
Watch the Full Breakdown
For an inside look (literally) at why Breedlove’s 12-strings are so playable—and why they hold up better over time—check out the full video from The Acoustic Shoppe. You’ll get laughs, a litttle wisdom, and yes, even a performance of “Itsy Bitsy Spider.”
